Battery life?
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Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 13
From: Six Mile, SC
2018 SL450
Battery life?
If it ain't broke, as they say.....
Nevertheless, I thought I would ask about battery life. My GLK entered into service on 12/23/13, which means I've had it almost 7.5 years now. Odometer reads 95K miles. It's still got the original battery, which has never needed a boost.
Should I replace it prophylactically at the next service (likely in August or so, 100K miles)? Am I playing Russian roulette with the current battery?
Nevertheless, I thought I would ask about battery life. My GLK entered into service on 12/23/13, which means I've had it almost 7.5 years now. Odometer reads 95K miles. It's still got the original battery, which has never needed a boost.
Should I replace it prophylactically at the next service (likely in August or so, 100K miles)? Am I playing Russian roulette with the current battery?
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Joined: Sep 2015
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2013 glk 350
An old battery gets weak, the voltage and reserve continues to drop. My 13 with 60000 was tripping a power amp to fail when I’d start it, I’d have to pull and replace the fuse all the time. An old battery can damage your cars computers from low voltage. It’s a risk at that age and miles to even think of keeping it. At least take it for a free test at most any auto parts store. But from my experience at that age I’d say get a new AGM battery.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 499
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From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
I'd say keep on going with your original battery. You'll get warnings that it's starting to weaken. You're in SC so it doesn't get very cold in winter but that is when symptoms would start to show up.
Government mandated reductions in lead content mean that new batteries do not last as long as the old ones did. "They don't make them like they used to" is true in this case.
As suggested, getting it tested wouldn't be a bad idea.
Government mandated reductions in lead content mean that new batteries do not last as long as the old ones did. "They don't make them like they used to" is true in this case.
As suggested, getting it tested wouldn't be a bad idea.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 422
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From: South East US.
2015 GLK350
The battery is 7-8 years old now so it is end of life. You can replace it now and control the circumstances or you can wait for failures and have the circumstance control your actions.
About a year ago my 2015 was starting and running fine, but the eco start/stop function would take longer and longer to function after starting the car. Eventually the eco button would not even light up, but still no alerts on the dash. This February I decided to proactively replace the battery and I immediately noticed a faster cranking speed and the eco function operated normally immediately without having to wait for the battery to charge.
I chose a NAPA premium AGM because they are a nationwide chain and in my experience their parts/service are better than the other chains, and I didn't want to pay the dealer premium for a commodity item.
About a year ago my 2015 was starting and running fine, but the eco start/stop function would take longer and longer to function after starting the car. Eventually the eco button would not even light up, but still no alerts on the dash. This February I decided to proactively replace the battery and I immediately noticed a faster cranking speed and the eco function operated normally immediately without having to wait for the battery to charge.
I chose a NAPA premium AGM because they are a nationwide chain and in my experience their parts/service are better than the other chains, and I didn't want to pay the dealer premium for a commodity item.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
Replace both main battery and Aux now. My 2013 ML made it 9.5 years then just wouldnt start one day. No warning lights beforehand. Luckily I was anticipating it, so I was prepared. Pretty straight forward replacements using some youtube videos. I stayed OEM because of the length first one lasted, and the main battery was only $20 more than aftermarket, and Aux was like $5 more. Save about $300 in labor and do it yourself. Remember, AGM battery for main, NOT lead acid.
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Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,971
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Here's the battery history for my GLK:
Build date 2/27/2014
First registered end of March 2014.
Battery replaced end of January, 2018 with an MB battery, made in Germany.
Failed to start at -15 F middle of January, 2022.
Battery replaced end of January, 2022
So, pretty close to exactly 4 years each.
Build date 2/27/2014
First registered end of March 2014.
Battery replaced end of January, 2018 with an MB battery, made in Germany.
Failed to start at -15 F middle of January, 2022.
Battery replaced end of January, 2022
So, pretty close to exactly 4 years each.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
FYI: for those who want to DIY. I followed this youtube video. It really was that easy... except you will need 2 ppl to help lift out/in the battery because it's in the corner
OEM battery from dealer was $260. Needed a 10" 3/8 extension rod to reach the bolts. Note to remove the negative first and be careful not to short
dealer wanted $500 for the replacement, even a local indy wanted $400. its crazy
OEM battery from dealer was $260. Needed a 10" 3/8 extension rod to reach the bolts. Note to remove the negative first and be careful not to short
dealer wanted $500 for the replacement, even a local indy wanted $400. its crazy
Last edited by bugelrex; Feb 6, 2022 at 08:46 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,971
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Seriously? I'm almost 72, a couch potato for the most part, and I did it by my self, and that was before I figured out how to get the hood vertical!
I paid $260 for an Odyssey battery from FCP Euro. Hopefully it'll last more than 4 years, but even if it doesn't, they offer a lifetime warranty. Don't know if I'll be able to lift it 4 years from now, though...
I paid $260 for an Odyssey battery from FCP Euro. Hopefully it'll last more than 4 years, but even if it doesn't, they offer a lifetime warranty. Don't know if I'll be able to lift it 4 years from now, though...
Last edited by John CC; Feb 6, 2022 at 08:49 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
Seriously? I'm almost 72, a couch potato for the most part, and I did it by my self, and that was before I figured out how to get the hood vertical!
I paid $260 for an Odyssey battery from FCP Euro. Hopefully it'll last more than 4 years, but even if it doesn't, they offer a lifetime warranty. Don't know if I'll be able to lift it 4 years from now, though...
I paid $260 for an Odyssey battery from FCP Euro. Hopefully it'll last more than 4 years, but even if it doesn't, they offer a lifetime warranty. Don't know if I'll be able to lift it 4 years from now, though...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,971
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Nope. 5'8". Healthier than I deserve, though.
Yeah, red button on the driver's side strut. Press it to release the stop and push the hood straight up. Press the button again to lower it to the normal position. Reaching around the hood strut with the battery was a huge PITA.
Here's my whole battery saga, if you've got time on your hands.
wish i knew about the hood vertical.
Here's my whole battery saga, if you've got time on your hands.
Last edited by John CC; Feb 6, 2022 at 09:23 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
Nope. 5'8". Healthier than I deserve, though.
Yeah, red button on the driver's side strut. Press it to release the stop and push the hood straight up. Press the button again to lower it to the normal position. Reaching around the hood strut with the battery was a huge PITA.
Here's my whole battery saga, if you've got time on your hands.
Yeah, red button on the driver's side strut. Press it to release the stop and push the hood straight up. Press the button again to lower it to the normal position. Reaching around the hood strut with the battery was a huge PITA.
Here's my whole battery saga, if you've got time on your hands.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 534
From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 356
Likes: 33
From: NYC
glk
Not sure if I should wait for failure or do it before.
2015 glk250 bluetec auxiliary battery location | Mercedes-Benz Forum (benzworld.org)
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 23
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2014 ML350 4Matic
Though counterintuitive, if your battery is located under the hood with the engine, it is more likely to fail in HOT weather than cold. Most manufacturers make batteries specifically formulated for warm climates (liquid batteries anyway - not sure about AGM). A benefit of having a battery in the trunk or under a seat is that it does not have to withstand the hot engine compartment, especially in warm climates.
No sense pushing a battery too far past it's specified lifespan. In my experience, AGM batteries are not as long-lived as liquid batteries, so if you have a "60-month" AGM battery I wouldn't push it too far beyond that, especially if you drive a lot of miles. You'll end up needing a battery when you are far from home and cannot shop for a specific battery or a good price. If you are a DIYer, buy the battery of your choice for $200 and install it yourself instead of getting stuck and having to pay Meineke for a house-brand battery and installation or, even worse, have an MB dealer replace the battery for $400+.
No sense pushing a battery too far past it's specified lifespan. In my experience, AGM batteries are not as long-lived as liquid batteries, so if you have a "60-month" AGM battery I wouldn't push it too far beyond that, especially if you drive a lot of miles. You'll end up needing a battery when you are far from home and cannot shop for a specific battery or a good price. If you are a DIYer, buy the battery of your choice for $200 and install it yourself instead of getting stuck and having to pay Meineke for a house-brand battery and installation or, even worse, have an MB dealer replace the battery for $400+.
