SL/R129: Battery problem
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Newbie
Joined: May 2006
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Battery problem
I have a 2002 SL600, in which the battery seems to have died. I am not surprised because the car has not been driven very often. I have been able to jump start it several times but the battery does not hold the charge after I drive it for about 45 minutes with no electrics on. I tried to remove the battery from the trunk to charge it but there is a light assembly in the way when I try to lift it out of the trunk. Does the light assembly have to be removed to take out the battery? Also the car alarm went on when I disconnected the cables from the battery. If I need a new battery, is the only option to buy a Mercedes-Benz battery and have it installed at the dealer? With all the complicated elctronics in a car like this, should a good mercedes repair shop be able to do this?
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: London, UK
W124
I've heard that jump starting can damage the roof module so be careful.
You don't need to use a dealer for a new battery just get one of the same rating.
In the UK if you buy a battery from the dealer it's cheaper if you order one through the commercial (ie van & truck) counter even though it's the same battery.
Don't keep jump starting it or charge it with the battery connected just to be safe.
You don't need to use a dealer for a new battery just get one of the same rating.
In the UK if you buy a battery from the dealer it's cheaper if you order one through the commercial (ie van & truck) counter even though it's the same battery.
Don't keep jump starting it or charge it with the battery connected just to be safe.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Maryland
'87 W124, '95 R129, '04 G35
The "OEM" battery actually is manufactured by Interstate. I bought mine at the dealer and it only costed $163. Installation included. I find buying an OEM battery from dealer is not necessarily more expensive. And at least I know it is intalled correctly.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
97 SL500
I've heard that rumor before but can't verify it. My dealer thinks it's NOT manufactured by interstate. Interstate only makes one fitment for the SL and it has a slightly higher CCA rating then OEM (at least when compared to the original in my 97).
Originally Posted by elau
The "OEM" battery actually is manufactured by Interstate. I bought mine at the dealer and it only costed $163. Installation included. I find buying an OEM battery from dealer is not necessarily more expensive. And at least I know it is intalled correctly.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Toronto
1998 E320, 1994 320 SL,2000 Ford F 150.1997 Gixxer 1100
If you don't drive your car often get one of those small "Battery Minders". They are really handy and keep your Battery topped up. Real simple to use. Just plug and play. This is what I use during the Winter months for my car and motorcycle and never had a problem
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Battery problem
Originally Posted by kerrypacker
If you don't drive your car often get one of those small "Battery Minders". They are really handy and keep your Battery topped up. Real simple to use. Just plug and play. This is what I use during the Winter months for my car and motorcycle and never had a problem
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Originally Posted by cap'n jasper
I've heard that jump starting can damage the roof module so be careful.
You don't need to use a dealer for a new battery just get one of the same rating.
In the UK if you buy a battery from the dealer it's cheaper if you order one through the commercial (ie van & truck) counter even though it's the same battery.
Don't keep jump starting it or charge it with the battery connected just to be safe.
You don't need to use a dealer for a new battery just get one of the same rating.
In the UK if you buy a battery from the dealer it's cheaper if you order one through the commercial (ie van & truck) counter even though it's the same battery.
Don't keep jump starting it or charge it with the battery connected just to be safe.
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 88
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From: Toronto
1998 E320, 1994 320 SL,2000 Ford F 150.1997 Gixxer 1100
Nope, the cables stay connected. Simply clamp the Red wire to your positive terminal ( the larger one) and the Black to your negative terminal (the smaller one) the trunk lid will close easily with the wire routed out either over the quarter panel or from out the bottom of the trunk lid. Just plug into your 110 outlet and forget it. The car can be started with the minder intact but remember to unplug before driving off.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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are you in SoCal? If so, might be able to sell you a Mercedes branded GEL battery. Although there is no benefit to using a Mercedes battery over a non-MBZ battery. They all do the same. But I do think that the GEL batteries are better.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: London, UK
W124
Originally Posted by Bicep control
If the roof module is damaged, would I know that only by trying to raise or lower the soft top, or by trying to remove or place the hard top?
I guess if yours still works then it isn't damaged.
