Batteries - Production Change Increased CCAs
84mercedes02TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE: May, 1984 REF. NO. 54/28
SUBJECT: NEW M-B BATTERIES EK 12V 72Ah AND 12V 92Ah
Since August 1983, batteries with improved cold-start performance were phased into production in vehicles with diesel engines. The new EK 12V 72Ah battery replaces the previous 12V 88Ah battery. The previous 12V 90Ah battery was replaced with the EK 12V 92Ah battery.
NOTE: The 88Ah battery (part no. 001 541 80 01) continues to be valid as a replacement part.
Production Phase-In: August 1983
Model Battery CCA (cold cranking current)
123.123/201.122* EK 12V 72Ah 690-SAE (420-DIN)
123.133/.153/.193 126.120 EK 12V 92Ah 740-SAE (450-DIN)
*Phase-In unspecified (190D)
In the new battery all plates of the same polarity (every other plate) are enclosed in separation envelopes, eliminating the need for the sediment space below the plates. Short circuits between plates are therefore eliminated.
Due to the higher rating of 690 CCA (previously 88Ah/650 CCA) for the EK 12V 72Ah battery, the capacity test for this battery must be made with the same test value as used on the 12V 88Ah battery (88Ah x 3 = 264 ampere load). The EK 12V 92Ah battery is tested in the usual manner (see "EDUCATION FOR EXCELLENCE" booklet under BATTERY PERFORMANCE TEST).
Besides the labeling with the capacity and cold cranking amp rating (DIN), the new batteries are also identified with the letters "EK". The EK 12V 72Ah battery is 10 lbs. lighter than the previous 88Ah battery.
Parts Information
Part Name Part Number
Battery EK 12V 72Ah 002 541 72 01
Battery EK 12V 92Ah 002 541 86 01