2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris — Battery Size, Group, CCA, and Replacement Guide

Quick answer

• BCI group size: H6 (Group 48) on most 2016 Metris; some vans are fitted with the longer H7 (Group 94R). Verify tray length before ordering.
• Cold cranking amps (CCA): Minimum 760 CCA (H6). If H7 is fitted, 800–850+ CCA is typical.
• Reserve capacity (RC): Approx. 120 minutes (H6) or 140–160 minutes (H7), model-dependent.
• AGM vs flooded: AGM strongly recommended/typically specified due to under-seat location and Mercedes energy management.
• Terminal layout: Top-post, right-hand positive (H6/48 and H7/94R), standard SAE posts. Negative cable includes an intelligent battery sensor (IBS).
• Physical dimensions: H6/48 ≈ 11.0 x 6.9 x 7.5 in (278 x 175 x 190 mm). H7/94R ≈ 12.4 x 6.9 x 7.5 in (315 x 175 x 190 mm).
• Dual-battery setup (diesel): The North American 2016 Metris is gasoline and uses a single starting battery. No factory dual-starting-battery system; fleets may add an auxiliary house battery via upfit.

Replacement battery options

These are well-fitting choices by group size; choose H6/48 or H7/94R to match what’s in your van. Do not downsize CCA from factory.

• Interstate (AGM): MTX-48/H6; MTX-94R/H7. Interstate (flooded premium): MTP-48/H6; MTP-94R/H7.
• DieHard Platinum AGM: 48-AGM; 94R-AGM.
• ACDelco Gold (AGM): 48AGM; 94RAGM.
• Odyssey Performance (AGM): ODP-AGM48 (H6/L3); ODP-AGM94R (H7/L4).
• Optima YellowTop (AGM, deep-cycle/start): DH6 (H6); DH7 (H7), if your seat pedestal accepts H7 length.

Tip: If your current battery label shows around 70–80 Ah and ~760–850 A (EN/DIN/SAE), you likely have AGM and should replace with AGM of the same or higher spec.

AGM vs flooded — which does this vehicle need?

• Most 2016 Metris vans shipped with an AGM battery. The battery lives under the driver’s seat where ventilation and temperature considerations favor AGM. Mercedes also uses an intelligent battery sensor and charging strategy optimized for AGM chemistry.
• Use AGM when: your van originally had AGM, you have heavy accessory loads (inverters, lighting, power doors), frequent short trips, or cold-weather operation. AGM delivers higher CCA, better deep-cycle tolerance, and lower off-gassing.
• Flooded can work only if: the original was flooded and the battery can be properly vented out of the seat base using the correct elbow/vent tube. Even then, AGM is preferred for longevity and compatibility.

Post-installation relearn / reset procedure

After installing and tightening terminals (connect positive first, negative last) and verifying the IBS connector is seated:

1. Key on, engine off: wait 10–30 seconds to allow control units to wake and see battery voltage.
2. Start and idle: let the engine idle for 3–5 minutes with all accessories off so the charging system can adapt to the new state of charge.
3. Steering angle calibration: with engine idling, slowly turn the wheel full left to the stop, then full right, then center. ESP/ABS lights should clear after a short drive if they were on.
4. Window normalization: for each window, close it fully and hold the switch up for 2–5 seconds; then lower fully and hold down for 2–5 seconds. Repeat if one-touch doesn’t work.
5. Sunroof (if equipped): close fully and hold the close switch for several seconds to reinitialize.
6. Clock/date and radio presets: reset as needed. Metris typically does not require a security code.
7. Battery adaptation/coding: when replacing like-for-like (same group size and type), coding is generally not required on Metris. If changing capacity or chemistry, a scan tool update via Mercedes XENTRY is recommended so the charging profile matches the new battery.

Under-hood jump posts: Because the battery is under the driver’s seat, use the designated under-hood jump terminals for jump-starting or maintaining memory power.

Signs of a failing battery

• Slow or labored cranking, especially after sitting overnight or in cold weather
• Intermittent warning lights (ESP/ABS, SRS) at startup that clear after driving
• Power sliding doors or interior electronics behaving erratically
• Repeatedly dimming lights at idle with accessories on
• Excessive sulfation or bulging case when inspected
• Measured resting voltage below ~12.4 V after an overnight rest, or failing a conductance/CCA test

Common battery issues for this generation

• Parasitic draws from added upfitter equipment or telematics left powered when the van is off. Use an AGM with adequate reserve and wire accessories to an auxiliary battery when possible.
• Short-trip operation that never fully recharges the under-seat battery. Consider a maintenance charger if the van sits or only runs on short routes.
• Loose or corroded grounds under the seat base or at the body ground studs causing voltage drop. Clean and torque to spec.
• Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) faults leading to charging errors or battery warnings. Inspect the IBS connector and harness during replacement.
• Incorrect replacement size: forcing an H7 into an H6 tray (or vice versa) can stress cables and seat hardware. Measure tray length and confirm vent orientation before purchase.

If you’re unsure whether your Metris has H6 or H7, measure the battery length or check the factory label under the seat. Bring that info when shopping to ensure a perfect fit.

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