Battery Drain

[Dingbat]

Could not start my S210 320 (face-lift) after driving to work. Called Mobilolife. Technician did a quick jumpstart, saw a non MB tracker (installed by previous owner) and declared that to be the problem (as in his experience these things can suddenly become power drains); no diagnostics as a "waste of time on these models". When I asked him if I could simply cut it out, I was told that this was extremely wired into the electrics and a wrong move could cost much money. He also thought it was the original battery (7 years old).

After much head scratching and being unwilling to enter into major surgery after being told the pitfalls of cutting out the suspect drain, I came onto this site and found help in the insights of Black C55 Being car-less, I needed to decide what to do fast. PM'd Black C55 who graciously called me to talk me through my problem. His answer (if you are too far away to see him in Portsmouth) was to see an auto-electrician to (1) check for current drain (3-5mA is the norm); (2) check battery condition; (3) can use a multi-meter to check for drains (as another poster has done so). I am going to opt for checking for power drain and changing the battery (car has only been used for short trips for last 2 years). His other tip was to go for an OE MB battery for longevity (obviously the case if mine has lasted so long with most of its life onshort school runs, etc).

I want to draw your attention to Olive Stoner (aka Black C55) who has been a MB trained technician for the last 7 years and is setting up business next month in Horndean at extremely competitive prices (get it while it lasts folks!!). His contact details are mobile tel. no. 07922023450. Good Luck Oliver!!

Thanks for your helpful and reassuring advice to us wannabe MB owners (without breaking the bank to keep it on the road).

 

[BlackC55]

Thanks for the kind words. Let us all know when you have fixed the problem and good luck.

 

[Alfie]

Thanks for the kind words. Let us all know when you have fixed the problem and good luck.

I dont suppose your Black C55 was the one that MB Southampton have at present was it?

I'm on the brink of purchasing a C55 hopefully so would value your opinions on the cars?

 

[BlackC55]

Mine went to a private seller.

I would recomend one to anybody. I loved the car to bits but had to part with it to start my business.....

Get the latest you can afford as early c-classes are known to be a bit ****e.

They do like to use a bit of oil too but this is normal. 1 litre/1000km is considered normal . Remember mobil 1 only