Mcfancy14

Dealer says need to consider replacing battery at cost of $1100. I realize it’s under the front seat and there are good videos on how to do it. But one video talked about programming so that the vehicle recognizes the new battery. Has anyone heard of this and/or done a battery replacement?

jtjbt20x

Yes, the battery is supposed to be coded to the vehicle.

BlueYonder

My BMW X5 had to have the battery programmed when it was changed. I guess this is becoming more common.

MBPartsHaus-Ben

Do you have the VIN for the vehicle? I could potentially look at WIS

Lucky 777

I'm pretty sure on a 350 it's just a regular AGM battery. No coding necessary. Autozone shows a few fitments, each around $250

Mcfancy14

Ugh…. No way to keep Mercedes out of our checking accts

taphil

This comes up often. There's never been proof that "coding" is a thing for MB, or even defined what coding is. It should be as simple as replacing a battery in a flash light. A standard AGM battery doesn't have any microchips or electronics to communicate with the car.

chassis

Batteries can be registered (aka “coded”) via OBD device DIY. eg iCarsoft, Autel, etc.

Skipping registration is of no consequence.

jkaetz

It's an H8 AGM battery, nothing special about these. Find the least expensive one you can and a qualified independent shop if you don't want to DIY. It is under the driver seat as you've probably gathered so it does take some work to change it. I believe the last one I bought from Amazon was $160. Figure 2-3 hours of labor for you or the shop given its location.

chassis

Surprisingly, I have found dealers (BMW and MB) price competitive with batteries, compared with retail parts shops.

Same with tires. I buy Porsche tires from the dealer. They are not far enough away in price vs tire chain stores to offset the convenience of a dealer loaner. Consider how infrequently tires are purchased compared with the price difference and convenience of a loaner. For me it's a no brainer.

Sparky66

I was quoted $820 for my 63. Same battery I assume under the seat. There is a write up in the forum on doing it. Pulling the driver seat, carpet, duct, etc. Dosen't look difficult but it appears somewhat time consuming compared to other vehicles

Pappa

For what purpose? I really don’t know.

wildta

vincheung

I know for BMW it needs to be registered/coded as there is a module that regulates charge as it ages. If not done the replacement battery gets chronically over charged, reducing the life of the battery.

I'm not aware of MB or particular models that require the same.

Pappa

Thanks!!!!

jkaetz

First guy has the wrong battery. H7 instead of H8. He should have gone back to AZ and gotten the larger battery. That said aside from a little bit of lost capacity a 12v battery is a 12v battery. Both have good info on the process though.

Ron.s

You might have the battery tested before deciding. My wifes 7 year old Audi AGM is still at 70%+. We were going to replace it because of age but at that capacity it should be good for another year or two...long before we will change vehicles. The Dealer agreed that there was no reason to change the battery yet. Even at below zero temps it has normal starting power. Audi does require registration according to several sources including the Dealer.