Hello Everyone,
Lately I have seen more of these units popping up in catalogs. They have an internal rechargable battery and jumper cables attached. Are they all about the same or are some better than others? Considering all the electronics in MB's, which ones would be safe to use to jump start a 92 500SEL?

Thanks
Fred

As with everything, there are some that are better than others. Just look at the cranking amps and get the highest rated one.
Just a quick question, why would you want one? Are you thinking you will need one for the 500? I don't see many problems with the charging/starting systems in these.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

I thought about purchasing one of the booster pacs in case the lights are left on again and also in case I have to jump start one of my other cars. I did not know how well the 500 would do as a source for a jump considering all the delicate and sensitive eletronics in the car. While I am here I just remembered to ask if there are any warning indicators for open doors? I will have to look through my instruction manual for this becase I have not heard or seen any indicators when the automatic closing system does not close the driver's door. I usually have to wait until I hear the wind noise to tell that it is not fully closed.

Thanks for all the answers

Fred

We use the jump boxes at the shop to start cars daily. They do work well.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

There are no warning lights or indicators to indicate that the doors are not fully closed.

I have seen a melted doom light unit they are
very expensive $325.00....Ouch!!!

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MB STARS Master Guild Technician,12 years MB tech
5 years independent shop owner

I had AAA use this type of jump start unit to get me going with three different cars (a 77 300D, my '83 SD, and a 91 Volvo) and never had any damage. The ones that test for a charge or do a load test might do something nasty on a really sensitive car, but as a whole they should be much safer than a battery charger. (My $30 charger may well have fried my SD's voltage regulator.)

Wouldn't the dome light act as the open door warning indicator? Too bad that they melt and cost $325, however. I guess I will make it a point to look at my car each time I leave it (I do already, just to admire it) just to make sure that I didn't leave it on.

Reminds me of the snowy night I parked in Atlantic City NJ and left a door partially closed. I returned to find two men opening my door..... I told them to leave. I guess I was just lucky, because I had about $1000 worth of cameras, tapes, etc in the car.

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Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 164K miles



[This message has been edited by Robert W. Roe (edited 08-06-1999).]