What is the best battery for my 500SL?

[nh500sl]

I need to replace the battery in my 83 500SL. I'm thinking of three choices. I was originally thinking of the Optima Red Top, but it does not appear that their is one that is a direct fit into my SL, not sure yet though. I'm also wondering about the Interstate, and the Mercedes Batteries. Of these three, which would I be the most happy with?

[elau]

I personally will spent the few extra bucks and stay with the OEM batteries. With the price of gas nowadays, what's a few extra dollars that won't buy you a gallon of Premium.

[DuckMuck]

Go with the Mercedes battery...direct drop-in without having to worry about what fits and what doesn't fit...the price difference between it and an aftermarket battery is minimal, from my experience...

[Nate]

I allways buy the biggest baddest battery that is sold at batterys plus

I forgot what group # it is, but its got 1400CCA, and a 5 year free replacement
$200ish

This was after I pissed away $100 on a cheapy...

I'm happy that my battery takes a forklift to install
(ok, im kidding... but DAMN its heavy)

I've also got a 1AWG marine grade battery cable running to the starter.
Only cost me $10 to make (buy the cable and ends from "genuinedealz)

Strip the ends, flux the connectors, and incert the cable. Then heat the end (I used mapp gas), and fill it with soder.

Good luck
~Nate

[450slcguy]

Can't go wrong with the Interstate, best battery made with great warranty. Why pay the Mercedes stealership price.

[Hatterasguy]

Interstates are ok, I prefer the OE. They weigh more then the Interstates.

[davestlouis]

I just bought a "small" 74 amp OE battery for my 280SE for $73 and that thing weighed a TON! I damn near died carrying it across the parking lot to the car. I do like the look of the white-cased OE battery...makes it look like the owner cares about the car, like putting Michelins on it.

[Hatterasguy]

Exactly I have looked at more MB's then I can remember and when I pop the hood or trunk and see an OE battery it tells me the owner went the extra mile.

[TwitchKitty]

In frigid climates you want to buy batteries by weight, most lead, most CCA. (cold cranking amps) If you live in hotter climates you want a lighter battery with more electrolyte. They don't dry-out so bad idling at high temperatures and in heavy traffic and you don't need the CCA's for cold-morning starts anyway. I like the OEM idea.

[450slcguy]

All this talk of OEM batteries, I'm gonna price one tomorrow at the dealer and compare cost with the Interstate. If OEM is within $20 bucks I'll buy it. Rather doubt it though, my local MB dealer here is extremely expensive. I bought an oil filter a coulple months back, $48 bucks plus tax. How much have you all paid for a oil filter at the dealer? Never again.

[Hatterasguy]

I paid $110 for my battery from the local dealer. Oil filter for my 603 is $12+/-, M104 they charged me about $9 I think.

[POS]

Interstate makes the best battery I've ever found.