Difference in temperature between the center vents with the AC running
Faulty volume control on the radio head unit
Dash cracks

 

I have it! difference in temp between center vents.




Matt, what do I need to do? Actually, I have more serious problems with AC/heating.

I just bought a 98 300d with 91,000 miles.
The AC starts when I turn it on, very slight cold air in the passanger center vent only, driver center vent significant hotter than passanger side, and window vents not cold at all. ( same temp as center driver vent)

Even passenger center vent stops being "little cold" after a little while, like 1-2 minutes. and that turns NOT cold aslo. So, clearly there seems to be low refrigerent pressure, but I think there is more going on too! Especially both driver and passanger side set at "LO" and having different temps!

Help is appreciated.

Sam

 

...more with part numbers....

Steering Rack - TSB

Brake Lamp Switch - very common (Part # 001-545-6409)

Auxilary Fan Module - (Part # 025-545-32-32 (For E55)

02 Sensor - (Error Code - P0141 = REAR 02 Sensor Part #: 000-540-81-17)

PRESERVE DOOR FRAME = MB OPEN SERVICE CAMPAIGN 200503005 for W203 / W210 Models (RECALL)

Seat Belt - Squick

If we can put the part numbers as well that would be great.

-JOE55

 

Well, actually, I was thinking of more of a checklist for inspecting, not general repairs/fixes...

 

...plus you're going to sort-it-out later for the list right greg =)

 

I'd add the steering column sleeve that rotates with the turn signal & cruise control stalks.

 

I've got this issue on mine.....any way to fix this?
ALSO, does it affect the cruise?

Thanks!

 

Inspect

Inspect BEFORE buying...........
Priceless:thumbsup:
ohlord:bowdown:
"GOT CODES?"

 

^^Good Tip!

 

Mine pre-2000 W210 never had most of that stuff installed. Maybe splitting it on different years would make more sense. Why should I worry about pixels on car, that doesn't have the display?
Some might add muffler shine

 

Chris you're a funny guy!

 

Kris, Kristopher, or Krzysztof.
Funny? Did I say anything about differential?

 

Oops I forgot it's Kris with a K ...& what polished differential

 

My

1999 has pixels,but when i bought it I made sure they were all working:thumbsup:
:bowdown:

 

Diesels have glow plugs that like to break off in the head, motor mount and belt tensioner problems too. MAF sensors tripping trouble codes.

 

Pretty good link

The Workshop MB: E Class 210 Chassis Diagnostic Pricing
sub 211 in the space for the 210 and it gives you some info on the 211 model.
$160 an hour shop rates,that ought to shock some peeps into becoming diy'rs:thumbsup:
:bowdown:
$510 for spark plugs????all you diy'rs rejoice
$500 for charcoal filters?Did I not just post the diy and they are like 87 bucks,so $413 labor,are they out of there minds.

 

$510 for spark plugs????all you diy'rs rejoice
$500 for charcoal filters?Did I not just post the diy and they are like 87 bucks,so $413 labor,are they out of there minds.

You got that right, what shock me most is the Charcoal filter replacement, I can remove & replaced that filter in less than 10 mins. Btw, you need two charcoal filters = $174 so labor is $326 and yes it's still not acceptable for the labor cost.

 

Cabin charcoal

filters 1 set of two are 87.50 at
Your Parts Search Returned 2 Part(s)
so my math was correct approx. and the reason i shop at autohausaz.com:thumbsup:
:bowdown:

 

^^Wow thatis cheap!! you're correct! $413 on the labor Ouch!

 

Well, if we want to be "technical" then the labor charge from the dealer is less than $413, because they are not selling the filter at a discount, but at full retail, probably closer to $130, plus tax. So they're only charging something around $360 for labor. Still highway robbery, but with a smaller gun.

That said, ohlord's underlying point is that you can buy the part for that price and save the labor, which at that point is actually the $413 (less tax, of course. )

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

 

I (slightly) regret not DIYing when I first bought my e430 and kicked down for plugs, tranny fluid etc. for near $1K. If there is a way to emphasize how simple a lot of the DIY procedures are, it would be worth posting. While the w210's are well built, many of their mechanisms are pretty simple - even I can figure it out with the help of this forum - and I'm by no means particularly mechanically inclined! Elegance in simplicity - right?

Perhaps this should part of some kind of "welcome to the world of DIY" introduction. I'm starting to feel like a character in Zen and the Art of Motorcylcle Maintenance - and I like it!

 

Well actually

it's more like $450 for labor!
Like in a hospital when they charge 8 bucks for an aspirin
The dealer charges you $130 FOR THE FILTERS,and only pays $65 and then they hide the rest in clear sight as labor of $370 plus tax.
I guess it is par for the course if they can charge $880 for a MAF that costs them $175 and 10 minutes labor,then all the other labor charges are right in line.
$127 to pull codes
I'm thinking of setting up my 12 year old son with a CEL stand instead of lemonade stand.He could pull codes,do the diagnostics for $50 and really make a killing:thumbsup:
ohlord:bowdown:
"GOT CODES?"

 

This may not be quite in the line of issues, but more something that I'm surprised nobody has ever brought up to check when buying - the level of the software in the ECU. I checked the records of my car, and even though it is a 2002 model, that is at the end of the W210 series and therefore one would thought that it should have all problems sorted out and stable, the ECU was flashed 3 times with upgrades in the next 2 years. The reason I'm bringing this up is that so much of this car is controlled by the computer, that it can literally make or break the car. I wonder if some of the weird problems people are reporting is not related to outdated ECUs - maybe even due to a less-than-scrupulous or even technologically-challenged dealer.

Of course for those of us that tend to do all maintenance ourself, this becomes even more of a challenge - maybe visit the dealer once a year and try and determine if any new flashes were released? And then nogotiate a price?

 

Hello Kobus,

Hoe do you know whether you have the latest ECU? Or whether it has actually been flashed?

This might be a stupid question, what about independent shop that claims they lease their diag. system from MBZ. Will they be able to flash ECU?

Thank you for your help.

 

I'm afraid that is one of the unknowns at the moment. A MB dealer should be able to tell you, but I've never tried to find out. I was hoping somebody with inside information may be able to enlighten us.

 

Hey

I have heard from some members that you guys do great work and everyone knows around here I am a devout diy'r and some peeps do need the services of a good shop such as yours,so why buy from MB?oe plugs that match the bosch platins are $2.99 ngk 7090 for the 320 and 430 even the bosch fr8dpp33 is far less from local suppliers. ,autohausaz.com has a shop discount program I think :thumbsup:
So get the new price list up and please visit the forum more often,I don't think that you can push your service without being a sponsor but your presence will be noticed and there seems to be a lot of members in your area that can use a shop that tells it like it is,and does good work.
ohlord:bowdown:
Your web site is worth a visit just for the wealth of information you have made available,so many of the FSS plus owners have no idea how rates are figured for the higher letter services and your pdf guides are great for peeps that have lost or never got a manual.

 

I have heard from some members that you guys do great work and everyone knows around here I am a devout diy'r and some peeps do need the services of a good shop such as yours,so why buy from MB?oe plugs that match the bosch platins are $2.99 ngk 7090 for the 320 and 430 even the bosch fr8dpp33 is far less from local suppliers. ,autohausaz.com has a shop discount program I think :thumbsup:
So get the new price list up and please visit the forum more often,I don't think that you can push your service without being a sponsor but your presence will be noticed and there seems to be a lot of members in your area that can use a shop that tells it like it is,and does good work.
ohlord:bowdown:
Your web site is worth a visit just for the wealth of information you have made available,so many of the FSS plus owners have no idea how rates are figured for the higher letter services and your pdf guides are great for peeps that have lost or never got a manual.

Thank you. Well the reason that we use the MB plugs is to cover ourselves in case of a breakdown that will be covered under the manufactures warranty, and when they check the parts installed, we want to be SURE that they (MB dealers/MBUSA) does not say "hey, who ever did your service did not use the correct spec parts, so, your failure is not covered". We do not want that. But we are adjusting prices.

We are in website transition at this time, updating pricing, adding more pdf. files for information content, more related/common issues for each vehicle line in the diagnostic category.

Also, for instance, the letter services (A-H), we are posting the updates soon, but here is an example:

The price for services (ABCDEFG or H) are based on mileage and time.

For instance; service “C” on a 2005 E320 with approximately 36,000 miles would be:

Service item 1-(brake inspection):
Service item 2-(engine air filter replacement)
Service item 3-(dust-combination filter replacement)
Service item 5-(fuel filter replacement).

This particular service ranges from $795-$900 at the dealership

Now our charge for the service is approximately $535.00+tax and a $20.00 surcharge.

Plus the convenience of on-site service and a 12 month UNLIMITED mileage service warranty.....

We will be posting also the pdf file on how to read out the required service items in order for clients to have that information ready when calling in for service. This will aid in us giving an accurate price. Like for instance, on the service "C", we are not charging for labor to install the dust/combination filter or to perform the brake inspection. The labor is in replacement of the fuel and air filter (the fuel filter is under the rear seat and you have to replace both sender pump units, a bracket and a line).


Ohlord, thank you for the comment, and I will repost when our web administrator has completed the updates at Mercedes Benz Mobile Service A or B, Not from the Dealership, but Mercedes Benz Mobile service from The Workshop Mercedes Benz Mobile Service, for service A,B,C,D,E,F,G:,H in vehicle models C,E,S,SL,SLK,SL,CL,CLS,CLK,G,GL,R,and ML classes in the Bay

Happy Benzing!!!

 

Most of the 210's

are out of warranty and that is why I use the 7090 oe ngk plug it is the closest thing to the original platin single side electrode.I also recently noted that the newer models list NGK as an approved plug so that may save you some concern on that issue and save your customers some money as well.
Keep up the great work and it is nice to see a shop dealing fair and straight up with MB owners,the dealer should take lessons from you and they would regain their Cred
On site service:thumbsup:Great idea:bowdown:

 

are out of warranty and that is why I use the 7090 oe ngk plug it is the closest thing to the original platin single side electrode.I also recently noted that the newer models list NGK as an approved plug so that may save you some concern on that issue and save your customers some money as well.
Keep up the great work and it is nice to see a shop dealing fair and straight up with MB owners,the dealer should take lessons from you and they would regain their Cred
On site service:thumbsup:Great idea:bowdown:

Now keep in mind that we have a shop location also,which is STRICTLY by appointment only on Oakland, Ca.

We perform ALL phases of MB repairs, maintenance and upgrades. Our focus in on MY's 1988 to current.

We feature 90 days, 6 or 12 months 0% interest financing as well, for all our services via our Car Care One program.

We are building a new home page with pdf files listing transmission (2 year unlimited mileage warranty) and engine replacement (4 year 50,000 mile warranty, long blocks only) installation prices with necessary parts.

Car sales are coming soon. Which will feature certified pre-owned and used, all with warranties!

We are focused on becoming a one-stop establishment for the MB owner, both old and new.

Not trying to eliminate the dealer(s), but just grab a share of the market by being the value alternative.

I know this site is Diy, but we are a business, and businesses need to make a profit, but we strive to do so in a manner that is both acceptable and feasible.

Thanks for your comments....

Happy Benzing!!!

 

It is different stuff for hobbyist and different for professionals ohlord.
I fully understand The Workshop on insisting on OEM parts. Point is, that the parts are cheap comparing to labor. I often have similar situation in my remodeling business. Often customers ask if instead of $35/galon paint, I could use cheaper from Home Depot.
Point is, that the possible material saving might be $60, while risking repeating $1000 job on the top of bad feelings.

 

Kajetk1, I agree. The reason we insist on the OE part is that we can provide the 12 month UNLIMITED warranty on the job. We then have the backing from MB in that they afford us the same warranty on parts we purchase. Now when we go aftermarket (as we have done before), we are not backed by the same warranty on the parts we purchase, it is limited, and in 90% of the cases, we end up doing the job again, for free + eating the parts.

I/we love the MB car. Have worked on all makes an models, and feel that this car was built with the respect that someone at sometime or another will have to take this thing apart!!

I do not like combacks, but I feel a little better if the comback involves a failed part that we can warranty, other than a failed part that we have to pay for + labor.

Happy Benzing!!!

 

Valid points

from both of you guys.
And I already put a post out on mbworld for a member looking for a shop in Ca.:thumbsup:
:bowdown:

 

acarter53...

Started a thread with the information below, it's encouraging enough I thought it appropriate to add as a "rejoinder" to our gripe list thread.

acarter53's whole thread can be found here (good engine info, etc.):
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1376956-thats-why-we-drive-them.html

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

The 1996 to 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-class, dubbed internally by Mercedes as the W210 model, represents one of the best values in the used midsize luxury car market. The W210 marked a radical — and initially controversial — shift in Mercedes-Benz design philosophy. Mercedes waved goodbye to the slab sides of the 1980s and 1990s, and with the W210, ushered in the sleek, yet still timeless, styling that continues to direct Mercedes-Benz design today. Many styling cues of current Mercedes models — such as ovoid headlamps — were patterned after the W210 E-class. The W210 E-class still looks like a brand new Mercedes, but costs less than than a new Honda Civic!

The Four-Eyed E (W210): 1996-2002

With four elliptical headlamps, the 1996 E-Class (W210) set the styling trend for Mercedes models into the 21st century. Underneath the dramatic new aerodynamic skin, the wheelbase grew 1.3 inches over the W124's and overall length was up 2.2 inches. The engineering itself was rather familiar. There were still double wishbones doing the suspension work up front, and a multilink system holding up the rear.

For '96, the new W210 E-Class models offered in the U.S. were the E320 with the 3.2-liter, DOHC six from the outgoing W124 making 217 horsepower, and the E300D with the carryover 3.0-liter diesel six. The W124 E320 coupe and convertible carried over for the time being.

In the middle of the '96 model year, the E420 sedan reappeared with the 4.2-liter V8 (making 275 horsepower) hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission.

The 1997 model year saw the introduction of a new driver-adaptive five-speed automatic for the E320 and E300D. Additionally, Mercedes added a sport package to the options list for the E420 -- included within it were 17-inch wheels and Z-rated tires, foglights and various cosmetic touches. All models got a smart sensor that could detect the presence of a front passenger and decide whether or not to deploy the airbag in a crash.

Major changes to the W210 for '98 began with a new 3.2-liter, SOHC, three-valve V6 replacing the former straight six in the E320, the station wagon body returning as an E320 and the E300D gaining a turbocharger and intercooler. The boosted diesel was impressive with a 30-percent increase in horsepower and a massive 57-percent increase in torque. Beyond all that, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system was back as an option.

A new side curtain airbag system came with the 1999 E-Class, but the more enticing development was the new AMG-engineered E55 sport sedan. Using a hand-assembled 5.4-liter version of the SOHC, three-valve V8, the E55 was engorged with 349 horsepower. It was fast and gorgeous hunkered over its 18-inch AMG wheels, and it was the most expensive E-Class ever. Also this year, the E420 became the E430, as its V8 was a new 4.3-liter mill, though output was unchanged.

The diesel disappeared again as the 2000 model year started and the "Touch Shift" system (that added a manual-shifting scheme to the five-speed automatic gearbox) debuted. A revised front end and interior appeared in '02 as well.

With a new E on the way, 2001 and 2002 were relatively quiet years for the car. But you could get a new sport package for the E320 that included lower body cladding and larger wheels and tires.

(Info found at Wikipedia.com)
(Thanks to acarter53 for the digging...)

 

great information Greg. Thankyou.

 

confused

hey guys,
I think this thread contains a lot of useful information that is not organized well. Since the audience of this thread should be the new bee's (like me), I think it is better if one volunteer (maybe the establisher of this thread) can organize these information/problems according to the model year, severity (cost), probability of occurrence, etc, so that it will guide us in making a decision on purchasing a specific car or not.

regards

 

hey guys,
I think this thread contains a lot of useful information that is not organized well. Since the audience of this thread should be the new bee's (like me), I think it is better if one volunteer (maybe the establisher of this thread) can organize these information/problems according to the model year, severity (cost), probability of occurrence, etc, so that it will guide us in making a decision on purchasing a specific car or not.

regards

Very true. I'll see if I can clean things up a bit.