Battery - choose wisely!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Battery - choose wisely!
I changed the battery on my GL450 on a preventive basis at a bit over 100k miles. I regretted doing so, because I had problems upon problems with the new battery, and its subsequent replacement. It had me convinced I was dealing with some serious standby drain issues. Heck, I left my OBD computer connected overnight; this was enough to leave me with a dead battery in the morning.
Finally, at 170K miles, I went to Interstate (people say Interstate has the highest quality around) and bought their battery. The guy at the counter looked at me funny when I told him the battery I was replacing is a Bosch: "Never seen one of those before." I swapped the batteries in the parking lot and brought the Bosch in. "Now you have." The guys gathered around it. "The one you installed is a much better battery. Look, this one isn't AGM." Sure enough, he tilted it to show me the sloshing electrolyte inside. I never thought about that aspect; I just assumed the Bosch was AGM.
So I got ripped off by Pep Boys, assuming Robert Bosch wouldn't put his name on an inferior product. I didn't pay a whole lot less for the Bosch battery than the Interstate, and endured a whole bunch of grief. Choose your battery wisely.
Finally, at 170K miles, I went to Interstate (people say Interstate has the highest quality around) and bought their battery. The guy at the counter looked at me funny when I told him the battery I was replacing is a Bosch: "Never seen one of those before." I swapped the batteries in the parking lot and brought the Bosch in. "Now you have." The guys gathered around it. "The one you installed is a much better battery. Look, this one isn't AGM." Sure enough, he tilted it to show me the sloshing electrolyte inside. I never thought about that aspect; I just assumed the Bosch was AGM.
So I got ripped off by Pep Boys, assuming Robert Bosch wouldn't put his name on an inferior product. I didn't pay a whole lot less for the Bosch battery than the Interstate, and endured a whole bunch of grief. Choose your battery wisely.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,707
Likes: 4,599
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I changed the battery on my GL450 on a preventive basis at a bit over 100k miles. I regretted doing so, because I had problems upon problems with the new battery, and its subsequent replacement. It had me convinced I was dealing with some serious standby drain issues. Heck, I left my OBD computer connected overnight; this was enough to leave me with a dead battery in the morning.
Finally, at 170K miles, I went to Interstate (people say Interstate has the highest quality around) and bought their battery. The guy at the counter looked at me funny when I told him the battery I was replacing is a Bosch: "Never seen one of those before." I swapped the batteries in the parking lot and brought the Bosch in. "Now you have." The guys gathered around it. "The one you installed is a much better battery. Look, this one isn't AGM." Sure enough, he tilted it to show me the sloshing electrolyte inside. I never thought about that aspect; I just assumed the Bosch was AGM.
So I got ripped off by Pep Boys, assuming Robert Bosch wouldn't put his name on an inferior product. I didn't pay a whole lot less for the Bosch battery than the Interstate, and endured a whole bunch of grief. Choose your battery wisely.
Finally, at 170K miles, I went to Interstate (people say Interstate has the highest quality around) and bought their battery. The guy at the counter looked at me funny when I told him the battery I was replacing is a Bosch: "Never seen one of those before." I swapped the batteries in the parking lot and brought the Bosch in. "Now you have." The guys gathered around it. "The one you installed is a much better battery. Look, this one isn't AGM." Sure enough, he tilted it to show me the sloshing electrolyte inside. I never thought about that aspect; I just assumed the Bosch was AGM.
So I got ripped off by Pep Boys, assuming Robert Bosch wouldn't put his name on an inferior product. I didn't pay a whole lot less for the Bosch battery than the Interstate, and endured a whole bunch of grief. Choose your battery wisely.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 177
Likes: 45
From: Florida
X166 GL550
Bosch has an only one AGM battery, S6 High Performance AGM and is not available at Pep Boys. I replaced the original battery of my GL on 2014 (7 years old) with the Mercedes-Benz and still running with no issues since then. Battery is already 6 years.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
The first battery removed was the MB original. I'm kicking myself for ever taking it out, because I wasn't having any problems. I replaced it with the Bosch from Pep Boys, and then replaced with another Bosch under warranty, finally replacing with the Interstate.
I've only had the Interstate in for a few days, so of course it seems fine so far. Unless Interstate has slipped, I should be good to go, as they have a reputation for highest quality.
AGM are supposed to be both long-lived and resilient. It doesn't surprise me that the OEM battery easily lasts 7 years.
The Interstate battery was $235; if I recall correctly, the Bosch I got was $175. Needless to say the savings were not worth it. I was shocked by just how badly the Bosch performed. It is difficult for me to imagine my OBD computer draining an entire battery overnight; the only thing I had chronically done was leave the OBD Bluetooth adapter plugged in.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
It's funny how multiple weaknesses in a system can confuse you. At first I thought the battery's suffering was due to my failing starter, which I believed was drawing more current. Lead-acid wet batteries really don't like to be fully drained, so doing it once pretty much puts you on the road to ruin. They then become more and more susceptible to full drainage, in a downward spiral. I guess AGM and gel batteries are much less susceptible.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 624
Likes: 202
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
Another data point. The MB battery in my 08 lasted from when I got it in 2010 until mid-2017. I don't know if it was the original or not, but it lasted for at least 7 years. I decided to take a chance on a replacement from Wal Mart (made by Johnson Controls) because it was significantly cheaper (~$130 IIRC). It died early this year so about 2.5 years of life. It may not have been AGM either, but I'm not sure. I replaced it with a MB this time around. Even though it is a pain to remove, I sure like having the battery inside the car. Not being exposed to hot underhood temps (usually) makes batteries last longer.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Another data point. The MB battery in my 08 lasted from when I got it in 2010 until mid-2017. I don't know if it was the original or not, but it lasted for at least 7 years. I decided to take a chance on a replacement from Wal Mart (made by Johnson Controls) because it was significantly cheaper (~$130 IIRC). It died early this year so about 2.5 years of life. It may not have been AGM either, but I'm not sure. I replaced it with a MB this time around. Even though it is a pain to remove, I sure like having the battery inside the car. Not being exposed to hot underhood temps (usually) makes batteries last longer.
I don't know if all AGM are created equal; I doubt there are that many manufacturers. I certainly hope Interstate is one of the better ones.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 785
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
Wow, Pep Boys sold you a lead acid battery for in-cabin mounting? That’s scary.
I have two data points on factory MB batteries: I replaced two of them at about the 12 yr mark. I’ve found nothing that comes close.
I have two data points on factory MB batteries: I replaced two of them at about the 12 yr mark. I’ve found nothing that comes close.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Keep in mind MB almost certainly does not manufacture batteries.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 785
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
true that mb doesn’t have a battery factory - but I’d like to get that exact battery again, just with a different and cheaper sticker on it.
because the battery is inside the passenger compartment, you cannot use a lead acid battery - imagine the consequences in a rollover accident..
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Even the old style snap-on caps wouldn't let acid just dump out. The caps have a liquid trap so no air is let in if you turn it upside down.
I doubt the caution is for safety as much as it is for needing the deep-cycle robustness of AGM. Could be both. dunno.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,707
Likes: 4,599
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I ran a late model VW Touareg (built in Bratislava) battery for 7 years, and it was one or two years too long. When I replaced it, the starter was struggling even in warm weather. It struggled very noticeably in cold weather.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 254
Likes: 60
From: Houston, TX
Mercedes Benz 2007 GL450 , 2012 BMW 528i
can't believe PepBoys sold you a lead acid battery as a replacement for AGM.
I replaced my GL450's battery earlier this year (about 6 months ago) due to labored starts. Old battery was MB with 5/2012 sticker on it was probably replaced earlier and went strong for about 8 years. It went through at least one total drainage when I left headlights on overnight.
I went with DieHard Platinum AGM H8 from advance auto at about $149 after $50 off with a 25% off coupon. I am hopeful it will last 5+ years. It is most likely manufactured by Johnson control.
Original MBs are mostly Exide manufactured batteries.
My 2012 BMW 5 series still has original AGM "BMW" battery at about 8 years life and still going strong.
I replaced my GL450's battery earlier this year (about 6 months ago) due to labored starts. Old battery was MB with 5/2012 sticker on it was probably replaced earlier and went strong for about 8 years. It went through at least one total drainage when I left headlights on overnight.
I went with DieHard Platinum AGM H8 from advance auto at about $149 after $50 off with a 25% off coupon. I am hopeful it will last 5+ years. It is most likely manufactured by Johnson control.
Original MBs are mostly Exide manufactured batteries.
My 2012 BMW 5 series still has original AGM "BMW" battery at about 8 years life and still going strong.
Last edited by TX07GL450; Oct 31, 2020 at 07:25 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
can't believe PepBoys sold you a lead acid battery as a replacement for AGM.
I replaced my GL450's battery earlier this year (about 6 months ago) due to labored starts. Old battery was MB with 5/2012 sticker on it was probably replaced earlier and went strong for about 8 years. It went through at least one total drainage when I left headlights on overnight.
I went with DieHard Platinum AGM H8 from advance auto at about $149 after $50 off with a 25% off coupon. I am hopeful it will last 5+ years. It is most likely manufactured by Johnson control.
Original MBs are mostly Exide manufactured batteries.
My 2012 BMW 5 series still has original AGM "BMW" battery at about 8 years life and still going strong.
I replaced my GL450's battery earlier this year (about 6 months ago) due to labored starts. Old battery was MB with 5/2012 sticker on it was probably replaced earlier and went strong for about 8 years. It went through at least one total drainage when I left headlights on overnight.
I went with DieHard Platinum AGM H8 from advance auto at about $149 after $50 off with a 25% off coupon. I am hopeful it will last 5+ years. It is most likely manufactured by Johnson control.
Original MBs are mostly Exide manufactured batteries.
My 2012 BMW 5 series still has original AGM "BMW" battery at about 8 years life and still going strong.
I did a little digging and found there are only two U.S. manufacturers of automotive batteries, Exide and Johnson Controls. Apparently Interstate gets batteries from Exide, so that kinda narrows it down. I'm sure there are AGM manufacturers overseas, but batteries are both heavy and difficult (dangerous) to transport, so I doubt there is much importing going on. There are also a couple of mfr's that cited AGM, but didn't specify automotive.
http://energy.sourceguides.com/busin...N/byName.shtml
Good job on the $150 battery. That's cheaper than what I bought from Pep Boys. Never again.
I read that one can, in fact, add distilled water to AGM batteries; they do dry out. One needs to do so carefully, and leave the battery sitting while the water diffuses through the electrolyte mat.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Pfft, it's Pep Boys. Dunno why I trusted them at all. Where I was in San Diego, there just weren't a lot of that type of automotive places, so I was stuck with what I knew of.
I did a little digging and found there are only two U.S. manufacturers of automotive batteries, Exide and Johnson Controls. Apparently Interstate gets batteries from Exide, so that kinda narrows it down. I'm sure there are AGM manufacturers overseas, but batteries are both heavy and difficult (dangerous) to transport, so I doubt there is much importing going on. There are also a couple of mfr's that cited AGM, but didn't specify automotive.
http://energy.sourceguides.com/busin...N/byName.shtml
Good job on the $150 battery. That's cheaper than what I bought from Pep Boys. Never again.
I did a little digging and found there are only two U.S. manufacturers of automotive batteries, Exide and Johnson Controls. Apparently Interstate gets batteries from Exide, so that kinda narrows it down. I'm sure there are AGM manufacturers overseas, but batteries are both heavy and difficult (dangerous) to transport, so I doubt there is much importing going on. There are also a couple of mfr's that cited AGM, but didn't specify automotive.
http://energy.sourceguides.com/busin...N/byName.shtml
Good job on the $150 battery. That's cheaper than what I bought from Pep Boys. Never again.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2009 ML350
Battery Issues - Ticking in Cabin, Holding a Charge
Thanks, everyone for your knowledge and insight on battery replacement. Own a 2009 ML350 and replaced the battery for the first time in March and have had issues keeping a charge ever since. Hope you can assist.
Replaced original Bosch with Bosch (both AGM) by my mechanic when wouldn't hold a charge. Now having problems holding a charge if the car sits for two or three days. Clicking sound (like a clock) coming from the cabin. Seems like from the speakers. After the initial exchange took back to the mechanic and said it needed a smaller auxiliary battery (?) changed at the same time but forgot. After round 2 and having the same exact problems, dropped it off for an extended stay of four days where it did not have any draining issues and no changes were made. Eight months later and the sound and inability to hold a charge still remain. If I drive daily there are no problems. But if it sits for a weekend, it barely has enough to turn it over, but it does start.
I have never heard a sound coming from a car like this. Walkout into the garage at any given moment and an audible ticking coming from the cabin. Open the door and it stops. CD changer? Analog clock? Strange. I asked my guy to exchange it as defective but he is reluctant to spend his time going through the process when the battery itself checks out. Your thoughts? I have several videos of this phenomenon.
Replaced original Bosch with Bosch (both AGM) by my mechanic when wouldn't hold a charge. Now having problems holding a charge if the car sits for two or three days. Clicking sound (like a clock) coming from the cabin. Seems like from the speakers. After the initial exchange took back to the mechanic and said it needed a smaller auxiliary battery (?) changed at the same time but forgot. After round 2 and having the same exact problems, dropped it off for an extended stay of four days where it did not have any draining issues and no changes were made. Eight months later and the sound and inability to hold a charge still remain. If I drive daily there are no problems. But if it sits for a weekend, it barely has enough to turn it over, but it does start.
I have never heard a sound coming from a car like this. Walkout into the garage at any given moment and an audible ticking coming from the cabin. Open the door and it stops. CD changer? Analog clock? Strange. I asked my guy to exchange it as defective but he is reluctant to spend his time going through the process when the battery itself checks out. Your thoughts? I have several videos of this phenomenon.
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 91
Likes: 23
From: Tucson, AZ
2021 GLC43; 2014 CLS 550/C218; 2012 E350/C207
Thanks for the info. "regular batteries" usually only last 3-4 years here in Tucson, even when cars are garaged all the time. I think my battery is going on my 2014 CLS 550, which is slated to be replaced in December with a GLC 43, to be built 11-11-20, sooo trying to have bat. last until December delivery. Haven't checked the date on the battery, starting is a little slower than normal, only 12K miles and on a trickle charge when in the garage. Looked at Champinon AGM at Pep-Boys $157 with 25% discount. Any thoughts?? looking for suggestions...
Thanks!
P.S. thinking about listing car here, like new, Lunar Blue ...
Thanks!
P.S. thinking about listing car here, like new, Lunar Blue ...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 632
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
The secondary battery is there only to actuate the transmission Park pawl in case of failure otherwise. (Correct me if I'm wrong, guys.)
So you may have been sold a non AGM battery, you may have extraordinary starter drain, and you may have standby drain that is acting overnight. In my case it was yes on #1, maybe #2, and sometimes yes #3.
Or there is something else wrong. One hates to advise throwing money at a problem, but the first thing I'd do is go to a different vendor and get a new fer-sure AGM battery installed.
