I need a new main battery for my 2004 E320 wagon. Is there an alternate to the OEM battery available ( make and part number?) and if so where can I order one and approx. how much? Second question: If I install it myself do I have to reset the computer or anything else or is there a way to install it while keeping power to the system?........Thanks Desert

If you are convenient to a Sears Automotive store:

I went with a Sears Die-Hard AGM (sealed cells) for my W211. Sears puts them on-sale off and on on-line every few days, so watch for an ad special on your car's application, pay for it on-line via credit card - then go to the Sears Automotive Store with your confirmation number you got from the Sears 800 number, and pick it up from them for the nice discount ONLY available buying online. Then bring 'em your old battery. A lot less than buying the Mercedes-Benz OEM from the dealer - even with a discount, Sears was way less.

Interstate Battery is excellent, but they're in the same price range or thereabouts as the MB dealer, or higher.

On my 06 E320 CDI, it lost no information on the electronics, radio, etc. However this may have been because there is an auxiliary battery on the SBC (SensonicBrakesSystem) year model W211s.

Thanks, would you happen to have the model number of the battery you bought from Sears or do they figure it out for you? My 04 also has the aux battery for the breaking system so maybe that one keeps everything running while you switch the main battery.....Desert

The main battery is an H8. It is a standard size, very common around the world. You can scare one up at any auto parts store. As SRJ says above, some are better than others. Certainly no need to buy at the MB dealer.

An H8 is an AGM battery - it's a different technology than conventional lead-acid batteries, but serves the same function.

Just swap it out like any other conventional battery. You will likely need to reset the auto-up windows and sunroof, but that's all that can happen.

I have had good experience with Interstate brand batteries.

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Jim

On Sears' website go to automotive batteries - then enter you car's make/model/year, etc. for the battery application. It'll tell you which battery(ies) in their line up.

The AGM Interstate application for my CDI was in the $250.00+ price range. Too rich for my blood for what you get, versus Sears.

In the United States, Interstate makes the OEM Mercedes battery.

Thanks for all the good input. I got a quote from our local MB of $322 for battery and install, I may go with them to preclude any chance of losing any functions during switch out and I have to be on the other side of Tucson next week anyway. Thanks again....Desert

My local parts house, Parts City, has the Interstate available for right at $160. They are not that hard to swap out.

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Jim