Battery Life
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2003 S430
Battery Life
We have a 2003 S430 with the original battery. All is fine, unless we leave the headlights on.... After 3 hours, it needs a jump.
Other than that, it is fine. So, the question is..
Do we need a new battery or shut off the lights..
Thanks
Second question,
If we need a new battery, whose?
Other than that, it is fine. So, the question is..
Do we need a new battery or shut off the lights..
Thanks
Second question,
If we need a new battery, whose?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,151
Likes: 533
Mercedes
you leave the headlights on, with the car off, for 3 hours? No battery can withstand that, new or old.
Dont just "jump" the car, then keep using it. The battery is still weak and you will tax your alternator too heavily.
Take the battery out of the car, and have it charged and tested. if you dont , you are putting tremendous strain on the alternator trying to bring a nearly dead battery back to full capacity.
at 7 years you probably are nearing the end of the battery lifecycle. Most people recommend the original Mercedes battery. But its costly. Your current one might have another year or two in it if you follow the procedure above.
Dont just "jump" the car, then keep using it. The battery is still weak and you will tax your alternator too heavily.
Take the battery out of the car, and have it charged and tested. if you dont , you are putting tremendous strain on the alternator trying to bring a nearly dead battery back to full capacity.
at 7 years you probably are nearing the end of the battery lifecycle. Most people recommend the original Mercedes battery. But its costly. Your current one might have another year or two in it if you follow the procedure above.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
I would replace the battery regardless of whether it checks out okay or not. Seven years is a long time for one in a car used regularly. I live in S. Florida where I've never gotten more that about 3 years out of one which is due to hotter temps.
I periodically test mine and generally replace them every 3 years or so as I don't want a call from the wife at the mall saying the car won't start. Moreover, jumping MB's can get a little dicey as doing so incorrectly can send an electrical spike through the system resulting in possible damage to the electronics. And as stated above, alternators are not design to charge batteries. Doing so can shorten their lives.
I periodically test mine and generally replace them every 3 years or so as I don't want a call from the wife at the mall saying the car won't start. Moreover, jumping MB's can get a little dicey as doing so incorrectly can send an electrical spike through the system resulting in possible damage to the electronics. And as stated above, alternators are not design to charge batteries. Doing so can shorten their lives.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 37
We have a 2003 S430 with the original battery. All is fine, unless we leave the headlights on.... After 3 hours, it needs a jump.
Other than that, it is fine. So, the question is..
Do we need a new battery or shut off the lights..
Thanks
Second question,
If we need a new battery, whose?
Other than that, it is fine. So, the question is..
Do we need a new battery or shut off the lights..
Thanks
Second question,
If we need a new battery, whose?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 86
From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
There is only a few manufacturers of batteries in the World. Johnson Controls probably produces the most including those for Walmart. Have a look:
http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/pr...hnson_Controls
http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/pr...hnson_Controls
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 37
There is only a few manufacturers of batteries in the World. Johnson Controls probably produces the most including those for Walmart. Have a look:
http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/pr...hnson_Controls
http://www.themanufacturer.com/us/pr...hnson_Controls
Funny how it seems most batteries are all the same but can cost so different.
Just another example of to many hands in the pot.
Johan
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 550
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From: California USA
2004 S55 ///AMG, 2007 E350
My experience with 3 W220's is that the MB battery lasts 4 years. The MB unit is a gel battery which withstands shakes, rattles and bumps better than normal lead/acid batteries.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Yeah, it was based on destructive analysis on the thickness of the plates or whatever, as well as returns and other stuff. I'm not an electrical engineer so i didn't understand all of it.
Regardless, for some reason interstates seem to be better than diehards or delcos.
Let me see if I can find the write up, its been a few years.
Regardless, for some reason interstates seem to be better than diehards or delcos.
Let me see if I can find the write up, its been a few years.
