Avi02C32

Hi guys,
I have a 2002 c32 and the battery in it was never replaced, now if I leave the car for 3-4 days without using it, I have to boost it before it will start up on me. My question is, do I need a new battery ? Also, what is a good battery to buy or do I need to get one from the stealership ?
Thanks
D

raymond g-

too simplistic. in order to ascertain the health of a battery, one really must
1) check specific gravity of electrolyte, 2) ensure proper fluid level, 3) verify
cells aren't shorted, 4) check and/or charge battery, 5) check battery voltage
under load, 6) perform #1 again

then....one can better advise as to whether a new battery is needed. it may,
for example, simply need fluid topped and recharged. if so, that costs pennies.
if it had been allowed to deteriorate over the months/years to where the plates
have sulfated and shorted out adjacent cells, that's almost irreversable and a
new battery is needed.

for my 210 i simply went to Autozone and bought a similarly sized battery (with
near identical cold cranking amperage) and paid 1/2 what one would cost from
MB / free roadside assistance. for a battery 6 yrs old, generally, it's about
time to replace but no need if it's one of the simplier above fixes

whoover

If the battery is 6 years old, it's time to replace it. But you may also have a bad seat or door control module, which are notorious for causing battery drains. But I'd replace the battery and see if the problem goes away before looking for a drain. (The way to see if you have a drain is to wait for 30 minutes or so after the car has been switched off an check current flow at the battery with an ammeter. If it's around 1 amp, you have a bad module that's preventing the CAN-B network from sleeping.)

You can get cheaper batteries, but in my experience nothing lasts like the OEM battery. For another 6 years, I find the extra bucks worth it to buy the replacement at the dealer. If you don't make sure it has the same rating, group and venting arrangement as the OEM battery.

PhilipM1

I don't have a C32, but the person who had my car before me put an MB Battery in it back in 2001. I just replaced it the end of last year. That battery lasted 6 years. Whereas the new one I just purchased for much cheaper, will only last me ~2 years. I don't plan on having this car for more then that so it didn't make a difference to me.

Even if it as simple as recharging it, I would recommend getting a new one anyway. Its about time. The last thing you want to do is recharge your batter then in 3 months it dies from old age and you are screwed. I would change it at your earliest financial convenience.

loungn14

Just replace it yourself.....only about 90 bucks from an auto shop, and an easy install in the c32

t76turbo

I just went through the same problem with the car hybernating for winter. I would charge the battery, then 3 days later I wouldn't be able to start the engine. Repeated that cycle for about 2 months thinking something is draining the battery. I went as far as placing a rag over the light/rain sensor thinking that everytime I turned on the garage lights my car would energize some mopdule and drain the battery. Finally I replaced the origional battery with a new OEM battery and all problems went away. BTW I had an "electrical consumers switched off" warning that came on every now and then on my w211, since the new batt. no more warning and it starts every moning.

TemjinX2

there all the same. Even my cheap $40 walmart battery lasted 4yrs in my civic before i sold it. Just buy a cheap one at a auto store. Its usually around $89. Since your in canada, i would get the one with the higher cold cranking amps.

if you want the best, get a optima battery. its around the same price as a oem battery.

timberman

My battery died 2 days ago,

It had turned over slow a couple of times previously and I got an error message about light sensor not working but other than that there was hardly any warning , I climbed in turned the key and nothing,
luckily I was at home at the time and not stranded in the middle of nowhere.
I got a new one from the dealer and swapped it myself, took about 5 minutes
mines also 6 years old and I believe anything over 5 years and your doing well

bud4ya

AnY battery that is that old should just be replaced. Not worth being stranded over $100.00.

c32used

First disconnect your under seat control modules (3 plugs each side) then try starting your car the next day if it starts fine then its your seat controller...I wouldn't replace a battery unless it needs to be new or I wanted a battery with better performance and less weight. Let us know if this works...

dkflipse

Agreed. I paid the $100 at Sears. Car died 2 days alter and I had to pay $600 or so for the dealer to fix the seat cotrol module. But now I know I won't need a new battery for another 4-5 years, and won't get stranded cuz of it.

c32used

Wow $600.00! There is a member of this forum that bought seat modules from another C Class on Ebay for $100 shipped and did the work himself.
Thank God I still have warranty! They repaired my seat control modules recently and now gonna fix the seat heater (Driver's side lower seat)

TemjinX2

your lucky the dealer tried to charge me $1k for both modules installed. I got really pissed when it only took me 30min to install the modules.

$400 for both modules + $600 for labor.

$600 for 30min of work. I think i went into the wrong profession.

Anyways, i saved $900.00 i'm happy.

c32used

$1k

That's why everyone refers to them as the Stealership...

TemjinX2

They should only charge $100 for labor. But 600% markup is definately bending you over. I'm glad i'm a diy'er. I think you have to be, at the rate these dealerships charge.