[Barmaley]

I just failed state inspection on S550 2008 4matic at local MB dealer with one of the issues that windshield washer failed. They gave me an estimate at $424.33 plus tax for windshield washer pump replacement. I looked it up on the web and found that their part number is 2218690121, FCP Euro sells Febi for $12, OEM for $35 and amason for $6.99. How come MB wants $450?!! Am I missing something or looking for a wrong part? Is the installation very difficult and long? Can I do it myself?

The second issue with inspection was missing right side exhaust clamp after cats which they estimated at $125 installed. Do you know which part do I need to fix it? Proportionally to the pump should I expect the clamp to be around $1.50 for the part?

 

[Jagpilot]

Yes, the washer pump is that cheap. It is located on the side of the windshield washer tank against the rear of the headlight. It is easy to change out. You will need to siphon out the fluid first, move the heating element out of the way, pull the tank partially out to access the pump. There are two pumps, the smaller for the windshield and larger for the headlights. Disconnect the electrical connector, fluid tubing and pullout. Install by doing the reverse. You may want to replace the rubber pump gasket while at it.

 

[konigstiger]

Part # 2218690121 is correct, see attachments for install. Additionally, attached diagram with all parts #s in case you find another part may be needed in your process.

 

[Barmaley]

Thank you guys, I think I can do it myself now. Before replacing the pump, are there any other things I need to check to make sure that it is the pump but not another reason for not working washer system?

 

[Skylaw]

Fuses, of course.

 

[Barmaley]

Hi Skylaw,

Great point, however. looking for a fuse diagram I found this post: https://www.benzworld.org/threads/fuse-chart-diagram.1650222/#post-5230794
Do you know that does it mean electronically controlled?

 

[dlafever]

You might consider checking voltage at the pump connector when you actuate the washers (careful the wipers will spring to action as well!)

 

[Skylaw]

There are three fuses associated with the wipers, including the lever on the steering column. Basically, you're making sure that these functions are supplied with power. It is true that the kind of failure you are experiencing is usually caused by failure of the pump itself (I just got mine replaced by my dealership - having sold my house and moved to assisted living because of my wife's medical condition, I no longer have many of my tools, and did not want to tackle the job in the facility's parking lot during rainy season).

 

[Barmaley]

Thank you Konigstiger, the diagrams are very useful! It seems pretty easy, I am sure them I will start doing it, it may be not as easy

I found that the spray for headlamps work, so I guess fuses and electronic controls are fine, I guess I can be pretty sure that it is the pump. Will try to get the pump and do it ASAP since my deadline to get inspection expires by Wednesday.

They show a mounting wedge on the bottom of the diagrams. Do I need it and can I use wooden wedge?

 

[Barmaley]

To save time I pulled a pump from S430 w220 at a local junk yard. The housing of the pump looks slightly different, however all connectors are the same. While installing on the car found that there is a hose ripped so need to fix it before testing the pump. Will let you know if the pump is compatible between w221 and w220.

 

[dlafever]

It likely is the same pump, the windshield washer pump (not headlamp washer) is the same for our W221s as it is for my 2002 ML320. If the hose that is ripped is the one that goes to the windshield nozzles you might consider replacing the whole thing. It is sold as a unit as it has integrated heating for the washer fluid in the tube as well as conductors for the heaters in the 4 (FOUR!) washer nozzle heads.

 

[Barmaley]

Thank you dlafever,

Now I understand why in one of the tubes there were wires! It heats water in the hoses. The tube which holds wires was ripped.

 

[dlafever]

Yeah, here are some photos from when I replaced mine earlier this year. Note that it includes all four washer nozzle pods as well, not order-able as a separate part number as was the case years ago.


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