SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: STARTER BATTERY QUESTION
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 164
Likes: 13
From: NJ
2003 SL55 AMG GT , 2000 BMW 323I coupe
STARTER BATTERY QUESTION
I'm ready to replace my starter battery and needed some input.
Is there a good direct-fit aftermarket battery that is better or just as good as the oem?
Or should I just get the M-B from a discount parts supplier?
I was considering the Red or Yellow top Optimum.
Any suggestions are appeciated.
Safe driving to all. 😀
Is there a good direct-fit aftermarket battery that is better or just as good as the oem?
Or should I just get the M-B from a discount parts supplier?
I was considering the Red or Yellow top Optimum.
Any suggestions are appeciated.
Safe driving to all. 😀
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 406
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
The starter battery is an odd size (V4). Pretty sure that Mercedes is the only make using this particular battery size. My local auto parts stores carry them (O'Reilly, AutoZone, AdvanceAuto). They all have it at about the same price, and identical specs. I looked around quite a bit and never found any alternative size that would work, nor did I find a V4 with better specs (higher CCA, etc.).
The trunk/consumer battery is a much more common size.
The trunk/consumer battery is a much more common size.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
If there's one item that should be OEM, it's the battery. It's the most obvious part that shows that care has been taken in the maintenance of the car. That's the first thing I look at in the engine room when I'm looking at an MB to buy. That and an unused spare tire says a lot to me. And MB makes, or sources, great batteries. You're going to pay for shipping one way or another.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 406
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
There's only a few companies that actually manufacture batteries in the US. 95% of all the various brands you see in the market - Interstate, Everstart, DieHard, etc - are manufactured by Johnson Controls, Exide, or East Penn and branded for retailers.
I never worked for MB, but of all the foreign brands I did work for - Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Audi, Saab - none of them supplied batteries that actually came from Japan or Europe. They all sourced their replacement batteries for the US market from US manufacturers. There's just no reason to ship such a simple (and heavy, and hazardous) item halfway across the globe when it can be manufactured to spec much closer to the point of sale.
The V4 size has such a limited market that I suspect only one of the "big three" battery manufacturers actually produce this size, and this is why every replacement V4 battery available in the US has the exact same specs (520CCA/50min reserve capacity/etc), nearly identical pricing (around $210) and a white case.
I would be surprised if the V4 batteries that US MB dealers are selling aren't the exact same batteries for sale at O-Reilly/Autozone/NAPA/etc., just with MB branding stickers on them.
I never worked for MB, but of all the foreign brands I did work for - Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Audi, Saab - none of them supplied batteries that actually came from Japan or Europe. They all sourced their replacement batteries for the US market from US manufacturers. There's just no reason to ship such a simple (and heavy, and hazardous) item halfway across the globe when it can be manufactured to spec much closer to the point of sale.
The V4 size has such a limited market that I suspect only one of the "big three" battery manufacturers actually produce this size, and this is why every replacement V4 battery available in the US has the exact same specs (520CCA/50min reserve capacity/etc), nearly identical pricing (around $210) and a white case.
I would be surprised if the V4 batteries that US MB dealers are selling aren't the exact same batteries for sale at O-Reilly/Autozone/NAPA/etc., just with MB branding stickers on them.
Last edited by brucewane; Jun 1, 2023 at 10:58 AM.
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
No doubt you're correct, but I've always had good luck with their batteries. They fit perfectly and just look correct. And they don't charge any more than anybody else, and at least when I've needed one they've always had it in stock. I shop aftermarket for a lot of things but really, you can tell how cheap a guy is by looking at his battery choices..!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 406
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
No doubt you're correct, but I've always had good luck with their batteries. They fit perfectly and just look correct. And they don't charge any more than anybody else, and at least when I've needed one they've always had it in stock. I shop aftermarket for a lot of things but really, you can tell how cheap a guy is by looking at his battery choices..!
O'Reilly's has the same battery that the dealer has. There's multiple O'Reilly's stores within a few miles of both my home and my work, and they're open until 10PM most days. Open Sundays, too. My nearest MB dealer is quite a bit further and has much more limited hours.
So, because I choose to purchase an identical product from a retailer that is FAR more convenient to me, I'm "cheap".
Right.
Tell ya what - for an identical product, just in case I need a battery warranty, I'll choose a warrantor that is open Monday-Saturday 7:30AM-10PM and Sundays 8AM-9PM. Every. Single. Time.
But you go ahead and admire that Mercedes-Benz sticker on your battery, and pat yourself on the back for maintaining your concept of not looking "cheap". And hope that you don't ever need a battery warranty at 10AM on a Sunday.
Last edited by brucewane; Jun 1, 2023 at 03:08 PM.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 272
Likes: 21
From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
I got a V4 from my local Interstate guy. It was literally an MB branded item p/n is 230-541-0001. Cost was $250. Note the V$ is so unique few people know about it. But Interstate did.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 571
Likes: 5
From: Sweden
SL55AMG + SL600 + E320 + A180
These cars need proper batteries .... pay the price and get genuine Mercedes Benz part - don't get cheap on this one .... A001982800826 is the consumer ... don't remeber the start battery ....
