I was looking under the hood of a late-model ML, and the M-B battery also had the Exide brand name on it. What other manufacturers make batteries for Mercedes? I had heard less-than-stellar things about Exide batteries, but if they're good enough for M-B, I suppose they're good enough for me.

__________________
2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

INTERSTATE makes batteries for M-B.
http://www.ibsa.com/estore/view_product_detail.asp?part_number=MTP-93&mscssid=PLXPXJABVUWJ8JSEPR85PRTKAH9779J1&js=1

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Varta makes a lot of MB batteries.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

I've always had good luck with Interstate...

__________________
2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

They have a direct replacement battery ( complete with Star logo ).
Saw it at last years SEMA show & talked to the rep. about it.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Don't confuse "brand" with manufacturer. The only other North American battery manufacturers besided Exide is Johnson Controls, and I think GM also makes batteries.

Johnson Controls does not sell their batteries under their own brand except Optima, but that's not a conventional wet battery. Most of the "house brand" batteries you see at Costco and the various auto parts chains are made my JC. The only difference is the stick on labels.

AFAIK GM still manufactures batteries under the Delco name, and they have never supplied any other brand.

Though a Group 48 battery is specified for my 190, a 40 dollar JC 26R fits fine. If you peel off the gaudy brand labels you have an unobtrusive black-cased battery, and I've never had one last less than seven years.

You can find out more by googling to the JC and Exide web sites.

Duke

I have always had problems with Exide batteries. I have had good experiences with Die-hard, Interstate, Natulus, and Delco... Many batteries are simalar, it kinda depends on how well they are charged or abused... Get the biggest battery that will fit in your battery box...~Levon~

Check out the Optima too especially if it goes under the rear seat.

Len