SL/R230: Starter Battery
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Most people have not been able to find a similar size drop in replacement, however if you comfortable with a battery slightly smaller there are many that will work. This battery does not have heavy demands, only for starting the car, and a smaller amp rating will likely work also.
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 27
From: Maryland
MBs: SL55, GLK350
^+1
i had to replace my starter battery last year, I went with the advance auto battery as well. Was less expensive than the dealer, they had it in stock (my dealer had to order one) and after getting it I found it was physically identical to the Mercedes service replacement starter battery that was in the car - down to all the little battery case labels, stampings, etc.
Worked out fantastic, picked up and installedthe replacement the same day and I even got a "speed perks" discount on it
one thing, I don't think 2003 came up as a match for a advance battery when I was trying to find it but I was able to find it searching for a different year (I think I used 2006)
i had to replace my starter battery last year, I went with the advance auto battery as well. Was less expensive than the dealer, they had it in stock (my dealer had to order one) and after getting it I found it was physically identical to the Mercedes service replacement starter battery that was in the car - down to all the little battery case labels, stampings, etc.
Worked out fantastic, picked up and installedthe replacement the same day and I even got a "speed perks" discount on it
one thing, I don't think 2003 came up as a match for a advance battery when I was trying to find it but I was able to find it searching for a different year (I think I used 2006)
Last edited by dRockSL55; Oct 5, 2017 at 11:00 PM.
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 27
From: Maryland
MBs: SL55, GLK350
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/autocraft-gold-battery-group-size-v4-v4/10653330-P?navigationPath=L1*14920%7CL2*15000%7CL3*15597
they have a 20% off any order promo going right now. Order online, pick up in store.
they have a 20% off any order promo going right now. Order online, pick up in store.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
2007 SL550 AMG Sports Package
Try Interstate battery
I found a DIRECT replacement battery @ an Interstate Battery shop. To my amazement when they brought the battery up, it had MB OEM sticker on it, it was the exact same one they removed from my 2007 SL550, it was at cost of $150 vs $250 at the dealer. IF you have a location close by doesn't hurt to drive by, also Advance Auto would be a great place also, I bought my accessory battery there , perfect fit for half the cost. Good luck !!!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 389
Likes: 113
From: Seattle, WA
SL500
Oreilly's just got in on the R230 Starter Battery game. Seems someone in corporate figured out there was a market for them since almost every store in the area shows them in stock. I just waited all weekend for the dealer to order one for no reason. And remember, when replacing the starter battery, you must first disconnect the rear consumer battery, then install the front starter battery, then reconnect the rear consumer battery.
Super Start Extreme Group Size V4 Top Mount Battery Part # V4EXTJ - $160
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
sl500
Oreilly's just got in on the R230 Starter Battery game. Seems someone in corporate figured out there was a market for them since almost every store in the area shows them in stock. I just waited all weekend for the dealer to order one for no reason. And remember, when replacing the starter battery, you must first disconnect the rear consumer battery, then install the front starter battery, then reconnect the rear consumer battery.
Super Start Extreme Group Size V4 Top Mount Battery Part # V4EXTJ - $160
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...des-benz/sl500
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
sl500
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 622
Likes: 212
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
The start battery in these cars typically will last a very long time, it's the trunk battery that gets the hard work life. Typically a starter battery will last 7-8-9-10 years. I'm sure they come with something like, a three year warranty. Even if it only lasts 6 years, I'd be happy. Super Start Extreme Group Size V4 Top Mount Battery Part # V4EXTJ - is no longer $160 that's for sure, I got one and it cost $230 but I was happy to get one. A local Oreilly store may not have it in stock, you can pay for it and they'll bring it in and have it ready to pick up in a few days. When I got mine, they had a promotion where you get a $20 gift cars for buying a battery, I used that to buy a wheel washing brush that connects to the garden hose. My wheels are now cleaner than ever
Last edited by tonylinc; Apr 28, 2026 at 11:46 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
sl500
The start battery in these cars typically will last a very long time, it's the trunk battery that gets the hard work life. Typically a starter battery will last 7-8-9-10 years. I'm sure they come with something like, a three year warranty. Even if it only lasts 6 years, I'd be happy. Super Start Extreme Group Size V4 Top Mount Battery Part # V4EXTJ - is no longer $160 that's for sure, I got one and it cost $230 but I was happy to get one. A local Oreilly store may not have it in stock, you can pay for it and they'll bring it in and have it ready to pick up in a few days. When I got mine, they had a promotion where you get a $20 gift cars for buying a battery, I used that to buy a wheel washing brush that connects to the garden hose. My wheels are now cleaner than ever
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
These starter batteries don't experience much stress and the common causes for a drain affect the consumer battery only.
Keeping it charged and on a tender all Winter probably helped prolong mine as well.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Mercedes Benz SL500 R230
Question of replacing Starter Battery with a flooded acid battery vs an AGM battery of same size.
In my 2004 SL 500 I currently have a 6-year-old MB flooded type battery where my battery charger indicates a full charge, but the battery tester states the battery life is less than 50 % and should be replaced.
While looking for an aftermarket replacement starter battery, the choices are being limited now to AGM of same physical size but more cranking amps. The questions I have is, will the AGM battery work as a starter battery and will the swap have any detrimental effect on the alternator, voltage regulator, and the Battery Control module?
I know the Consumer battery in the rear of the vehicle is an AGM type and I got 5+ years out of the previous consumer AGM battery.
Has any other SL500 owner performed the swap and what was the effect on vehicle?
In my 2004 SL 500 I currently have a 6-year-old MB flooded type battery where my battery charger indicates a full charge, but the battery tester states the battery life is less than 50 % and should be replaced.
While looking for an aftermarket replacement starter battery, the choices are being limited now to AGM of same physical size but more cranking amps. The questions I have is, will the AGM battery work as a starter battery and will the swap have any detrimental effect on the alternator, voltage regulator, and the Battery Control module?
I know the Consumer battery in the rear of the vehicle is an AGM type and I got 5+ years out of the previous consumer AGM battery.
Has any other SL500 owner performed the swap and what was the effect on vehicle?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 445
Likes: 55
From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
HAS ANYONE FOUND A 2003 FRONT STARTER BATTERY FOR UNDER $239.99???
For 2003 SL500 it is called a V4 102R Aux1 or Mercedes: A2305410001.
The Superstart Extreme V4 EXTJ specifies a Group Size (BCI) 102R V4. Oreilly Auto Parts $239.99
Brand: Varta AGM, Associated Part Numbers: 2305410001, V4 VAR, V4-VAR, V4-VAR-INT, V4.VAR, V4VAR, Core Charge Added to Price: $25.00. Pelican Parts $200 plus SHIPPING, $25 core charge or return shipping of core. Note: I am trying to order and adding Capital One Shopping for a $40 coupon. Does this work and how do I guarantee success?
For 2003 SL500 it is called a V4 102R Aux1 or Mercedes: A2305410001.
The Superstart Extreme V4 EXTJ specifies a Group Size (BCI) 102R V4. Oreilly Auto Parts $239.99
Duralast Gold Group Size 102R / V4 Battery V4-DLG Autozone $239.99
DieHard Gold Battery : V4 Group Size, 520 CCA, 650 CA, 35 Amp Hour Capacity. Advance Auto Parts $239.99Brand: Varta AGM, Associated Part Numbers: 2305410001, V4 VAR, V4-VAR, V4-VAR-INT, V4.VAR, V4VAR, Core Charge Added to Price: $25.00. Pelican Parts $200 plus SHIPPING, $25 core charge or return shipping of core. Note: I am trying to order and adding Capital One Shopping for a $40 coupon. Does this work and how do I guarantee success?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 445
Likes: 55
From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
How disappointing... Pelican parts is out of stock. The Capital One shopping pop up add $40 coupon on the Pelican site does not apply because Pelican Parts is not on their shopping company list.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 445
Likes: 55
From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
Thanks Tony,
I am still looking for better than $239.99.
I like O'Reilly and have one nearby. But no current battery discount.
Autozone says not applicable to discounts such as the current 20% off.
The battery started to behave today. It is quickly "flo"ing, holding a 12.6 volt charge. I reconditioned it twice, charged it, then transferred it from my devil's child car to my Aegean Blue Metallic car. Today it cranked normally. The devil's child had sparks flying at the rear of the rear SAM, DAS unrecognizable control units, blown 200 amp fuse before I swapped out the rear and driver's side front SAMs. Weird that the battery started behaving again in the Aegean. The devil's child has started behaving except for the SRS light and DAS unrecognizable Airbag and Teleaid control units.
I am still looking for better than $239.99.
I like O'Reilly and have one nearby. But no current battery discount.
Autozone says not applicable to discounts such as the current 20% off.
The battery started to behave today. It is quickly "flo"ing, holding a 12.6 volt charge. I reconditioned it twice, charged it, then transferred it from my devil's child car to my Aegean Blue Metallic car. Today it cranked normally. The devil's child had sparks flying at the rear of the rear SAM, DAS unrecognizable control units, blown 200 amp fuse before I swapped out the rear and driver's side front SAMs. Weird that the battery started behaving again in the Aegean. The devil's child has started behaving except for the SRS light and DAS unrecognizable Airbag and Teleaid control units.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 622
Likes: 212
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
Finding a better deal on that battery could prove impossible. When I got mine, OReillys had a $20 coupon if you buy a battery so I got a $20 store credit gift card, which I later used to buy a brush that connects to a hose for washing wheels or cars. But that battery from a MBZ dealer cost a lot closer to $400 and I searched the world over for another substitute that's the same exact size capacity, etc., found nothing else anywhere... it is a somewhat rare battery. Considering how long they last, 239 is not that bad a price.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
Agreed.
It sucks that prices have gone up so much (I paid $131 out the door for mine back in 2019), but considering all of the NLA parts and potential quirks to deal with on these cars these days, this is no big deal.
Replace it with a high quality unit that's readily available and move on.
It sucks that prices have gone up so much (I paid $131 out the door for mine back in 2019), but considering all of the NLA parts and potential quirks to deal with on these cars these days, this is no big deal.
Replace it with a high quality unit that's readily available and move on.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 445
Likes: 55
From: North Carolina, USA
2004 SL500AMG, 2003 SL500 USA
I should get a $50 payout from Capital One Shopping for a battery purchase at Advance Auto, maybe months after the purchase even though Advance Auto will not honor their own special deals like 20% off for online purchase with home delivery. See the analytics from AI Copilot: From the content in your open Gmail tab (Capital One Shopping) :
- It is a single‑use offer
- You must click the offer in the email first
- Then make a $50+ purchase at Advance Auto Parts
- Purchase must be in the same browser window opened by the offer
- Must be completed within 24 hours of clicking
- Exclusions apply, but batteries are NOT excluded
- You get $50 in Capital One Shopping Rewards after the purchase posts
