user244075

I need a new battery for my 96 E320. The costs are, MB battery is $170+, Interstate is $100. Can anyone comment on using a non-MB battery and how crucial is using the venting tube if the new battery doesn't have a hole for it.

Tks.

mleskovar

Not crucial but why not buy a sealed battery...one of the new spiral wound core gel filled types...that don't have or need a vent. Not sure if one is made with the correct AH for your car (they don't make a 100AH one like the C class requires). Also, the new batteries are superior to the 'old' standard lead/liquid acid batteries....last longer, charge quicker, deeper cycles, more extreme conditions tolerant, etc. Cost is about $120.

user244075

Where's a good place online to look up one?

vinceC

I bought an M-B battery for my '99 E430 from my local dealer fpr $100 - $170 is ridiculous. If using a lead acid battery I would make sure it has the vent port. The port is to vent hydrogen gas outside the vehicle. There was a problem on the W202 C-Class cars where the vent was not installed correctly or batteries without the vent were installed. Hydrogen accumulated in the trunk (where the battery is on those cars) and there were several cases of disatrous explosions.

mleskovar

Is that a redundant question :p Pep boys and Kragan sell the Optima and Exide brands of these batteries. Do searches on 'spiral wound core', 'gel filled', 'deep cycle', batteries. There are several companies making them now. Right now most of the manufacturers are sticking to the most common used batteries, I don't know what the requirements are for your car but when I tried to find a 100 ah for my C I struck out. I couldn't even find a standard 100 ah battery anywhere other than at MB.