Battery Light
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 603
Likes: 275
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
Semperfi, can the OEM lithium batteries be refurbished/reconditioned? "Can" in the sense of whether its internally just a bunch of standard lithium (whatever composition) cells behind a BMS that can be replaced.
*Of course anything "can" be done, just wondering if its something that would be reasonably priced if the internals are just standard cells packed together.
*Of course anything "can" be done, just wondering if its something that would be reasonably priced if the internals are just standard cells packed together.
Last edited by vincheung; Jun 19, 2025 at 11:05 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 219
Likes: 97
From: The Racing Capitol of the World
2019 AMG S 65 and too many other vehicles to list here in this small box
Semperfi, can the OEM lithium batteries be refurbished/reconditioned? "Can" in the sense of whether its internally just a bunch of standard lithium (whatever composition) cells behind a BMS that can be replaced.
*Of course anything "can" be done, just wondering if its something that would be reasonably priced if the internals are just standard cells packed together.
*Of course anything "can" be done, just wondering if its something that would be reasonably priced if the internals are just standard cells packed together.
Refurbishing a battery that is dead (with no possibility of bringing it back to a good condition) is a tough job for someone to tackle on their own in the garage workshop. Yes, it is possible but you would need new cell packs that match the specific configuration for the existing cell packs. That is the big hurdle because I doubt you are able to find an exact replacement in the open market. There is also the issue of opening and resealing the existing packaging in such a method as to be safe for use in a motor vehicle. Again yes, possible but difficult to say the least. Moot point if you can't get new replacement packs.
There are a few different methods to recondition a battery that is in poor condition. Some have better results than others while some actions can remove all doubt and kill a viable battery.
Many times the battery has been abused and in such poor condition that it will not take a charge. If a battery is in poor condition but testing indicates it has at least 75% of the rated voltage, there is a good probability that it can be saved and brought back to live for a few more years. It takes some effort, skill, and a good charging equipment to be successful.
IMO, it makes no sense to refurbish or rebuild a battery but if you think it might have some life remaining, you can try to bring it back by reconditioning it with a controlled charge rate over a long period of time and you might be successful and get more out of your initial investment.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 603
Likes: 275
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
Just shooting into the dark about it thats all. Considering individual cells in tesla & prius battery assemblies can be identified faulty, swapped out, and reinstalled. I was curious if the same could apply for the MB starter lithiums. I tried looking for options when the MB lithium was no where to be found for a year and there was no lead time. Didn't get any solid info, but did find a battery shop that said if I had a donor battery, they could crack it open and investigate for science.
Member
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 219
Likes: 97
From: The Racing Capitol of the World
2019 AMG S 65 and too many other vehicles to list here in this small box
Just shooting into the dark about it thats all. Considering individual cells in tesla & prius battery assemblies can be identified faulty, swapped out, and reinstalled. I was curious if the same could apply for the MB starter lithiums. I tried looking for options when the MB lithium was no where to be found for a year and there was no lead time. Didn't get any solid info, but did find a battery shop that said if I had a donor battery, they could crack it open and investigate for science.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 826
From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
So, another question for the hive mind here. What is everyone doing for replacement batteries? My local MB dealer told me they would sell me a replacement at cost because of all the hassle I have had with the car. Still intrigued by the idea of going AGM and Ninja coding though. Dealer did replace the alternator but indicated that the Lion battery was showing signs of degradation. They could not give me an exact timeline for an ultimate failure of the battery but simply recommended replacement. Thinking I will pick up a nice jump pack and stick it in my trunk just in case. Interestingly, my RD is still showing between 13 and 13.9V with the new alternator. I figured it would show 14V consistently at least. Can a bad battery affect alternator output?
