My car is going on 5 years and I'm wondering what the life of the original battery is. I've heard you don't want to have to jump start the car if it dies because of potential electrical problems so I'm thinking I should replace it within the next few months. What do you guys recommend?

 

I just replaced my factory battery in my 2000 CLK430. If the car is sluggish when starting it, I would go ahead and replace it now, otherwise it may last a few more months/years.

 

5 Years is a long time on a battery...I replace mine at four years even if the battery seems to be working.

 

You are 100% correct, Low voltage kills sensors and circuit boards, a fresh battery is your best defense against the feared electrical gremlins. When you replace your battery have the charging system checked too.

 

Mine is a 2003.
I just replaced mine last week.

 

I've jumped on a couple of occasions when I left lights after bad (Los Angeles) weather when typically on Auto. No electrical gremlins, otherwise the manual told me so. =)