[Shemademebuyitforme]

Started a thread ("Learning curve") but either it was too long or it got lost in cyberspace or I did something wrong, and it never appeared, so this is try #2

Had some questions on my newly purchased 08 350 CLK convertible (which is currently hiding in my hangar as Irma brushes us).

1) Right rear of the trunk, there is a carpeted flap with wires and connectors underneath. What lives there? I know the pump for the top is on the left, what fits into the hole on the right?

2) Inside the center console there are two buttons - a wrench and an i-something. Careful reading of the manual says the wrench is to call MB for help and the i-something is to call MB if you feel insecure. Do these functions need some kind of a subscription AND does this only work with the M-B phone option (which I don't have)?

3) A/C blowing REALLY hot, found the reset procedure (ign on 3 seconds, off, on again, touch A/C), fixed. How does this get DE-set, why would I need to do the reset procedure? Did I bump something or does this indicate an incipient problem?

4) Need new headlamps - one lens is slightly melted, both reflectors are "crinkled" inside. These are the halogen Hellas, about $400 a set, new, on eBay. Anything special here or just nuts and bolts? (I know I have to pull the bumper.)

5) $16 DVD manual on eBay - worthwhile?

6) Have only one key - is the dealer the only realistic option? (Standard key, not key-go option)

7) Autodimming rear view mirror doesn't. Any controls or diagnostics? (fuse?) Replacement on eBay for $50 to $60, any special tricks to R&R?

Thank you and best regards,

Mike in Florida (which is expected to still be here on Tuesday, despite the TV news reports)

 

[rudeney]

First of all, welcome to the forum, Mike!

1) Right rear of the trunk, there is a carpeted flap with wires and connectors underneath. What lives there? I know the pump for the top is on the left, what fits into the hole on the right?

Many things, like bits for the TeleAid (a.k.a. MBrace) system, the audio amplifier, Sirius tuner, etc.

2) Inside the center console there are two buttons - a wrench and an i-something. Careful reading of the manual says the wrench is to call MB for help and the i-something is to call MB if you feel insecure. Do these functions need some kind of a subscription AND does this only work with the M-B phone option (which I don't have)?

These buttons, and the SOS button on the overhead control panel are part of the TeleAid system (now called MBrace). It is MBZ's version of "OnStar" and it does require a subscription. It has its own built-in cell phone system, so you do not need the option cell phone interface.

3) A/C blowing REALLY hot, found the reset procedure (ign on 3 seconds, off, on again, touch A/C), fixed. How does this get DE-set, why would I need to do the reset procedure? Did I bump something or does this indicate an incipient problem?

The reset procedure will complete if everything checks out. If there is a fault, then it will keep going and you'll have to shut off the ignition to stop it. If these is a fault, you'll need a proper diagnosis. It could be a number of things causing the problem - low refrigerant due to a leak, bad compressor, bad sensor, or a bad damper. If its low refrigerant or a bad compressor, the light on the AC button will usually not illuminate. If it's a sensor, sometimes opening the top or windows will make it cool (if so, it's the humidity sensor in the overhead control panel).

4) Need new headlamps - one lens is slightly melted, both reflectors are "crinkled" inside. These are the halogen Hellas, about $400 a set, new, on eBay. Anything special here or just nuts and bolts? (I know I have to pull the bumper.)

Nothing terribly difficult other than removing the bumper, which is not that hard - it's just some just wrenching. If you are going with aftermarket headlights, you might consider looking at the projector style with HIDs bulbs installed. There are some decent quad-projector setups for $400-$500 with HIDs installed that are plug and play.

5) $16 DVD manual on eBay - worthwhile?

DO you mean the shop manual or owner's manual? If you are going to be a serious DIYer, the shop manual you want is WIS (MBZ.s Workshop Information System)

6) Have only one key - is the dealer the only realistic option? (Standard key, not key-go option)

Yes, it's dealer only and they have to order it. Buy it through the parts department - no service visit is needed unless you wan them to cancel out any missing keys. If you act nice and beg, they might give you a discount.

7) Autodimming rear view mirror doesn't. Any controls or diagnostics? (fuse?) Replacement on eBay for $50 to $60, any special tricks to R&R?

That's odd. DOes the side mirror dim? If not, it may be the light sensors. There are two. One is on the front of the mirror (facing forward) and one is
on the mirror glass itself (facing rearward). When the front-facing sensor is darker than the rear-facing one, you should get dimming.

Mike in Florida (which is expected to still be here on Tuesday, despite the TV news reports)

Be safe down there! This storm is ridiculous, but not more ridiculous than people's reactions to it. We were in ATL today vising our daughter. We took her to the grocery store to help stock her pantry and the place was a madhouse of people buying "supplies" for the "storm". Here in BHM, they are closing many schools and businesses. It's just crazy!