Serndipity

Original battery failed after 6 years and called roadside assistance. In my area roadside assistance does not charge just the price of the battery, as I was also charged for labor and a total of $250).

Not going to do that again.

Coming up on 6 years with the replacement battery and living in a cold climate, thought it would be good to buy a new battery (and avoid any inconveniences). Fully capable of DIY, specially while it still above 40 degrees.

Based on reviews, a Sears 'DieHard' would have been my 1st choice, but their site indicates there is no exact fit replacement for the CLK.

AutoZone and Advanced Auto do claim to have exact fit (e.g. size, vent hole) replacements for the CLK for around $135.

I searched the forum before writing this, but found nothing little except, to call roadside assistance (again, last time I was charged more than $100 for installation).

Any comments, recommendations would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

PS: Maybe it's just the dealer nearest me 'Flagship Motors' in Lynnfield MA). Last year, thanks to this forum, I did receive the $100 service voucher from MBNA. Instead of doing the usual DIY Mobile 1/ filter change at 5.000 miles, I used the voucher toward the dealer changing the oil, only was charged $30 more, out of pocket. Last week, I bought the 8 quarts of Mobile 1 and a Mann HU718/5X filter for $50.21 at Advance Auto. It's not only about saving 62%, I found that during the prior dealer oil change, the the oil filter cap was way over torqued......in loosening it, I was truly afraid that it was was going to self destruct.

etownbala

I would recommend an Optima battery if you want something really really good. I have a Canadian Tire Eliminator up here in Edmonton and in our climate (which is relatively unpredictable in the winter) and it does the trick. There are very similar to Sears Die Hard batteries from what I've been told.

dlbehrns

you aint gonna believe this but my 99/320 has the original battery and I had it stress tested this summer at Interstate battery and the tech was blown away at how strong it still was. Interesting, eh.

Serndipity

"you aint gonna believe this but my 99/320 has the original battery"

You have been posting on the board for a long time and I believe you, but amazing nonetheless.

I took very good care of the original battery, topped off the cells with distilled water, but only got 6 years. Its replacement has been in for 5 years now, maybe I'll let it ride and see what happens.

"I would recommend an Optima battery if you want something really really good"

Heard they were very good and looked at them 5 years ago. Problem was with fit and having to jury rig a way to anchor it down.

Just looked at their web site and they still do not seem to make an exact fit for Mercedes.

Also, since it's a 12 year old car, the higher pricing probably does not make a lot of sense.

I believe that the parent company, Johnson Controls, also makes also makes the DieHard batteries.

dlbehrns

who makes Sears Diehard batteries, it is a company that Sears has been doing business with for almost sixty years called Globe-Union, which is a division of Johnson Controls.

motoman

Correct me but I believe J Cntls also furnishes Everstart to Walmart. Someone should try a big one if it fits. You can go in diguise to purchase it.

I have used Everstart for years in cars and ride arounds.

dlbehrns

You are correct. I read a post some time ago saying that Sams/Walmarts best battery was the same as the Interstate.

Redw20855amg

OEM or Optima

jonUF02

I was told that my 2000 CLK430 also has the original battery, but it could be a OEM replacement. I would be amazed if a car battery lasted this long.

I would say +1 for the Optima, or OEM replacement if you can't find an exact fit anywhere else.

I also saw some info recently on a company producing Lithum Ion replacement batteries for many applications, they are very light, and have an option for remote-controlled cut-off switch, so an extra layer of theft protection. I believe it still provides power enough to keep electronics in order, but not enough to crank. I can't remember the name of this company though, or how much it would cost.

Serndipity

Per the Optima web site, they do not make an exact fit for Mercedes (or most EU cars), so it would take some tinkering to anchor it down, plus may not be worth 2X the price for a 12 year old car.

Looked at a battery at NAPA that appears to be the same as the OEM battery for $119.

However, at this time, will probably just see if I can get a 6th winter out of the OEM replacement battery.

Also sent email to MBNA to get policy clarification regarding labor charges for battery replacement under the roadside assistance program (last time I was charged an additional $100 for labor).

Their reply only suggested going their roadside assistance link, but it did not address the matter.

After owning several Mercedes, seems they allow dealers to set many of their own policies. I remember when buying a C class, a dealer told me that they only provide warranty service on cars that they sell. Then I found out that a local dealer was providing 'goodwill warranty' repairs for the ubiquitous temperature/clock missing pixels on cars up to 8 years old, but I was SOL because I found this out when my car was 8.5 years old.

Redw20855amg

dealer battery is only 149 retail

CLK430Benz

Found this on slickdeals.com not to long ago. Advance Auto has a special going on for $40 off plus $25 mail-in-rebate (AMEX prepaid card) on there AutoCraft car batteries.

1. Add Battery to Cart
2. Proceed to checkout
3. Enter $40 promo code A124
4. $12 core charge is added but is refundable when you bring your receipt and old battery for recycling at your local Advance Auto.
5. Search for $25 Rebate with Offer Code AAP-10020 (https://advanceautoparts.4myrebate.c...ercd=AAP-10020)
6. Choose In Store Pick-up at Checkout

After doing a quick search on their website, they have the following batteries:
AutoCraft Gold Battery, Group Size 49, 760 CCA = $137.99 - $40 promo - $25 rebate = $72.99 (before taxes)
AutoCraft Silver Battery, Group Size 93, 850 CCA = $111.99 - $40 promo - $25 rebate = $46.99 (before taxes)
AutoCraft Gold AGM Battery, Group Size H8, 900 CCA = $160.99 - $40 promo - $25 rebate = $95.99 (before taxes)

In the end, I don't think you can find a better price than that.

P.S. If you want to get a even cheaper price on the batteries read below:
Code BATX takes 25% off any car battery at Advance Auto

Most of these are listed as maintenance-free batteries.

Bank of America Customers can use BOA Amerideals and receive 10-20% cash back.

Discover Card users use ShopDiscover to receive an additional 10% bac

mtrevelino

Great find! This may be the incentive I need to replace my seven year old battery.
Thank you!!!
Mike T.

motoman

Well the schumacher bat charger fluttered "sulfating" so I looked around here for the C 63. At Walmart (Johnson Controls) currently:

MAXX-H8 LN5 49 14 900 cold crank amps $110 plus local tax.

Bat has a handle, 13 3/4" long, 6 3/4" wide, 6 3/8" high conventional lead terminals on farmost corners, 1/4" hold down flanges at base each end stick out beyond the length dim above. Central rectangular channel may pop out to expose cells??? Small 1/8" hole in channel cover may be vent tube hole??

I have not ever looked at my 2009 so I took the above data. The Everstart brand has been good to me. Tel 1-800-EVSTART

mtrevelino

I have been looking for a week with no luck in finding a AutoCraft H8 battery from Advance Auto. No one including the warehouse has any in stock. I assume a new batch of batteries are on their way from Germany and will get here before the end of the month.
Mike T.

Pancho

April 26, 2006 Sears Battery Diehard, 3 yr. Warranty, $115.99, Item# PS22833349

Still going strong, and Boston required plenty of cold, cold starting, though now in new location. Have always used Diehards in everything--cars, bikes, boats. Never a problem. Always outlast their warranty by several years.

Serndipity

Dropped by my local Advanced Auto (Boston Northshore) and they had 4 in stock at $137.

The group 49 H8 is an exact OEM replacement fit for the CLK. Their web site shows 2 other less expensive group 49 batteries for the CLK, but they may require some additional work to fasten down properly.

As I mentioned in a prior post, I had sent email to MBNA to get policy clarification regarding labor charges for battery replacement under the roadside assistance program (last time I was charged an additional $100 for labor).

Their reply only suggested going their roadside assistance link, but it did not address the matter.

However, yesterday I received a savings card in the mail, from the local dealer. It's good for a 17% discount on all service, parts and accessories, for 1 year or up to $1,000 in total savings, which ever comes first. I believe, this was received as a result of contacting MBNA.

tdotmann

My OEM battery in my 2001 CLK430 finally died.
I'm in Canada, the dealer wanted $275 for their battery. I bought the Maxx-H8 battery a Walmart for $117 and installed it myself. The battery was an exact fit.
Just drop it in and tighten the clamp. It had a vent tube hole at each end and came with a spare plug to close the extra tube hole. Changed it in 5 minutes. The sticker on it said CCA 800 and there was also a manufacture sticker on top that said 11/12. It also said manufactured by Johnson Controls.
Easy peasy.
Cheers.

mtrevelino

My local Walmart carries EverStar (?) batteries that are made by Johnson Controls for approximately $120. I wonder how these would hold up?
Mike T.

tdotmann

Hi Mike,
The battery I bought at Walmart was the Everstart MAXX-H8. I highly recommend it. It is made to the European DIN H8 standard that is correct for our cars and most European cars that have trunk mounted batteries. I expect 5-6 years out of this battery which will be longer than I will keep the car.

2KCLK320

Roadside is supposed to bring you a battery at the same cost as if you went to the dealership and install it for free. Anyone who paid more got
I just paid 109 for the WalMart battery instead of 180 for the OEM and it dropped in fine. Can't get the plate to screw down to lock it in or figure out where to connect the vent tube, but I'm not going to lose sleep over that. If anyone has ever installed this battery and has idea where the vent tube should connect to the battery I would appreciate the advice.

Luvvin my benz.....13 years and not a single non maintenance issue with it. (knock on burl-wood)

tdotmann

Serndipity - Did you buy the Everstart Maxx-H8 model?
It fits exactly like OEM. The clamp just screws in. Mine may be different because it's a North model, I'm in Canada. The tube went into a hole on the end of the battery near the top. There was a break away plug to plug the hole in the other end as well.

Hope that helps.

HWYSTAR

sorry to intercede but hey jonufo2 what front bumper is that on your car,Iwant that exact bumper. Where did you get it,how much and how was the fit and finish?

MGAMK2

I read here that a couple of ECU items need to be reset after replacing the battery (for instance, power window settings) --- have those who have replaced their battery used some sort of maintainer (e.g. 9v battery wired into the lighter socket).

as an example
http://www.overstockedcomputer.com/p....asp?ID=846054

jonUF02

funny to bring up this thread, I just bought a new battery yesterday. I got the Bosch branded battery from Pep Boys, size 49. It was the perfect size, correct vent, dropped right in no problem. They were having black friday sale, $30 off, so I got it for less than $100 out the door.

I did notice that I immediately got a ESP and BAS warning which disappears after driving a few blocks and restarting so your computer can recognize the ABS sensors in the wheels. I also had to re-learn my automatic windows and sunroof control. I have Pioneer radio, so re-tuning all the settings was the biggest challenge. I also need to set the dash clock. Removing the battery will reset all of your engine and trans adaptations, so it starts off the computer fresh, need to drive a bit for it to feel like it is running properly again.