[lkchris]

Good I guess for weight distribution but very hard to get jump leads in there! gave up and got a car with a battery in a sensible place to do the job

By your statement you show you don't know much about cars.

Battery is away from engine compartment to avoid all the fumes, etc., that cause battery post corrosion.

And, if you could read an owners manual you'd find VERY convenient posts under the hood that are there JUST for jump starting.

But, it's easier to complain than to read and learn.

 

[lkchris]

Call 800.for.merc and find out. Based on your call and your consent, dealer will come to your house or wherever you are and install it for free. Doesn't matter whether you're still under warranty.