Mercedes Benz Battery Replacement [DIY & Pro Install]
Mercedes Benz is one of the most popular and well-known car models on the market. Mercedes offers luxury performance with an aesthetic appeal.
To that end, Mercedes uses AGM batteries for their models. Like any car part, Mercedes batteries will eventually wear down and need replacing.
On average, you can expect to pay about $400 to replace a Mercedes Benz battery. The typical price range is between $300 and $500. Generally speaking, it is more expensive to replace the battery on a new Mercedes than on an older model. If you want to buy a battery and replace it on your own, you can expect to pay about $250 for the battery itself.
Your actual price will depend on the age of your car and your mechanic’s location.
To help you out, we put together this comprehensive article on Mercedes Benz battery replacement costs.
We will cover battery replacement costs for various popular Mercedes Benz models and cover the cost of individual batteries.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Mercedes Benz Battery?
Overall, you can expect to pay about $400 to replace a Mercedes Benz battery.
The price is higher than the average cost to replace car batteries due to the fact that Mercedes uses absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries instead of traditional lead-acid batteries. AGM batteries are more powerful than lead-acid batteries and also
Below is a table showing average replacement costs for various popular models of Mercedes Benz. These prices are averages and subject to change based on the age of your car and your mechanic’s location.
| Make/Model | Price |
|---|---|
| E500 | $450 |
| E550 | $310 |
| E55 | $420 |
| E63 | |
| CLS500 | $320 |
| CLS55 | $310 |
| CLS550 | $380 |
| CLS63 | $360 |
| S550 | $560 |
| GL450 | $400 |
As you can see, most Mercedes replacement batteries fall between $300 on the low end to $500 on the high end. Mercedes batteries are on the higher end of the spectrum because they use advanced components.
Battery Costs
If you do not want to pay for a pro to replace your battery, you can buy one and replace it on your own. Generally, you can cut about $100 to $200 off the cost of replacement by doing it yourself.
Fortunately, changing a car battery is relatively easy and pretty much anyone can do it without special training or know-how.
You can expect to pay approximately $250 on average for a new Mercedes Benz battery. The typical price range is between $170 on the low end and $400 on the high end.
Like most car parts, you have the option to choose between aftermarket and OEM parts. OEM parts are made by the original manufacturer, so they are more expensive but generally higher-quality as well.
Here is a table showing the average costs for various replacement battery models. These costs are averages and may be subject to change.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| ACDELCO Gold 48AGM Battery | $175 |
| Mercedes OEM 211 541 00 01 Replacement Battery | $145 |
| Bosch S6590B Battery | $170 |
| Flypower 12v 100Ah LifePo4 Battery | $370 |
| Optima Batteries DH6 YellowTop Dual Sealed AGM Battery | $290 |
| Deka 9A49 Intimidator Battery | $250 |
| Delphi BU9049 MaxStart AGM Premier Automotive Battery | $290 |
| Bosch S6588B S6 Flat Plate AGM Battery | $340 |
| Exide Edge FP-AGML5/49 Flat Plate Sealed Automotive Battery | $320 |
| Deka 9AGM48 Intimidator Battery | $225 |
| Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery | $245 |
All other things being equal, it is cheaper to buy a new battery and replace it yourself rather than going to a mechanic.
Factors that Affect Battery Replacement Costs
Group size
Most Mercedes Benz models use an AGM H8 battery. So if you want a replacement, you need a battery in this group size. The minimum specs for a Mercedes Benz replacement battery is an AGM battery with 850 cold-cranking amps of power.
Brand
You can probably find a cheap compatible battery online from a knock-off manufacturer, but we would not recommend it. Some top manufacturers to look for include DuraLast, EverStart, AutoCraft, Bosch, ACDelco, Optima, and Exide. The companies produce high-quality batteries compatible with Mercedes Benz models.
Extent of damage
Depending on the extent of battery damage, you may have to pay more for repairs. Battery corrosion can also affect wires and other connecting components of your car’s electric systems.
Signs of a Bad Mercedes Battery
Here are the most common signs of a bad Mercedes battery.
Clicking Sound When Starting
One of the most common signs of a bad battery is a clicking sound when turning the key in the ignition. Normally, the battery provides energy for the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine.
When the battery is drained. It cannot deliver power and the engine cannot start, The result is the repeated clicking sound of the ignition mechanism.
Dim Headlights When Idling
When the engine is running, the alternator charges the battery so it doesn’t run out. One sign of a bad battery is if your headlights and cabin lights are slightly dim when the engine is idling.
In this case, the battery may not be holding a charger properly.
Engine is Slow to Start
If you notice that your car takes longer than normal to fire up, the culprit could be a bad battery. Normally, the battery provides the initial energy to get the engine running.
If it takes a long time, or your engine sputters a lot when turning the ignition key, the battery is likely to blame.
Visible Corrosion
Your battery makes contact with various car components. Over time, the leads and wires of the battery can corrode.
If you can see visible corrosion on the battery terminal leads or on the wires, then you probably need to get a new battery.
Battery Swelling
Batteries produce a lot of energy and they need a way to manage that heat. If the battery has too much current, it can cause the gas inside the cells to heat and expand.
This results in battery swelling. Swollen batteries may also be hot to the touch.
Battery Age
Generally speaking, Mercedes batteries last about 3-5 years, depending on how they are maintained.
If your car battery is older than 5 years, you should consider getting it checked out, even if there are no noticeable problems.
Can’t Run Peripherals
The battery runs a lot of the electronic components in the car when the engine is not fully turned on.
If you notice that you cannot turn your lights on without the engine, or you cannot use your radio when the car is not fully on, then the problem is likely a bad battery.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a Mercedes Benz battery?
It will cost about $400 to have your Mercedes Benz battery replaced by a professional. It costs about $250 on average to buy a replacement battery and replace it yourself.
Mercedes uses AGM batteries, so they are more expensive than traditional lead-acid batteries.
How often should I change my Mercedes Benz battery?
Most Mercedes batteries last for about 3 to 5 years before they need replacing. It is possible for your battery to last longer if you take care of it properly and get regular maintenance on your car.
After about 5 years, you should look into getting a battery replacement. Excess heat or cold can also shorten your battery’s lifespan.
Can I change a battery on my own?
Yes, you can replace a car battery on your own without any specialized tools. Replacing the car battery is actually one of the easiest car fixes and most people can do it without any prior experience working on cars.
If you do change your battery on your own, make sure that you dispose of the old battery properly. Most states have rules about how to dispose of things like car batteries.
Do I need a special battery for my Mercedes Benz?
Yes, Mercedes Benz model cars use what is known as an H8 or Group 49 battery. These batteries can produce up to 700 amps of current and hold at least 180 minutes of reserve power.
More specifically, H8 batteries are absorbent glass mat batteries, which are a step above the traditional lead-acid batteries that many modern cars use. Mercedes batteries are completely sealed so they don’t require maintenance.
Do I have to buy a new battery from Mercedes?
No, you do not have to go through Mercedes to get a new battery. You can buy a compatible battery from a third-party manufacturer. Generally, OEM parts are higher quality but they can be harder to find and significantly more expensive.
The main reason to get an OEM battery is if you would void your car’s warranty by installing aftermarket parts.
Can I buy a used Mercedes battery?
You can, but we would not recommend buying a used battery for a Mercedes. The best option is to find a new one from the manufacturer.
While used batteries can be in good condition, there is no performance guarantee and most places don’t provide a warranty for used car parts like batteries.
Final Words
Mercedes Benz batteries are powerful but also come at a premium. Damaged batteries are a fire hazard and can also cause problems with other car components, such as the alternator.
So if your battery is sluggish, then you should look into getting it fixed as quickly as possible. As always, make sure to get quotes from several mechanics so you can get the best possible price. You may be interested in our guide on Mercedes Air Suspension Costs.
