Braking/suspension issues? Electical issues in my 2001 C-240

[wilhasl]

I have a 2001 MB C-240. 2.6L, auto-trans. I think I have 2 problems with the vehicle which I am wondering if anyone else has experienced.

(1) Electrical. Every now and then, my express up/down window buttons (on the driver side) decide not to work. It's odd, since this happens randomly, and when it does happen, it's not with all 4 windows. Sometimes just the driver window. Sometimes both the back windows. Sometimes none at all, and sometimes all of them at once. I took apart the door, removed the window switch panel, and "cleaned" it the best I could. So far it seems to be ok. Maybe it was just a problem with dirt or sand? Has anyone else had this problem? Any tips on what I could do? To further complicate this question, it also once happened on my moonroof switch, where the switch "express" option did not work at all for an entire day. Then it just started working again the next day, and the problem has yet to repeat itself. I also on occasion, get "burned out light bulb" warnings, however when I check the bulbs, they are fine. I even replaced a working bulb to see it if would do anything. It didn't. And, most recently, every once in a while my "check engine oil" warning comes on. When I pull off the road, get the car level, and turn off the engine to check the level, it says it's fine. So in short, I seem to be having some sort of electrical problem in the car. Any thoughts??

and (2) This being my first Benz, something sounds "wrong" with the front end of the car when I do any of the following: Brake really hard, hit speed-bumps head on, or hit a series of small-bumps while braking. It's hard to describe what this "wrong" sound is, but it kind of sounds like something is loose within the wheel/suspension mechanics. Not being mechanically-savvy at all, it's hard for me to diagnose this problem and describe it hear. All I know is that at higher speeds, I don't hear the noise. Only at LOW speeds. At 10mph, for example, when I "slam" on the brakes, it literally sounds like the front end of the car is separating from the wheels. Hope someone can offer some input... If you have this problem, then I'm sure you know what I am so poorly trying to describe.

[Buellwinkle]

The express up/down for windows and sunroof is reset by opening and closing the window and holding it in the closed position for a few seconds. The way it gets unset is to disconnect the battery. Since it sounds like this is happening on it's own I would imagine there's a short somewhere. As for the bulb, it's possible that a loose connection or bulb with a loose filliment is causing the problem. Check the wiring around the bulb and replace the bulb for safe measure, it's cheap enough.

[samhmbz]

I agree sounds like a wiring problem or control unit most likely something with a 30 circuit (constant battery voltage)to retain your window express memory.
Hard to say........
The suspension problem sounds like broken thrust arm bushings(formerly known as lower control arm bushings)
,they crack and or leak -
hope this helps
Sam

[Evan]

Are those thrust bearings hard to replace. What is involved?

[jakester]

1 - there are updated door control modules for your (2001) vehicle. More than likely the problem but there are other things that affect express up as well. Can check into it at a dealer. If the dealer connects a Star to the car and pulls the part numbers off the DCM-FL or DCM-FR, they will be able to tell you if it superceeds to a newer number module.
2 - chances the knocking/rattling noise you hear from the front end are the sway bar end links .. the original design that came on the 01' is a little weak. The joints develop play in them quite easily. Very common problem on a 203 chassis.