I am sorry, I can't answer your specific questions...but both of our Mercedes have them... seem to be good batteries... mine survived a bad voltage regulator... I was charging it every night for a week, until I replaced the regulator..

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

All three of mine have an Interstate...each replaced the OEM. They do have the "skirts" on the bottom sides of the case to anchor them to the battery tray...just make sure you get the correct group and size (the R129 has a weird skinny one to fit in the fenderwell recess in the rear).

Don't recall the product number(s) though, but they seem to do a fine job.

They don't get tested by harsh winters down here, but heat can take down lesser batteries...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

well i have a Die Hard couldnt ask 4 better one

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1981 240D 32X.XXX km Totaled
1983 300D 28X.XXX km Sold
1993 300E 126.000 miles Totaled
1999 S320 76.000 miles


Will live forever.......

I've been told by more than one Mercedes mechanic that Interstate actually makes Mercedes batteries.

One dealer tech even told me that at Interstate truck regularly delivers their batteries with the Mercedes Benz label on them.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I've had the same interstate in my SE for about 8 years now. Must be a decent battery.

This post will probably kill it though.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

The 300E had an Interstate in it when I got it. It lasted 58 months. And I know for a fact my dad drained it in his parking garage at least twice before I aquired the car from him (I jumped him both times). I replaced it last winter with an Interstate.

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-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=831799&postcount=13
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showpost.php?p=831807&postcount=14

Are the Interstate batteries better than the Optima batteries?
I've heard of some people using marine batteries as well.

Paul,
It is true. I've had a wholesale account with Interstate for about 25 years. Since I'm semi retired now and Interstate has a warehouse in town, I just go and pick up a battery when I need one. About a year ago I walked in and was awe struck to see a pallet of white batteries with the blue star. I was told that I could look, but I couldn't buy. They were going to the dealer. I'm still not sure that Interstate makes the batteries and particularly since Hatterasguy bought a battery with a made in Spain label. To my knowledge Interatate has always operated from Texas so Possibly they have just contracted to be a distributation system. Regardless, you can't beat the regular Interstate battery.

Peter

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

My original MB battery was still good after 8 years but I figured I was pushing my luck so replaced it with same. Price of $135 at dealer seemed fair enough.

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2012 E350 Bluetech