W166 Battery
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W166
W166 Battery
My 2012 ML350 is stuck in Spain under the current lockdown rules. Been there since end of 2019.
I suspect the batter/batteries will be flat when i eventually get to recovery
The vehicles was lock with central locking
What issues have i got to deal with when i return to collect
I suspect the batter/batteries will be flat when i eventually get to recovery
The vehicles was lock with central locking
What issues have i got to deal with when i return to collect
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 276
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
My 2013 is still using the original main and aux battery. I wonder if I should change them as a precaution or just wait until they go...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
I would keep using the batteries until they show signs of issues. My 2014 is still on it's original AUX and just changed the main one in 2019. The main one failed to start one day, but I had a Jump Pack with me, so I was able to get it started. I changed the main one immediately. So the main one made it through 5 years. The AUX one is still factory.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 155
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
The problem with that is that you're beating the crap out of your alternator until you realize the battery's not holding a charge. I always change mine out at the 5-6 year mark, even when they pass a load-test
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,695
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
This. Batteries are consumable items. Just like oil filters, wiper blades and tires.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
That would be true if one left lights on and seriously drained the battery and then had the alternator recharge a very drained battery. Using a battery until you cannot start a vehicle is not draining the battery. The battery itself is likely still around 12v, and just functioning fine but not enough power the run the starter. The battery has lost capacity, not sure how you can then infer killing the alternator when the battery is not needing to be recharged.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
@peter2772000 Also what evidence are you basing this rule of thumb 5-6 years? If I followed your rule down here in Texas, i would be standing on the side of the road every 3 years, maybe 4 years because the heat down here kills car batteries in that time frame and not your made up rule of 5-6 years. I used to live up north, so I know that car batteries easily will last 5-7 years. But not here in the south.
I took the battery that would not start my 2014 model and plugged it into the battery charger, would not charge, as further evidence that your idea of killing alternator is just something you thought up. Reduced capacity is why it would not start and not a drained battery that as you suggest would kill alternators. Don't get me wrong, yes drained batteries do kill alternators, but a reduced capacity battery does not.
I took the battery that would not start my 2014 model and plugged it into the battery charger, would not charge, as further evidence that your idea of killing alternator is just something you thought up. Reduced capacity is why it would not start and not a drained battery that as you suggest would kill alternators. Don't get me wrong, yes drained batteries do kill alternators, but a reduced capacity battery does not.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 155
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
"Don't get me wrong, yes drained batteries do kill alternators, but a reduced capacity battery does not."
An alternator constantly trying to charge a reduced-capacity battery will be charging at close to, or at maximum capacity. The alternator creates heat while creating voltage and handling the subsequent amperage. Charging at maximum capacity all the time means that the alternator is running at high(er) temps.
But yeah, I'm sure you're prolly right...
An alternator constantly trying to charge a reduced-capacity battery will be charging at close to, or at maximum capacity. The alternator creates heat while creating voltage and handling the subsequent amperage. Charging at maximum capacity all the time means that the alternator is running at high(er) temps.
But yeah, I'm sure you're prolly right...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 276
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
Thanks guys. Any recommendation on where to get a new battery? I wonder if Costco carries that size...
Should I also change the auxiliary battery located in the trunk while I’m at it?
Should I also change the auxiliary battery located in the trunk while I’m at it?
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 171
Likes: 14
From: VA
14 ML350 4MATIC
I guess they do have it.. It seems like they don't have AUX battery though...
https://costco.interstatebatteries.c...287&Country=US
https://costco.interstatebatteries.c...287&Country=US
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 276
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
I guess they do have it.. It seems like they don't have AUX battery though...
https://costco.interstatebatteries.c...287&Country=US
https://costco.interstatebatteries.c...287&Country=US
Last edited by Potrice; Jun 26, 2020 at 04:45 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 30
From: Ontario
ML350
@peter2772000
very helpful video. i imagine youve gone through this already, did you really have to take apart the trunk that much to get to the aux? is there no way to reach the battery from the side without taking off all the side panels? seems like such a PITA for something that couldve been a really quick fix.
also looking for battery recommendations (main & aux) as i should replace both of mine soon. still have the originals in my 2014. ive heard/read that these cars can be "sensitive" for batteries and crappy ones can cause odd electrical issues or warnings. so without splurging on the dealer batteries, id like to do my research and ensure i buy something i wont have problems with/will last as long as the oem. any recommendations would be helpful before i start shopping around.
very helpful video. i imagine youve gone through this already, did you really have to take apart the trunk that much to get to the aux? is there no way to reach the battery from the side without taking off all the side panels? seems like such a PITA for something that couldve been a really quick fix.
also looking for battery recommendations (main & aux) as i should replace both of mine soon. still have the originals in my 2014. ive heard/read that these cars can be "sensitive" for batteries and crappy ones can cause odd electrical issues or warnings. so without splurging on the dealer batteries, id like to do my research and ensure i buy something i wont have problems with/will last as long as the oem. any recommendations would be helpful before i start shopping around.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,695
Likes: 4,584
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
You can buy from the dealer, beware of high prices, as usual. The aux battery appears to be a commodity item, so it seems less critical of where it's purchased. The price is not much, so little financial risk. Replacement procedure is a pain, so there's that.
Main battery should be an AGM type. Deka are good batteries, not sure if they make the W166 size in AGM. I am still on the factory batteries with a 2017 GLE 350.
Main battery should be an AGM type. Deka are good batteries, not sure if they make the W166 size in AGM. I am still on the factory batteries with a 2017 GLE 350.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 155
From: Montreal/Cape Coral FL
2012 X6 35i Sport, 2013 ML 350 BT, 2019 4Runner TRD Pro, 2020 CRV-AWD
@peter2772000
very helpful video. i imagine youve gone through this already, did you really have to take apart the trunk that much to get to the aux? is there no way to reach the battery from the side without taking off all the side panels? seems like such a PITA for something that couldve been a really quick fix.
also looking for battery recommendations (main & aux) as i should replace both of mine soon. still have the originals in my 2014. ive heard/read that these cars can be "sensitive" for batteries and crappy ones can cause odd electrical issues or warnings. so without splurging on the dealer batteries, id like to do my research and ensure i buy something i wont have problems with/will last as long as the oem. any recommendations would be helpful before i start shopping around.
very helpful video. i imagine youve gone through this already, did you really have to take apart the trunk that much to get to the aux? is there no way to reach the battery from the side without taking off all the side panels? seems like such a PITA for something that couldve been a really quick fix.
also looking for battery recommendations (main & aux) as i should replace both of mine soon. still have the originals in my 2014. ive heard/read that these cars can be "sensitive" for batteries and crappy ones can cause odd electrical issues or warnings. so without splurging on the dealer batteries, id like to do my research and ensure i buy something i wont have problems with/will last as long as the oem. any recommendations would be helpful before i start shopping around.
