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[amazonian]

As above, just wondered if it can be done on the car or not, if yes anything to beware of?

Cheers.

 

[Andy B]

As above, just wondered if it can be done on the car or not, if yes anything to beware of?

Cheers.

 

Yes it can.

I've charged many a battery in situ, in fact I've charged my R Class's battery in situ & have yet to see it (it lives under the driver's seat) 

[amazonian]

Cheers Andy B.

 

[Stargazer57N]

I would recommend removing the battery leads first just to be sure you don't blow any sensitive electrical components, ECU's etc.   

[amazonian]

Certainly, thanks very much.

 

[Shackeng]

I know that is recommended, but I must confess I've always charged with it connected, and...touches head... never had a problem so far.

[Andy B]

I would recommend removing the battery leads first just to be sure you don't blow any sensitive electrical components, ECU's etc.

As said, I can't even see the battery on my Merc, let alone disconnect it, but Mercedes thoughtfully provided charging points under the bonnet if/when the need arises. No need to disconnect the battery terminals 

[Bigron]

Just a caveat or two here, if I may.
The basic DC chargers are fine to attach directly to a still-connected battery, but some cheapo ones have a rather high applied voltage when the battery approaches fully-charged, so please remove the charger as soon as you see gassing (if it isn't sealed) or monitor the terminal voltage.
The so-called "smart" chargers (I have the Halfords Bulk/Maintain model) pulse their output so that they can monitor the rising battery voltage in the "off" part of the pulsing and it is this pulsing which has great potential to damage ECU and the like - so always disconnect the battery if you are using a charger of this type.
As has been mentioned on here before, if you have a separate battery or other 12 volt source, connect this to the battery leads before removing them from your battery, thereby keeping the car alive, and then connect the charger directly to the naked battery itself.

Ron.

[amazonian]

I am glad I asked the question now, had a feeling there might be one or two things to watch out for.

Thank you all,

 

[Stargazer57N]

I would recommend removing the battery leads first just to be sure you don't blow any sensitive electrical components, ECU's etc.

As said, I can't even see the battery on my Merc, let alone disconnect it, but Mercedes thoughtfully provided charging points under the bonnet if/when the need arises. No need to disconnect the battery terminals 

Are you sure that they are charging points? and not just jump start points. I would not risk charging a connected battery, I'd rather buy a new battery than a new ECU.

[Andy B]

I would recommend removing the battery leads first just to be sure you don't blow any sensitive electrical components, ECU's etc.

As said, I can't even see the battery on my Merc, let alone disconnect it, but Mercedes thoughtfully provided charging points under the bonnet if/when the need arises. No need to disconnect the battery terminals 

Are you sure that they are charging points? and not just jump start points. I would not risk charging a connected battery, I'd rather buy a new battery than a new ECU.

same thing really, but the manual calls them charging points 

[Broomies Mate]

I can't remember the last time I removed the battery or even disconnected it for charging purposes.

I'm quite sure nobody disconnects their battery once the car has started 'just-in-case' the Alternator blows the ECU.