Battery prices have gone crazy - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nelbur · #1 12-20-2016, 12:29 PM

The 7 year old Bosch battery in my E 300 D just went bad. Lost a cell. I carried it back to Pep Boys and said, I need another just like this. The warranty was 8 years, so I got $14 credit, BUT the battery was $179. I bought the old one 7 years ago for $99.

I think I have it figured out. The parts stores SAY they install batteries free, but if you go to Walmart or a battery outlet, the prices will be 25 to 40 percent cheaper, so in fact they are charging for the free installation.

HuskyMan · #2 12-20-2016, 12:32 PM

Battery prices across the board have gone up. I've found that shopping clubs such as B.J's, Costco and Sams Club generally have the best pricing on batteries.

jake12tech · #3 12-20-2016, 07:01 PM

It also doesn't help that it's winter. Best time to jack up prices of batteries.

dkveuro · #4 12-24-2016, 11:10 AM

Interstate 7 yr warranty. AGM Mega. $202.00....local tire shop.

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funola · #5 12-24-2016, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkveuro

Interstate 7 yr warranty. AGM Mega. $202.00....local tire shop.

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Can you post a pic of it? I bought an H8 AGM "take off" from an Interstate warehouse for $40. Wondering if it's the same battery and how long it'll last. Been around 16 months, warranty expired already but so far so good.

dkveuro · #6 12-24-2016, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

Can you post a pic of it? I bought an H8 AGM "take off" from an Interstate warehouse for $40. Wondering if it's the same battery and how long it'll last. Been around 16 months, warranty expired already but so far so good.

Car and Truck Automotive Batteries - Buy a Vehicle Battery for Cars or Trucks | Interstate Batteries - Mega-Tron Plus 49/H8 Automotive Battery Six-Year Performance 730 CCA

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leathermang · #7 12-20-2016, 12:35 PM

You are renting your battery..... and once they had ' recycling fees' and such.... they are expensive... I am afraid to find out how much my Diesel Ford tractor battery will cost to replace...

Mxfrank · #8 12-20-2016, 12:45 PM

Lead scrap all gets shipped to China these days, so material costs are up.

strelnik · #9 12-20-2016, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

Lead scrap all gets shipped to China these days, so material costs are up.

I have been buying Deka batteries through my friend who owns a store and they are less across the board.

VaBob · #10 12-20-2016, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

I have been buying Deka batteries through my friend who owns a store and they are less across the board.

Which if I remember right, are made by EastPenn battery, which are made in the USA. 4 factories in the us, 1 in Iowa, 2 in Pennsylvania, and 1 in Rhode island.

barry12345 · #11 12-20-2016, 02:49 PM

Try to locate a company that sells so called new seconds. It may be they will be really good in some areas and perhaps less so in others.

I have a suspicion that batteries in store stock today are pre charged. With a date on them. When they hit a certain amount of time on the shelf they may be cycled to these seconds stores.

Remember in todays world large chains may only pay for merchandise on their shelves when it actually sells. Perhaps insisting on certain freshness thresh holds.

Perhaps that is why locally we are hearing good words about the local seconds seller. Average car batteries there are about 40.00. This may be up a little since that is based on information a year or so ago.

The larger ones I have not heard about the price personally. I also do not know the warranty provisions if any. He will also give you about ten dollars for any additional dud you bring in.

Dan Stokes · #12 12-20-2016, 02:53 PM

I just bought a new battery for the motor scooter and yes, they come precharged these days. The scooter battery was AGM but I'm pretty sure that applies to all of them.

Dan

ROLLGUY · #13 12-22-2016, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry12345

Try to locate a company that sells so called new seconds. It may be they will be really good in some areas and perhaps less so in others.

I have a suspicion that batteries in store stock today are pre charged. With a date on them. When they hit a certain amount of time on the shelf they may be cycled to these seconds stores.

Remember in todays world large chains may only pay for merchandise on their shelves when it actually sells. Perhaps insisting on certain freshness thresh holds.

Perhaps that is why locally we are hearing good words about the local seconds seller. Average car batteries there are about 40.00. This may be up a little since that is based on information a year or so ago.

The larger ones I have not heard about the price personally. I also do not know the warranty provisions if any. He will also give you about ten dollars for any additional dud you bring in.

My local battery place has 2 year group 49 "seconds" for $49 out the door. I have been buying them for years, and they typically last about 3 years. I have probably purchased about a dozen since I have had the 'Benz hobby.

oldsinner111 · #14 12-20-2016, 01:27 PM

lead scrap gets fed to chickens,and beef we buy from china at wal mart

jay_bob · #15 12-20-2016, 05:41 PM

Definitely try the dealer. The car does need a special sealed batttery since it is located under the seat. I seem to remember getting one for somewhere around $125. That way you will get exactly what is required for your car.