Is 5 1/2 years old time to change the Varta battery? Engine tries to turn over every
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 (W212)
Is 5 1/2 years old time to change the Varta battery? Engine tries to turn over every
This has happened to me a couple of times in the last week and so far I'll try to start the engine and instead of turning over once and starting it keeps turning over every second like its on a repeated type of cycle.
I thought maybe the computer was a little off so I got out of the car turned everything off shut the doors locked the doors unlocked the doors then got back in and tried it and it started no problem.
Yesterday I stopped for 10 minutes to check out a condo and came back to my car and it would not start it was doing the same thing all over again every 1 second trying to turn over. But I manage to jump it with one of those tiny little hand held power boosters that I have It is the size of a small paperback book.
Anyway I'm going to replace the battery today from auto zone as I noticed that the date code on it says 23rd week of 2013 which makes it 5 and a 1/2 years old. I have never had any car battery ever last me more than 3 years down here in Florida but was unsure about the age of life expectancy for Varta batteries.
Anyway I have 2 questions for all of you 1st question is is this normal life expectancy for these batteries? Also I cannot find my battery anywhere at Sam's club , Costco, or Walmart or even optima on their website says there is not a battery available from my car or even my daughter's C class was just blows my mind because these are 2 very common cars on the road.
So what is so special about these cars and this battery that hardly anyone else seems to have one?
Mercedes wants $350 for it only 2 year warranty but I think I'm going to take the $190 route from Autozone.
I thought maybe the computer was a little off so I got out of the car turned everything off shut the doors locked the doors unlocked the doors then got back in and tried it and it started no problem.
Yesterday I stopped for 10 minutes to check out a condo and came back to my car and it would not start it was doing the same thing all over again every 1 second trying to turn over. But I manage to jump it with one of those tiny little hand held power boosters that I have It is the size of a small paperback book.
Anyway I'm going to replace the battery today from auto zone as I noticed that the date code on it says 23rd week of 2013 which makes it 5 and a 1/2 years old. I have never had any car battery ever last me more than 3 years down here in Florida but was unsure about the age of life expectancy for Varta batteries.
Anyway I have 2 questions for all of you 1st question is is this normal life expectancy for these batteries? Also I cannot find my battery anywhere at Sam's club , Costco, or Walmart or even optima on their website says there is not a battery available from my car or even my daughter's C class was just blows my mind because these are 2 very common cars on the road.
So what is so special about these cars and this battery that hardly anyone else seems to have one?
Mercedes wants $350 for it only 2 year warranty but I think I'm going to take the $190 route from Autozone.
Last edited by Jeff Ostroff; Dec 12, 2018 at 12:43 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
This has happened to me a couple of times in the last week and so far I'll try to start the engine and instead of turning over once and starting it keeps turning over every second like its on a repeated type of cycle.
I thought maybe the computer was a little off so I got out of the car turned everything off shut the doors locked the doors unlocked the doors then got back in and tried it and it started no problem.
Yesterday I stopped for 10 minutes to check out a condo and came back to my car and it would not start it was doing the same thing all over again every 1 second trying to turn over. But I manage to jump it with one of those tiny little hand held power boosters that I have It is the size of a small paperback book.
Anyway I'm going to replace the battery today from auto zone as I noticed that the date code on it says 23rd week of 2013 which makes it 5 and a 1/2 years old. I have never had any car battery ever last me more than 3 years down here in Florida but was unsure about the age of life expectancy for Varta batteries.
Anyway I have 2 questions for all of you 1st question is is this normal life expectancy for these batteries? Also I cannot find my battery anywhere at Sam's club , Costco, or Walmart or even optima on their website says there is not a battery available from my car or even my daughter's C class was just blows my mind because these are 2 very common cars on the road.
So what is so special about these cars and this battery that hardly anyone else seems to have one?
Mercedes wants $350 for it only 2 year warranty but I think I'm going to take the $190 route from Autozone.
I thought maybe the computer was a little off so I got out of the car turned everything off shut the doors locked the doors unlocked the doors then got back in and tried it and it started no problem.
Yesterday I stopped for 10 minutes to check out a condo and came back to my car and it would not start it was doing the same thing all over again every 1 second trying to turn over. But I manage to jump it with one of those tiny little hand held power boosters that I have It is the size of a small paperback book.
Anyway I'm going to replace the battery today from auto zone as I noticed that the date code on it says 23rd week of 2013 which makes it 5 and a 1/2 years old. I have never had any car battery ever last me more than 3 years down here in Florida but was unsure about the age of life expectancy for Varta batteries.
Anyway I have 2 questions for all of you 1st question is is this normal life expectancy for these batteries? Also I cannot find my battery anywhere at Sam's club , Costco, or Walmart or even optima on their website says there is not a battery available from my car or even my daughter's C class was just blows my mind because these are 2 very common cars on the road.
So what is so special about these cars and this battery that hardly anyone else seems to have one?
Mercedes wants $350 for it only 2 year warranty but I think I'm going to take the $190 route from Autozone.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,243
Likes: 932
From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
battery life is usually the free replacement warranty period and maybe a little bit more.
Anything longer is possible but ya never know.
Have battery tested first by auto zone then replace if bad as could be something else.
Anything longer is possible but ya never know.
Have battery tested first by auto zone then replace if bad as could be something else.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
While the coupon works on the battery, it's still cheaper at Autozone, Advance Auto or Pepboys. It's an AGM battery so yeah, Costco, Walmart and Sam's don't carry the AGM, but they carry the regular battery. The AGM is supposed to last longer. It's more like the charging algorithm is less generous to the battery these days. The AGM battery in my 2008 is still OEM and it's over 11 years old at this point. The one in my W212 was already replaced when I bought it. Check retailmenot.com, they usually have coupon codes for Autozone which is normally 20% off and Advance has 25% off, Pepboys is about 25% now. I'd consider the Pepboys one if there's one near you. They have a 4 year warranty, Advance and Autozone is only 3 years. Pepboys is slightly more though.
Or just go to the dealer, load up on snacks and get a free car wash while they do everything. All those places you'd have to install the battery yourself. Several of them use to install for free, but I guess there were too many screw ups with Mercedes so now they either charge extra or won't do it on an MB.
Or just go to the dealer, load up on snacks and get a free car wash while they do everything. All those places you'd have to install the battery yourself. Several of them use to install for free, but I guess there were too many screw ups with Mercedes so now they either charge extra or won't do it on an MB.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Good recommendation My dealer told me mine was bad 6 months ago and I went to Advanced Auto and they tested it was good.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
While the coupon works on the battery, it's still cheaper at Autozone, Advance Auto or Pepboys. It's an AGM battery so yeah, Costco, Walmart and Sam's don't carry the AGM, but they carry the regular battery. The AGM is supposed to last longer. It's more like the charging algorithm is less generous to the battery these days. The AGM battery in my 2008 is still OEM and it's over 11 years old at this point. The one in my W212 was already replaced when I bought it. Check retailmenot.com, they usually have coupon codes for Autozone which is normally 20% off and Advance has 25% off, Pepboys is about 25% now. I'd consider the Pepboys one if there's one near you. They have a 4 year warranty, Advance and Autozone is only 3 years. Pepboys is slightly more though.
Or just go to the dealer, load up on snacks and get a free car wash while they do everything. All those places you'd have to install the battery yourself. Several of them use to install for free, but I guess there were too many screw ups with Mercedes so now they either charge extra or won't do it on an MB.
Or just go to the dealer, load up on snacks and get a free car wash while they do everything. All those places you'd have to install the battery yourself. Several of them use to install for free, but I guess there were too many screw ups with Mercedes so now they either charge extra or won't do it on an MB.
The Pep Boys Bosch AGM battery was as much as the dealers installed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Yeah, not worth the install price. I've done mine a few times just to take it out and charge it up. Those batteries are heavy, but if you're able, it's not a big deal to install yourself. It's pretty simple to install, only way to screw it up is to install it backwards or disconnect the positive first instead of the negative. Always disconnect negative first and connect it last.
The $150 off $300 makes it competitive with the dealer, otherwise the dealer is normally the most expensive.
The $150 off $300 makes it competitive with the dealer, otherwise the dealer is normally the most expensive.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 130
Likes: 18
'11 E350 4Matic Sport
I would go genuine MB if possible - they install some ridiculously quality batteries from the factory. The original on my '09 C300 lasted 9 years before it needed replacement, when I replaced it the aftermarkets at Autozone or Pep Boys were not much cheaper than OEM so I just went with another OEM.
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 695
From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
I would go genuine MB if possible - they install some ridiculously quality batteries from the factory. The original on my '09 C300 lasted 9 years before it needed replacement, when I replaced it the aftermarkets at Autozone or Pep Boys were not much cheaper than OEM so I just went with another OEM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
My vehicle was garage kept with about 9.000 miles at 4years and that is all I got out of both OEM batteries. They both were gone. Got replacement from pep boys and they are Guaranteed longer than the OEM battery from Dealer. I installed myself and it took about 15 minutes. Dealer wanted over a hundred to install because he said you had to keep it charged while switching out the battery. That was bull. Took battery out then drove to pep boys and drove back with new battery and installed. Never lost any data. Just a gimmick for dealer to justify the price they charge.
As for the types, the Varta OEM battery is Johnson controls and batteries from Autozone and Advance Auto are also Johnson Control batteries. I believe Pepboys carry both, the Bosch is Exide and the Champion is Johnson Controls. Exide had to file for bankruptcy a few years back as Walmart dumped them as their supplier.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
W212 is having so-called "smart charge system" what suppose to save fuel.
I drive lately with DPF gauge and as side monitor voltage and don't see anything smart about it. After morning start it charges at 14.5V, what is killing voltage, only later in the drive to switch to 13.6 or plain battery power at will.
So no-so-smart charging is killing the batteries. I did not see them lasting longer than 4 years in those cars. Than again, if you save fuel this way, maybe it makes sense.
The only data you lose by disconnecting the battery is window/sunroof synchronization and time zone on your command center.
I just did that couple days ago and car learn the time somehow, GPS ? But was 1 hr off as time zone was wrong.
I drive lately with DPF gauge and as side monitor voltage and don't see anything smart about it. After morning start it charges at 14.5V, what is killing voltage, only later in the drive to switch to 13.6 or plain battery power at will.
So no-so-smart charging is killing the batteries. I did not see them lasting longer than 4 years in those cars. Than again, if you save fuel this way, maybe it makes sense.
The only data you lose by disconnecting the battery is window/sunroof synchronization and time zone on your command center.
I just did that couple days ago and car learn the time somehow, GPS ? But was 1 hr off as time zone was wrong.
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 130
Likes: 18
'11 E350 4Matic Sport
I heard all the horror tales of what it took to change a MB battery when I did it myself on my W204 C300.......I didn't have to reprogram the stops on the auto-open/close windows or sunroof at all and everything worked just fine after the replacement. The hardest part of the whole operation was lifting that massive battery in and out without banging up the bodywork, it is large and heavy AF compared to the seemingly minuscule Toyota or Honda batteries.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 6,397
Likes: 695
From: Northwest Illinois
2014 E350 also restored: 1969 Camaro convertible SS 1957 Chevy Belair 2dr hardtop
W212 is having so-called "smart charge system" what suppose to save fuel.
I drive lately with DPF gauge and as side monitor voltage and don't see anything smart about it. After morning start it charges at 14.5V, what is killing voltage, only later in the drive to switch to 13.6 or plain battery power at will.
So no-so-smart charging is killing the batteries. I did not see them lasting longer than 4 years in those cars. Than again, if you save fuel this way, maybe it makes sense.
The only data you lose by disconnecting the battery is window/sunroof synchronization and time zone on your command center.
I just did that couple days ago and car learn the time somehow, GPS ? But was 1 hr off as time zone was wrong.
I drive lately with DPF gauge and as side monitor voltage and don't see anything smart about it. After morning start it charges at 14.5V, what is killing voltage, only later in the drive to switch to 13.6 or plain battery power at will.
So no-so-smart charging is killing the batteries. I did not see them lasting longer than 4 years in those cars. Than again, if you save fuel this way, maybe it makes sense.
The only data you lose by disconnecting the battery is window/sunroof synchronization and time zone on your command center.
I just did that couple days ago and car learn the time somehow, GPS ? But was 1 hr off as time zone was wrong.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
it is 2014.
Thinking back about it, I am not sure about windows synchronization. For me window synchronization is something done automatically, when I drive, so don't even pay attention.
Had W210 where I was using sunroof twice a year and each time it required synchronization for some reasons. But those are the things that don't stop you from driving.
Thinking back about it, I am not sure about windows synchronization. For me window synchronization is something done automatically, when I drive, so don't even pay attention.
Had W210 where I was using sunroof twice a year and each time it required synchronization for some reasons. But those are the things that don't stop you from driving.
