Hi,

I have a 1997 E420 that has twice now drained the battery after sitting for ~ 2 weeks. If it is driven daily / every other day, I don't encounter any (apparent) problems.

I have searched the forums and followed the recommendations of disconnecting the -ve battery lead from the battery post and connecting an ammeter between the -ve lead and the -ve battery post. I see no current draw, AC or DC on the meter.

At this point, I suspect operator error on my part - am I just not capable of using an ammeter properly? I ask, because I expected that by putting an ammeter in series between the lead and battery post I would be creating a very low series resistance and things in the car would be powered up - i.e. dome light on, radio on, etc. but I get NADA. I am reasonably sure the ammeter is working correctly, and the test leads are good.

What am I doing wrong? Any pointers / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

FWIW, I checked the fuses, all are good. The only obvious electrical issue is that one of the bulbs that illuminates the odometer / temperature display in the instrument cluster appears burnt out - only the right half of the display is illuminated.

TIA.

/alex

p.s. I should also add that there is no power antenna that could be trying to retract, and that I made sure (especially before the 2nd 2-week non-driving, that no interior lights / radio, etc. were left on) AND that the battery was replaced with a brand-new Mercedes one following the 1st incident.

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1997 E420