I've struggled with the OEM battery in the 300SDL for about 6 mnths now - thought I could keep it going, but it finally died and there is no recharging it anymore... it won't even crank the engine over anymore. Buh bye.

I've searched this forum for information and got some good suggestions on batteries (Type 49). I've noted recommendations for batteries from Sears, Wal-Mart, AutoZone and Costco as good choices. Problem is that the threads I've read were back from 2002, 2005 and 2006 and doing most recent poll of the battery places I come up with these choices:

1) Interstate battery (MTP-93) at local Firestone; 2 year free replacement; 5-year prorated at $136;

2) Duralast H8-DLG at AutoZone (950CA/760CCA) - 8 years (3years free replacement) at $135;

3) Sears - DieHard International - Group 27F (710CCA) - recommended by some members of this forum, but when I displayed it on-line I was advised that these are not compatible with my vehicle... ?!

4) WalMart - Some members have reported good luck with these back in 2005, I could not find car batteries in their on-line store today... need to stop by in a local store on the way home to double-check.

What's the more recent recommendation for a good strong battery that has good replacement warranty and is a good value?

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

If you go to the dealership the OEM (White) battery is $133 w standard 2/5 warranty. I have been getting about 6 years out of these batteries.

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

walmart now carries both the 49 standard replacement 1000ca batteries we usually use, and the type 98 white MB style battery. both 77.00 both with a 3 year free replacement warranty. (mine are usually discharged totally near the 3 year mark, and I get a new one with a new 3 year warranty... )

I just get an Autozone battery and replace it every two years regardless of condition.

I figured the hassle of being stranded is worth 'wasting' a year or so of the battery's life.

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Ben
1987 190d 2.5Turbo

Unless you really like the factory-look battery, I'm happy with the Duralast Gold (autozone) or whatever the higher-end one is from Advance Auto. They're regularly on sale, good interstate batteries IIRC, work for me.
I've also installed an Optima red-top in one of my diesels, seems to be working well, no particular reason why I bought it.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Well I know that the dealers don't have anything special in their batteries. For me it comes down to price/warranty. I think Walmart will even install with the cheaper price and decent warranty.

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92 300D 2.5L OM602 OBK #59

How about rounding up your local Interstate battery distribution guy ?

I was quoted ~$35 out the door for a 49 blem or blemish with full warranty.

FWIW a blem is a battery that the case doesnt look pristine, NO effect on the electrical quality of the battery.

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1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

Lucky you - just called a local IB distributor... they only have brand new ones ($135) and they MAY have some 'used' ones later today... but I don't think that's for me.

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

This is my experience too, as well as what I would do - if a MB dealer is at all convenient to your location. As a member of MBCA (Mercedes-Benz Club of America) and showing your membership card - I pay the discounted price as TX76513 pays. The list price on the MB (white) batteries is astronomical without the discount.

I'm a huge fan of Interstate. My 300D has a 60 month that 9 years old.

the 49-DL from autozone was like $89 last i checked. made by johnson controls, same people who make optima. i left my glow plugs on over night more than a few times and she is still cranking strong. 7 year warranty too.

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1981 300 SD 213k miles "Stock for now"
1999 Super Duty 7.3L 113k miles
1981 300 SD 180k miles "Heavily modified" SOLD

Frau's 300D came with a nine-year-old Interstate. Enough said. That's all I've used since then, with no regrets. $115 locally for a 49.

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James Marriott
2003 Buick Regal
1983 300D (228k, frau Auto)
1996 Suburban K2500 (192k, 6.5 turbo diesel/4WD towmaster 10,000)
www.engineeringworks.biz
1987 300SDL junker 170k
1982 300SD junker, 265k

Yeah, local AZ place has it for $94 + tax...

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K

sounds about right. batteries have been getting expensive recently

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1981 300 SD 213k miles "Stock for now"
1999 Super Duty 7.3L 113k miles
1981 300 SD 180k miles "Heavily modified" SOLD

Call your local Autozone(s), ask if they have any "used" group 49 batteries. If the battery has been on their shelf and is out of date, they sell it as used, for $39. Very good batteries, excellent price.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff