Actually, I have an inexpensive trickle charger that keeps the battery usable. The only problem is when I forget to hook it up during times of little or no use (I am no longer a young man). As I recall my S 2000 came with xenon headlights. They are acceptable, but I like the LED headlights on my Mercedes C 43 AMG much better, and I understand they pull less power as well as providing better night vision. This thread is the first I’ve heard of LED conversions on S 2000s. So any info on parts and work to do this conversion would be appreciated.

 

All of my bulbs in my soon to be 25 year old S2000 are original.

 

LEDs will not help your battery issues. All the battery does is start the car the alternator supplies all the 12v power after that. Professional headlight conversion might work here. Don't confuse a white-er light with a better light. Note LED "filament" placement differences will produce less than ideal light beams in housings not specifically designed for them. Your Benz housings are likely designed for these bulbs, the S2000 housings ain't. And LEDs will not help your battery issues.

Xenon bulbs dim with age but are easily replaced as needed and are inexpensive.

For the forgetful : Priority Start device has worked for me on a couple of Fords which didn't cut power to the accessory outlet with the ignition and devices like GPS and microwave detectors drew the battery down over the weekend if they're not unplugged. This cuts battery power when the voltage gets too low and maintains enough power in the battery to start the car.



-- Chuck

 

The led discussion is about replacing interior light bulbs, like the dome light above rearview.

Using cheap led bulbs from eBay, etc, you find these stay on, dimly, all the time. Switch off, light slightly on.

Its not an issue other than aesthetics. They're actually using less current draw from battery when they're emitting such light than incandescent in same socket that don't emit light.

 

I just disconnect the negative cable from the battery terminal when I know it won't be for a while. Battery keeps it's voltage and is ready when I am ready to drive the S.

 

Final question: when the OEM spec battery I have now fails, is there another spec battery I could replace it with that would be better?

 

Then your ecu is resetting and losing all its learned settings. Has to start from scratch. Engine won't run as well. Ecu learns how much soark advance is safe for your motor.

Ecu will have to be conservative with advance, which hurts power and responsiveness.

 

An AGM battery will hold a charge a lot longer than traditional lead acid. So better choice for cars that sit a long time.

AGM will last longer.

AGM is also more physically durable than traditional.

No surprise it costs more.

Note AGM requires charger that supports AGM technology. My older, really old Battery Tender does not support it.

The original oem battery was a traditional lead acid Panasonic (AGM didn't exist then), and was a fantastic battery. But now they are rebranded Interstate batteries. One of the best, though not as good as original.

You can get an Interstate much cheaper from Costco. Note, some Costco only carry type 51, some only type 51R. Either will technically fit our cars.

My suggestions would be:

Baller: AGM from Napa, made by East Penn

Bang for buck: Interstate from Costco

Budget: Walmart (surprisingly good)

 

Well, thanks to all who posted here, for the information and advice. My S 2000 is now in regular use as it is “convertible season” here now. And, because of this, the battery is doing well. It seems the best remedy for battery drainage during winter storage is for me to concentrate on hooking up the trickle charger, and not forget to do it. It does keep the battery up well.