Question about expected battery life
05-03-2016, 03:48 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Question about expected battery life
My original MB battery was replaced under warranty when the car was 4 years old. The replacement is an AGM sealed battery with a "Mercedes" label and logo on it, so I don't know who the manufacturer is.
That replacement AGM battery is now 4 years old, so I'm wondering what others have experienced by way of battery life for a M-B AGM battery. The car is used almost every day, with infrequent periods of sitting idle.
That replacement AGM battery is now 4 years old, so I'm wondering what others have experienced by way of battery life for a M-B AGM battery. The car is used almost every day, with infrequent periods of sitting idle.
05-03-2016, 04:28 PM
#2
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I think it's just the luck of the draw. I still have the original OEM battery in my 2008. I think the dealer may have just done it to claim it as a warranty item. You may be good for a while. If you're really worried, take it to an auto parts place and they will do a load test on your battery and that will tell you how good it is. You can also see the voltage displayed on the dash, I believe you switch to temperature with the ignition switched on, but without the car running and you hit the reset button 3 times. Some people have reported getting 8-10 years out of an AGM battery.
05-03-2016, 04:48 PM
#3
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Batteries are hit or miss. They live long, or die short for reasons that nobody can logically explain.
That said, the older flooded batteries are reported to last for 17 years, while 14 is not that rare.
AGM seems to die faster.
If you are worry - do a load test (you can buy special testers as well).
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine, display car voltage, then turn all headlights, blower and rear defroster on to record voltage drop. Doing that every 1/2 a year will let you notice battery degradation
That said, the older flooded batteries are reported to last for 17 years, while 14 is not that rare.
AGM seems to die faster.
If you are worry - do a load test (you can buy special testers as well).
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine, display car voltage, then turn all headlights, blower and rear defroster on to record voltage drop. Doing that every 1/2 a year will let you notice battery degradation
Last edited by kajtek1; 05-03-2016 at 04:50 PM.
05-03-2016, 05:10 PM
#4
Super Member
Thread Starter
Batteries are hit or miss. They live long, or die short for reasons that nobody can logically explain.
That said, the older flooded batteries are reported to last for 17 years, while 14 is not that rare.
AGM seems to die faster.
If you are worry - do a load test (you can buy special testers as well).
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine, display car voltage, then turn all headlights, blower and rear defroster on to record voltage drop. Doing that every 1/2 a year will let you notice battery degradation
That said, the older flooded batteries are reported to last for 17 years, while 14 is not that rare.
AGM seems to die faster.
If you are worry - do a load test (you can buy special testers as well).
Turn the ignition on without starting the engine, display car voltage, then turn all headlights, blower and rear defroster on to record voltage drop. Doing that every 1/2 a year will let you notice battery degradation
I like your load test idea -- simple and effective.
05-03-2016, 05:14 PM
#5
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Something bad happens in battery development.
for about 20 years I was buying Costco/Kirkland batteries with 100 months warranty.
Not all of them lasted, but Costco gave me prorated refunds.
Just bought new batteries for my motorhome last week and the best warranty they have is 48 months
Our personal best was 1997 MB/Varta battery made in Spain. Lasted in ML320 for 13 years.
for about 20 years I was buying Costco/Kirkland batteries with 100 months warranty.
Not all of them lasted, but Costco gave me prorated refunds.
Just bought new batteries for my motorhome last week and the best warranty they have is 48 months
Our personal best was 1997 MB/Varta battery made in Spain. Lasted in ML320 for 13 years.
Last edited by kajtek1; 05-03-2016 at 05:17 PM.
05-03-2016, 05:18 PM
#6
Super Member
Thread Starter
Something bad happens in battery development.
for about 20 years I was buying Costco/Kirkland batteries with 100 months warranty.
Not all of them lasted, but Costco gave me prorated refunds.
Just bought new batteries for my motorhome last week and the best warranty they have is 48 months
for about 20 years I was buying Costco/Kirkland batteries with 100 months warranty.
Not all of them lasted, but Costco gave me prorated refunds.
Just bought new batteries for my motorhome last week and the best warranty they have is 48 months
05-03-2016, 05:20 PM
#7
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Yeah, you can say that again.
Jay Leno is still washing and refilling 100 years old batteries in his firetruck.
Jay Leno is still washing and refilling 100 years old batteries in his firetruck.
