Battery Problems Mercedes E220

KentuckyPete

Lads, first time posting here - normally post in the running forum.

I have a 2003 E220 diesel estate - around 65,000 miles. The battery went flat one day a few months ago when I left the lights on. I jumped it off a neighbour's wheels, got it going OK and she's started fine ever since.

However
1. The "Battery Fault. Visit the Service Centre" message (not those exact words) comes up whenever I switch on the ignition

2. If I leave the car for a few days it's very sluggish to turn over - suggesting the charge is draining when she's left idle

3. I often get the "Convenience functions not available" message when I start the car

So, the battery clearly is not in top shape. It'll cost a bomb to get a Mercedes dealer to sort this. On a "normal" car you'd drop in a new battery no problem. So, the dumbass question - Where is the battery in a 2003 E220? Is it easily changed?

Thanks for any advice

Gary ITR

I know on the W210 it's under the back seat, I think it's the same on the W211

I wouldn't bring it to a main dealer for a battery though, pick one up in your local factor, all you need to change it is a ten spanner Oh and your radio code!

Seth Brundle

If doing DIY, then follow this series of steps:
* Disconnect the negative terminal - Loosen the negative cable clamp with a wrench (Usually 8mm or 10mm)
* Disconnect the positive terminal
* Unfasten the battery holder and remove any screws, clamps or bars holding the battery in place
* Lift out the battery
* Clean the terminal clamps
* Reconnect the positive terminal
* Reconnect the negative terminal

crosshair1

You have a main battery in boot and aux under pollen filter, you will need to have the battery control unit checked for faults and test both batteries.

shamwari

crosshair1 wrote: »

You have a main battery in boot and aux under pollen filter, you will need to have the battery control unit checked for faults and test both batteries.

Are these gel batteries by any chance?

crosshair1

Theyre both lead-acid

Paudie23

generally when a battery is discharged overnight from an electrical source you dont need to buy a new battery. the reason your battery light is on is because it takes an altenater 22hours of constant driving to fully recharge a battery which is just not done.
take the battery out and charge @10% of the rated AH. this should be around 8-9 amps for your battery for 10hours. battery should be perfect if you have not left it to long.

KentuckyPete

Lads, thanks for taking the time to post all the advice - appreciate it. Reckon I'll tackle it over the weekend.