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Comments
Thanks,
rrrrover
has anyone purchased an extended warranty from their dealer. Dealer has recommended one and the literature it appears very comprehensive.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Does this make any sense? Does anyone have any suggestions regarding where I should bring it to be inspected (e.g. another dealer, some MB specialist?)
Or, should I be looking to tade in or sell the car?
As far as a B-service, that covers almost everything prior to an actual tune-up at 100k miles, so it's worth it. If your car is on the flex-service system ('98 or newer) it won't need a B-service again until after its next A service, which is less than half the cost of the B. Take good care of these cars, and they'll last you a long, long time.
-Otherwise, one's definatley set up aesthetically to please the lux-minded folks, the other the sporty, youthful crowd, so whichever suits your wants and needs...they have 95% same DNA.
Does anyone know where the fuel filter is and how to get to it; while I have your attention?
Is getting a Platinum Extended Warrenty (bumper to bumper more or less) worth it ($2500)?
Thanks.
all AMG vehicles. No problems, I use 10W-30 and it works just fine for most of the year. Then maybe 10W-40 later.
I don't want to be a rocket scientist, just be able to tell, for example, when it's the mass air flow sensor that's causing the "check engine" light (which it is right now, by the way, according to a mechanic). Does something like that require special calibration that has to be done at a shop? :confuse:
The 1995 Mercedes C220 is OBD-II compliant so I just have to decide on which OBD-II scanner now. They all will read the "generic" codes, I'm trying to find one that will read proprietary Mercedes codes at a reasonable price (max $300).
The Manual says that this is either due to a) me not putting my gas cap on properly (unlikely - see reference to A-type personality) or b) there is a leak in the gas line.
I have taken it to the MB dealer now 3 times for this issue (2wice under warranty). The first two times they stated that it was just a glitch and they "reset" the system. Then it happens again in a few weeks. The third time they made me replace the gas cap as it was "faulty" at a cost of $125. Still the light intermittently flashes, which then leads to the Engine Light, which I of course cannot reset manually.
Does anyone else have this problem? I don't have a fuel line leak and my gas cap is ALWAYS on tight. I'm also beginning to wonder if MB knows what they're talking about.
Thanks!
Ian
However, it is precisely because this is such a well-known problem that I have some doubts - surely your dealer has thought about this possibility? If not, put the thought into their collective heads. The most common symptom of the sending unit problem is pretending the tank is empty or nearly so, when in fact it can be completely full - sound familiar?
My understanding is that when the car comes to a stop, engine running, it performs a quick "pressure check" on the fuel line to make sure that there is no leaks, either through the improperly tighted gas cap or through an actual leak in the fuel line. MB has said that they performed a pressure check on the system and found nothing. So is the sensor faulty?
The car's operation has not suffered at all - just my mental aggravation!
Can I reset the "Check Engine" light myself?
The previous owner was experiencing shutdown while driving. One
mechanic said there was a Mass Air Flow Sensor diagnostic code and
several oxygen sensor codes. Another mechanic said there was only a
Mass Air Flow Sensor diagnostic code. I bought the car and figured
out what kind of scan tool I needed, etc. Prior to getting the scan
tool I started the car just to run it a while so it would be easier
to start later. While idling there was significant vibration which
seemed to come from the right rear and the engine shut off. Wouldn't
start again.
I got the scan tool and when I ran it the Mass Air Flow Sensor
diagnostic code came up and this came up on the "freeze data": Fuel
System 1: CLSD.
I got a new Mass Air Flow Sensor and installed it. I erased the MAF
code and now everything checks out OK, no codes. When I go through
the "view data" feature I now get: Fuel System 1: OPEN.
It still won't start. I put a full charge on the battery to make
sure that wasn't the problem.
My question is this: I'm assuming that the fuel pump is programmed
to shut off if the Mass Air Flow Sensor problem isn't fixed within a
certain period of time and that this is what happened when I was
idling. Is that correct? Second part of question: is there something
I have to do in regard to the fuel pump once the Mass Air Flow
Sensor problem is taken care of? If no answer I'll probably have to
tow it in to a mechanic- I don't think I want to mess around with
measuring fuel pressure, etc.
Have any of you done your own oil changes on your C-class? What type of oil and filter do you use? How many quarts does the 1.8 engine use? Is there an easy way to reset the service reminder after the oil change is done, or will I need a tool similar to BMW? Is there a factory service manual available?
I've reviewed what the dealer will do and charge for the "A" and "B" services and unless I'm missing something, I'd rather peform the routine service myself.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
No, there is no factory service manual available to the public. There is a relatively expensive subscription service for professionals, and as time passes, a service manual for a particular model is usually available on CD. MB is not making it easy for do-it-yourselfers.
Join MBCA without delay if your family buys this car. The answers to all your questions are easily available from fellow club members, some of whom are in the service business.
http://www.mbca.org/
Oil changes are best accomplished using one of the widely available pump devices [e.g. TopSider] to suck it out from up top. Buy only MB oil filters, no matter what the cost. Use only approved synthetic oils - the list varies from one year to the next, but is in the manuals with a new car - it includes all of the usual suspects, such as MobilOne and Castrol Syntec. MB likes to have a big sump [good!] - our V6 holds 8 quarts - the 4 cyl is 6+, I think, but that's documented in the owner's manual.
I've rarely indulged in this kind of mechanical work, because I haven't the facilities to do it [condo garage] and because our '02 C240 has prepaid mtc. Also remember that there are things to be done that are time dependent, like the brake fluid every 2 years and the coolant every 3 years, but mostly it is a lot of inspections and top-ups that anyone with good lighting and some mechanical savvy would have no trouble with.
A final warning - during the warranty period, be prepared to meticulously document all mtc work on the car . If you give them an excuse to void the warranty, this can be a disastrously expensive way to try to save a few bucks. At least for the first four years, I would probably pay to have it done at the dealer - but then I don't think it's as expensive as people think. If you can't set aside $400-500 a year for the first four years [a very liberal figure, by the way], maybe this isn't the right car.
Thanks again!
I'm looking to buy a car in near future (4wks). i'd like to hav a sporty coupe. naturally mb c230 and bmw 3-series come to mind. i would like to hav ur opinion on what should i go for (other options definitely welcome). my budget is under $20k so definitely used cars i guess. i would like to know if c230 is worth it and what would b its monthly running costs? i hear c-class has a poor reputation when it comes to reliability and maintenance. also with most of the 2002 kompressor models running outta warranty soon, how would the maintenance charges work out after that?
also i hear mb is no longer producing c230 coupes? should i go 4 soon 2 b extinct model?
Thanks in advance.
I am will do the A & B service myself and keep the records for the maintenance and warranty
5.8 liters of Mobile 1 0W-40 and NO OTHER oil. available online or from your MB parts, MB Fleece oil Filter and nothing else - not too xpnesive
Get a Fluid Extractor - about $300.00 to $500.00 available on line suck out the oil through the oil dipstick tube or jack up the car remove the underside plastic panel and drain it like any other car
Turn on the key but do not start the engine. Select the Service A due display on the dash computer and press the reset button (on left of instrument cluster) for 10-15 sec
No factory service manual for MBUSA until the warranty has run out - 5 years. Make friends with your registered MB mechanic or dealer parts manager and have him order you one
Thanks for any help.
Secondly, yes, the panic button should work as described - you probably have either a defective key or another electrical defect. The car should still be under factory warranty, so why not visit a dealer and let them have a go at it? Our panic system works with a vengeance - woe betide you if you hit it accidently - loud enough to wake the dead.
Anyone can give me a source would be appreciated. The main guys want a $150.00
Thanks,
Yes, they require premium fuel, no, you may not use lower octane except when nothing else is available, and then the manual tells you to put premium in it as soon as possible.
The ECM computer will compensate for lower octane by dialing back the ignition timing - lower power, higher fuel consumption, and hotter running. Not good in the long run.
At higher altitudes, often premium is 89 octane - this is fine as long as the car is driven in the thinner air. Once you head back to sea level, you need to put 91 or better in it at the first opportunity.
You need to work with the General Manager of your dealership, and get his/her help in dealing with MBUSA to see what kind of fair settlement can be arranged.
The D-C merger has nothing to do with your problem. Focus on getting MBUSA to step up to the plate. Depending on where you live, state law may give you some rights above and beyond the corrosion warranty.
does anybody ever had this indications before? what was the problem and how much did you pay at the dealer to fix it? all your comments will be greatly appreciated, this is my first MB and i dont want to be dissapointed. The car is very nice and rides so smooth. Thank you.