i think i recall the same association and that's probably why i thought about going with the interstate.i called by benz dealer and they wanted $60.00 more for a battery for the same application!
ocean:i had thought about optima's but if you've seen the configuration of them you might think twice for MY application.the optima's have a good reputatation but they seem to be rather tall and my battery fits inside a well and has a cover over it.

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'95 s500 (bought for wife but can't bear to share!!!) 125kms
'92 legend 180kms
'88 tbirdturbo(fantastic car-only regular maint.)120kms
'87 mustang gt(gone)
'86 tbirdturbo(gone)
'85 mustang gt(gone-but not forgotten)