Questions about changing the battery
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
1998 E320
Questions about changing the battery
Hi,
A few days ago my '98 E320 refused to start. I could guess that it had to do with the battery because the lights were really dim. This happened at home and I have another car so I didn't worry too much about it, and last night I charged it through an electrical charger. This morning I started it, and it started up fine but after work it behaved the same as few days before, but it started. So, I took the car to the local Napa auto parts store and got the battery checked out. Their tester measured the battery at 432 CCA and 12.95V, and the NAPA person said that their system recommends a new battery that does 690 CCA. So, given that context I have some questions.
Thanks!
A few days ago my '98 E320 refused to start. I could guess that it had to do with the battery because the lights were really dim. This happened at home and I have another car so I didn't worry too much about it, and last night I charged it through an electrical charger. This morning I started it, and it started up fine but after work it behaved the same as few days before, but it started. So, I took the car to the local Napa auto parts store and got the battery checked out. Their tester measured the battery at 432 CCA and 12.95V, and the NAPA person said that their system recommends a new battery that does 690 CCA. So, given that context I have some questions.
- Given the difference in CCA I am assuming that the battery does need to be changed. Are there are other factors that affect CCA?
- The person at Napa suggested an Exide battery which costs $101.99+tax. Is this a good suggestion or are there better options?
- Looking underneath the back seat it seems that the battery might be fairly easy to change but all the wires connected to one terminal are what make me a little nervous. Is it easy to change the battery assuming that I have the codes for the radio? I have changed the spark plugs before but never attempted a battery change.
- I have noticed posts on this forum that suggest going with the Mercedes roadside assistance and letting them change it. Would you suggest doing that?
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
JLB Are you
insane?Mercedes battery,are you one one of the people that lets the dealer install a 880 buck mass air sensor?Exide,sams club,shop around.79-89 bucks just make sure it is the right class battery,with the vent tube.Look at gregs210 post on benzworld.org w210 section about batteries.Road side will run you at min 150 or more,if you can do spark plugs on the benz,changing the battery could be done in your sleep.Greg even has the plan for a nine volt battery hook up,so you dont lose the radio codes and window sync.
get er done
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
get er done
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
1998 E320
Thanks for the info, ohlord. Luckily I have a Sams club in town and I have a membership so I will be checking that out today. For other people thinking about changing batteries here is the link to the post by gregs210.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Going the Mercedes roadside assistance gives you the comfort of not having to go anywhere, they come to the car wherever it is and you only buy the battery oem, that belongs in there ,the road call and labor is free.
It's all a personal preference which route you go.
It's all a personal preference which route you go.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
1998 E320
I guess I am going to still at least check out how much it costs at the local Sams club. If it's close to $100 then I might just go with the MB roadside service. I don't think Sams Club will have a database of which batteries fit which car so what type of battery should I specifically ask for?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
1998 E320
Group 48 or 49?
Does anyone know which group battery does a 1998 E320 (non-4MATIC) take? Based on the size the OEM one in there seems like a group 49 but so far I have only seen references to group 48 on the net. Any ideas?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Portland Oregon
1998 E430
if you get a aftermarket battery make sure you get one with screw in maintenance caps instead of the snap in covers. original MB batteries are designed to be inside the cabin of your car in case of a accident. suppose to even be upside down without leaking battery fluid. that's why I paid the extra and got OEM.
