E430_4MATIC

The original battery in my 2000 E430 4Matic is 4 1/2 years old. While it doesn't show any signs of any problems, with colder weather around the corner in New England, I'm wondering if I should replace it as preventative maintenance.

Thoughts?

raymond g-

If you have the cash to spend, sure. You will have all but eliminated a potential cause for car not starting during the cold n flu season. But it really doesn't take more than a long several minutes to determine the health of the battery. If you have other things for the dealer or mechanic to do, just ask them to check water level, specific gravity of the spooze inside, check the alternator output, and voltage of the battery under start up load. That should take less than 15 mins.

Green E-300 DT

The kids '97 E-420 bought new by them in October '97 is still on its original battery as is our '99 E-300DT built in October, '98.

I know that's hard to believe, for I've never had an original battery last nearly that long.

Things have changed when compared to the German batteries of the 70s and 80s which wouldn't even go three years.

Perhaps ours was changed before we bought it about 14 months ago, but if it was changed, the original battery must have been replaced with another that appears to be exactly the same.

My motto is: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

sosh

Battery life is usually 2 to 6 years, 5 being the average. If you care to avoid a hassle, be proactive and replace. Its called preventative maintenence.

ima55r2

Just had MB emergency roadside service replace the 2nd ML battery in my driveway. No warning with dim lights or hard starts...just dead. Call them if you are getting a new one...it was a no hassle experience.

jaman

I would recommend that you replace the battery. I had OEM battery in my 99 e430 and it just died two days ago with no warning at all. Went to Autozone and purchased a Durablast battery for $65.

Cognachai

My Dec. 1997 E300TD was sold last month 'with the benefit of' (as they say) its original battery and just over 100K miles. OK, I don't live in a very cold area but we have below zero temperatures each winter. I was amazed - never had a battery last that long.

George Simpson
Cognac
2000 W220L
1968 Mini Moke
1990 500SL

Dema

Is it possible to charge battery? I know it can be wrong forum, but since we started the discussion. I have a car I didn't drive for 3 years, so should I try to charge its battery or do not waste time and buy a new one?

why_not

3 years is a long time..
I dont see why you shoudent try to charge it first.

kort677

if it ain't broke why fix it? the battery in my '95 e 300 d lasted almost 9 years, when it went MB came and changed it in my garage