Selecting the right battery for your Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class CL203 (model years 2008–2010) is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance that ensures reliable starting, efficient operation of electrical systems, and the longevity of your car’s components. The CLC-Class is a stylish compact coupe that blends performance with comfort, and its electrical requirements vary depending on the engine and fuel type. Understanding the correct battery specifications for your particular engine is essential not only for optimal performance but also to prevent potential electrical issues that may arise from using an underpowered or incompatible battery.
For the petrol engine variants without the Start-Stop system, which include the CLC 160, CLC 180 Kompressor, CLC 200 Kompressor, and CLC 230, the recommended battery capacity falls between 74 and 78 Ah (ampere-hours), with a cold cranking current in the range of 680 to 780 A. These engines are compatible with conventional lead-acid batteries, which are widely available and suitable for vehicles that don’t feature Start-Stop technology. When choosing a battery, you may consider several example models that fit these requirements, such as Bosch S40 08, Bosch S50 08, Exide EA770, Exide EB740, Halfords HCB 096, Lucas LP096, Lucas LS096, Varta E11, and Varta E44. These models are referenced as compatible options, but it’s always wise to double-check dimensions and terminal layouts to ensure a perfect fit in your car’s battery compartment.
If you own a CLC 350 petrol or one of the diesel variants, namely the CLC 200 CDI or CLC 220 CDI, you’ll need a battery with higher capacity and cold cranking power. For these engine types, batteries in the 95 to 100 Ah range, delivering a cold cranking current between 800 and 900 A, are recommended. Like the smaller petrol engines, these too utilize lead-acid batteries, but the increased power rating is crucial for reliable cold starts, especially in the case of diesel engines, which generally require more starting power due to higher compression. Some example models you could look for include Bosch S40 13, Bosch S50 13, Exide EA1000, Exide EB950, Halfords HCB 019, Lucas LP019, Lucas LS019, Varta G3, and Varta H3. These examples have been widely used in similar Mercedes-Benz models and are known for their reliability and performance, but remember to confirm that the battery’s physical size and terminal configuration match your vehicle’s requirements.
It’s worth noting that all CLC-Class CL203 engines from 2008–2010, as specified in your data, do not feature the Start-Stop system. This means you do not need an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) type, which are specifically engineered for vehicles with frequent engine restarts. Instead, a high-quality, maintenance-free lead-acid battery will suffice for your needs, and this type is generally more cost-effective and easier to source.
When selecting your battery, besides focusing on the electrical specifications, also check the physical dimensions—length, width, and height—as well as the polarity and terminal type. This will ensure the battery fits snugly in the tray and that the cables connect without any strain or need for modification. A loose or ill-fitting battery can lead to vibration damage or even electrical shorts, so precision in this aspect is just as important as the technical specs.
Interestingly, a battery’s performance is not just about starting the engine; it also powers all electrical systems when the engine is off. Mercedes-Benz vehicles, even from this era, tend to have more advanced electronics than many competitors, including sensors, power seats, and entertainment systems, all of which draw power even when the car is parked. This makes it especially important to select a battery with a robust reserve capacity and to keep your vehicle’s charging system in good health to avoid premature battery failure.
To sum up, for Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class CL203 from 2008–2010, a high-quality lead-acid battery matched to your engine’s specific needs, such as one of the aforementioned example models, will provide dependable service. Always verify the battery’s physical compatibility and consider purchasing from a reputable supplier who offers a good warranty. Taking the time to make the right choice will help your CLC-Class start every time and keep all its systems running reliably.
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class in version CL203 was produced in the years 2008 – 2010. Below we present the specifications of batteries suitable for specific engines.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (2008-2010):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class CL203 – petrol engines:
- CLC 160
- CLC 180 Kompressor
- CLC 200 Kompressor
- CLC 230
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 08 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 08 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB740 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA770 | 77 Ah 760 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 096 | 76 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP096 | 75 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS096 | 78 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E11 | 74 Ah 680 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E44 | 77 Ah 780 A | 278x175x190 mm | More |
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class CL203 – petrol engines:
- CLC 350
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 13 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 13 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB950 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA1000 | 100 Ah 900 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP019 | 95 Ah 800 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS019 | 100 Ah 850 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class CL203 – diesel engines:
- CLC 200 CDI
- CLC 220 CDI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S4 S40 13 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 13 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB950 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA1000 | 100 Ah 900 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 019 | 95 Ah 850 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP019 | 95 Ah 800 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS019 | 100 Ah 850 A | 354x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic G3 | 95 Ah 800 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic H3 | 100 Ah 830 A | 353x175x190 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!