1998 Mercedes-Benz CL420 (C140)

[tobinen]

I took it over to an MB specialist in Caversham for the BAS warning light as they have STAR. Cleared the codes and rechecked but the light comes back on a second after starting. He's pretty sure it's not the steering angle sensor so it's booked in next week for a more thorough check.

It's also started to run a bit lumpy and with the fault codes printed off today it looks like no.8 cylinder has a misfire, code P0300

I've overlooked the fact that the MoT runs out on Wednesday but I am 99% certain the BAS warning light is a fail in any case, so I'll have to risk a few days without one.

In the meantime, I will check the fuses for any corrosion or decay.

[Stegel]

tobinen said:

I've overlooked the fact that the MoT runs out on Wednesday but I am 99% certain the BAS warning light is a fail in any case, so I'll have to risk leaving it parked on the drive for a few days without one.

Fixed that for you!

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Great thread tobinen. Hope you're still enjoying it? The faults and dramas seem minor but they can add up and irritate.

[tobinen]

Took it back over to SMS yesterday and they are pretty sure the BAS module has had it. It's located under the servo and can be subject to water ingress apparently. Rather than order a new one from MB, they've found a 2nd hand one from a breaker and assure me it's a very uncommon fault so I should be OK. I will bow to their superior knowledge.

They wouldn't keep the car on their premises unfortunately due to lack of space (they are rammed and flat-out) so I drove it back home 20 miles and will have to return on Tuesday or Wednesday. I hate driving a car with no tax or MoT but no choice really.

The misfire seems to come and go so I will put up with it for MoT testing purposes.I suspect it will fail again on emissions due to missing the LH catalytic converter but I will cross that bridge when it comes

[tobinen]

BAS module replaced for the sum of £180 inc VAT. Apparently a new module is over £300 so SMS sourced a second-hand one for £96. No more warning light and the MoT is booked tomorrow. I'm quite sure it will fail on emissions and the misfire still comes and goes. There may even be another surprise waiting...

[r129sl]

Would you mind giving a little more info about what and where the BAS module is?

I have a curious problem with my 129 which no-one can resolve. When I turn the ignition to "on", without firing the engine, all bulbs in the instrument cluster illuminate for the bulb test (as they should) but they go out almost immediately, within a second, all that is apart from the BAS bulb, which then stays on indefinitely. The BAS system works fine. As do all the other systems.

This isn't a thread hi-jack: I was just after more on the BAS module.

[tobinen]

Yes, it's located under the servo, but I haven't seen it myself. I would start the car and about 3 seconds later it would illuminate and stay on.

Happily and surprisingly, it has passed the test today. Now to tax it.

[tobinen]

As expected it was the CO which was the struggle. Limit is 0.300 and it just made it through with 0.299. I suppose not too bad with 50% of catalytic converters

[tobinen]

I have water ingress through the LH A pillar trim so I suspect I have a blocked sunroof drain.

[tobinen]

Further searching reveals it's likely to be a lot worse. Drain corroded and separated away from the hose. Not good.

https://youtu.be/55cCZ2P2aNE

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Good luck with it. Are you sure it just isn't a blockage rather than a disconnection?

[tobinen]

Not sure yet. I am deciding on the next step and to which garage to take it or maybe sell it for another barge. If it's corroded and not blocked, then it looks like a big job, headlining out, etc. Hoping for less rain in the meantime.

[tobinen]

If you have a horrid metallic sound coming from the NS door, check that the NS sunvisor lid is not rattling. It's a very similar noise. Also an easy fix.

[tobinen]

NSF bumper scraped by a grey-haired old dear in a C class whose lane discipline left a lot to be desired.

[tobinen]

Misfire now sorted, as suspected no.8 coil pack was shot. Eight new plugs fitted too as they've not been changed in my ownership and looked past their best.

Sunroof/'A' pillar leak is now confirmed as the corroded metal piece coming off the sunroof assembly. Balls. The man at the garage did not rule out bonding a new piece on but he didn't fancy welding as the space is so confined. Meditate on this I will.

That will be £253 please today sir.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

tobinen said:

Sunroof/'A' pillar leak is now confirmed as the corroded metal piece coming off the sunroof assembly. Balls. The man at the garage did not rule out bonding a new piece on but he didn't fancy welding as the space is so confined. Meditate on this I will.

That is a bummer.

[tobinen]

The idle speed is now too high when it is warm. It used to tick over at 600-700 RPM but now idles at 1,100-1,400 RPM,

A quick internet search points to the idle control valve and/or split vacuum hose(s)

Back to the garage and to have a further chat on the sunroof leak.

[tobinen]

The garage found no fault with the idle and sure enough, on the way back it was perfect. Ho hum. At least he didn't charge me so that was welcome.

[tobinen]

Choice of three sunroof frames. I have no idea what is a non-magnetic roof with autopilot system. I am still undecided if this is economically viable given the low value of the car.

[Mercky]

tobinen said:

Choice of three sunroof frames. I have no idea what is a non-magnetic roof with autopilot system. I am still undecided if this is economically viable given the low value of the car.

I would invest in a couple of tubes of clear silicone, as I never use sunroofs anyway..