Interstate Batteries

[J. Huber]

I think I have seen folks with this brand here. Are they decent batteries? I've always used Diehard Gold... Is there any special model number or something for the Interstate?

James
63 230SL

[TheEngineer]

Batteries are like beer: Almost all the same; just the packaging is different. Try Costco. Great warranty. Disclosure: I have 3.5 shares.

'69 280SL,Signal Red,Automatic,retired engineer, West-Seattle,WA

[Raymond]

It's pretty obvious the Engineer doesn't drink a variety of beer. Look at the differences between Guiness, Sam Adams, Stella Artois, Negra Modelo, and the horse whiz that Budweiser passes off as beer. :mrgreen:  

There are differences in batteries too. Optima batteries are fabulous, Varta not so, (Naj and I have discussed a varying opinion of them).  I have also used Interstate, Eveready, and Diehard in cars and trucks.  I'm still waiting for a 5 year old Interstate to show me a problem.  The Interstate in my SL is three years old and has done a lot of cranking, (and I mean a lot[:0]) as I have continue to learn about Pagoda ignition, fuel injection, and other perplexing issues. Still not the first sign of a weakness. From now on, I'm going with Optima or Interstate.

But with moderate care, even a cheap battery (like cheap beer) can do the job.  Over three years you could save $20 on your $30,000 baby.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[graphic66]

Or as the Aussies say "Ameican beer is like making love in a canoe, F***ing close to water" That aside, what I think is an important factor is the fit of the battery. I purchased a Napa brand for my car and it fits poorly and performs fine. I would like fit and performance. Who has found both in a normal wet cell battery?

[harleydan]

If one does not use the car on a normal basis, then a modern battery charger will help maintain the battery.  

Danny
1970 280SL silver Euro 4 speed

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by graphic66

Or as the Aussies say "Ameican beer is like making love in a canoe, F***ing close to water" That aside, what I think is an important factor is the fit of the battery. I purchased a Napa brand for my car and it fits poorly and performs fine. I would like fit and performance. Who has found both in a normal wet cell battery?

I did.  It is the MB battery.  Wet cell, fits perfectly.  Going strong for 3 years now, will let you know how it fares when I start the car again sometime in March when the snow clears!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Nate]

I've used Interstate batteries in my other cars and have been very happy with them.  They tend to hold their charge longer (in years) than other batteries on the market, for what it's worth...

[J. Huber]

Thanks. The reason I asked is -- when the time comes, I would likely have to head down into the "city" to get a Diehard, or a Costco, or whatever. Not a big deal. However, we have a German import car parts right here -- that carries Interestates. The shop carries lots of Bosch stuff (and can order for MBZ) -- but is definitely intended for VWs and Old British Cars (which we have a lot more of than old MBs...) So I just wondered if the Interstate would make a suitable replacement someday.

James
63 230SL

[Rolf]

If you get a battery tender and connect it to your battery when you store your car, it will keep the battery charged without over charging it. I use one on my vehicles I store for the winter and they start right up in the spring.

Rolf
1966 230SL Auto
1992 300D

[Bob G ✝︎]

I just replaced an interstate battery in my 300-E I had it only 6 months and it would not hold a charge. this time I went to Sears and ask them for a battery they only had one for this car so hopefully it will last a lot longer.
I like interstate batterys I have one in the SL a Megatron. I may of just got a bad battery.
Bob Geco

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by mdsalemi

It is the MB battery.  Wet cell, fits perfectly.  Going strong for 3 years now....

Who manufactured it?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[mille]

We are on our 8(!)year on a Bosch Silver 74 Ah battery in our MB 230E and it's still going strong on frosty morning starts. It's not cheap, but quality seldom is.

/Finn  

1964 MB 230 SL Euro 4-speed manual silver metallic/black leather

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by rwmastel

quote:Originally posted by mdsalemi

It is the MB battery.  Wet cell, fits perfectly.  Going strong for 3 years now....

Who manufactured it?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

Who knows?  Varta maybe?  The point is, it fits perfectly as it is supposed to.  I don't keep it on a trickle charge as I don't want anything plugged in near the car when it sits unattended--that's a fire hazard.  The car has always started right up in the spring.  When the battery "goes", I'll get a new one.

I use the MB battery because, as you know, I show the car in MB Concours and that is the only acceptable battery.  If I didn't show the car, my choice would be simple--an Optima Gel battery.  Yes they are a bit pricier but they don't leak battery acid all over and they really last.  It would take some work at a dealer that has them in stock to find the proper fit but I'm sure it can be done.  The Optima battery selector of course doesn't go back to the 1960's nor does it list by "group"; but on some of the websites carrying Optimas they list all the sizes and specs.  They cost around $180 or so.

If you store your car for the winter, the best bet if you are concerned about battery life etc. is to remove the battery from the car and place it somewhere moderate in temperature.  No leakage, no fire hazard, no problem.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by mdsalemi
 ..  If I didn't show the car, my choice would be simple--an Optima Gel battery.  Yes they are a bit pricier but they don't leak battery acid all over and they really last.  It would take some work at a dealer that has them in stock to find the proper fit but I'm sure it can be done.  The Optima battery selector of course doesn't go back to the 1960's nor does it list by "group"; but on some of the websites carrying Optimas they list all the sizes and specs.  They cost around $180 or so. ...

The correct type is an "Optima 800CCA 34R" [reverse terminal]. I bought one because I use a tilter to work under the car and I can leave the battery in since it doesn't leak. Auto Barn has it on sale sometimes (but not now) for $140 (with free shipping). http://www.autobarn.net/opredtop830c.html
COSTCO also sells Optima batteries for a similar price and they might order it.

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[n/a]

I think I have used about every battery mentioned on this thread and a few that have not been mentioned, and have found very little difference in any of them.  Of course this is based on using the proper size and cca for the vehicle.  That said, after I bought my first Optima battery, that is all I have used in any of my vehicles whether is my wifes car that must start every time or the beater pickup I drive daily.  Since I do not show my 230SL, I had no qualms about installing an Optima battery.  An aftermarket battery holddown keeps the battery secured in place.  If I should decide to show the car, changing to a MB battery would be no problem.  In the mean time the peace of mind that comes from having a safe durable battery in place is worth the price of admission.  I have bought most of my Optima batteries at the local Advance Auto Parts house, however I think Sears, NAPA, Auto Zone and most of the other parts houses have or can get Optima batteries.  Advance seems to have a reasonably price and always have what I need on hand.

I really do not think you will have any trouble with any brand battery you choose, providing the cables and the rest of the starting system is in good repair, and you choose the proper size battery for your application.

Good Luck

Iverson