[Mike's ML]

You may want to re-think using your ML to jump start another vehicle. There is a risk of frying your electronics in the process. $$$$$$$
Mike

 

[Mike's ML]

This car continues to amaze me. I popped the hood for the first time and was very impressed by the tidy layout and engine cover, however I needed to find the battery to jumpstart my Boxster. A bit of headscratching and web surfing later and I,m looking at the battery wedged under the passenger seat. ..... 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

OK, I get it, this post is a belated April 1st joke.You have been a Benzworld member since May 2008 and have 105 posts and you have Never opened the hood before. You also clamed to go the the effort to check the web but never thought to RTFM. Good One.
Mike

 

[Mike's ML]

Mike: I agree, but the chances of doing any damage are pretty slim if you use the under-hood terminals Mercedes provided and connect the jumper cables in the correct sequence -- ground last, remove it first. That way there is little chance of arcing, which is what eats up expensive electronics. Also, you have to make sure the vehicles aren't touching, or that can produce tiny sparks too.

If his boxter has been hanging around all winter, like my vette, and the battery is dead there will most likely be some arcing, even on the negative terminal. The only safe way to jump any vehicle is to use a clean 12V supply like a separate jumper battery and not another vehicle. The negative - install last, remove first- procedure is to avoid the possibility of shorting out the battery if the positive jumper inadvertently touches any grounded part of the vehicle. If the negative is not connected nothing will happen.
Mike

 

[Mike's ML]

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.

The W164's use sealed AGM batteries that do NOT outgass thus allowing them to be placed in an enclosed compartment under the seat. Be careful about criticizing peoples' knowledge.
Mike

 

[Mike's ML]

I have jump started vehicles hundreds of times (mostly from my youth) and I would very often get a spark (or arc) when connecting the ground. That is why I would connect the ground last, and as far away from the battery as possible. If the battery is bad, and leaking fumes, the spark could ignite the fumes causing a battery to explode.

Admittedly, it is very rare for a battery to leak fumes. But it does happen and that is why you should make the last connection away from the battery.

The ML jump-start station takes care of that for you.

Very good points and absolutely correct.
Mike

 

[Mike's ML]

Mike, if you let your Vette's battery die over the winter, you are severely shortening its life! You should either keep it on trickle charge or charge it properly every two or three months. Few things shorten battery life faster than letting it sit discharged.

Yes, you are correct. I have owned the Vette since 1971 and once I figured out the battery life thing, hey I was young then, I now remove the battery and put it on a trickle charger over the winter. It also makes a very good jumper battery if needed and is often used as a 12V DC supply for automotive projects.
Mike

 

[Mike's ML]

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.

Not Free.
Each dealer has the option to charge whatever they want. Some better than others.
And you will have to pay for the battery unless the battery is still under the separate battery warranty.
The only things that are free are Jump Starts, Gas and a few other things.
May I suggest you read the Mercedes Brochures and Manual to see what is free with RSA and check pricing with dealer before they come to vehicle.
Mike