[Jdinks]

All,

I recently was involved in an auto accident, and after the insurance paid out, i found a very affordable s430. 2001, 95k miles, 7k asking.

Of course i did little research, because i am known to not have the greatest foresight. Long story short, due to some cosmetics, i talked the fellow down to 5500. What i thought to be a steal.

Engine runs smooth, tranny shifts smooth, windows roll up and down, no crazy noises when i test drove... Seemed to me that cosmetics were the only thing, and i was thinking with another 3-5k i could have a very sharp ride.

5 days after purchase, the DCM in the front passenger side goes out. Womp womb wahhhh

Mechanic wants to charge me 850 to fix. I feel that if i can trace wires on an F-18 jet (USMC) i can replace small electrical components on a Mercedes... Am i wrong? Am i only intimidated to do the work myself because of the name on the car?

So...First, does anyone have any tips to find cheap parts? The aforementioned mechanic said new DCM would be 460, used 275... Can i get it under 200?

ANY and ALL help is greatly appreciated...

 

[jnash]

and

 

[haroldwca]

In a word, yes the name Mercedes can intimidate an otherwise mechanically savvy individual. When I bought my first Benz nine years ago, the turn/dimmer/etc switch failed. After research on the web, I found enough info to allow me to replace the switch (it was on a W210).

If you are able to trace a wiring diagram on a military jet, you can replace the door control module on your car. It is going to be worth your while to buy a set of hard plastic pry tools to release the spring clips that almost everything inside the W220 is assembled with. Don't worry about breaking the clips. Most of them are metal, and the others are much more durable than plastic clips found on the interior of other makes. Even so, if you pry with a screwdriver instead of the plastic pry tools, you risk damaging your wood trim, etc.

Watch the video in the previous post, buy the pry tools, then give it a try. DCM is behind the panel with the seat switches.

 

[Pokseva]

You can buy DCM ~150 EUR/USD and replace it yourself which is 10 minute job.

The list of compatible DCMs can be found here Door Control Module - W220 Encyclopedia

You can also install DCM with memory buttons if you don't have one already and buy one with memory buttons if you can find it cheaper and just replace the board.