C-Class Coupe (CL203) 
C-Class T-Model (S203)
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Car battery by model
There are no Start-Stop versions of the Mercedes C-Class (W203, 2000-2008), so it usually takes a battery like the Varta E11: conventional, 74 Ah and 680 A, in case size L3. Other engines use the Varta E44 (conventional, 77 Ah and 780 A); the table shows the battery for each engine.
- 2000-2008
- 24 engines
- conventional
- Case L3
Check with your number plateWe show you only the batteries that fit your exact version.
Recommended batteries for the Mercedes C-Class W203
For versions without Start-Stop
conventional 74 Ah · 680 A (EN)
Case L3 · 278 × 175 × 190 mm · + right
Recommended for 11 of 24 engines
See price and specs Varta E11
For versions without Start-Stop
conventional 77 Ah · 780 A (EN)
Case L3 · 278 × 175 × 190 mm · + right
Recommended for 12 of 24 engines
See price and specs Varta E44
Equivalent to the Varta E44
conventional 77 Ah · 760 A (EN)
Case L3 · 278 × 175 × 190 mm · + right
Same dimensions and terminal layout, the same or higher capacity and the same or better technology
See price and specs Tudor TA770Mercedes C-Class W203 battery by engine
Each row groups the versions that share an engine. When an engine lists more than one battery, it is because the battery changes with the version or equipment: your number plate settles it.
| Engine | Power | Years | Fuel | Recommended battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5M 272.960 | 170 kW (231 hp) | 2005-2007 | Petrol | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 30 CDI AMGOM 612.990 | 170 kW (231 hp) | 2002-2008 | Diesel | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 32 AMG KompressorM 112.961 | 260 kW (354 hp) | 2001-2008 | Petrol | Varta H3conventional · 100 Ah · 830 A · L5 · + rightVarta F18conventional · 85 Ah · 800 A · LB4 · + rightVarta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + right |
| C 55 AMGM 113.988 | 270 kW (367 hp) | 2004-2007 | Petrol | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 160 KompressorM 271.921 | 90 kW (122 hp) | 2002-2008 | Petrol | Varta D15conventional · 63 Ah · 610 A · L2 · + right |
| C 180M 111.951 | 95 kW (129 hp) | 2000-2002 | Petrol | Varta D15conventional · 63 Ah · 610 A · L2 · + right |
| C 180 KompressorM 271.946 | 105 kW (143 hp) | 2002-2008 | Petrol | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + right |
| C 200 CDIOM 611.962, OM 646.962, OM 646.963 | 75-90 kW (102-122 hp) | 2000-2008 | Diesel | Varta G3conventional · 95 Ah · 800 A · L5 · + rightVarta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + right |
| C 200 CGI KompressorM 271.942 | 125 kW (170 hp) | 2003-2008 | Petrol | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + rightVarta D24conventional · 60 Ah · 540 A · L2 · + right |
| C 200 KompressorM 111.955, M 271.940 | 120 kW (163 hp) | 2000-2008 | Petrol | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + rightVarta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 220M 271.940 | 120 kW (163 hp) | 2002-2008 | Petrol | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + right |
| C 220 CDIOM 611.962, OM 646.963 | 100-110 kW (136-150 hp) | 2000-2008 | Diesel | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + rightVarta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 230M 272.920 | 150 kW (204 hp) | 2005-2008 | Petrol | Varta D15conventional · 63 Ah · 610 A · L2 · + rightVarta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 230 KompressorM 111.981, M 271.948 | 141-145 kW (192-197 hp) | 2001-2008 | Petrol | Varta D15conventional · 63 Ah · 610 A · L2 · + rightVarta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + rightVarta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 240M 112.912 | 125 kW (170 hp) | 2000-2007 | Petrol | Varta D24conventional · 60 Ah · 540 A · L2 · + right |
| C 240 4-maticM 112.916 | 125 kW (170 hp) | 2002-2007 | Petrol | Varta D24conventional · 60 Ah · 540 A · L2 · + right |
| C 270 CDIOM 612.962 | 120-125 kW (163-170 hp) | 2000-2007 | Diesel | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + right |
| C 280M 272.940 | 170 kW (231 hp) | 2005-2007 | Petrol | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 280 4-maticM 272.941 | 170 kW (231 hp) | 2005-2007 | Petrol | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 320M 112.946 | 160 kW (218 hp) | 2000-2008 | Petrol | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + right |
| C 320 4-maticM 112.953 | 160 kW (218 hp) | 2002-2007 | Petrol | Varta E11conventional · 74 Ah · 680 A · L3 · + right |
| C 320 CDIOM 642.910 | 165 kW (224 hp) | 2005-2007 | Diesel | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 350M 272.960 | 200 kW (272 hp) | 2005-2008 | Petrol | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
| C 350 4-maticM 272.960, M 272.970 | 200 kW (272 hp) | 2005-2007 | Petrol | Varta E44conventional · 77 Ah · 780 A · L3 · + right |
With Start-Stop: versions with automatic engine stop-start, or that leave the factory with an EFB or AGM battery. Ah = capacity; A = cold cranking current (EN standard); + right/+ left = side of the positive terminal. Under each engine you will find its engine codes, handy for identifying your version.
What you should know about the Mercedes C-Class W203
The C-Class W203 (saloon, Estate and Sportcoupé) predates Start-Stop: every version uses a conventional battery. Most take 74 or 77 Ah in an L3 case; the C 160 and C 180 drop to 63 Ah in an L2, and the C 200 CDI and C 32 AMG can go up to 95 or 100 Ah in an L5 case. With such a difference in size between versions, the number plate is the quickest way to get it right.
- Model fact: the Mercedes C-Class W203 mainly uses case sizes L3 (278 × 175 × 190 mm), L2 (242 × 175 × 190 mm) and L5 (353 × 175 × 190 mm). A battery of a different size will not sit securely in the car’s battery tray.
- General tip: mid-size and executive saloons keep drawing power while parked (alarm, telematics, comfort systems). If the car goes weeks without being driven, a battery maintainer will extend the life of the battery.
Frequently asked questions
Which battery does the Mercedes C-Class (W203, 2000-2008) take?
There are no Start-Stop versions of the Mercedes C-Class (W203, 2000-2008), so it usually takes a battery like the Varta E11: conventional, 74 Ah and 680 A, in case size L3. Other engines use the Varta E44 (conventional, 77 Ah and 780 A); the table shows the battery for each engine.
What size battery does the Mercedes C-Class take?
Depending on the engine, the Mercedes C-Class W203 uses these case sizes: L3 (278 × 175 × 190 mm), L2 (242 × 175 × 190 mm) and L5 (353 × 175 × 190 mm); dimensions are length × width × height. Also check that the positive terminal is on the same side as on your current battery.
Does the Varta E11 fit the Mercedes C-Class W203?
Yes, it is one of the recommended batteries for the Mercedes C-Class W203 with the C 32 AMG Kompressor, C 180 Kompressor, C 200 CDI, C 200 CGI Kompressor, C 200 Kompressor and C 220 engines (11 of the 24 engines in the table). For the others, check their row in the table or search by number plate.
How do I find out exactly which battery my Mercedes C-Class takes?
Enter your number plate or chassis number (VIN) in our battery finder: it identifies the exact engine and shows you only the compatible batteries. You can also check the label on your current battery: capacity (Ah), cold cranking (A, EN standard) and technology (AGM, EFB or conventional).
Updated: · Source: battery application data by engine (KType TecDoc), the same data our number plate search uses, plus the datasheet of each battery.