E280 CDI SPORTS ESTATE ... 2009 ... W211 ... BATTERY CHANGE

[johnsco]

The battery on my E280 CDI is getting a bit tired, and I think that a new one for winter might be a good investment.
The owner's manual appears to suggest that I will only need to reset the clock and re-initialise the fold-in mirrors by operating them once thru a full cycle.
It doesn't mention the radio code, but I guess that this will need resetting.

Are there any other hidden nasties of which I should be aware ?
I've changed many vehicle batteries, so the general safety precautions are not an issue.
The owner's handbook goes on at-length about the anti-static band.
This car certainly has one.
Is this a new fad ??
I understand the issue, but I've never seen it emphasised so much before.
Perhaps it's just to frighten me into visiting an MB main dealer to pay top-dollar for something I can do myself.
Any help - Much appreciated.
Thanks.
John

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Not quite the same thing but I changed a battery on my 2004 W220 and didn't have to reset anything.

 

[Doodle]

Which battery are you changing? The 211 has 2, convenience battery tucked up near the scuttle and the main battery in the boot.

 

[johnsco]

Aha ..... That's why I asked the question ..... To see if there are any surprises.
The handbook doesn't tell you there is a second battery ...... ??
What does it do ?
Where exactly is it ?
I was thinking of changing the main battery, as the starting doesn't appear to have the sharpness it used to have.
If you search for battery on Euro Car Parts, it doesn't list a second battery ..... unless I have missed it.
Any thoughts on the "anti-static strip" ?

 

[Doodle]

IIRC, the auxiliary battery in the engine bay provides power for the electrical systems if the main battery is low. It's a hang over from having the SBC system fitted so on yours probably doesn't do very much. Don't think there are many other sources for replacements beyond MB, although I believe it's just a motorbike-sized AGM unit.

 

[johnsco]

My vehicle doesn't have SBC system.
I can understand the need to prevent the vehicle electronics suffering a low-voltage condition.
They don't like it !!!
Even heavy battery-drain on cold-starting can drag the supply voltage down to a very low level
It can sometimes leave the electronics in an unexpected state.
A well-designed system should reset if re-booted - But it's best not to go there if you can help it ....... Especially on a car with a lot of clever electronics / software.
The increasing amount of clever electronics may be part of the reason for the anti-static band.
Who knows !!
OK .... Thanks for your thoughts.
I'll go ahead and make the change later today.

 

[AMGeed]

If you have an aux battery it is located under the pollen filter on the n/s bulkhead. Just one 8mm? nut to undo.
I believe if you are replacing that battery at any point you need to disconnect the rear battery first, then reconnect that one last to avoid error messages.
MB stock them at around £75 and they are a FIAMM lead acid motor cycle battery. Cheaper and less powerful batteries are available from ECP.

After changing your rear battery you sometimes have to reset the windows and sun roof mechanisms. Ignition on, open fully, then close and hold the button for each window for a couple of seconds.

I've changed a few batteries and never heard of using an anti static wrist strap.

 

[johnsco]

Thanks AMG and Doodle.
That's all very helpful advice.
I'm not going to touch the aux battery for now.
Yes - The anti-static strap is a new one to me - But there's certainly one there - Like it says in the book.
So - I'll just put it back in place.
One job at a time !!
Cheers.
Guys.
John

 

[Smart320]

Last autumn I changed the main battery in my W211 E320cdi, got it done by the main dealer, £140 fitted including a wash and interior valet. Was OE , same manufacturer as the original and although only a 2 year warranty I was happy. Quick and no fuss to have it changed even though it would have been cheaper as a DIY job, afterwards starting in cold weather was noticeably better.

 

[johnsco]

Thanks Smart 320.
That sounds a good price from MB.
I already have the battery ... So - Here goes.

 

[johnsco]

Job completed ..... No problems at all.
Changed the main battery in the back in the usual way.
Car fired up just fine with no rude messages.
The folding mirrors worked straight away.
Each of the 4 windows required running up and down a couple of times to reset the correct position.
The radio did not require re-coding - At first the stations appeared confused, but within a couple of minutes all the stations were in their correct positions - So all was well.
I'm taking it for a run shortly - But all appears OK.
Thanks for help and advice received.