300DTurbo

Car is only 10 months old. The warning showed up for the spare key that never gets used but 4-5x/month.

Anyone else?

fabbrisd1

I have seen issues with recent model remote batteries - the replacement battery is a a lithium CR2025 - I have seen some Indonesian batteries in the remotes that are not that good.

I recommend Japanese Lithium like Maxell - one great thing is spare batteries have 3-4 yr shelf life - and the other good thing is easy to replace yourself - no tools required.

This eBay seller I have recommended to others, Japan Lithiun Maxell's at under $.45 each for 10 pcs. Ships 1st class mail..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-pcs-Maxel...item56497e4fa3

venchka

Both of ours (2012 GLK delivered mid-Nov. 2011) have been replaced. Mine, the one used the least, was replaced after 12 months. Lisa's was replaced after 13 months. Spares on hand both times & spares are currently on hand.
It would be interesting to see how long after the initial "Key Battery Low" warning appears before the battery is actually dead.

Wayne

300DTurbo

Thanks for the info.

I'll let you know. I'm not planning on replacing the battery till its dead.

fabbrisd1

Let's see... MB battery replacement let's call that $7 ea, or buy EverReady CR2025 battery at Walmart - single $3.50 and double pack $6.99...

Cyber GS

I agree it will be interesting to find out how long it lasts from first warning

cookstar

you can always give it to MB to change the batteries for you, since its a highly specialized fix.

300DTurbo

its crossed my mind several times. i will consider waiting to see if the extended warranty will cover it.

venchka

You paid too much. About triple for a pair as I recall.
Y'all do know how to do it yourself? Right?
And...if two smart keys are present and one battery is low you also get the message. Remove one key to identify the low battery.

Wayne

katiesdad7

Wouldn't they be a warranty item?

venchka

At 2 bucks & change for a pair, it's not worth the time & gas to find out.

Wayne

300DTurbo

Its the principle...

venchka

Yes it is. Alas, our principles don't match. I'll ask the next time I visit the dealership for a wash.

Wayne

300DTurbo

if i buy the 2014 S my sales guy has promised me free batteries for the remote and the car for life. he said he'd put it in writing! (principle)

* i realize the absurdity of this discussion * however as a "luxury" brand. the driver should not be bothered with such petty things like battery issues. also my toyota has 195K miles and still has stock battery in the engine bay and remote.

cookstar

it you wont worry free get your self a Hyundai Equus, they will even come and pick up the car for service and give you another equus as a loaner... and they will return the car after service!

fabbrisd1

I was impressed in 1999 when I picked up my E55 that my sales guy slipped two batteries into my Owners Manual binder - I considered that a nice touch - now flash forward 14 years I always put (2) fresh batteries in the Owner's Manual packet for my customers - they have a 100% shelf life of 4 years - my cost is close to nothing, I buy 100 Maxell's for like $30 delivered. On the 10 pack for $4.40 delivered that I posted - a 5 year supply who wants to sweat principle when it's midnight, on a Sunday, 100 miles from home - when it's a 2 minute replacement/no-toolsrequired. Principles be damned, it's for my customers convenience and for their peace of mind...

300DTurbo

Really? I test drove the S this week and tomorrow will be test driving the Range Rover will add Equus to the mix!

cookstar

Yep, 2 years ago they were also giving out ipads with each Equus which was a nice touch!

cmginc

The batteries run down very quickly if your car has KEYLESS-GO as the key and the receiver are in constant contact. Been the case with every Benz I have owned since 2007 - 8 to 10 months have been the average.

iankayem

Sold my 2009 ML350 with Keyless Go. Still had the original batteries after three and a half years.

another_geek

Agree. I went 5 yrs on the original batteries with my 2008 ML550 w/ keyless go before I traded it in just recently.

robalo220

The warranty will NOT cover replacement batteries. The Stealership charges $27 per keyfob to change them here in Louisville. You can indeed change them for about $3.50 per key. Takes about 30 seconds to do it. If you are not sure how to change the battery, check out this YouTube video:


Good luck!!!

fabbrisd1

Interesting video - because it shows EXACTLY why the batteries are failing.

The video shows the key fob has Panasonic CR2025 - Japanese brand, right ?

Actually, most of the Panasonic CR2025's (and also the Sony 2025"s too) are made in Indonesia, and my personal opinion those Indonesian made Panasonic CR2025 batteries are inconsistent-often-poor quality.

Maxell is Please see my earlier post about Maxell CR2025 from eBay - Maxell CR2025 are made in Japan - your cost is under $.50 per battery in a 10 pack individually packaged in tear off tabs - shelf life is like 4 years.. be smart and buy genuine Japanese battery.

Japanese batteries are packages with the flat side with manufacturing info visible to the consumer - Indonesia/China batteries are packed with that side hidden... be smart...

GoldFeather

Actually you can do better than $0.50 per battery on Amazon. I'm getting 5 for $1.76 ( ).

fabbrisd1

Good score - $.35 each for a pack of 5 delivered.

Knd of funny, my cost per 100 (20 x 5 pack) is $.2995 each.

Kindof makes you think fo the meony in the battery business when single's retail in a big box store for $3.50...

Keep the beat !