For W113 Mercedes Pagoda owners, maintaining originality while ensuring modern performance is a key consideration. When it comes to replacing your car’s battery, you might encounter the new A 002 541 87 01 26 battery, which, while similar in appearance, presents a slight difference in size compared to its predecessors.
You may notice, as depicted in the image below, a minor gap between the battery case’s left side and the original battery hold-down frame’s inner edge. This subtle difference arises because the A 002 541 87 01 26 battery is designed with slightly reduced length and width compared to the A 003 541 33 01 battery it supersedes. The original hold-down frame was initially sized for even earlier battery models, making the newer battery appear slightly smaller within the housing.
Historically, Mercedes-Benz utilized VARTA batteries as original equipment in the W113 Pagoda and other models for many years. VARTA remained a trusted supplier until its acquisition by Johnson Controls in the mid-2000s. Owners of classic W113 models may recall original VARTA batteries, often recognized by their white cases and blue embossed VARTA branding. Even replacement batteries, like the A 003 541 33 01, often retained manufacturing cues reminiscent of VARTA, suggesting a continued manufacturing lineage despite bearing the Mercedes-Benz star.
Experiences with the A 003 541 33 01 battery have been positive, with some owners reporting lifespans exceeding 11 years, particularly when utilizing battery tenders during periods of storage. This longevity provides reassurance regarding the expected performance and durability of the newer A 002 541 87 01 26 battery for your W113 Mercedes. Despite the slight dimensional change, the new battery is engineered to deliver comparable performance and reliability for your classic vehicle.
