Battery Recommendations (and/or size) please.

[toml]

My alarm/amplifier seems to do a slow trickle drain on my battery when stored during the winter. After a couple complete drains, I made the smart move of getting a Battery Tender. But it was likely too late as another accidental drain and I can't seem to charge that battery anymore. So time for a new one.

1. Should I get a mercedes benz branded one if they even make them for our car and is that dealer only (how much)??

or

2. I seem to recall seeing posts saying that only Interstate brand batteries are considered concours worthy if not an MB battery. Do people go with interstate because they are as good but cheaper than MBs?

Basically, I've never bought a battery before, so no detail is too dumbed down for me. If you can tell me an exact model or dimensions, or amp/crank specs, I would very much appreciate it. (this is for a '64 230).

Thanks, oh and Happy New Year!

TomL, Portland, OR
1964 230SL Euro 4-speed Silver+Black w/ Red Interior
1973 280C DOHC Metalic Blue w/ Tan interior

[mdsalemi]

Tom,

The ONLY reason to get a Mercedes branded battery at its high cost is if you are showing your car in an MBCA Concours d'Elegance.  You'll get points taken off for anything but; the reason is the standard is "as delivered" or with original parts.  Interstate, DieHard, or anything else won't do.

Not that many show to this standard; in that case my first choice would be an Optima Gel.  Others have them and will eventually pipe in here with the size/model.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

[al_lieffring]

A battery Group 24-F size is the battery that I have always installed as replacements in a pagoda SL.

The F refers to the reversed polarity of the battery posts, if you get a standard group 24 battery the + post could short against the hood when it is closed.

Al Lieffring
66 230SL

[Benz Dr.]

A Benz battery is about $160.00  You can get a regular battery for half that amount.


Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org
  1 877 661 6061

[Richard Madison]

John
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual

Originally posted by thelews

[graphic66]

This is from my earlier post, it is a great fit- The batteries I have used, that claimed to fit, never fit very good at all. I took the tray and top to the store and ended up getting an Energizer part# e36R with 810 cranking amps and 650 CCA. This is not for everyone, because you must grind off one of the plastic mounting lips on the front bottom edge of the battery to fit the tray. If you do that it fits perfect, the top holddown fits perfect and the posts are correct. The battery was only $52.00 at Sams Club, thats the best part. It also looks great, just grind off the front lip so the exposed bottom back is clean. And it will bolt in and look great, all for only $52.00.

[dldubois]

Anyone should have one that will fit.  I've got a Duralast 48-DL.  875 cranking amps and 700 CCA.  Fit perfectly in the tray after filing a little of the base (It had a little lip on the bottom)

Available at Autozone for $50-60.

Dana DuBois
1969 280sl
Corinth, TX