Bruce_Benz

It's time for the A5 service on my 2013 ML350. So, the vehicle is now 4 years old or so, which is typically the lifespan of a battery anymore. The car is starting fine, etc. with no low energy warnings apparent.

What has been the community's experience with battery life expectancy in the ML? I'm wondering if I shouldn't just go ahead and have the dealer replace the battery/batteries "prophylactically".

What say you?

Thanks.

Wfrager

I too wonder the same. I hope someone qualified will answer here.

M~Factor

if the battery go bad within the warranty period, will it be covered?

DanD.

OP, There is no direct answer. I read stories people said they didn't changed batteries for 6-8 years, in all depends on so many factors, and actual battery quality.
Somewhere here I read another post how to test battery, someone recommend to start and stop car 6-8 times in the row and see if battery will struggle. Drive car after this test for a bit to get it recharged.
Even new battery can fail due to defect, but Im with you and will replace mine next year.
Another question what kind to use, original or now. Im going to use Duracell and I saw a goor reviews on them here.
Read this post too
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...=662289&page=1

Just my point of view.

easyedwin

My 2012 battery lasted 4.25 years. My "check engine" light came on so I dropped by the dealer and the star diagnostic tool said replace main battery. I had them replace it and had no more issues. The battery should be gel matt [fiberglass in jelly?]. My door is open alot as well as my rear hatch door. I sit in the very rear on lunch breaks when the weather is good.

fabbrisd1

If you have your rig dealer serviced - free MB Roadside Assistance will stay with you beyond the original 4yr/50K mile new car warranty - free Roadside "renews" autmaticall for 18 months following your previous dealer service.

"Most" owners who get dealer service know they have Roadside Assistance in effect well/well beyond new car warranty.

I had a 1999 E55 that had free MB Roadside from July 1999 thru to April 28 when my E55 died a dignified death during a monsoon/water-too-deep

peter2772000

I would typically replace the battery on my ride after about 4 yrs, always paranoid about beating the crap out of the alternator.


Then I bought a load tester, so much easier, simpler and accurate. Do a load test after a healthy charge and you'll know right away if you're due for a replacement. Easy Peasy!

HAILERS2

Not exactly the answer you asked for, but the Service Manual for your car, says at 40K miles they are to check the battery and electrical sys by : CHECK CONDITON OF THE BATTERY (MAIN/STARTER/AUX) USING MIDTRONICS EXP 7 17" TESTER.

So seeningly every 10K they check the electrical system using that tester to see if the batt/starter etc is up to snuff.

I've a 2014 ML 350 Bluetec with 90K plus, and you've got me starting to wonder about replacing my batt just in case and 'what if'.

Etienne Lau

Heat and not cold is the biggest killer of car batteries. Having used to live up north where car batteries lasted 6-8 and now living in Texas, I was shocked to find out that car batteries only lasted 3-4 years tops. The other killer of batteries are all the short drives, ie less than 5 miles, this does not give the alternator a chance to re-charge the the battery after a start. Our vehicles are using AGM batteries and not the regular flooded lead acid batteries and this gives them a better fighting chance against the damaging heat, and I personally have been able to run the AGM batteries between 5-6 years in Texas, although near the end, you can just start to hear the starter struggling a bit in cold weather.

But the best way to find out if you need a battery is to take the vehicle to Autozone and have the load test the battery.