ChristianBehr

I own a CLK 320 and will be putting it into a garage for the winter (this is my first time as a convertible owner) and want to know if I should leave the battery in and connected or should I remove it? I will be garaged for 5 months in winter.

Rudeney

There are some electronics in the car that will draw current from the battery, though not much. It might be fine, but it's probably better to just leave the battery in place and disconnect the negative lead. You will have to reset a few things (windows and steering angle sensor) when you reconnect, but that's it. When you do disconnect and reconnect the negative lead, do it smoothly - don't hesitate or let is "stutter" and spark. The electronics in the car are a bit sensitive to that sort of transient voltage fluctuation. Also, I don't suggest using a charger in storage because that can also cause issues with the electronics.

ChristianBehr

winters get cold up here in Maine...if the battery is dead when I go to reconnect, and have to jump start, will that affect the electronics? Also Rodeny, do you have any other advice on "garaging" my CLK for the winter? Thanks again.

Rudeney

If you do have to jump the battery, it's best to do it leaving the dead battery out of the loop by disconnecting its negative terminal. As for any other precautions, just make sure all the fluids are at proper levels. Five months isn't that long to store, but then again, if you did happen upon a nice day or two during that time, it would be good to take the car out for a drive and get everything up to full operating temp.

traceytransam

You can buy cheap trickle charger for about 45 dollars at Walmart. It will put a small amount of charge to the battery as needed and turn itself on and off to keep the battery charged all winner.

M Ashmore

I would recommend the Battery Tender Junior. About $25. It's a float mode type charger widely used for long term storage of cars, bikes, boats, etc.

I've used one for years on my Porsche and now on my CLK500.

ChristianBehr

OK. Now I just have to find out if the place I'm leaving it with will allow that for the winter. The REALLY expensive, climate controlled place requested the battery tender. I'm not too sure about the less expensive, not climate controlled place yet.....