My 2009 Mercedes Benz E-320 Bluetec (diesel) is giving me an alarm which is new to me.
The multifunction display goes red showing a figure of a battery.
This happens many times during my drive of 30 miles to and from work.
This message stay on for more than two or three minutes and then disappears coming back on latter for several times during my trip.
First time that I had this alarm was for a very short time. A kind of 30 seconds.
I have not had any problem with starting the car or whit any other electrical device even with the alarm in my display. I was wondering if it can be any thing alternator related or if it is some random alarm.
Please let me know what it can be or some advice in what to do about it.
Thanks

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Nyck - TX - USA

I'm not familiar with the electrical system on these cars but the place to start is by having the codes read. The computer will store error codes (one of the great things about modern cars) so a decent shop can dig out the stored codes and at least come up with a starting point to track this down. While you don't have to go to a dealership they may have the best code reader though many independent shops have great technology available to decode these kind of errors.

I have a buddy who runs an independent shop and he has a VERY expensive Snap-On code reader. They frequently plug it in online to Snap-On and therefore the system is always up to date. Some non-Mercedes systems are top-notch, others not so much (I don't know which system M-B uses). Generally a good independent shop will be cheaper than a dealership and often better about working with you - remember, the dealership might be happier to sell you a new car instead of fixing your old one.

Dan

Definitely get the car connected to Xentry. My MB dealer will do this for a 1 hr flat rate charge or about $125.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

Connect a volt meter to the lighter socket or other easily accessible power point and watch the voltage.

Proper charging system voltage is around 13.8 to 14.2 though anything over 15 is a problem.

A standard code scanner that can read live data might be able to see system voltage and at least pull engine code numbers.


A fully charged lead acid battery that has not been charged / discharged in the past 8 hours will read very close to 12.66 V. A fully discharged battery is 11.70 V .

Thank very much for all tips about this issue.
They were all very helpful.
I will check voltages and also visit stores with scanners to see what they will find. I have three auto parts near by my house.
I hope my alternator is not going bad.
Thanks every one.

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Nyck - TX - USA

HF sells a $5 cigarette-lighter voltmeter, but a bit unreliable as the LED's fail. Better is a $15 digital one, look for Eqquis (sp?) on Amazon. I consider them essential on-the-road instruments in all my vehicles that don't have a dash ammeter like my 60's Mopar cars.

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1984 & 1985 CA 300D's
1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport
1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans