Just bought an A Class - Problem

[ihshaikh]

GF bought an A class a week ago from an auction. Its a 160 Auto (year 2000); it has a gearbox issue. Been searching this forum and read through lofty's fantastic website for suggestions.

Took the car to a mechanic, they plugged into the diag port and pulled a whole lot of codes from the ECU. Cleared them and took it out for a drive.

As soon as they put it in D, the car wouldn't move, put it in D again, and the car jumps into gear and stays there (low gear) and the F sign on the dashboard. plugged back into the diag port and they see some codes again (remember seeing a low pressure code)

They say that the box needs to be pulled out and repaired as the front drum is cracked...or something like that.

Cost £1500 to get fixed.

Sound like a reasonable cost to fix the issue? I am thinking of leaving the car with them on Monday / Tuesday this week to get it fixed by the end of the week.

Other than the gearbox there are some other issues too.

We think that the rear shocks need to be changed as the rear is quite bouncy And the front mount bearings probably need to be replaced too as the steering wheel crunches when turned.

Other niggling issues with the central locking not working properly with the boot.........wondering if these are common issues with these cars...

[lofty]

I'm not going to comment on the GB accept to say if they can cure the problem for that money then great but make sure that price includes fluid etc
The boot lock mark it's present position and then strip and clean, plenty of lubrication and you will most certainly find it will be OK. it's probably ceased

Steering check that lower UJ for a start give that a good spray with WD then when it's eased off plenty of grease in the rubber boot, just take it steady and work on one thing at a time these are faults caused by poor servicing, soon overcome by a good dose of DIY
a number of parts from MB are well priced and it's always worth enquiring from them first fit by DIY because their workshop prices are out of this world and they give the car a diagnostics test even if you have a puncture quick £50.00, it all helps to keep the garage running !
and I know you said you read my site but look up each item and follow the tips yopu wont go far wrong and if you want even more info simple invest £6.00 in my CD next Working day delivery
and yes most of these are common faults but it's only a car!

[ihshaikh]

Hey lofty

car is in the garage getting fixed, should have it by the end of the week at the earliest. will keep you all posted

[ihshaikh]

picked up the car yesterday.

Gearbox now seems fine, extremely smooth, dont even feel the gears when changing which is a good sign.

Still need to sort out the central locking and boot issue....will take a look at it myself over the next few days.

imi

[lofty]

good oh, check my page for the details of the other bits, who knows they may help?
Albert Rowe, Lofty's homepage

[ihshaikh]

Everything is now sorted on the car, an air pipe came loose which was causing the door and boot not to open - fixing the pipe resulted in sorting out both issues.

Got some aftermarket parking sensors fitted yesterday (front and back) - She's happy now

[lofty]

Well at least we got feed back that's a bonus in it's self.

[ihshaikh]

Some more issues to report since my last post.

Put Super Unleaded in the car (shell Optimax) and the ECU light came on - took it to the mechanic and it was the MAS sensor, we did a reset to clear the fault (since then been running normal unleaded) and its been a week (100 miles) and the light hasn't come on again (wonder whether 100 miles is enough for the ECU to fault find).