Marco Polo power problems

[Phil Melville]

I am currently sitting in my 2021 Marco Polo on a campsite in Croyde, Devon. For the 4th time since we bought the vehicle brand new from a main Mercedes dealer, the main battery has “ died “ without warning leaving the vehicle useless in every way. Mercedes 24 hour Service ( always great response and service ) are on their way from Taunton to get us underway and hopefully on our way home. The vehicle has been in two main dealers to have the fault examined and sorted but despite assurances the problem is still with us. Up to now every Mercedes employee who has been involved has had zero knowledge or experience of the Marco Polo vehicle making me wonder why it is sold in the UK.
is this a common problem ?

 

[Steve B]

Sorry to hear this, hope you are sorted now. I've not had any issues with my 2019 variant, still on original batteries for starter and leisure.

 

[Vandolfthegrey]

No battery issues here I'm a 21MY But I'm sure I read somewhere that somebody had a similar problem. And basically it was due to them not switching the interior lights off when the side door was open. Not the "camping" lights but the "car" lights that run off the starter.

 

[Method7]

Lots of systems use the main battery this includes the radio, lights and I also believe most of the interior lights… I always turn off the lighting in vehicle settings and on the overhead console and we use a smart speaker… a legacy of years gone buy in a Vito… you may well have a issue that needs fixing, but it’s hard to tell without seeing how you are using the power and how long the van is left without a run. It doesn’t take long to flatten a battery when a inverter is connected, I killed my V280 battery charging 2 camera batteries and since then I carry jump leads.

 

[Blackrat]

I once flattened the car battery when I accidentally left a portable fridge on overnight.
Since then I have always carried a portable power pack. It takes up no space and saves having to find a donor vehicle for jump leads.

 

[Jonno]

The main battery needs charging from the mains to keep it topped up to a usable %, however mine has never reached more than an 80% charge, which is odd.

 

[Steve B]

I've just splashed out on a Jackery power station, and will get the solar panel shortly. My worry is the leisure battery performance deterioration over the next few years

 

[ArturoFB]

I am currently sitting in my 2021 Marco Polo on a campsite in Croyde, Devon. For the 4th time since we bought the vehicle brand new from a main Mercedes dealer, the main battery has “ died “ without warning leaving the vehicle useless in every way. Mercedes 24 hour Service ( always great response and service ) are on their way from Taunton to get us underway and hopefully on our way home. The vehicle has been in two main dealers to have the fault examined and sorted but despite assurances the problem is still with us. Up to now every Mercedes employee who has been involved has had zero knowledge or experience of the Marco Polo vehicle making me wonder why it is sold in the UK.
is this a common problem ?

I have a method is Marco Polo 2021 300 DAMG. I’ve had a lot of problems with the battery and now I have a fissure in the motor. I’m time to get a refund

 

[Jonno]

Phil, just had my 2021 AMG300d MP in for a new battery loom under warranty. Big job , it took their specialist electrician over a day to fit as seats etc need removing. Has yours been recalled, it may be a cure for issues others are experiencing on this thread.

 

[Marilyn]

I am currently sitting in my 2021 Marco Polo on a campsite in Croyde, Devon. For the 4th time since we bought the vehicle brand new from a main Mercedes dealer, the main battery has “ died “ without warning leaving the vehicle useless in every way. Mercedes 24 hour Service ( always great response and service ) are on their way from Taunton to get us underway and hopefully on our way home. The vehicle has been in two main dealers to have the fault examined and sorted but despite assurances the problem is still with us. Up to now every Mercedes employee who has been involved has had zero knowledge or experience of the Marco Polo vehicle making me wonder why it is sold in the UK.
is this a common problem ?

Hi Phil, we had a problem with our battery & our MP was only a few months old. The battery was completely spent & we couldn’t even unlock the door!
We had Mercedes RAC out to check things & they replaced the battery and said that we needed to drive it for 20 minutes every 2 weeks, never heard anything about this before. We have been able to claim the money back under warranty even though we were told that we couldn’t.
Also told to buy a trickle down charger and to keep it plugged in all the time, bit difficult it you park at an airport for a decent holiday

 

[ArturoFB]

Hi Phil, we had a problem with our battery & our MP was only a few months old. The battery was completely spent & we couldn’t even unlock the door!
We had Mercedes RAC out to check things & they replaced the battery and said that we needed to drive it for 20 minutes every 2 weeks, never heard anything about this before. We have been able to claim the money back under warranty even though we were told that we couldn’t.
Also told to buy a trickle down charger and to keep it plugged in all the time, bit difficult it you park at an airport for a decent holiday

Hey Phil and Marlyn I had the same problem. I was camping with everything open and it just started to rain. I couldn’t close anything. Luckily my daughter was not with me on that trip. They change the battery and the next day I have the same problem. I’ve had to take the van seven times to the dealer. The most recent problem has been a fissure in the exhaust section of the motor. It was sending exhaust fumes into a bit of ventilation system, this was giving me headaches while I was driving and of course I did not take my daughter with me. They say it’s fixed now but haven’t spent Fr.100,000 for a Mercedes V 300 AMG I am extremely disappointed. I am asking for a refund. Marilyn could you please provide proof of the refund? Even if it’s privately, I would really appreciate it. I have my lawyer in Switzerland on it but they don’t want to refund me

 

[Marilyn]

Hey Phil and Marlyn I had the same problem. I was camping with everything open and it just started to rain. I couldn’t close anything. Luckily my daughter was not with me on that trip. They change the battery and the next day I have the same problem. I’ve had to take the van seven times to the dealer. The most recent problem has been a fissure in the exhaust section of the motor. It was sending exhaust fumes into a bit of ventilation system, this was giving me headaches while I was driving and of course I did not take my daughter with me. They say it’s fixed now but haven’t spent Fr.100,000 for a Mercedes V 300 AMG I am extremely disappointed. I am asking for a refund. Marilyn could you please provide proof of the refund? Even if it’s privately, I would really appreciate it. I have my lawyer in Switzerland on it but they don’t want to refund me

Hi, I don’t have a receipt as such, as they paid directly into my account! I hope that you can get everything sorted as it spoils the experience

 

[ArturoFB]

I got a refund from Mercedes CH for 75% of the value of the van. It's what's they call purchase price. I could have sold it for much more but I just wanted to get rid of it. Never again Mercedes! Bought a CUPRA Formentor and love it.

 

[Rhiannon]

I am currently sitting in my 2021 Marco Polo on a campsite in Croyde, Devon. For the 4th time since we bought the vehicle brand new from a main Mercedes dealer, the main battery has “ died “ without warning leaving the vehicle useless in every way. Mercedes 24 hour Service ( always great response and service ) are on their way from Taunton to get us underway and hopefully on our way home. The vehicle has been in two main dealers to have the fault examined and sorted but despite assurances the problem is still with us. Up to now every Mercedes employee who has been involved has had zero knowledge or experience of the Marco Polo vehicle making me wonder why it is sold in the UK.
is this a common problem ?

I wonder why Mercedes aren't prepared to train up enough engineers to be able to properly support and sell more Marco Polos. It's clear from this site and every MP owner I meet that there's a need and people are getting frustrated and just won't recommend them. I know there's currently supply issues but if they put off demand they're the losers long term. I get my services and westfalia support elsewhere now. Doubt I'm alone

 

[Marilyn]

This happened to us & Mercedes replaced the battery at their expense.
Been fine ever since

 

[Marilyn]

I've just splashed out on a Jackery power station, and will get the solar panel shortly. My worry is the leisure battery performance deterioration over the next few years

Have you got any more information on the power station & the solar panels please

 

[Steve B]

Have you got any more information on the power station & the solar panels please

Bough the panel; worked well over the summer and left it on whilst we were with the MP using the blue connector direct to the leisure battery, very happy with it. I just moved it about occasionally to get the full sun. There is a great YouTube video of this by one of the owners on here.

The type choice is all about how dependant you will be on it and how you will use it, we tend to do short stops so have the 240 with the 100w panel. They go up to 1000 wh, but cost nearly £1k, so for more long term wild camping! Bought from Hampshire generators with delivery, and they were quick and reliable, you can get offers from amazon. Also, there are other makes which I'm sure are as good but Jackery has a solid reputation.

 

[Marilyn]

Thanks very much, really helpful