Keep or get rid?
Author
Discussion

GruFFnuTT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

224 months

Thursday 13th September 2012
quotequote all
Hi all,

I've taken a wander into the Mercedes forum to ask you good people what you think of my girlfriends current situation?
She has a 2006 C180 Kompressor which is a workhorse for her as she travels the country working as a Paramedic. The car has very quickly racked up 140+k miles and went into a repuatable Mercedes garage today as the engine management light has come on.
Now, I think the car has been in a prang in its former life as I've noticed little things when washing it.
The garage phoned her up after having the car in for inspection and have quoted a bill for £1800!!! yikes
The car needs a new sump as there is a bad repair on it and oil has leaked out onto the wiring loom causing two oxygen sensors to burn out hence the warning light on the dash and sudden poor fuel economy.
Now, this bill seems extreme in the least, but she is almost resigned to pay it.
My argument is this... Do I support her in repairing the car as she cannot be without transport and thinks her car is worthless, or do I try and convince her to cut loose of this car and put the repair money towards something that's up to the job. She does a lot of miles and I want her to be in something safe and reliable. Another nicer Mercedes perhaps, just not this one!!!???
Believe it or not, she just won't listen to me... hehe

Cheers guys

randlemarcus

13,646 posts

260 months

Thursday 13th September 2012
quotequote all
Salient words are "girlfriend" and "won't listen to me".

Let her sort it out herself, but whatever you do, don't say "I told you so" when it goes tits-up.

GruFFnuTT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

224 months

Thursday 13th September 2012
quotequote all
randlemarcus said:
Salient words are "girlfriend" and "won't listen to me".

Let her sort it out herself, but whatever you do, don't say "I told you so" when it goes tits-up.
yesbanghead

KAAMG

156 posts

252 months

Friday 14th September 2012
quotequote all
GruFFnuTT said:
Hi all,

I've taken a wander into the Mercedes forum to ask you good people what you think of my girlfriends current situation?
She has a 2006 C180 Kompressor which is a workhorse for her as she travels the country working as a Paramedic. The car has very quickly racked up 140+k miles and went into a repuatable Mercedes garage today as the engine management light has come on.
Now, I think the car has been in a prang in its former life as I've noticed little things when washing it.
The garage phoned her up after having the car in for inspection and have quoted a bill for £1800!!! yikes
The car needs a new sump as there is a bad repair on it and oil has leaked out onto the wiring loom causing two oxygen sensors to burn out hence the warning light on the dash and sudden poor fuel economy.
Now, this bill seems extreme in the least, but she is almost resigned to pay it.
My argument is this... Do I support her in repairing the car as she cannot be without transport and thinks her car is worthless, or do I try and convince her to cut loose of this car and put the repair money towards something that's up to the job. She does a lot of miles and I want her to be in something safe and reliable. Another nicer Mercedes perhaps, just not this one!!!???
Believe it or not, she just won't listen to me... hehe

Cheers guys
Was this a main dealer? Personally I would seek a second opinion from a reputable indie. They should also take a good look around the car for any past damage and safety issues etc. Just in my opinion of course.

Xtype

2,877 posts

227 months

Friday 14th September 2012
quotequote all
do it yourself, the sump is a pretty straight forward to replace and the sensors might not be burned out...I would disconnect them and inspect yourself first as it might save you a fair few quid, if the wiring is just broken repair the wiring and test them again.




bolide

582 posts

283 months

Saturday 15th September 2012
quotequote all
What's the car worth? £2k? I'd get rid

This is exactly the kind of repair work that main dealers are wrong for

Nick Froome

GruFFnuTT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

224 months

Saturday 15th September 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice guys...

Having done some research. The problem seems common with this model. The oil is apparently leaking from a cam seal which somehow is getting into the ECU and causing the oxygen sensor issues...?
In the States the problem was sorted under a "recall".... Not sure what the situation is in the UK??? (The sump leak is a separate issue).
The garage that inspected the car is not main dealer, but is an independent Merc specialist. I'm under no illusion that he needs to make his money so I've pleaded with the GF to get a second opinion... I'd be happy to see the back of the car TBH.
The "Internet" states that this is an expensive repair... I don't suppose anybody on here has heard of this particular issue???

GruFFnuTT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

224 months

Saturday 15th September 2012
quotequote all
Just found this...
Interesting reading...?

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w203-c-class/15578...

GruFFnuTT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

224 months

Sunday 16th September 2012
quotequote all
Ok, I've got the bit between the teeth now with this... It appears to be a common and "well known" problem with a lot of Merc models... I'd strongly urge you to check your cars...

http://www.slkworld.com/slk-r170-general-discussio...

There was an official recall of US cars (as above).
I don't know about UK cars?

What's the likely reaction I'm going to get from a Merc Service Centre... Hmm? scratchchin
If the problem is not identitified and fixed early, costly damage will result!!!