W204 weak points

Author
Discussion

buggalugs

Original Poster:

9,243 posts

237 months

Wednesday 2nd September 2015
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Would any more seasoned owners care to share?

I've got a thumping from the back left corner which if this was one of my old beemers I would swear was a top mount, but googling brings up a lot of people needing subframe bushes on these frown

Also I've got a bit of a groaning sometimes when moving the steering at low speed, new suspension arm / ball joint of some kind??

The stereo has a good thump of bass and a bit of top end but very little mid range to speak of, it's just the basic one though I think.

Other than that I have to say this is my favourite car to own so far (220 CDi Auto). I sometimes wish the box wouldn't change up so much, who wants to rev a diesel, nobody that's who. Comfort is better than Sport. But it's a bloody good car overall.

Many thanks
Neil

74merc

594 posts

192 months

Thursday 3rd September 2015
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The only time I have ever experienced groaning when steering, was when the PAS fluid level was low.

sja

509 posts

228 months

Thursday 3rd September 2015
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I have an 08 w204 320. It groans and creaks form front. However when turning right there is a rotational noise form left wheel, click click etc..

Took it to local garage they couldn't replicate it but have said needs disks all round and two new shockers..
If creaks and groans go I''ll post updtae

buggalugs

Original Poster:

9,243 posts

237 months

Thursday 3rd September 2015
quotequote all
I changed the PAS fluid which did help with the groaning, not that the old stuff looked that bad. I read a few people on US forums saying that a bad arm/bush at the front end caused theirs.

Think the MOT's due soon so gonna get them to check the bushes out.

Did about 150 miles today on M-way, A roads and through town and averaged 56mpg, not bad for a 2.2 auto, mine's a 2008 with the older engine too, was taking it pretty easy though. It definitely does a few more mpg on v-power.

There's a very slight rotational noise on mine only audible on cornering with the windows down, I'm pretty sure the front wheel bearings need adjusting and there's just enough movement in them to disturb the way the caliper and pads sit when cornering. I understand they're tapered bearings on these and can be adjusted. Going to do mine when I do the front brakes.

Edited by buggalugs on Thursday 3rd September 21:40

sja

509 posts

228 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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Mine does really rattle and creak underneath over ruts and potholes. Very metallic clatter, hoping disk and shocks solve it

savvy

113 posts

203 months

Monday 7th September 2015
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18 months and 27k miles in, my 2014 250 CDI hasn't caused me any issues in the slightest, either mechanically or build/quality wise.

It still seems quite robust and durable, my two small kids put it through its paces most days, still cleans up well.

Not sure if I am expecting things to fall apart at a certain age or mileage but so far I am quite happy with it.

sja

509 posts

228 months

Monday 7th September 2015
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sja said:
Mine does really rattle and creak underneath over ruts and potholes. Very metallic clatter, hoping disk and shocks solve it
Garage replaced disks and pads , they couldn't fit shockers as they are special with an electronic box. Their parts supplier didn't have any..

So where can I get them apart from dealer? Also car is now stuck in sport mode (not a bad thing) but how do I reset it?

Cheers

sja

509 posts

228 months

Monday 7th September 2015
quotequote all
sja said:
Mine does really rattle and creak underneath over ruts and potholes. Very metallic clatter, hoping disk and shocks solve it
Garage replaced disks and pads , they couldn't fit shockers as they are special with an electronic box. Their parts supplier didn't have any..

So where can I get them apart from dealer? Also car is now stuck in sport mode (not a bad thing) but how do I reset it?

Cheers

sja

509 posts

228 months

Thursday 10th September 2015
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Argh...
Now rear lights have gone off on near side. Checked and earth wire burnt out. Quick Google reveals recall in United States clusters replaced foc. NOT in the uk though.. So looks like I need connector and new cluster plus some soldering.

Stuck in sport mode in rush hour traffic isn't great either.. Bl@@dy car..

buggalugs

Original Poster:

9,243 posts

237 months

Thursday 10th September 2015
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Broke down today frown Wouldn't start outside my office.

Apparently it's the steering lock. It's electronic now, and the car won't start if it isn't working properly. That's progress for you eh.

Car currently at MB dealers as the coding is dealer only apparently.

Google says it's gonna cost me around £500.

Cock.