Cold Start Problem or battery?
 

Two questions, I'm not sure if they are related. My 96 C280 has given me trouble starting twice in the last month, I had to push on the gas peddle to get it to start. The battery which is the original and I knew would need replaced before the cold of winter is not turning over the engine as fast as before when the temp drops below 40 outside, but its still turning over at a good enough speed. I'm wondering if the starting problem is related to the low battery. The engine turned over ok, just a little slower then normal. It wouldnt start and I tried it 3 times, the 4th time I pushed the gas a little bit and it started. It scarred me because I had stopped to help someone change a tire on the side of a road and then my car wouldnt start. It didnt happen again until a couple days ago and pushing on the gas peddle took care of it again...is there something else I should check beside the battery?

My second question is, the original batter has been great and I would like to be able to replace it with a good battery. Is there a suggested brand?

Thanks,
Brad

If you got 9 years of service out of the original battery you've done great.
Get yourself a new one a.s.a.p.
Bought mine at the dealer about 5 months ago for $ 120.00. ;)

I would stick with the dealer battery also as far as a replacement. On the one hand if it is turning over good then it would seem the problem is not the battery. On the other hand 9 years is pretty good for a battery.

Mike

Might want to consider an Optima, but whatever you choose, it is battery time NOW.

Len

My 97 has been doing the same thing - struggling a tad in colder temps only. How can I check if it's original? It's definitely an MB battery, in a white casing. I was thinking OEM or Optima as well for a replacement. If it's original, it's gonna be out of there!

There may be a sticker with the build date on the battery ?