Battery disconnect switch considerations
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Easton, MD. / Ft Lauderdale, FL
2003 E 320, 2005 ML 350, 2009 ML 320 bluetec 2008 E350 Wagon
Battery disconnect switch considerations
Hello all, I have a 2005 ML350 that I have owned since new. Its now on its third battery, the most recent was installed in October after sitting for 5 months. This vehicle was my every day driver, but now resides full time at a vacation home. Many months can go by with this vehicle not driven. I have been warned against a solar charger. The suggestion from MB Roadside was to disconnect the battery when the car was not being driven. My preference would be a battery switch. I'm wondering what the best way to do this is. I'm also concerned about the ramifications of no power to the memory components.
If anyone has experience with this, please advise. Thanks in advance.
If anyone has experience with this, please advise. Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 260
Likes: 2
From: New England
1990 190E 2.6, ... 1998 ML320, 2005 ML500SE
Jim,
I have 2 CTEK US800 maintenance chargers, supposedly the same charger that is sold by Mercedes and Porche. I currently have an AGM battery in my ML500. The battery hold down bracket has a warning to disconnect the negative battery terminal while charging which is a pita. I currently leave the maintenance charger on my 190E for months at a time, without disconnecting the battery, with no problems so far but these are very different vehicles.
What is your viewpoint on leaving the battery connected while using a maintenance charger.
Mike
[EDIT] My thinking is that removing and/or reapplying the battery terminal could cause a surge or arc that could be more damaging to the electronics in the ML than properly connecting a maintenance charger.
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I have 2 CTEK US800 maintenance chargers, supposedly the same charger that is sold by Mercedes and Porche. I currently have an AGM battery in my ML500. The battery hold down bracket has a warning to disconnect the negative battery terminal while charging which is a pita. I currently leave the maintenance charger on my 190E for months at a time, without disconnecting the battery, with no problems so far but these are very different vehicles.
What is your viewpoint on leaving the battery connected while using a maintenance charger.
Mike
[EDIT] My thinking is that removing and/or reapplying the battery terminal could cause a surge or arc that could be more damaging to the electronics in the ML than properly connecting a maintenance charger.
**
**
Last edited by Mike's ML; Dec 14, 2013 at 03:19 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Jim,
I have 2 CTEK US800 maintenance chargers, supposedly the same charger that is sold by Mercedes and Porche. I currently have an AGM battery in my ML500. The battery hold down bracket has a warning to disconnect the negative battery terminal while charging which is a pita. I currently leave the maintenance charger on my 190E for months at a time, without disconnecting the battery, with no problems so far but these are very different vehicles.
What is your viewpoint on leaving the battery connected while using a maintenance charger.
Mike
[EDIT] My thinking is that removing and/or reapplying the battery terminal could cause a surge or arc that could be more damaging to the electronics in the ML than properly connecting a maintenance charger.
**
**
I have 2 CTEK US800 maintenance chargers, supposedly the same charger that is sold by Mercedes and Porche. I currently have an AGM battery in my ML500. The battery hold down bracket has a warning to disconnect the negative battery terminal while charging which is a pita. I currently leave the maintenance charger on my 190E for months at a time, without disconnecting the battery, with no problems so far but these are very different vehicles.
What is your viewpoint on leaving the battery connected while using a maintenance charger.
Mike
[EDIT] My thinking is that removing and/or reapplying the battery terminal could cause a surge or arc that could be more damaging to the electronics in the ML than properly connecting a maintenance charger.
**
**
