I have had a discussion with several friends regarding batteries in their MB cars. As with anything else, there are different opinions. Should I stick with an MB battery, or go with something like an Interstate, etc. for my next change?

Thanks. I am a new member and I've learned more about cars in general from this site in the past two weeks than I have learned from everywhere else over the past 35 years. I highly respect your opinions.

jack wiles

I like the OPTIMA, however you may need a longer batt cable
to reach terminal. They have a higher CCA than Mercedes
batteries, and are sealed against leakage.
http://www.optimabatteries.com/

Gary

When my OEM batteries needed to be replaced, I switched to Interstate. They seemed to do just fine. My gate opener uses an Interstate battery as well.

I have an Optima battery in my Beetle. It sits for long periods and has a high-powered stereo, so it was the choice for that vehicle. It's a sealed gel system instead of liquid, so you can even turn the battery upside down! The car is modified, so the battery compartment and cables are custom designed to accept the larger Optima battery.

Over the years, I've tried several brands, and had equal success with all of them. The important thing is to make sure that the battery you select meets or exceed the cold cranking amps specified for your vehicle. The group or type of battery you select is important with respect to fit and terminal orientation (remember, your battery cables are only so long). If you keep that it mind, you shouldn't have any problems.

Which battery is best? A new battery! You can't go wrong with either Interstate or MB brand.

Robby

I have an MBZ battery in my Diesel, a huge diesel-spec DieHard in my TE, and an Interstate in my 500. All have been excellent-can't think you could go wrong with any of these.

When I bought my Benz the battery died on the first cold snap (cold for San Antonio anyway, 40 degrees) when I looked at the date on my five year warranty Interstate battery it had expired to the exact month. Faithfully I replaced it with a new six year warranty Interstate. Buddy of mine who bought a SEVEN year warranty Interstate battery for his '83 BMW 733i. :)


And Keep On Driving!!!

I'm a die hard (no pun intended! - well maybe it was...) Interstate fan. I have noticed, however, that Consumer Reports rated one of their batteries the LOWEST and in another group the HIGHEST. Someone explain that to me... Maybe that's why I don't subscribe anymore.

Ditto on Michael's comments.

I have an 6 mos old Optima in the BMW 325is, 12 mos old DieHard in the E320 Coupe, and Original '94 MB in the E500.

My experience is that high quality car batteries last a good 5+ years with no problems here in N.Cal. I've had Interstate's, Diehard's,Delco's, Original MBs/BMWs/Alfas etc. over the past 15 years.

I'm observing the "new tech" Optima's longevity for myself currently. Note that all my applications are/were stock cars, with no big stereos or heavy draw accessories.

-fad

DieHard? Not!
 

My experience has been that diehards sit on the shelf too long, and are "stale" by the time they are sold, and that their construction is not good.

Interstate makes both the Optima, and the Mercedes branded batteries. Optima is a great battery, has many advantages, but can suffer from both not being able to use stock cables, and being too tall for the battery box in some instances.

As mentioned before, be sure you get the correct size battery with the correct amps ratings. This is especially critical with diesel engines that need the additional cranking amps.

When I bought my Mercedes, it came with a Mercedes battery that was too small for the application. I replaced it with an Interstate of the correct size. I would not buy a Mercedes branded battery unless I just wanted the Mercedes logo on it, and was willing to pay 30-50% more to get it...

Here's a tip on buying Interstate batteries that will save you money. Try to deal with a local Interstate distributor directly. Ask if the have any "blems", or "pre-installs". These batteries come with the same warranties, but can cost 30-50% less than the "normal" battery.

http://www.interstatebattery.com

My car right now has an interstate which it came with, but at some point I will switch up to a nice optima battery.

The beauty of the spiral cell batteries, is that you just jump it from another battery if it is dead and the car will charge the battery once it is running. You do not use a regular charger on one you will ruin the battery.

I put a 1050 CCA Optima blue top in my boat, we can run the stereo in it for several hours, and the thing still starts up with plenty of juice left over. It also works great after sitting for a while. if it does die, I use my portable power jumper pack, and it fires right up.

My brother has the same battery in his range rover, with a stereo pulling down some decent watts, and he can run the stereo for a few hours with no battery problems.

My dad has one in his other car, and it has a heavy duty stereo as well. We put in an optima battery, and it was better. Previously for about 8 years the car would eat batteries and alternators just could not keep them charged up. We put in the optima, and it did better, but it wasn't good enough because the alternator had a huge drain on it, and could not keep pace. We finally had the alternator rebuilt and changed from 80 to 170 amps and the car starts and charges better than ever before.

I recommend optima because they are good batteries. My optima dealer has also told me one really good bit of info. DO NOT use a regular charger on an optima battery, you will burn the cells. My father used a regular charger on his before we had the alternator done, and the battery got screwed. All you do to an optima when it is dead is jump start it off another battery or car.

You cannot go wrong with interstate or optima. The spiral cell batteries are expensive, but to me well worth it.

Alon

The Biggy
 

Brothers of The Benz,
The biggest battery that will fit in your case, if you still are using the underhood position.
The strongest in all capacities you can find.
My 1987 300E currently has an Interstate MTP-93.
It's thier mule of a battery for a Mercedes.
Now if we could just find a good alternator.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston.

P.S. I travel with an extension cord and a battery charger.

Optima Batteries
 

Optima technology batteries have been used in large boats for many years. They are great for use where they are drawn way down overnight, and then charged up.

Donald,

All you need to do is have your alternator taken to a good alternator shop. the ca rewind it to major amps. My fathers lucas alternator in his car was doubled in power that way, by rebuilding it and having it rewound for higher amps.

a friend had his suburban alternator rewound to 200 amps.

It does however come at a price to the tune of $400 or more to get it done.

like I said, I love how I can drain the optima, and then just jump it and it starts and is charged very quickly.

Alon

Best Battery?
 

Brothers of The benz, All
Use the largest, strongest capacity battery that will fit in the battery compatment.
For my 1987 300E I am using an Interstate MTP-93.
It is the strongest capacity battery for a Mercedes Benz.
Now if I could find and alternator that would last at least 10 years.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

One reply OK, 2 phooey
 

Brothers of The benz, All
Sorry for the double reply.
As for my alternator problem, as long as they are under warrantee by M/B, I'll have to continue as I have.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!