[Monroe]

Greetings. Recently ordered & received a 2023 GLA. Less than 1000 miles on it so far, but rides well and certainly has an abundance of technology. Still getting used to the Park/Reverse/Drive shifter that looks like a turn signal stalk.
Also own a 2018 BMW X1. To me the BMW has better handling but the GLA is more comfortable on a trip, and has significantly more room for the backseat passengers.
I may have to leave the GLA in the garage for a couple months in the near future; can anyone suggest a battery maintainer/tender that would be appropriate? I use a CTEK battery maintainer for the BMW, and it works well. Does the GLA also use an AGM type battery?
Like the BMW, the GLA oil change intervals seem quite long....is it advisable to go ahead and do the first oil change after 1000 miles, or wait until the factory recommended time/mileage?
Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks !

 

[Huey52]

Welcome to the forum and your new GLA!

CTEK is arguably the premium battery tender, and as you know does carry a premium price tag.

Battery Tender Jr. is a more cost effective "smart" tender and also works well in my experience (recently used on my GLA for same reason).

However since you already have the CTEK ....

Most of the "enthusiast" members here (aren't we all?) prefer oil changes every 5K miles regardless what the maintenance schedule calls for. No need for a 1K "break-in" change tho'.

 

[RamaGLA]

Greetings. Recently ordered & received a 2023 GLA. Less than 1000 miles on it so far, but rides well and certainly has an abundance of technology. Still getting used to the Park/Reverse/Drive shifter that looks like a turn signal stalk.
Also own a 2018 BMW X1. To me the BMW has better handling but the GLA is more comfortable on a trip, and has significantly more room for the backseat passengers.
I may have to leave the GLA in the garage for a couple months in the near future; can anyone suggest a battery maintainer/tender that would be appropriate? I use a CTEK battery maintainer for the BMW, and it works well. Does the GLA also use an AGM type battery?
Like the BMW, the GLA oil change intervals seem quite long....is it advisable to go ahead and do the first oil change after 1000 miles, or wait until the factory recommended time/mileage?
Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks !

Welcome, glad you're enjoying the GLA. the shifter takes a few days to get used to, but now that I'm used to it, I'm convinced it's the best shifter ever. Clears so much space in the centre console, easy to operate and doesn't require you to take your hands off the wheel.
Yes, AGM type battery. I use a Motomaster one from Canadian Tire, I can't see spending more for a "premium" one. The local dealer uses the same brand and similar type of charger. The CTEK one you have already will work for the GLA.
I follow the manufacturer maintenance schedule, no need for a break-in oil change unless you really want one, but apparently the oil some manufacturers use at the factory has additives to help break-in the engine properly. I can't speak for what MB does, but an oil change will drain the additives if they're there. I don't want to spend more money than what's necessary, so I just stick to the manufacturer maintenance schedule since that's already going above and beyond the basic running requirements for a regularly-used car.

 

[Monroe]

Huey & Rama, greatly appreciate the info on battery and oil changes. One further issue I found....the owner's manual says the vehicle uses a "fleece" battery....see attached photo.....I've heard of AGM, Lithium, etc...but never "fleece." Do you think this is simply a poor translation of the German language manual ?

 

[Huey52]

Huey & Rama, greatly appreciate the info on battery and oil changes. One further issue I found....the owner's manual says the vehicle uses a "fleece" battery....see attached photo.....I've heard of AGM, Lithium, etc...but never "fleece." Do you think this is simply a poor translation of the German language manual ? View attachment 28318

It's just another naming convention/variant for an AGM lead-acid battery with fiberglass "fleece" retaining the electrolyte (Absorbent Glass Mat; the "glass" being fiberglass).

 

[Monroe]

It's just another naming convention/variant for an AGM lead-acid battery with fiberglass "fleece" retaining the electrolyte (Absorbent Glass Mat; the "glass" being fiberglass).

Did not know that. Thanks !

 

[Wayne]

I wasn't aware of the fleece term either. Thanks!!!