My 55 went completely dead today...

1835 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by beverage, Feb 21, 2005

masmole

Discussion Starter · Feb 20, 2005

Couldn't even get in without using the mechanical key, guages didn't light up, car wouldn't start, and even when I tried to shut the door it wouldn't close because there wasn't enough power in the battery to move the window down to allow the closing action.

In other words, the battery was completely dead. After some investigation, I discovered that the headlights were switched to the "ON" position (the valet from dinner last night must have done it) and since I was accustomed to leaving the switch on "AUTO" all the time, I never bothered to switch it off when I parked it in the garage once I got home because I assumed the headlamps were still in auto mode. Apparently, the xenons remained on and eventually drained the battery. I would've thought that MB cars have an auto-shut off feature to prevent this from ever happening but I guess not. Some cars have a fail-safe auto-headlamp shutdown when excessive battery drainage is imminent... my acura has this. My SLK just let it discharge completely. Are other MB's like this too?

Oh well. A minor inconvenience and lesson learned next time I valet the car. Or perhaps this is a lesson to me that I shouldn't be entrusting this car to valet to begin with? But sometimes, that is the only sensible parking option in my city.

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Shinigami

· #2 · Feb 20, 2005

There should be a beeping noise when you remove the key from the contact (if the lights are on).

Could this feature have been broken and not working?

Xenon's drain a lot of power...

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jmejones

· #3 · Feb 20, 2005

I'm glad you discovered it was human error. I was getting concerned reading your post. Oh well, you can't do anything with it today anyway with 2 inches of the white stuff on the ground. At least I was able to get a good morning of driving in yesterday. Good luck. I'll see you on the road in the city.

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smoothcoat

· #4 · Feb 20, 2005

I just can't believe you valet parked the car!!!
I would NOT even consider it.

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malibuite

· #5 · Feb 20, 2005

smoothcoat - 2/20/2005 12:04 PM

I just can't believe you valet parked the car!!!
I would NOT even consider it.

Well, in some areas that is the ONLY option. At some restaurants, clubs, etc. here valet parking is the only option.

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jmejones

· #6 · Feb 20, 2005

Tis true in downtown Chicago as well. I will pay a 10 or 20 spot extra to keep my car upfront and center...so far they do it for free because of the rare view. I had the same problem with my Brabus SL...I never let them take it out from the front. 20-30 today is better than 400 for dent and paint repair later[

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masmole

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 21, 2005

true, an extra 20 usually does the trick at most places I go to. Front and center within plain view. There are some places however where this is not even possible so despite frequenting valet service, I still worry everytime. Less worries with the truck since it has plenty of ground clearance but lately, the SLK has become the ideal car to take because it instantly disqualifies me as chauffer for a group of people.

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locomocione

· #8 · Feb 21, 2005

The xenon should have turned off after the ignition key was removed. However if you left the running lights on all night. That would also drain your battery. One would assume that MB would have a timer, so thanks for leting everyone know. [

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beverage

· #9 · Feb 21, 2005

masmole - 2/21/2005 4:04 AM

... but lately, the SLK has become the ideal car to take because it instantly disqualifies me as chauffer for a group of people.

That is one of the best reasons for owning an SLK!!! Never get stuck as the driver on a wild night out!!! [

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] [xx(] [^] [8D]

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