Hello folks - I love my babied '03 dark red SLK, but a friend didn't get the door closed all the way the other day (a common problem in the Winter here in the Northeast), and now it's nose-in to the garage with a dead battery! From what I read, I'm hesitant to just jump it, as I would for my easy-to-fix
American cars - any help or tips would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

[IMG]local://upfiles/29642/788038B868504CC8B3293842895D3E97.jpg[/IMG]

 

Door ajar shouldn't cause you to have a dead battery. Power is cut off after say 30 mins. So maybe it wasn't your friends fault although this event may have been the last straw. i.e. 30 mins of interior = just start.
03 is now 4 to 5 years old = dead battery time.
Suggest you fit a new battery.
Recharged batteries once the battery has gone below 12.5 volts will give recurring problems even if they appear to have been brought back to life.
Modern batteries go over the edge VERY unexpectedly. Like no trouble for 4 years and then DEAD.
Any reputable make will be OK but I'm impressed by the OE MB battery. So should you if its still the original. Life is only intended to be 3 years.
Good luck,
Stuart