View Poll Results: Has anyone had this same type of problem?
Voters: 32. You may not vote on this poll
48-volt battery
#51
MBWorld Fanatic!
The discussion is mainly about defective batteries. You can't jump-start the engine. You can charge the 48V battery, if it's not defective, via the 12V circuit. But I'm talking about the defective battery case that started this thread. If your 12V battery has a dead cell you can get a jump-start and drive to the shop. That's not possible with a bad 48V battery. It's a reasonable concern.
#52
Junior Member
It still seems that the biggest issue with all of these 48V systems is the starter. If the 48V circuit fails for any reason, including a battery defect, you can't start the car. Having a belt-driven water pump won't help. It's only of use in the rare circumstance that the car is running when the battery dies. Yes, you might be able to drive it to a shop. But with no way to jump-start a 48V starter (which all these systems use), you're not going anywhere. It would seem a safe and standard way to jump-start a 48V car is the missing technological piece.
Last edited by MikeFLA; 12-23-2020 at 02:38 PM.
#53
According to the dealer, my GLE 450 is scheduled to be built in the 3rd something of January "Decade Scheduled: 21/01-3" as of 12-7-2020. It's a fairly basic build with premium package and driver assist package plus some smaller options.
Are these battery defects so new that it will affect my build? I read on this forum that batteries for cars already sold (that are defective) will be available in January, but I wonder if that was for the parts supply or the manufacture supply chain?
I'm looking forward to getting my car on time, but I also hope it does not have defects. This 48 volt problem seems to be a big issue.
Some of you made comparisons to the 48 volt system in BMW & Audi as far as being able to operate in case of a battery failure. Does anyone know how a Cayenne would act if the 48 volt battery went dead or failed?
Are these battery defects so new that it will affect my build? I read on this forum that batteries for cars already sold (that are defective) will be available in January, but I wonder if that was for the parts supply or the manufacture supply chain?
I'm looking forward to getting my car on time, but I also hope it does not have defects. This 48 volt problem seems to be a big issue.
Some of you made comparisons to the 48 volt system in BMW & Audi as far as being able to operate in case of a battery failure. Does anyone know how a Cayenne would act if the 48 volt battery went dead or failed?
#54
Junior Member
According to the dealer, my GLE 450 is scheduled to be built in the 3rd something of January "Decade Scheduled: 21/01-3" as of 12-7-2020. It's a fairly basic build with premium package and driver assist package plus some smaller options.
Are these battery defects so new that it will affect my build? I read on this forum that batteries for cars already sold (that are defective) will be available in January, but I wonder if that was for the parts supply or the manufacture supply chain?
I'm looking forward to getting my car on time, but I also hope it does not have defects. This 48 volt problem seems to be a big issue.
Some of you made comparisons to the 48 volt system in BMW & Audi as far as being able to operate in case of a battery failure. Does anyone know how a Cayenne would act if the 48 volt battery went dead or failed?
Are these battery defects so new that it will affect my build? I read on this forum that batteries for cars already sold (that are defective) will be available in January, but I wonder if that was for the parts supply or the manufacture supply chain?
I'm looking forward to getting my car on time, but I also hope it does not have defects. This 48 volt problem seems to be a big issue.
Some of you made comparisons to the 48 volt system in BMW & Audi as far as being able to operate in case of a battery failure. Does anyone know how a Cayenne would act if the 48 volt battery went dead or failed?
#55
Senior Member
Correct... That's exactly what I got. A defective 48V battery. Thus the car is dead for over a month waiting for a shipment of batteries.
#56
#58
Junior Member
Yes, for me a GLC 300. Not bad, but nothing I would ever purchase. Certainly NOT anywhere near the E class. Been with the loaner almost a month now. They still say the batteries are back ordered in Germany. Hopefully I'll get it back in January. More than anything I HOPE they found a fix to all these 48 volt battery and system problems.
Last edited by MikeFLA; 12-23-2020 at 04:57 PM.
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MikeFLA (12-23-2020)
#60
Yes, for me a GLC 300. Not bad, but nothing I would ever purchase. Certainly NOT anywhere near the E class. Been with the loaner almost a month now. They still say the batteries are back ordered in Germany. Hopefully I'll get it back in January. More than anything I HOPE they found a fix to all these 48 volt battery and system problems.
#61
Junior Member
#62
Junior Member
Thanks, I would have expected them to provide a loaner, and it's good they did. We are currently making do with one car, but it's kind of a hassle, so if our GLE ever comes (build date November 19, still not delivered) and has this issue, we will take the loaner. By any chance did either of you ask them to extend the original warranty by the amount of time the vehicle is out of service? If you expect to run through the warranty with mileage and not time this wouldn't be a consideration, but if not it would be a question I would be asking them.
#63
While it is true wiring weight is saved, I seriously doubt it offsets the weight of the extra battery. Of course there are many other advantages which have been cited - elimination of belts, a seamless start/stop system, ability to run accessories like AC while engine is off, fuel economy, etc.
#64
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
You are mixing the automotive industry move to 48 volt systems with the soft hybrid system in Mercedes. I was addressing the former. Electrical distribution wiring design in an automobile is no small task. If I can come across the articles that discuss this I will post the links. It is very interesting reading and not very technical in nature.
#65
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
One of the biggest drivers for a move to 48 volt systems is the weight savings. As the ever increasing amount of electrified technology went into vehicles the load on 12 volt systems grew exponentially, requiring more, and larger conductor size, copper wire. Moving to 48 volts reduces the amount of wire and the conductor size making those wiring harnesses smaller and easier to design and install. The reduced current also results in reduced heat.
While it is true wiring weight is saved, I seriously doubt it offsets the weight of the extra battery. Of course there are many other advantages which have been cited - elimination of belts, a seamless start/stop system, ability to run accessories like AC while engine is off, fuel economy, etc.
You are mixing the automotive industry move to 48 volt systems with the soft hybrid system in Mercedes. I was addressing the former. Electrical distribution wiring design in an automobile is no small task. If I can come across the articles that discuss this I will post the links. It is very interesting reading and not very technical in nature.
The contribution of the 48v system goes beyond weight-savings, which is substantial. In addition to copper and connectors, you cannot ignore the weight savings made by eliminating the front drive pulleys and the entire nose of the engine. Nor the friction losses due to belt hysteresis, insertion losses etc. - plus the inertial costs of spinning a bunch of mass in the pulley systems.
It will be quite a while (if ever) before an entire auto is 48v. The legacy window lifts, door locks, entertainment, NAV systems, lighting, and other such low-draw bits will be around long after full-electric drive trains are "normal." 12V supplies will continue, although 12v storage batteries may be replaced by other things currently under development or yet unimagined.
The M-B 48v system is clever, and uses such things as a same-axis turbo impeller "supercharger" in the AMG version, smart water pumps, and other things that @GregW / Oregon mentions. I believe M-B also heats the catalytic converter (with 48v), as well as having a more optimal Cat placement due to the straight six engine - resulting in better/more efficient emission control.
So the M-B system reduces weight, while increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Addressing one aspect of the entire package (weight of electrical components in this case), while an important piece, can cause us to forget the strong contribution M-B has made to keeping the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) alive.
My hope would be that these advances allow the ICE to survive until the Regulators and the Media come to their senses and realize just how polluting, and destructive of our Planet full-electric transportation really is. And allow the best solutions to thrive in the future, without Politics.
#66
My hope would be that these advances allow the ICE to survive until the Regulators and the Media come to their senses and realize just how polluting, and destructive of our Planet full-electric transportation really is. And allow the best solutions to thrive in the future, without Politics.
The conversion to 48 volts has evolved over time. Diamler lead the consortium that developed the standards for the move from 12 volt systems. The new system was to be a 42 volt system! In time the emphasis of mild hybrid evolved. Here is an article that is fun reading about all of this. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a2198/4226979/
#67
Same issue
The 48v battery went dead after 230 miles on my new ‘21 GLE450. Could not be jumped and had to be towed. No replacement batteries in the US. My SUV remains at the dealership awaiting a new battery from Germany due 1.11.2021. Unbelievable. That will have my vehicle out of use for >30 days. So frustrating that Mercedes can do no better - roadside support and customer care ends after the tow truck arrives.
#68
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Does anybody have a picture of the 48V battery?
I Know that @Freddythedoc posted a YouTube video of his full hybrid version (not U.S.) at https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-v167/802398-mercedes-gle-350-de-lithium-battery-package.html
What is the form factor of the 48v battery in these mild hybrids?
Advanced Lithium batteries have several fail-safe mechanisms built in, to avoid damage to the battery or worse.
I wonder what failure mode may be involved in the "defective battery" problem we are talking about. Anybody know?
I Know that @Freddythedoc posted a YouTube video of his full hybrid version (not U.S.) at https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-v167/802398-mercedes-gle-350-de-lithium-battery-package.html
What is the form factor of the 48v battery in these mild hybrids?
Advanced Lithium batteries have several fail-safe mechanisms built in, to avoid damage to the battery or worse.
I wonder what failure mode may be involved in the "defective battery" problem we are talking about. Anybody know?
#70
Junior Member
Does anybody have a picture of the 48V battery?
I Know that @Freddythedoc posted a YouTube video of his full hybrid version (not U.S.) at https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-v167/802398-mercedes-gle-350-de-lithium-battery-package.html
What is the form factor of the 48v battery in these mild hybrids?
Advanced Lithium batteries have several fail-safe mechanisms built in, to avoid damage to the battery or worse.
I wonder what failure mode may be involved in the "defective battery" problem we are talking about. Anybody know?
I Know that @Freddythedoc posted a YouTube video of his full hybrid version (not U.S.) at https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-v167/802398-mercedes-gle-350-de-lithium-battery-package.html
What is the form factor of the 48v battery in these mild hybrids?
Advanced Lithium batteries have several fail-safe mechanisms built in, to avoid damage to the battery or worse.
I wonder what failure mode may be involved in the "defective battery" problem we are talking about. Anybody know?
#71
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2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Getting a picture would probably require removing the rear seats and a panel since it’s located on rear passenger side. I think Greg posted a factory drawing last year showing the location. We need someone with the Factory Service Manual to post up.
Doubt Mercedes is shipping more bad batteries just for Lability reasons if not for cost and goodwill. Probably a big reason so many orders were held up recently and other orders pushed back... IMO.
Doubt Mercedes is shipping more bad batteries just for Lability reasons if not for cost and goodwill. Probably a big reason so many orders were held up recently and other orders pushed back... IMO.
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MikeFLA (12-25-2020)
#72
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Let's hope it was just a bad batch of batteries, not a flawed design.
I vote for a bad batch, combined with Supply constraints.
I vote for a bad batch, combined with Supply constraints.
#73
Senior Member
48 Volt Compensation from Mercedes Corporate
Did anybody ask for and receive any compensation from MB Corporate for being without you car for over a month? If so , what did they offer?
#75
Junior Member
I think i had the same issues with the battery and the situation is not handled well by the dealer and Mercedes.
Collected the car since July 2020. Car production was in January 2020.
Since collection issues face:
1. Aircon emitting hot air. Usually set to 22 Degree Celsius. Suddenly when start a new journey the aircon blow hot air and i have to adjust to 17 Degree C below. This happen 3 times before major breakdown happen.
2. Rattling chairs noise from day 1.
3. Driver screen black out while driving but it goes back to normal the next day. 1x.
13th December is the major issue that happen, i was in a mall for dinner and when i collect my car in the car park, i saw my headlight was turned on.
i cannot start the car as the dash board showing multiple error and battery indicator. Call for for assistant but nothing can be done.
They tow back the car to the dealer and 2 days later and called me, they dont know what happened but they manage to reset it and it works now and there should not be an issue.
They claim they upgraded the software but when i check its the same version. To make the matter worst few days later my aircon start blowing hot air again.
I dont accept their explanation as i believe there is a strong issues within the car itself and paying close to US$280K for GLE450 here in the country i have every right to know what's going on.
I make a big complain to the dealer and Mercedes and the feeling i get this is not a big problem and probably not their problem.
I manage to record a video on the aircon issues as usually it will get back to normal after 1-2 days.
i have given them deadline till 29th December 2020 to give me a solution to my aircon issue and i dont accept the reason for the car to be suddenly dead.
If there are battery damage or parts damage i feel more assured rather than resetting the car and hoping it wont happen again.
Anyway the dealer has not come back to me with a solution or simple effort to resolve this except a call and explain they are looking into it and Mercedes send me an email:
"We're glad to hear from our dealership that their representative has contacted you pertaining to this matter.We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that we will continue to offer our assistance whenever arises and thank you for your forbearance.
We wish you a happy and safe driving with Mercedes-Benz."
What a crap....
2021 .......... i am going to kick their ***.
Collected the car since July 2020. Car production was in January 2020.
Since collection issues face:
1. Aircon emitting hot air. Usually set to 22 Degree Celsius. Suddenly when start a new journey the aircon blow hot air and i have to adjust to 17 Degree C below. This happen 3 times before major breakdown happen.
2. Rattling chairs noise from day 1.
3. Driver screen black out while driving but it goes back to normal the next day. 1x.
13th December is the major issue that happen, i was in a mall for dinner and when i collect my car in the car park, i saw my headlight was turned on.
i cannot start the car as the dash board showing multiple error and battery indicator. Call for for assistant but nothing can be done.
They tow back the car to the dealer and 2 days later and called me, they dont know what happened but they manage to reset it and it works now and there should not be an issue.
They claim they upgraded the software but when i check its the same version. To make the matter worst few days later my aircon start blowing hot air again.
I dont accept their explanation as i believe there is a strong issues within the car itself and paying close to US$280K for GLE450 here in the country i have every right to know what's going on.
I make a big complain to the dealer and Mercedes and the feeling i get this is not a big problem and probably not their problem.
I manage to record a video on the aircon issues as usually it will get back to normal after 1-2 days.
i have given them deadline till 29th December 2020 to give me a solution to my aircon issue and i dont accept the reason for the car to be suddenly dead.
If there are battery damage or parts damage i feel more assured rather than resetting the car and hoping it wont happen again.
Anyway the dealer has not come back to me with a solution or simple effort to resolve this except a call and explain they are looking into it and Mercedes send me an email:
"We're glad to hear from our dealership that their representative has contacted you pertaining to this matter.We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that we will continue to offer our assistance whenever arises and thank you for your forbearance.
We wish you a happy and safe driving with Mercedes-Benz."
What a crap....
2021 .......... i am going to kick their ***.