Can this really be a flat battery?

[Nidge]

I hope the collective wisdom here can help me. Last night my E240 (W210) wouldn't start, just emitting a click from the solenoid, however the lights remained at a constant brightness (interior and panel lights) as I tried to crank the motor, so very unlikely a flat battery (I thought). I called the RAC (no Mobilo life on the car due to using independents), the patrol man was equally confused by the the fact that the interior lights stayed bright but attached jump leads to the terminals under the bonnet and lo and behold the car started on the first turn of the key.

I'm 80% convinced it's a battery but for the lack of dimming/reduction in power of the ancilliary electrics. Any thoughts?

 

[esox]

Is does sound like a battery....
Even a tired/faulty battery will have enough power to work headlights.
But expecting the same battery to deliver the huge amperage during cranking will leave it gasping.
Have 210`s got two batteries like 211`s?

 

[Nidge]

Is does sound like a battery....
Even a tired/faulty battery will have enough power to work headlights.
But expecting the same battery to deliver the huge amperage during cranking will leave it gasping.
Have 210`s got two batteries like 211`s?

Agree with that, but surely the interior ligghts would dim as I attempted to crank the starter if it were flat? I could only see the one battery (under the rear seat) although two batteries would make sense of the paradox

 

[fred_raven]

new battery

If you do need to change your battery do as i did - thanks to suggestions on here - go to a merc commercial dealer - got my new battery last week for £70.58 inc vat - less that i was quoted by any of the local car accesssory or motor factors.

 

[sparkyspost]

I'm having similar problems with mine and found that GSF car parts are doing a Bosch battery for 52.00 + VAT for my w202. Could try them:

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/


Or you could try recharging it (ensuring that the Battery cells have plenty of distilled water in )

Cheers

Sparky

 

[grober]

new BATTERY

I am always a bit surprised when folks hesitate about purchasing a new battery. Its really a "no brainer" as the guys across the pond say. You are probably on your original factory fit battery so its probably 5 +years old. Modern cars are so dependent on a good voltage supply to run well. Get a good make Bosch or Varta or Mercedes commercial (for price) Get the heaviest duty one that will fit the battery compartment. You will get a new compact electrical power source probably fitted free and peace of mind. My experience over the years has been that if the battery is more than 2 years old or unless there is a specific fault or circumstance to cause battery drain a flat battery means BUY A NEW ONE.

 

[BTB 500]

Last night my E240 (W210) wouldn't start, just emitting a click from the solenoid, however the lights remained at a constant brightness (interior and panel lights) as I tried to crank the motor

As you've pointed out, you weren't actually cranking the motor! The 'click' would be a low-voltage protection device cutting the power to the starter, to prevent you from completely flattening the battery (with all the associated implications for on-board electrical devices losing memories / settings / etc.).

 

[Brian WH]

As you've pointed out, you weren't actually cranking the motor! The 'click' would be a low-voltage protection device cutting the power to the starter,

Very true and would be why the lights didn't dim.

There is only one battery in the W210.