mis3

My ride is 2004 CLK320 Coupe. I did not drive the car for 2 days and when I started my car this morning, a malfunction appeared in the dash. The display was red and it contained a drawing of a battery and the text "Visit workshop".

I then stopped the car and restarted the car, there was no more malfunction. I went to work and when I started the car after 6-7 hours, no more malfunction as well.

I called my MB service adviser and he said that this might be issues with the battery (most likely) or the alternator. He asked me to go in to test the battery.

Did this ever happen to you? Is it possible that this is a software glitch?

MB Dave

actualy it happened to me last night. it didnt happen today so I guess it was just a glitch

WPOZZZ

I would actually get the battery load checked as it may be a symptom that the battery is on its way out. There are tools that will check your battery and alternator while in the car. You can probably go to a Checker/Carquest/Shucks/Kragen and they will do it gratis.

MarcusF

If it's the original battery (six+ years), even if it tests good I'd get rid of it. I replace them after four. I'd rather replace a little early than ever get stuck.

I don't think your alternator has an external voltage regulator. So if it is the alternator, then probably not going to be a $100 (dealer) fix. The good news is, your alternator costs a lot less than the earlier one.

mis3

One of my friends, used to work as a MB technician, told me that when he fixes MB cars on the side, he would get the batteries for a local store.

I called the store and they sell JCI batteries (Johnson Controls Inc). They told me that JCI supplies batteries to MB. Not sure if this is ture or not.

Do you guys know of these JCI batteries?

WPOZZZ

I believe Johnson also makes batteries for BMWs. However, I just get Interstate batteries.

rennwerkes

Actually, Johnson also makes mass marketed batteries so if you get their batteries make sure you buy the "premium" ones.
Interstate is also good but if I had access to Johnson's better batteries I'd definitely opt for Johnson.
I called Johnson once and asked about their batteries and they commented the "Diehard" types are mass produced batteries that were cheaply made. The factory batteries are built to much tighter tolerances with better materials so consequently they are better batteries that will last longer.
If you can, buy a trickle charger and use it when your car goes unused for a few days. The newer trickle chargers have pulse technology which helps to desulfate your battery. Sulfation is what kills your battery.

mis3

Diehard, the Sears brand, is indeed made by Johnsons. I believe Sears offer lifetime warranty for these Diehard batteries.

Is there a name for this "premium" model by Johnsons?

rennwerkes

No, I have no idea but you probably I'm guessing they'd look like the factory BMW/Mercedes batteries.

MarcusF

When I bought my last battery, my local dealer price was lower than my local price for an Interstate battery. YMMV

WPOZZZ

That's not gonna happen where Renn and I live. 1 MB dealer for the state, same as BMW and Lexus.

MarcusF

Thats the exact opposite of California. My local dealer is within 3 miles. 3 more dealers are within 20 miles. 15 dealers are within 50 miles of my house. SoCal, between Santa Barbara and San Diego, and out to Palm Springs east, has at least 25 dealers. They have to be competitive

WPOZZZ

Not here. A battery from BMW is @ $200, an Interstate from Sam's Club is @ $95. We call it the paradise tax.

mis3

I did swapped out the battery yesterday.

There is no much info on the battery but it is made by JCI (Johnsons Control Inc). The fitting is perfect.

After the change of the battery, all setting remained intact excepting the clock (went to 12 PM). Also, I had to "re-sync" all the windows and sunroof.

mis3

I paid $125 CAN including installation; installation was not easy because of the wieght and tight fit...