my new mb brand battery - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

surfblau · #1 01-07-2003, 01:20 PM

I was on the recieving end of a dead battery (approximately 3 year old diehard with no paperwork) in rural california this weekend.

I read a bunch of posts here discussing the Johnson Controls batteries and their relative merits and costs. Here in the Bay Area, is what I found.

Local Kragan - $109
Local Pepboys - $ 79
Marin MB - $116
SF MB - $109
Sonoma MB - $109
Autozone - didn't check, I didn't want an exide

I also figured that I didn't really care about warranty.

When I actually picked up my battery from the dealer in SF, I was surprised to see that the white translucent case was stamped Made in Germany. I was expecting an MB branded made in usa by Johnson Controls. I was also surprised to see that it had openings to add water. Somehow, I thought that all batteries were "maintenence free" these days. Openings are fine with me, just one more fluid to keep an eye on.

At any rate, the car started right up this morning. Hopefully it will be many years before I have to deal with this again.

Cap'n Carageous · #2 01-07-2003, 02:03 PM

I'll bet it even drives better with those German amps in it's veins!!!

Joe Blowe · #3 01-07-2003, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfblau
Autozone - didn't check, I didn't want an exide

The AutoZone battery, DuraLast, is made by Johnson Controls.

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/batbrand.htm

tryan · #4 01-07-2003, 03:42 PM

i had two douglas batteries in the 72 911. i called douglas usa and they denied that they made them. the old batteries said douglas /part #s ect then made in germany. go figure.

i got sonnenschein dry fits replacements from lauderdale battery. (these don't spill acid and don't cost two arms and two legs). check out their web site (www.sonnenschein.org) very informative battery info.

surfblau · #5 01-07-2003, 04:34 PM

That is good news on the Duralast since my S-class has a one.

Gary Ganaway · #6 01-07-2003, 06:27 PM

I assumed my" Made in Germany battery" was maintenance free also,as that is what the owners manual says for a E420. However, one day I decided to take a look and noticed the filler holes on top and, low and behold, the cells looke dpretty dry. Took about 1/2 to 1 pint of distilled water to bring levels up. I think they mean "low maintenance" battery.

I also have had good luck on other cars with the Autozone batteries. I had free replacement as one was defective within 2 years...no questions asked. Price is good also. So, when mine goes I probably will get Autozone, but I do like the fact that current battery says Mercedes Benz, Made in Germany

....must be image/ego thing I have with this car.

Mike123 · #7 01-07-2003, 09:17 PM

I, also, have had excellent experience with Autozone batteries. I have them in four vehicles, one that is seven years old, one that is six years old in my 116, one that is three years old, and one in my 123 that is just about a year old. I have not had to make use of the warranty on any of them, and they are all still under warranty.