well it happens i needed a new battery, from doing a little searching this is what i found to be a perfect replacement

Duralast 49-DL from Autozone cost $60, perfect fit including the vent etc. comes with 2 year free replacement warranty, and 7 year warranty (whatever that is). installed, first turn of the key, everything works, left to right on steering wheel resets abs lights of course, time to hit the road.

just in case you need a battery and want to save compared to stealership price.


it also happens to be the same exact battery that fits in my 330ci and x5, very weird indeed, 3 cars, 2 manufacturers, same battery that works and at a great price.

good luck if anyone needs a battery in the future.

 

I'm looking into a new battery as well. Could it hurt to install one with higher capacity? I found it strange that my battery was drained when I spent the afternoon working on my car audio and left my city lights on by accident. Mine's a diesel so a lot of Amps are needed for pre-glow plus starter motor...

 

I've been using Interstate battery for all of my cars ('96 MB E320, '94 Mercury Villager van, '87 Toyota Camry, '97 Nissan Maxima)... Never had any problems with Interstate battery. Check it out

 

i'm still using my good ole stocker, is the interstae or buralast battery lighter then to stock one or are they both the same weight?

 

When my battery went out I just called mercedes roadside assistance. They came to my house, I let them in the garage, and they installed another new OEM battery and took the crappy one away.

 

they do that for free if car still under warranty, and not starmark warranty but original first 4 years, after that, they charge you the cost of the battery, which could be $130-$160

 

how's the cranking ratings compare to OEM?

 

Actually they charge you more. I bought my E320 a year ago and the prior owner showed me a receipt from Mercedes for about $300 for a new battery. Major rip-off, listed stuff like troubleshoot no-start condition, reprogrammed blah blah blah

I've used Autozone Duralast batteries in all my cars for years and they've been flawless. Run about $60

 

I had to call tele-aid once in the E320 (W210). They charged me $120 for a new battery and came and installed that ***** within 30 minutes. Again, props to MBLN.

 

I use a yellow top Optima battery. Gel cell so no need for vent and it can be laid on side , upside down , what ever. Good batteries but expensive. paid 160 for it.

 

I also use the Autozone Duralast Group 49 in all my Mercedes. Good battery. The one in my diesel wagon (now sold) lasted only 5 years but they still pro-rated the warranty.

 

The "roaside" typically charges $120 -150 at your location, except in NY where they hose you. Theu usually dont do work orders unless you go to the shop where they charge for the battery and labor.

 

AFAIK, this is a lifetime benefit any MBz owner enjoys. It's a very fair deal Doesn't matter what the age of the vehicle is.

 

I just found out this after reading this thread. From the Mercedes USA website:

Throughout the life of your Mercedes-Benz, a Roadside Assistance expert is just a toll-free call away. Call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) for assistance any time you're on the road, day or night, if you have a problem related to your Mercedes-Benz.

If you ever need assistance while traveling in your Mercedes-Benz, just call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) for our 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. Our Roadside Assistance Experts know Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and they're well prepared to handle unforeseen roadside complications. And here's a reassuring fact: Every Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. - no matter how old, how many miles it's logged or how many owners it's had - qualifies for Roadside Assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Roadside Assistance repairs could involve charges for services and parts. Depending on the circumstances, an outside service may provide Roadside Assistance repairs at the discretion of Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.
Sign and Drive

"What should I do if I run out of gas? If I get a flat tire? If my battery dies?"

When you own a Mercedes-Benz, the answer is simple: don't worry. Our Roadside Assistance Program includes a free service called Sign and Drive, providing prompt relief for the three biggest headaches of the highways. We'll jump-start your run-down battery, bring you a few gallons of fuel to get you back on your way or change a flat tire using your spare, all free of charge.

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I myself would not consider a non OEM battery. I love the translucent case of German batteries. I know, it's under the seat and you can't see it much really, but still, I don't think the price should be a consideration when replacing the battery.

Cheers

 

dont be fooled, the "OEM" batteries you buy from the dealer are the exact same batteries you buy from the auto parts stores. there are only very few battery manufacturers and the get sold in different brand names. johnson controls is one of them. so feel free to spend more $$ for the identical battery that has the three-star stamped

 

The great thing was that the battery died at my office during lunch. I mean for them to come within 30 minutes, install the new battery, check the car for any errors via StarDiagnostics, and make sure everything was in working order is well worth the $120. Not to mention, I did not have to do a damn thing except push the tele aid button in my car. I still got to eat a piping hot lunch, just had the wife bring it over and got on with my day.

Again, this will vary from region to region and how the dealer who is being sent out is. But from my experience, by far the best customer service I have had.

 

Using the roadside assistance program and battery replacement offer is a very fair deal...especially if you're stranded.