94 w124 e320 battery replacement advice please

[skiier3_9]

Since the weather has gotten colder here in WI I noticed that my e320 isn't cranking quite as well as it did in the warmer weather and since I have no idea when the current battery was new (I purchased the car 03/05) I am thinking of replacing the battery. I searched the optima site and they do not list a compatible battery for this car...so I went to the interstate site and they recommend a

MTP-91 (700 CCA 85 mo. warranty)

Is this battery a good choice? or should I go with something else?

BTW: I searched the archives but couldn't find any recommendations for the m104 e320.

TIA!

[Ralph69220d]

What oil are you using? The starter sees more load when it's cold because the oil is going to be more viscous in the winter. My personal opinion (I'm in north-central Illinois now, but moving to Montana shortly) is to use a full or partial synthetic oil, something like 0-40W or 5-40W. If there is a 0 or 5-30W, that would make cranking easier. On the battery issue, you can have a 700CCA battery that is smaller or a 700CCA battery that is larger. The "larger" battery is going to give you a longer cranking period before it begins to weaken. I can't find (maybe it's still made, but I haven't found one) the full length battery for my 69 220d, so I'm going to install a second battery and run it in parallel with the "main" battery. The 220d really needs to spin for relatively fast starts, which isn't all that easy when the glow plugs are drawing 50 amp's. I'm not suggesting you should put in a second battery, but if you're having trouble starting in the Wisconsin winter, probably should first look at the soil you're using; secondly, is you're starter weak; thirdly, does the replacement battery physically fill the battery tray (if not, then I'd go with a battery that does physically fill the battery tray), as the total area of the battery plates is proportional in inversely proportional to how quickly the battery weakens during a hard start. I'm sure other's will advise you, which is good, as perhaps I'm wrong, but this is my considered opinion. Also make sure the battery terminals and cables are clean and you have a good ground at both the engine ground and the starter ground (which goes to the chassis, at least on my engine).
I forgot to say that the temperature of the battery is also a variable that make's winter starts harder.








3

[ksing44]

Originally Posted by skiier3_9

Since the weather has gotten colder here in WI I noticed that my e320 isn't cranking quite as well as it did in the warmer weather and since I have no idea when the current battery was new (I purchased the car 03/05) I am thinking of replacing the battery. I searched the optima site and they do not list a compatible battery for this car...so I went to the interstate site and they recommend a

MTP-91 (700 CCA 85 mo. warranty)

Is this battery a good choice? or should I go with something else?

BTW: I searched the archives but couldn't find any recommendations for the m104 e320.

TIA!

I like the white Mercedes battery from the dealer

Can you see it in the back left corner of the photo?

[oliverb]

Some other options:
In addition to an MB battery -
Autozone carries one for the E320 with high CCAs and a good price, about $70 with an 85 month warranty. Great buy.
Interstate makes the MTP-91 - lists for $120 or more. Got one last summer for under $100. Noticeable increase in cranking speed. Satisfied with it so far.
The best Sears, called "International" or something. Also $120 - $130 list.

[Kestas]

It appears to me the battery has a unique shape made for the vehicle. It may be used by other makes but I haven't seen it used elsewhere.

Somebody once posted that the cheapest way to replace the battery was to order road service from Mercedes (available to any MB owner, primary or secondary owner) and they'll sell it to you on the spot. Hopefully someone can chime in and confirm or deny this.

[Will_w202]

I just went through the same thing today with the C230. The battery has no intelligible date, I bought the car used with 60k in '04, and it could have very well been the original battery. Starts below 50, with the one yesterday below 30, really are a struggle. For $70 tax and all, I got an Autozone "Titanium" with 850 CCA, 36 months replacement warranty, and 84 month pro-rate replacement warranty. That's a better replacement warranty than Optima and an identical 84 month pro-rate replacement. So why spend $120 on an Optima?

[skiier3_9]

@Ralph: I'm using 0W40 Mobil 1 full synthetic so the oil should be good.

Thanks for the input. I'll give the local MB dealership a call to see how much the list on a battery is. I'll also check a local auto store or walmart (unfortunately Madison doesn't have any Autozone's)

Any batteries to avoid?

[naksoy]

I replaced my battery and now Half of the electronics are working in my car.....remote,trunk button,signals, wipers,gas gauge etc....Can anyone please help me?Need help