How long does the battery typically last before needing replacement? How much does the replacement battery cost at the dealer? Will there be any warning message given if the battery is about to give up the ghost?
W211 car battery longevity?
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AGM = 10 years aka VRLA
Lead Acid = 5 years aka Maintenance Free Sealed Battery
These are in ideal conditions, proper functioning charging systems with nominal voltages.
You can use and MCR battery tester to determine the condition of the plates. This is the best way to determine the remaining life of the battery before it leaves you stranded.
If you live in hot climates ie Desert, reduce the life by about 25%. Cold generally doesn't reduce the life as much as the heat.
Lead Acid = 5 years aka Maintenance Free Sealed Battery
These are in ideal conditions, proper functioning charging systems with nominal voltages.
You can use and MCR battery tester to determine the condition of the plates. This is the best way to determine the remaining life of the battery before it leaves you stranded.
If you live in hot climates ie Desert, reduce the life by about 25%. Cold generally doesn't reduce the life as much as the heat.
Mine is MY 08. Does it have lead acid battery? Is MCR the only way to test the condition of the battery? Does the car have anything built-in that can show the charge voltage, etc?
At what RPM does the battery get charged?
At what RPM does the battery get charged?
Pretty sure all 211's came with VRLA batteries (primary and secondary battery) since the main battery is inside the vehicle.
The battery is maintained during all operating rpms including idle. The alternator is a 200 amp power house. The battery is not charged like other types, the maximum charge rate is approx 9 amps (battery gassing limitation), don't confuse charging with maintaining.
A cars alternator is not capable of "charging" a battery. If you have a battery that has been run down, the only way to properly charge it is to put it on a 2-8 amp charge for 24 hours. The cars system simply attempts to keep it topped off but lacks the ability to fully charge a depleted battery in the way a battery charger can.
The MCR tester is your best bet to determine the condition of the two batteries, they can check both lead acid as well as VRLA (AGM) types.
The battery is maintained during all operating rpms including idle. The alternator is a 200 amp power house. The battery is not charged like other types, the maximum charge rate is approx 9 amps (battery gassing limitation), don't confuse charging with maintaining.
A cars alternator is not capable of "charging" a battery. If you have a battery that has been run down, the only way to properly charge it is to put it on a 2-8 amp charge for 24 hours. The cars system simply attempts to keep it topped off but lacks the ability to fully charge a depleted battery in the way a battery charger can.
The MCR tester is your best bet to determine the condition of the two batteries, they can check both lead acid as well as VRLA (AGM) types.
I had my batteries replaced a few months back. I needed the front battery and the rear battery ( audio battery ) replaced.
Front battery = $ 216.00
Rear battery = $252.00
+ ~3hours labor ( the bcm supposedly took 1.5 hours to reprogram ).
I had everything done at a shop....not a dealership.
I did get a warning message as in a red battery symbol in my dash.
Front battery = $ 216.00
Rear battery = $252.00
+ ~3hours labor ( the bcm supposedly took 1.5 hours to reprogram ).
I had everything done at a shop....not a dealership.
I did get a warning message as in a red battery symbol in my dash.
How old is your W211? What's the hourly rate at your shop?
Hello guys, If this vehicle is a 2008 than it has a VRLA battery in the trunk. Also a 2008 does not have a second battery because it does not have an SBC system (fully electronic brakes). You can test the battery with a Midtronics battery tester (factory approved tester), but from my experience it is not 100% reliable if the battery is slightly discharged (needs to be charged sometimes before giving you a correct reading). From my experience the VRLA battery lasts about an average of 3-5 years, were the normal lead acid battery will last around 2-3. That's not to say that I haven't seen them last longer, but that's the exception & not the rule. The AGM battery is available from Interstate batteries as they supply & distribute the batteries for the dealerships (both AGM batteries, main & SBC battery). Although in a pinch you can always get the battery from MB roadside service. They normally carry your battery in the roadside wagon & the labor is free (sign & drive program). I hope this helps.
there is no exact length on how long a battery will last. some cars go 5 yrs on a battery. others go 1 month on a battery. a battery is an electrical part, it can fail at any time. as with any car a battery that is going usually will cause the car to not start (no crank no start) and no lights on dash and when jump starting will start.
My car is a 2003 e500. I bought it used june 2009.
labor rate at my mechanic is 89$
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