2000 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 281

Instruments and controls Battery Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index 278 must not leak acid when upside down for at least 15 minutes. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center can provide such a special battery. The service life of the battery is dependent on its condition of charge. The battery should always be kept sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length of time. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month, mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for long periods of time. Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the battery has been disconnected from the vehicle's electrical circuit. Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and connect last. When removing and connecting the battery, always make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery, its filler caps, the vent tube and the opposite plug must always be securely installed when the vehicle in operation. During removal and installation always protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal with the cover attached to the battery. While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the generator and other electronic components would be damaged. Note: After reconnecting the battery also resynchronize the front seat head restraints, the express feature of the power windows, and the electronic stability program (ESP), see pages 48, 156 and 221. Battery recycling Batteries contain material that can harm the environment with improper disposal. Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old batteries for recycling.