Battery Replacement - is the Deka as close to OEM as possible?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
CLK320
Battery Replacement - is the Deka as close to OEM as possible?
Since we can't get Varta Batteries in the US, I can't get an "exact" replacement for my 03 CLK Coupe.
I did a bit of research and it seems the Deka Intimidator AGM "49" is the closest to OEM we can get. Can anyone confirm this, and/or does anyone recommend something else?
Here's link to the battery: http://www.remybattery.com/Deka-Inti...ry--P4551.aspx
Here's a link to a PDF file with all their batteries: http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0379.pdf
NAPA offers a "exact" OEM spec AGM replacement as well but it's actually more $ than the Deka.
Obviously my battery is dead dead dead, I can jump the car but it will not hold a charge and I'm getting that high-pitched whine from the radio signature of a dead battery. We hardly ever drive the car anymore and I think its taking its toll.. Guess I need to drive it once a week just to show it love.
I did a bit of research and it seems the Deka Intimidator AGM "49" is the closest to OEM we can get. Can anyone confirm this, and/or does anyone recommend something else?
Here's link to the battery: http://www.remybattery.com/Deka-Inti...ry--P4551.aspx
Here's a link to a PDF file with all their batteries: http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0379.pdf
NAPA offers a "exact" OEM spec AGM replacement as well but it's actually more $ than the Deka.
Obviously my battery is dead dead dead, I can jump the car but it will not hold a charge and I'm getting that high-pitched whine from the radio signature of a dead battery. We hardly ever drive the car anymore and I think its taking its toll.. Guess I need to drive it once a week just to show it love.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I can't talk with confidence about different US brands & I use genuine MB batteries from the dealer because they last so long. (some of which are made by Varta) The one in my old C240 is now 9 years old & performing well & load measuring well.
Suffice to say any good "AUTOMOTIVE" AGM battery of min 100Ah will do the job. For gasoline vehicles it must be at least 100Ah. Benz places high demand on the battery.
Suffice to say any good "AUTOMOTIVE" AGM battery of min 100Ah will do the job. For gasoline vehicles it must be at least 100Ah. Benz places high demand on the battery.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
CLK320
I can't talk with confidence about different US brands & I use genuine MB batteries from the dealer because they last so long. (some of which are made by Varta) The one in my old C240 is now 9 years old & performing well & load measuring well.
Suffice to say any good "AUTOMOTIVE" AGM battery of min 100Ah will do the job. For gasoline vehicles it must be at least 100Ah. Benz places high demand on the battery.
Suffice to say any good "AUTOMOTIVE" AGM battery of min 100Ah will do the job. For gasoline vehicles it must be at least 100Ah. Benz places high demand on the battery.
I didn't realize I could get a Varta through the dealer, this is whats currently in the car. I shall give the a call.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
I replaced my battery 3 years ago. I went to a battery-only store and they recommended one which costed $80. It was just a black box with no name. Apparently, the guy explained to me that there were just a handful of battery manufacturers in the world. They just rebrand and rebrand... They did the install for me and so far, the battery is working fine.
Because of this thread, I called them and they told me that MB batteries are usually made by JCI or Deka. The one that I bought was a JCI.
Because of this thread, I called them and they told me that MB batteries are usually made by JCI or Deka. The one that I bought was a JCI.
Last edited by mis3; Apr 23, 2012 at 01:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
CLK320
I replaced my battery 3 years ago. I went to a battery-only store and they recommended one which costed $80. It was just a black box with no name.
They did the install for me and so far, the battery is working fine.
Because of this thread, I called them and they told me that MB batteries are usually made by JCI or Deka. The one that I bought was a JCI.
They did the install for me and so far, the battery is working fine.
Because of this thread, I called them and they told me that MB batteries are usually made by JCI or Deka. The one that I bought was a JCI.
I think Deka, and perhaps JCI are the only "OEM" replacements we can find outside the dealer. Not even sure the dealer has Varta's in the US since there is no US distribution.
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MBworld Guru
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NO LONGER ACTIVE
Yes, in the US, if you are eligible for MBZ Roadside Assist, they will come to you and replace the battery for only the price of the parts, currently about $163. They will also reset your ESP and auto-close windows an sunroof.
Unfortunately, MBZ altered the Roadside Assist program last year. No longer are all MBZ's covered for life. Instead, only the original purchaser of a vehicle that was advertised as covered for life is actually covered for life. Subsequent owners are only covered under warranty, or, if they have been serviced by an MBZ dealer in the last 12 months.
Having said that, most Roadside Assist units will still sell you a battery and not charge for labor, but it depends on where the unit is located. If its out of an MBZ dealer, that dealer may or may not dispatch for a battery, and if they do, they may charge for the service.
Unfortunately, MBZ altered the Roadside Assist program last year. No longer are all MBZ's covered for life. Instead, only the original purchaser of a vehicle that was advertised as covered for life is actually covered for life. Subsequent owners are only covered under warranty, or, if they have been serviced by an MBZ dealer in the last 12 months.
Having said that, most Roadside Assist units will still sell you a battery and not charge for labor, but it depends on where the unit is located. If its out of an MBZ dealer, that dealer may or may not dispatch for a battery, and if they do, they may charge for the service.
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