Dutchman647

Hey, Guys

I just picked up a 2004 SL600 and the batteries are from 2010. Its a low milage MD Roaster with only 13,000 miles. Any suggestions on what batteries are the best replacement for this V12?

Thanks,

Dutchman647

kbob999

If you have a CTEK or AGM rated trickle charger for the rear batt, you may not need them for a while.
If you do need them, based on a load test, or consumers offline error, then the rear is an AGM from many sources, and the front will likely be MB sourced.

I replaced my rear with a Group 48 AGM off Amazon shipped for about $150. Working well 6 months later. I use the CTEK with quick connect when stored more than 3-4 days.
It was this one: Looks like the price is now $190 shipped via Prime.

Dutchman647

Thanks for the quick response, kbob999. i am not sure how old the Consumer Battery is. Can't tell from the code. Everything works fine, I'm just worried one morning the MB won't start. Maybe having both tested would be the way to go. We'll probably use the car periodically during the week, so I don't think the trickle charge is necessary. I do have a MB charger that came with the car.

kbob999

The starter battery is really not affected by the consumer battery. If the consumer is dead, the car will still start. The consumer is the one that will generally show issues first though, with warnings of being offline until the alternator charges it back up. Drive until it shows warnings, and keep the MB charger on if parked more than 3 days.

Dutchman647

Thanks again, kbob999. That info helps alot. I'll just leave the batteries alone until the warning lights go on. Have a good one.

stykshooter

Got the same car, consumer battery has different warnings, offline message & or red warning light, easy fix battery can be bought almost any auto parts. Starter battery can only be purchased @ MB dealer, when mine went out I had no warning or anything, car wouldn't turn over. Called Roadside Assistance came out within 30 minutes replaced battery (200.00) good to go

Dutchman647

Thanks, Stykshooter. That's what worries me about the starter battery. No warning when it dies. I thought maybe I could get a Bosch battery and replace it. Cheaper then the dealership. Sounds like my only choice is to wait and call roadside service. Doesn't seem real practical. I like to plan ahead and avoid calling for service. I suppose another option would be just buy one at a MB dealership and swap the old one out. Cheers!

STL-SL500

I just replaced both the starter & consumer batteries as I live in a climate where temps drop below freezing and I've found, M-B batteries need that extra oomph to start them and tend to go out with no warning (and last just about as long, generally speaking) -- which is difficult getting them replaced when the dealership is closed, and it was becoming a nightmare finding aftermarket batteries who would ship...took to the dealer, was about $675. worth of peace of mind for this winter. What's the old German saying, "...you take a diamond to a shoe maker and that is exactly what you will get...a shoe" (rough translation)...in other words...the starter battery is not expensive, it's just the labor. Buy the batteries and install them yourself if you want to save on the labor; just make sure you have your settings saved by the accessory outlet adapter, and reset your windows. You'll still need to redo the COMMAND settings, and a few others...

I'm sure I'll get much kickback from my response, however, it's a forum, so, hence, I am expressing how I feel about something as critical as starting your vehicle and getting to where you need to be on time.

Best of luck!!

Dutchman647

Thanks for your response. My batteries are still working fine, so I will just wait until one malfunctions. I first thought is still to replace the batteries myself. It should be easy for the Consumer battery. The starter may be another issue. In the meantime, I sure enjoy driving this SL.