Ever Gotten a Battery from AAA for an MB Diesel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 07-05-2011, 07:28 AM

While slightly more expensive than DIY, getting a battery from AAA is pretty convenient and reasonably priced. Has anyone gone this route? If so, what's your sense of the quality of the battery? Both of mine currently have MB batteries...and I suspect that low maintenance (adding water now and again) versus no maintenance makes for longer life...but I suppose I'd be happy to get one from AAA if it's of comparable quality (which of course is their claim).

Thanks.

vstech · #2 07-05-2011, 08:26 AM

mine looked like a MB battery with a AAA label on it. same size and shape and color.

shertex · #3 07-05-2011, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

mine looked like a MB battery with a AAA label on it. same size and shape and color.

That's interesting. So it sounds like it's comparable, not simply in terms of specs, but design as well (i.e. replenishable cells).

RML · #4 07-05-2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

mine looked like a MB battery with a AAA label on it. same size and shape and color.

Yep, youi can pretty much figure that AAA does not make batteries, so they have to come from some manufacturer. For that matter, I doubt that MB makes batteries. It is just a matter of asking questions and finding out who the original manufacturer is. I suspect that there are some numbers or markings of some sort on the battery that reveal its origin.

I have often heard Interstate batteries mentioned as having an excellent reputation. If I was in the market for a battery I would favor an Interstate.

Of course, it goes without saying (even though I am saying it), that you need to make sure the battery is up to the specs for your car.

Richard

shertex · #5 07-05-2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RML

Yep, youi can pretty much figure that AAA does not make batteries, so they have to come from some manufacturer. For that matter, I doubt that MB makes batteries. It is just a matter of asking questions and finding out who the original manufacturer is. I suspect that there are some numbers or markings of some sort on the battery that reveal its origin.

I have often heard Interstate batteries mentioned as having an excellent reputation. If I was in the market for a battery I would favor an Interstate.

Of course, it goes without saying (even though I am saying it), that you need to make sure the battery is up to the specs for your car.

Richard

According to a phone conversation with AAA, any battery they install meets OEM specs. The main question I had was whether or not they had the replenishable cells....

vstech · #6 07-05-2011, 09:14 AM

I don't recall the cells... I'll look when I get home.

shertex · #7 07-05-2011, 09:31 AM

Don't know for a fact if it's true, but the feeling of many is that a well-maintained battery with replenishable cells will last longer. My MB batteries are about five years old....I'd be disappointed if they didn't last eight.

layback40 · #8 07-05-2011, 10:57 AM

The weight of the battery tells all !!
The heaver the better ~ more lead.
Many of the light weight high spec high tech ones dont keep capacity for long.

86-300sdl · #9 07-05-2011, 11:46 AM

I was skeptical but two years later it cranks just fine.

I needed one while out in Nevada a couple of summers ago. Battery (3yr old from Napa) was fading and I needed a jump. Called AAA & they arrived with a new one "just in case". Driver tested my battery while I observed. Battery on last legs.

Tow driver was also the owner of the tow company and said "these AAA labled bateries" kick ass especially in the desert heat as well as in cold temps.

Priced at around $145 or so I thought what the heck. It is a very heavy bastard (more than my NAPA) and has lasted 35,000 miles - 2yrs now with a lot of desert heat and winter cold use.

Aquaticedge · #10 07-05-2011, 12:56 PM

I bought one from walmart.... made by Johnson Controls. I've had decent luck with them

cjbrown · #11 07-05-2011, 06:55 PM

It's a group 49 battery. Same as for a bimmer. Walmart even has them, about $75.

Diesel911 · #12 07-05-2011, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RML

Yep, youi can pretty much figure that AAA does not make batteries, so they have to come from some manufacturer. For that matter, I doubt that MB makes batteries. It is just a matter of asking questions and finding out who the original manufacturer is. I suspect that there are some numbers or markings of some sort on the battery that reveal its origin.

I have often heard Interstate batteries mentioned as having an excellent reputation. If I was in the market for a battery I would favor an Interstate.

Of course, it goes without saying (even though I am saying it), that you need to make sure the battery is up to the specs for your car.

Richard

Back in the 1970s I had a temp job in a Battery Factory (Globe union). That company seemed like it made everyone's Batteries including Die Hard ones for Sears and the various Service Stations (Gas Stations also used to fix Cars back then).
However, that did not mean they were all made the same inside.

The one that came with my Car is a Bosch Battery. It came with a Card and Phone Number For Bosch Road Side Assistance.

cjbrown · #13 07-05-2011, 07:49 PM

Yeah, Bosch batteries will run about $220. I put one in the BMW 3 years ago and it was going dead last month. Put a walmart Johnson Controls one in there...we'll see. No more issues with the door locks not working.

Frankly, I'm done with expensive batteries. I have never found them to last any longer. As long as it's a quality manufacturer, someone I've heard of that has a reputation for building a decent product, I will go the least cost route.

Oh, and the bosch had a 3 year warranty on it. How convenient.