New Battery...ugh!!!
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
New Battery...ugh!!!
My wife got stranded today, and R500 wouldn't lock door, and it wouldn't start...command briefly said "low battery."
Bottom line, I called the MB dealer and said hey, my battery was fine until the FAULTY BLOWER MOTOR drained it...SA said MB WILL NOT pay for ancillary items, even if it may have caused it. Further, he said if it's original battery 5 yrs ago, then there's no warranty.
So what's the cost?
$400!!!
$280 for special "glass battery", plus labor - since need to remove 2nd row seat.
You guys know anything about this?
Thx.
Patrick
Bottom line, I called the MB dealer and said hey, my battery was fine until the FAULTY BLOWER MOTOR drained it...SA said MB WILL NOT pay for ancillary items, even if it may have caused it. Further, he said if it's original battery 5 yrs ago, then there's no warranty.
So what's the cost?
$400!!!
$280 for special "glass battery", plus labor - since need to remove 2nd row seat.
You guys know anything about this?
Thx.
Patrick
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CLS550 4Matic
You do not need to go OEM with the battery. Any battery out there would do the job just as fine. Mine was drained 1 month ago with the same message on the Command and i just bout a replacement one for 158.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Come on, it's not "any battery out there" and not same as CLK.
Battery at least has to vent via a tube, assuming there's provision for it in the battery area. Really should also be an AGM battery like original.
Parts price quoted is a bit under MSRP; can't comment on labor, although would have thought battery under front passenger seat like ML and GL.
Battery at least has to vent via a tube, assuming there's provision for it in the battery area. Really should also be an AGM battery like original.
Parts price quoted is a bit under MSRP; can't comment on labor, although would have thought battery under front passenger seat like ML and GL.
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2004 G500, 2022 GLS450
Come on, it's not "any battery out there" and not same as CLK.
Battery at least has to vent via a tube, assuming there's provision for it in the battery area. Really should also be an AGM battery like original.
Parts price quoted is a bit under MSRP; can't comment on labor, although would have thought battery under front passenger seat like ML and GL.
Battery at least has to vent via a tube, assuming there's provision for it in the battery area. Really should also be an AGM battery like original.
Parts price quoted is a bit under MSRP; can't comment on labor, although would have thought battery under front passenger seat like ML and GL.
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Anyone try souring a battery from Batteries Plus?
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'06 r500
I also replaced my main battery as part of my recent blower motor fiasco. It was the first fix that I tried before getting a proper diagnosis on the full problem. I was able to purchase an aftermarket replacement from Napa for ~$120 and install it myself. I just followed the instructions in the owners manual to access the compartment under the front passenger seat. It's easier to remove all four seat bolts (front and rear) so that you can move the whole seat to gain more clearance when pulling back the carpeting. Just be sure not to remove any of the wiring harnesses under the seat or you will trigger the SRS warning lamp in the instrument cluster that will require STAR to remove.....don't ask how I know this!
Good luck!
Good luck!
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2011 R350 BlueTec
Must be cold out - lots of battery issues.
My Honda van had to be towed 3 times because of the whole thing being dead when the key was turned. I had new AutoZone batteries and they failed tests when they were less than 3 months old.
The Honda guy said he wasn't surprised.
This is just me - but Mercedes engineers are smarter than us & every last everything is designed for "system" performance. If we start messing with that, just to save a few bucks, then you cannot be upset if the car doesn't perform to your MB standards.
Go to the dealership and save your time.
My Honda van had to be towed 3 times because of the whole thing being dead when the key was turned. I had new AutoZone batteries and they failed tests when they were less than 3 months old.
The Honda guy said he wasn't surprised.
This is just me - but Mercedes engineers are smarter than us & every last everything is designed for "system" performance. If we start messing with that, just to save a few bucks, then you cannot be upset if the car doesn't perform to your MB standards.
Go to the dealership and save your time.
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From: Doylestown, OH
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
The original batteries are AGM technology. I would expect them to typically last 7 to 9 years as opposed to 3 to 5 year for normal flooded batteries. You guys with 2006 cars are at the low range of this. Did the dealer give you any comment that the failure was earlier than normal and not typical?
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
My MB SA said the batteries usually last 4 yrs, so obviously he didn't know about the 7-9 yrs for the AGM technology - although he did say it was "glass" technology.
The trouble with this situation is that we BOTH knew that the defective blower motor was the culprit that caused my battery to die prematurely(from December). Although MB did fix the blower on CPO, his hands are tied and he admitted that there's no way that he could get approval for battery coverage, even if was caused by blower.
I've been down this road many times w/ MB, and I could call MB corp and try to fight this, but frankly it's not worth my time. I got 10% off total bill, and I'm just going to suck it up and make a mental note.
PL
The trouble with this situation is that we BOTH knew that the defective blower motor was the culprit that caused my battery to die prematurely(from December). Although MB did fix the blower on CPO, his hands are tied and he admitted that there's no way that he could get approval for battery coverage, even if was caused by blower.
I've been down this road many times w/ MB, and I could call MB corp and try to fight this, but frankly it's not worth my time. I got 10% off total bill, and I'm just going to suck it up and make a mental note.
PL
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
The original batteries are AGM technology. I would expect them to typically last 7 to 9 years as opposed to 3 to 5 year for normal flooded batteries. You guys with 2006 cars are at the low range of this. Did the dealer give you any comment that the failure was earlier than normal and not typical?
"I don't think you will find any official MB document showing that. In general our batteries last 4-5 years even the AGM batteries. Our batteries have a 2 year full replacement warranty."
PL
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From: Doylestown, OH
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
I don't have much experience with the MB batteries. I based the estimate on boat deep cycle batteries which I have much experience with. In that application, well maintained good wet cell batteries last around 5 years or more and AGM batteries have the reputation of several years longer. Obviously, These are different applications, but I would have expected longer than 4 to 5 years, especially since they are kept out of the extreme temperatures of the engine compartment.
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
NOT covered under CPO.
The two warranties are different in lots more ways.
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From: Chicago
2006 R350
When you change the cabin filters make sure the drain is open and not clogged. If that drain is clogged and the unit gets water in it ,that water will drip on the blower motor causing it to malfuction and stay on even after the car is turn off draining the battery.
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
PL
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From: Doylestown, OH
2015 Audi S4, 1982 Fiat Spyder, 2010 R350, 2013 E550 Cabriolet
I just want to repeat that my comment of 7 to 9 year life span was more of a question or estimate not a statement of any official knowledge about the MB battery. It was just based on my experience with other AGM batteries which tend to last at least several years longer than a typical wet cell battery. Also getting it out of the hot engine compartment should help longevity.
They are known to suffer abuse such as complete discharging better than regular batteries. Some manufacturers claim that they even last twice as long as wet cell batteries in some applications, but I think that is overly optimistic for us. Main advantages for us would be that there is no venting of gases into the passenger compartment and they would not leak acid in case of an accident and the car (and battery) turned over.
They are known to suffer abuse such as complete discharging better than regular batteries. Some manufacturers claim that they even last twice as long as wet cell batteries in some applications, but I think that is overly optimistic for us. Main advantages for us would be that there is no venting of gases into the passenger compartment and they would not leak acid in case of an accident and the car (and battery) turned over.
Last edited by gforaker; Feb 3, 2011 at 10:31 AM.
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Can someone provide a picture of this drain? When I look down into the cabin air intake I see a large hole. Not sure how this could possibly clog with anything since the hole is much larger than the grill openings. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing?
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From: Chicago
2006 R350
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From: Mount Pleasant SC
R350
Timely thread. We are out of town and it's been raining cats and dogs.
Dropped my son off yesterday @ 6 am and what sounded like water running. Looked around for a water bottle, but found nothing, then realized there was a leak from somewhere above the passenger foot well. Then started to notice the blower fan was on when I shut the car down and got back in. Sinceits my wires car, I thought it might be normal.
Dead battery this AM and 26*.
So what's the cure? Is the fan/climate control covered under CPO warranty? Will they check the drain?
Right now, we are driving it enough to keep it charged and plan on called our SA in the AM when we get home tonight.
Dropped my son off yesterday @ 6 am and what sounded like water running. Looked around for a water bottle, but found nothing, then realized there was a leak from somewhere above the passenger foot well. Then started to notice the blower fan was on when I shut the car down and got back in. Sinceits my wires car, I thought it might be normal.
Dead battery this AM and 26*.
So what's the cure? Is the fan/climate control covered under CPO warranty? Will they check the drain?
Right now, we are driving it enough to keep it charged and plan on called our SA in the AM when we get home tonight.
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
good luck w/ this...and be sure to clean the drain.
also, DO NOT tell them of the plug and the leak - or MB may decline.
just tell them that the blower has a short, and is/has been damaging the battery(and try to get replacement).
i had the blower covered by CPO, but the $400 battery was NOT covered, unfortunately, at my dealer. good luck, and let us know what happens.
PL
also, DO NOT tell them of the plug and the leak - or MB may decline.
just tell them that the blower has a short, and is/has been damaging the battery(and try to get replacement).
i had the blower covered by CPO, but the $400 battery was NOT covered, unfortunately, at my dealer. good luck, and let us know what happens.
PL
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From: Mount Pleasant SC
R350
Will do.
I have an appt tomorow, so I went and checked the drain. I might be in trouble, as I told the SA we just had a leak, the fan won't stop and and the battery died. If they check it, it will be clean, so I won't know what they are talking about when it comes to clogged drains.
It had a couple of leaves with standing water. Any way, it's clear, the battery seems to work, as I keep a charge on it.
Checked the cabin filters while I was in there and all was good.
I have an appt tomorow, so I went and checked the drain. I might be in trouble, as I told the SA we just had a leak, the fan won't stop and and the battery died. If they check it, it will be clean, so I won't know what they are talking about when it comes to clogged drains.
It had a couple of leaves with standing water. Any way, it's clear, the battery seems to work, as I keep a charge on it.Checked the cabin filters while I was in there and all was good.
Last edited by a930rocket; Feb 7, 2011 at 02:50 PM.
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From: Mount Pleasant SC
R350
I need to return my SA's call thus AM to discuss the issues. Hopefully it's all covered, but if he says no, what are my options? Has everyone had theirs covered without drama?
What exactly is replaced?
What exactly is replaced?
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From: Mount Pleasant SC
R350
Well, the F'heads at the dealer want me to pay $800 to fix the damaged blower motor, as it's not covered under warranty. They said there was evidence of water in the box and they have removed a drain plug in the box per a TSB so it won't happen again, but it's still not covered. WTF?
How can they tell there was water in there from the past 5 years?
Why didn't they remove the drain plug last time it was there per the TSB? Are they not supposed to perform the TSB's automatically or does the customer have to complain about something to bring it to their attention to prompt the TSB?
Anybody have the TSB number?
Needless to say, I told them I'm not paying for it, but MB is. Told him to talk to the service manager, then have him call me.
Thoughts?
How can they tell there was water in there from the past 5 years?
Why didn't they remove the drain plug last time it was there per the TSB? Are they not supposed to perform the TSB's automatically or does the customer have to complain about something to bring it to their attention to prompt the TSB?
Anybody have the TSB number?
Needless to say, I told them I'm not paying for it, but MB is. Told him to talk to the service manager, then have him call me.
Thoughts?
Last edited by a930rocket; Feb 9, 2011 at 08:56 AM.
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From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
AFAIK, TSBs are not performed unless the customer complains.
If you can't do this work yourself, have the job quoted at a non-dealer mechanic. These cars aren't rocket science and any competent mechanic should be able to replace the blower.
If you can't do this work yourself, have the job quoted at a non-dealer mechanic. These cars aren't rocket science and any competent mechanic should be able to replace the blower.
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From: Chicago
2006 R350
CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
I would call and complain and shame them into replacing. They have no proof that there was water in the filter unit. I would take it to small claims court and tell them that. You can buy the blower unit from MB
Blower motor
06-10 $344.00 $261.44
Replace the blower yourself, and file a case in small claims for reimbursement it will cost them way more if they go to court.
I would call and complain and shame them into replacing. They have no proof that there was water in the filter unit. I would take it to small claims court and tell them that. You can buy the blower unit from MB
Blower motor
06-10 $344.00 $261.44
Replace the blower yourself, and file a case in small claims for reimbursement it will cost them way more if they go to court.
