Searching for a first-rate auto-electrician...

[theturbs]

...to look at a friend's Mercedes. He's already taken the car to a couple of the local independent service garages in the Harpenden/St Albans area with no joy.

I've suggested that he engages the services of an auto-electrician for an accurate diagnosis, but don't know anyone who can be unreservedly recommended.

Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks
TT

[Dr-Bob]

Dave at http://www.dkcaraudioandsecurity.co.uk/

Tell him Baz sent you.....

[pist nbroke]

You could post the simptoms on the Mercedes forum and everyone could guess what may be the fault!

No seriously whats up with it? Someone on there may have experienced a similar fault. Or get a price from a dealer for diagnosis only.

[theturbs]

Dr-Bob said:

Dave at http://www.dkcaraudioandsecurity.co.uk/

Tell him Baz sent you.....

Thanks very much for the replies.

There are 3 drains on the car's battery. One is from the instrument cluster, one from the COMAND unit and the third is unidentified. For the first two drains, my friend has been advised that a new instrument cluster and new COMAND unit are required. Given the cost of these items, plus the fact that even when fitted there'll still be a drain on the battery, I've advised him to take the car to a good auto-electrician for a proper diagnosis.

The car is fine if used everyday or every other day, but unlikely to start on the key if left for more than 4 days.

ETA I'll give DK a call, thanks Baz

Edited by theturbs on Wednesday 6th July 13:50

[Sonic]

OP, let me know how you get on, i'm looking for someone to install a new immobiliser.

[pist nbroke]

3 drains, thats massively unlucky!

I have had COMAND units do this in the past and the instrument cluster act as a gateway for other control units so maybe this is preventing something from shutting down.

Battery drains can be problematic and time consuming to diagnose (as you have experienced). When it gets really in depth like 3 drains product knowledge is crutial. Do the PH unspoken act and phone a dealer to see if they can give you a fixed charge to diagnose the fault. They may have come across another vehicle with a similar fault as they tend to turnover more cars than specialists. IMHO its worth a punt the worst they can say is no. Good luck!

[theturbs]

Thanks.

The car is worth <£10k, and the cost of a new COMAND unit and instrument cluster plus fitting is going to work out at a significant proportion of the car's value.

I'll post back on here saying how he gets on.

[theturbs]

Dr-Bob said:

Dave at http://www.dkcaraudioandsecurity.co.uk/

Tell him Baz sent you.....

Finally contacted DK, thanks Baz, Dave is a really good guy. Going to suggest to my friend that he takes the car to DK next week...

[Dr-Bob]

your welcome...
He's one of the best.......