Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: Jim Donati on July 24, 2012, 01:19:17
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I need to replace the battery in my 1970 280SL. Is it true that MB no longer has a replacement that fits our cars? The technical manual indicates part # 003 541 33 01 is what should be used if one would like to keep a vehicle correct and original. Below are the choices for non-Mercedes-Benz batteries available listed in the Technical Manual?
Battery LxWxH (mm) LxWxH (in) Notes
Orignal 260 x 180 x 222 10-1/4 x 6-13/16 x 8-3/4 Varta/MB pn 003 541 33 01
BCI 24F 273 x 173 x 229 10-3/4 x 6-13/16 x 9 Longer and taller than original size
BCI 24R 260 x 173 x 229 10-1/4 x 6-13/16 x 9 Taller than original size
BCI 34R 260 x 173 x 200 10-1/4 x 6-13/16 x 7-7/8 Closest match to original size
The Classic Center told my mechanic the original battery is "no longer available". I would prefer to replace my battery with a genuine Mercedes-Benz battery that is correct and proper.
So, keeping in mind that originality outweighs the price, who can enlighten me on what choices I have in my replacement search?
Thanks for your help.
Jim
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Did you try the regular parts route through the MB dealer? When I replaced mine MB battery a few years ago, I just went to the local MB store, and a couple of weeks later, voila! In doing a quick search (the search function is your friend). I did see the part number you mentioned (003 541 33 01) mentioned. I believe that is what I have.
You may want to check to check www.antiqueautobattery.com, an outfit out of Hudson, Ohio (my old stomping grounds) that does the original battery styles.
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http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/mercedes-benz-battery_856604.html
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In regards the Impex Co. selling the batteries in the post above:
Their listing says shipping for that item is not an option; local pickup only at their facility in Cockeysville, Maryland. FWIW, Cockeysville is close by I-83 and ~5 miles outside Baltimore's beltway to the north of the city.
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I did not try my local MB dealer as Johnny suggests, although my mechanic searched through them and the classic center in irvine. I think I will have to make a few calls myself to satisfy my own curiosity.
I do know I won't be driving to Maryland any time soon, so jkalplus1's tip won't work for me.
My search of websites that offer batteries for older classic cars did not find any that offered ones for Mercedes-Benz replacements.
Thanks to those who have replied, but I am still looking for what others have done entry to replace their battery.
Jim
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Jim,
Legend has it that OEM Mercedes batteries are not of the highest quality, though I did buy one that lasted for 6 years and was not "tended" to in the winter. They are also expensive, as you would imagine.
The only reason to use one is if you are trying to enter a Concours where period-look or OEM accuracy is important. If you are doing it just for yourself you are going down an expensive path for a certain look that 95% of the time is simply covered up by the hood. The new OEM battery for the Pagoda is white plastic and does not resemble the original battery once delivered with the car 40 years ago.
There is a guy in Camden New Jersey, Bob Platz, of Precision Auto Works that has a well known reputation of putting together restored prize winning Mercedes, and he has re-created some vintage batteries.
Precision Auto Works
2202 Federal St
Camden, NJ 08105
Neighborhoods: Cramer Hill, Marlton
(856) 966-0080
Understand that just shipping anything like this is likely to cost a bundle, not to mention the cost of the battery itself. You'll then have to take it somewhere for additional cost, to have it charged with acid. They have to ship dry.
If you don't show your car and don't need the Concours points, an Optima gel is the way to go.
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If you really want an original appearing battery, you might contact Tom Colitt (on this list). He had a couple made in Europe a while back.
I agree with Mike, though -- a really original battery isn't worth the trouble. I had one of the new white Mercedes batteries, which lasted a little over 6 years. But the price has gone up incredibly, and I replaced it with an Interstate (which I pasted the Mercedes label on).
Chris
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I just bought a battery for my 280SL project. The part number for the Mercedes battery with cell caps and non-sunken posts is 003-541-33-01-26. If you try to buy this battery, you may run into some confusion because the dealer parts system will point to a diiferent battery with sunken posts and that is too big to fit. But stand your ground and tell your dealer to call the Classic Center because the correct one is available.
Cheers,
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Chuck:
What color is the battery?
Jim
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I just bought a new battery, which I haven't yet installed, and decided to go the AGM route so I don't have to worry about leaks and subsequent corrosion. It measures 256 x 168 x 220H and comes with a 5 year full replacement warranty. It's my first AGM so I'll see how it goes. ;D
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I can get all of the batteries I want from my WD but I have to pick them up as they are delivered wet and UPS won't handle them. Oddly, the price went down last year. ???
Likely the same price as a year ago before they dropped the price for 6 months. ::)
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Jordan,
which brand AGM did you buy? Sears, Optima?
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Alfred, it is a local brand (like Sears but not) but it is made by Exide. I have two Optima's, which I also just purchased, for my other car. I chose the Optima's for the other car because they fit the box (smaller size) and had the specs I wanted.
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The battery has a white case.
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Darn, that is what I suspected. I was hoping you might have found a replacement that was black like the original.
Anybody know why MBZ switched to white battery cases and no longer offer one in black for our W113 cars?
Jim
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Talked to Tom at the MB classic center, he says the replacement is 002-541-87-01-26
called the dealer, at almost $200 i think I will be looking in to alternates
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Hi,
I asked people at Bosch stand in Techno Classica Essen about the battery. They said they will start produce 12V classic black battery in the November.
Artur
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.../... Bosch.../... said they will start produce 12V classic black battery in the November
Artur,
That certainly was interesting information. Would you know what this battery is supposed to look like? I hope, similar to the illustration in the Parts book (see attached)?
Are the dimensions compatible to our Pagoda cars? Height 200mm Width 180mm Length 260mm
/Hans in Sweden
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There is a lot of old information in this thread.
This current info might help someone looking into batteries.
I just purchased, from my local Mercedes dealer, battery 002 541 87 01 26 (current MB replacement battery for our cars, but it is white in color).
For some unexplained reason, the price has come down on this dramatically.
Maybe because it was the last one in the country and they just wanted to get rid of it? But there are more of them in Europe.
I paid US$152 plus tax ($164 total). This was the "regular" price.
It fits perfect in the original location AND starts the car. ;)
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Hans,
I asked people at Bosch stand in Essen. They told me that battery will look like the one on the attached picture.
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Hi,
here you'll find some information about Bosch classic line batteries: http://www.bosch-automotive-tradition.com/en/internet/automotive_tradition/parts/reproduction/motor/batterie/batterie___mit_teaser.html.
...WRe
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Looks like the "classic line" only refers to 6V batteries ... ???
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Hi Philmas,
yes, that's true, all about 6V, but I've asked Bosch Automotive today when the 12V version will be available. Their answer: End of 2015/beginning of 2016 they will offer the 12V versions.
...WRe
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OK! wait and see, then... :)
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I broke down and just bought an MB battery
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I asked my WD if they could get a battery for my 600 and they said yes. There are four left in Germany so I said OK. The car is restored to original specs so I didn't want to use a regular battery if a MB one was under 300 bucks, my cost. It was, so I grabbed one while I still could. It's a white top which probably isn't original but it's a really big battery so it will look right.
I would only use an original style battery on a concours restoration where you want everything as original as possible.
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Merrill - Do you mind sharing your price paid? Did you buy from local MB dealership? Thanks.
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Rod,
Did you see from my July 10th post that I just paid $152 plus tax from my local MB dealer?
I hope merrill paid that, or less.
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Iconic,
Yes, I saw your post. I was looking to see if the price was consistent or varied.
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I bought a new battery from my local MB dealer two weeks ago. The MB Classic Center gave me a quote of $152, and my local dealer quoted $174, but reduced the price to $152 when I mentioned the Classic Center price.
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yeah, I paid more than 150,
talked to tom at MB classic
Suggested retail is $152.00 but the dealers can set their own prices.
Shipping from me would have been around $35.00 and FedEx would probably have dumped it over.
I will follow up with my parts guy to see what he can do
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Guys, I have to thank you for the current updates to the thread... Was bothered by not having an MB battery (even if it is white)..
I just called my parts guy (MB Northlake, Charlotte, NC) and ordered the 002 541 87 01 26 battery $114..(MBCA member discount). apparently 3 left in a CA warehouse.
The old girl also needed the battery frame and j bolts.. so ordered them as well (pn and prices in case anyone cares)
Battery Frame - 113 540 00 23 - $138
J Bolts - 186 541 01 24 - $14
Washer - 912004 006102 - $0.75
Nut - 304032 006008 - $1.50
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Interesting and strange.
I wonder what is up.
I checked that part number a few years ago and it was very expensive. Over $200 US.
Then I bought one in early July this year for a "regular" price of $152 US.
Now you bought it in August for $114 US.
All the same part number.
The only thing I can think of is they are trying to get rid of them???
What do you guys think?
By the way, it starts my car beautifully as you would expect. :D
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I received my copy of The Star last week. In it is a feature about a 230SL that the Classic Center in Irvine had just finished restoring. It is beautifully done to as close to original as possible. In the picture of the engine compartment I could not help but notice the battery, it looked period correct. I have been looking for one for quite a while with no luck. I live in Southern California so I drove down to the Classic Center to inquire about the battery. It is the white battery that Mercedes sells for our cars that they have painted the proper Black . The caps were also painted the proper yellow. They reproduced a replica Varta sticker and pasted it on the side of the battery. If I can not find a classic battery that is produced specifically for our cars I am willing to do as they did, it looks great. Chumps
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Interesting to know, thanks for sharing. I have always wondered why one could not do just as they did.
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I purchased one from my local dealer (a new black one, the white one was no longer available) that would fit in the tray, but the hold down would not go over the top to hold it in place. According to their books it was supposed to fit. They took it back. The only one I've found to fit with the proper terminal placement, although a little smaller, is the one specked for the C6 Corvette.
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For all of you who have an optima, excide, interstate, etc... This is a good appearance workaround.. They are customizable by size and cap color. Not expensive either!
http://www.tartopper.com/ (http://www.tartopper.com/)
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As for battery pricing, bear in mind that it is almost directly a function of the price of lead, its major component. Jon
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I did the Die Hard,
interstate, Duralast, Autozone, etc for first 15yrs....all evntually die b/c clock, unless u have cut off switch.
Decided to treat myself and Got my MB battery from classic center; they installed....can post Battery #/$ if needed. Looks classic with white case / blue star and MB Black-frame tie down.
Also installed a new $15 M-B ground strap which some say improves conductivity.
Been on $25 Battery Tender Jr, with $10 DIN adapter connected to help light outlet in firewall.
Nice clean set up for pre/after
Cruise plug in and letting engine cool with hood cracked open resting on latch.
Starts on first turn after 3yrs...
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Any ideas about a stocking looking Battery. Read your post. I'm in same spot want it to look right. What did you end up doing ? Planned on the newer battery 003 541 33 01 26 removing stickers painting it black with yellow cell fill
Caps. Anyone done this ?
Steve Cunningham
1968 280SL Euro model 4 speed manual
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Steve - look at my entry above. I purchased the white battery and did just what the Classic enter did to theirs. It looks and fits great. A bit more costly, but in MHO worth it.
Chumps
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I realize this is an old post, but can you provide the part number and estimated cost from the Classic Center?
Thanks
Kyle'
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Kyle',
The part no. is 002-541-87-01-26. I bought one in April from a local MB dealer for $179 + CA tax. The list price was $240. If you're a MBCA member you should get a discount from a MB dealer. I don't think the MB Classic Center will ship a battery, besides they are really heavy!
Joe
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Kyle,
You may also get a Bosch Classic one. May be dearer though:
http://www.bosch-classic.com/media/bosch_classic/teile_1/nachfertigungen/motor_2/batterie/Mini-Katalog_Batterie.pdf
naj
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Kyle,
You may also get a Bosch Classic one. May be dearer though:
http://www.bosch-classic.com/media/bosch_classic/teile_1/nachfertigungen/motor_2/batterie/Mini-Katalog_Batterie.pdf
naj
I just called Bosch and these Classic batteries are not available in the US through a retailer :(
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Yesterday I ordered a new MB battery for my 230SL from www.mercedespartscenter.com. The part number I used to order the battery with was 003 541 33 01. I was informed by Mercedes Parts Center that this particular part number had been superceded by 000 982 31 08, so I proceeded to order the battery using the new part number.
Today I noticed several members of this group ordered batteries from MB with different part numbers and now I'm beginning to wonder whether I ordered the correct battery. Can anyone confirm I ordered the correct battery for my 230SL? Has any member of this group ordered this particular battery (000 982 31 08) from MB lately? If so, were you happy with the appearance and the CCA?
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I am curious as to how you got the part number. I went out to the Mercedes Part Center and tried looking by model year, but the drop down does not go back any further than 1980. I looked it up by part number, using the first number you typed out, and it did show that the replacement part was the one you indicated. But the description showed this as the battery for a 2016 4 cylinder??
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I got the part number from this old thread: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17429.msg120638#msg120638.
This morning Mercedes Parts Center sent me a refund along with a message stating that Part Number 000 982 31 08 was no longer available.
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Unless you are going to "show" your car in an originality-based (such as MBCA) Concours d'Elegance, as opposed to most shows or those with so-called "French rules", you will be better off with a modern sealed battery, a gel-type.
The most well known is Optima of course, and the most expensive. I have a DieHard. I believe it is Group 34R, with the terminals reversed.
I still have my MB battery for shows, but every year no matter what I did, it was leaking acid, corroding things inside, and underside. It required annual maintenance too. The sealed batteries are "install and forget".
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Just a heads up on the Optima. They were bought out by Johnson Controls and as a result their quality has suffered. I have had 2 go bad in 18 months in my truck. Also their reserve capacity is not the best.
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I went ahead and ordered an OEM battery (002-541-87-01-26) from my local MB dealer; MSRP was $179 minus 15% MBCA discount. Total was $152.15 plus Georgia tax - not too painful.
FWIW, I had an Interstate battery in the car - which exploded last weekend.. really made a mess!
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Just a heads up on the Optima...They were bought out by Johnson Controls and as a result their quality has suffered.
I'm certainly not a flag-bearer for Optima, but that transaction by Johnson Controls happened 17 years ago--thus it surely isn't anything new. At that time production slowly began to move to Mexico...as if that's a surprise with anything these days.
I have had two of the OEM batteries. The first lasted about 7 years, which is surely nothing to complain about despite the common talk that they aren't good batteries. I had the second one for a few more, and it's still good: but, I tired of the battery acid nonsense (thank goodness no explosions though) so went for a sealed unit from Sears. If there's a show, I'll swap... ;)
As for the exploding battery, Charles, I hope you have the charging system checked out. One usual suspect of an exploding battery is an overcharging condition, not necessarily the battery itself. Most places that sell or install a battery should be able to check this out for you...
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As for the exploding battery, Charles, I hope you have the charging system checked out.
yes, will do.
I've read stories over the years about batteries exploding but I never really gave it (an explosion) much thought... The battery in question was a 6 year-old Interstate which has always held a good charge and has no history of leaking - I've never needed to use a trickle-charger or jumper cables with this particular battery.
This past weekend I took my 230 for a casual 45-minute drive to my parents' home. The car had sat for about an hour before I attempted to start it. As soon as I turned the ignition switch there was a loud 'boom' and smoke (sulfuric acid) began to stream from under the hood. I opened the hood and saw that the battery top had completely blown off. The battery caps left a couple of dents in the underside of my hood which are clearly visible on the topside. Oh well....I'm just glad the hood was closed else acid would have blown all over me and the interior of my car. What a mess...
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As soon as I turned the ignition switch there was a loud 'boom' and smoke (sulfuric acid) began to stream from under the hood.
Yikes. How "clean" is your engine bay? If the engine bay is kind of dirty, with a greasy film on it, and perhaps moisture, this provides a unique path for high voltage. My guess is when you turned the ignition, some high voltage arced somewhere and ignited hydrogen from the battery.
Years ago I had an old Toyota and the engine bay was embarassingly filthy. On a highway trip in the rain once, it started misfiring. I pulled over at a rest stop, popped the hood, and the whole engine bay was lighting up like a flashing Christmas tree. High voltage was sparking and arcing everywhere. I turned it off, cleaned the wires and as much as I could with a cloth and that was a good temporary fix until I could clean it properly. High voltage is a wayward child...
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The entire engine bay area is - or at least was, impeccable…its all covered in baking soda now.
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Sorry to hear that Charles. I can only imagine how you felt when that happened. :(
Other than the horrific mess it created, just wonder what the acid could have damaged? The plating is about the only thing that first comes to my mind. Strong acid will remove zinc/CAD plating very quickly. You might start seeing rust spots form on areas that are normally plated. Acid can also eat bare aluminum but it would take a lot longer to do any significant damage.
Again sorry.
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I have an Interstate battery in my 67 230SL, it fits good and has a long life.
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yesterday I picked up the new battery from my local MB dealer.
For those who may be contemplating an OEM battery (002-541-87-01-26), I've attached a few pictures showing the dimensions. The battery fits perfect and it looks fine.
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BTW, after cleaning up all the baking soda I was pleased to find no sulfuric acid damage - not even to the painted area directly beneath the battery where acid had dripped..but note that I was very quick to liberally dowse everything with baking soda once I realized the battery had exploded.
Incidentally, although the top of the battery was missing, MB still took it as a core trade-in on the new one.
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Great to hear! Must have a good head on your shoulders to act that quickly.
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thanks Wallace, I'm not so sure about having a level head but, the incident did confirm how critical it is to have a beverage refrigerator in the garage with baking soda (and certainly beverages) readily available.
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I like your justification. I suppose if you shook a beer can up, it could act like an extinguisher of sorts when opened?
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I thought I would tag an update onto this old, long thread about original batteries.
My battery is a white, M-B replacement that I bought in 2003, dry; activated with acid in 2007 and has been on duty reliably since. Its stock number is A003-541-33-01
After reading everyone's comments, and in need of a good battery that looked like it belonged in my engine room, I went to my local M-B dealer and bought one. The battery I was sold had an M-B part number 000-982-31-08. The parts guy assured me that this was the replacement part number. The battery was the right size, black top, with correct terminal arrangement (though sunken) but the hold-down frame did not fit. Using Charles' pictures and part number (being only a year old comment), i returned to the dealer. He input the 002-541-87-01-26 number and boom! there it was - and in stock! Granted, it looked like it had been sitting on the shelf for awhile but it fits and looks like the battery it replaced.