Why doesn't this forum have a common problem/fix sticky? --New to the forums
Hello,
I fell in love with the CL500 body style recently. I am a n00b to Mercedes. Now that the CL500 value is down, I am looking to purchase one a little bit down the road. After searching I know that these cars have a ton of extremely expensive problems up the ying yang, but I see a lot of threads that have no replies. Is it because most CL owners aren't tech savvy, or is it because these are too complicated to work on (requiring a lot of of special service tools, setting, resetting, calibrating, sensors, etc with special tools before and after any works done) ?
I'm surprised there isn't a common problem/fix sticky. That would make it easier for us looking to purchase a CL. What special service tools do I need to work on the CL500?
The CL won't be my daily driver, nor would I be struggling to afford it (I'm not financing), but I don't want to throw money down the drain on stuff I can avoid. I'm not planning on racing it, or modifying it (except for a NAVI upgrade and MAYBE some factory AMG rims). I just want to enjoy it, not show off. I also plan on keeping it for about 3 years--Long enough for the value to drop a little more, but not long enough for the value to plummet to under 10k. I just want something nice to enjoy for weekends and leisure trips. I know that I should be getting a warranty. Would I have to get a dealer warranty, or can I get a warranty from a third party? How much would a ~three year warranty cost? Also, would the maintenance be significantly more for a CL55 or a CL600? Also, would we be seeing a common problems/fix sticky anytime soon?
There is your own answer: "Too complicated to work on" Don't even think of doing your own work on the ABC system IMO
There isn't anything too complicated in a car for me to tackle whether electronic or mechanical, or whether it requires SST's or not. I have no doubt in my mind about that. I only pass on working on things if it just isn't worth the trouble. What's all involved in working on the ABC system (or any other system in the car) if anybody doesn't mind taking some time to explain? I'd really like to know.
I think the problem is really the fear factor - they cost so much to repair and are so complicated that the average home mechanic is too scared to attempt things with them. I include myself in this bracket - it goes to the specialist every time!
Every other car I own can be spannered right up to my '97 CL, but I wouldn't yet touch the C215 - too much of a novice!!!
It must be the shiny black plastic covers they put over everything these days.
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Current metal:
2002 (C215) CL500 (Batmobile), Obsidian Black, 54k miles
1997 (C140) CL500 (Bismarck), Emerald Black, 134k miles
1991 (W201) 190E 2.6 Sportline (Blake), Almandine Red, 133k miles
1990 (C126) 420 SEC (Bruce), Astral Silver, 111k miles
1978 (R107) 350 SL (Boabby), Signal Red w/ silver hardtop, 115k miles
There isn't anything too complicated in a car for me to tackle whether electronic or mechanical, or whether it requires SST's or not. I have no doubt in my mind about that. I only pass on working on things if it just isn't worth the trouble. What's all involved in working on the ABC system (or any other system in the car) if anybody doesn't mind taking some time to explain? I'd really like to know.
I'm with you on this. I have a cl55 and other than frustration a benz with their implied warranty threats, hidden bolts and trying hard to make repair info unavailable, they are just like any car. With the exception that they can make problems that wouldn't happen on a Hyundai.
I'm going to get the MB star service DVD that the dealer won't tell you is available and probably a link kit to my pc, and pick up the software from one of the import scan tool manufacturers.
They don't like it, but OBD11 makes pretty much any information available with respect to trouble codes and sensors. The star service dvd is available on the net thru authorized resellers, ebay and I couldn't find it on MB USA's website, but I did see it on MB Canada.
I love the car, but not happy with the idea of having my wallet inexplicably attached to my local MB service dept.
We should have a sticky such as you describe. As it now stands, we're always having to field the same questions over and over, from noobs who're too lazy to look up their issues with the search function. But--it would require a mod to organize and vet, to ensure that the initial posts at least were comprehensive and authoritative.
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