The battery in my 1998 SL500 is not holding charge so I am in the market for a new one, preferably at a reasonable price (and not a $700 AGM type).

I am in downtown Houston TX - any suggestions for a battery brand and supplier would be most welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

There are only 3? major battery manufacturers. They rebrand for many types. You will have to Google to see what brands are made by the same manufacturer. That said, Advance Auto sells a battery line under their name but they're made in Germany. They have online coupons that make the cost pretty attractive too. I've been running one in my BMW M5 for 5+ years without problem and many others in that community have as well. I suspect the battery Mercedes uses is pretty similar on a V8 model car.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

 

I fully agree, MB does not make batteries If you want to spend $500. at the dealer or $300. for the same spec battery? I have went from Interstate in my 3 R129's and a E320 to Autozone Duralast Platinum. Reason is with a MB or Interstate if you need a replacement you need to find a dealer that is open for these, and that can take time and jumping through hoops. Just find any Autozone 7 days, most open till 10PM and your phone number gets it replaced pronto.

 

I've bought my last 2 batteries over the past 18 years from the dealership and none of them cost over $200 (even for the AGM clear case battery).

One benefit in purchasing a MB battery is road side assistance.

If you are travelling and your battery dies (or you run out of gas or get a flat), you get to call MB roadside service and they will bring you a new battery (no worrying about stores in other states honoring your warranty) and change it out for you. MB Roadside assistance used to be a forever benefit, but now it's only honored if you have a few hundred dollars worth of maintenance service per year. An annual brake flush and oil change usually does the trick. If you run out of gas, they will bring you a gallon. If you blow a tire (and are a girl, wink) they will change your flat for the spare.

Nice to know.