benz guru Carson 356 has advised me that MBZ and Interstate batteries are acceptable. How 'bout Optima?

I have never used optima, just make sure the size is correct for the ML's battery box, i doubt it is due to it's odd shape, I have seen ill fitting batteries cause fires when not properly installed, especially on a 4x4's.
the Mercedes batterywill fit's the ML properly most aftermarket batteries are not tall enough and will not allow the little plastic wedge on the top to lock in place then the battery will move because it is not properly secured.

Check out my post elsewhere in this site by cutting and pasting the following link: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=124283&highlight=ml430+battery

I just replaced the battery in my "99 ML 430 with an Iterstate MTP-93. The battery is the same length and width as the original but slightly shorter in height. To compensate for the difference in height I moved the plastic spacer inboard of its original location and it interlocks with the new battery just as it should. This battery is much stronger than the original and is the model Interstate recommends for the ML series. I seriously considered an Optima battery. They don't have comparable power and would be very difficult to safely mount in an ML.

Because of all I have heard and read about electronic/electric problems after a dead battery, or replacement where power is termporarily lost, I went to great lengths to keep power supplied when I took out the old battery. (The original had not yet gone dead.) My post describes the process I used.

Email me if you want additional details. Good luck.

Jim

__________________
Jim Herold--Current: 1987 190E 16V, 1999 ML 430--Past: 1971 280 SL, 1972 250

Call the MB emergency number and tell them you are down, Their agent will bring a new (MB) battery and install it in your car. Cost is cheaper than at the dealer. This is a free service provided for all MB on=wners.

My experiance with battery failures on my '78 300CD

In 1 year's time:
I've been stranded countless times by an interstate battery.
I've been stranded twice by a freash <2 months old interstate battery.

In the past 9 years:
I've been stranded once by a die-hard. It was -30F all day and at night. I really didn't expect my car to start anyway

My experiance with batter failures on my '88 560SEL

I've owned this car for 11 months. 2 months into driving it, the MB battery crapped out on me. Now runs die-hard and haven't had a battery problem since.




Basically, my opinion is that Interstate batteries are junk, I've never had a good experiance with them. The Die Hard's have gotten my diesel to start in weather I never thought it would start in. Usually unless it's colder than -10F, my diesel will start on the fourth or fifth try. At above zero it will go on the first or second.

My opinion was derived empirically from 10 years of Colorado weather. You're milage may vary.


Good Luck!


Scott

MB battery are not maitainace free and owner tend to forget that it exist because they are located under the back seat. I guess out of sight is out of mind. With proper maintaince the OE battery should last six years.

I will only install an OE or optima in my MB. Battery are like tires, everyone has a story. There are a lot of $60 lifetime garantee batteries on the market if you are willing to return it every other year. I like to install my battery and not worry about it for another six years.

On sale, expect to pay $100 for the optima. The optima redhat battery can be installed in an MB. Although it has a smaller footprint than the OE battery. To install, Flip the battery anchor plate and install it slightly sidewaays to catch the base lip and tighten down real well. Cover the terminals with a insulator just in case the battery come loose and it could cause a short if it touches the car body.