JonMBZ

Independent shops don't get the luxury of talking to technical specialist from MB NA, car needs to be at a dealer. Just pay for the diag and let them deal with it.

91RS

My thoughts exactly.

C230 Mulac

Might not be a bad idea, UNTIL they tell you your ECU is bad and it's $3k to replace (ask Jake what happened to him a couple weeks ago).

amgen

You need to find a good, honest authorized MB workshop!

Took me several years and it´s locacated 84 miles away...

The closer ones just want to change parts.

raphman

Sigh. Ok, I'll be chatting with them and see where this goes. I'll keep you guys posted on the haps. Worse case scenario, I'll either get a replacement C55 from them or shop around... I kinda want another G8. Easy to work on, easy to maintain.

C230 Mulac

My STAR arrived yesterday and the computer I ordered to operate it with arrives today. I'll be setting everything up this weekend and running the diagnostics on mine.

Evil E55

Sorry to hear about your ongoing issues with your C55. Sounds like a possible front SAM issue. On the left side of the engine bay next to the driver wiper blades you can see the brake fluid reservoir, To the right of that there will be a black box with some slide locks. Check to see if there are any cracks on the cover if so remove it by sliding the locks to the open position and inspect the control modules in there if you see ANY signs of water be sure to bring it to your mechanics attention.

raphman

They found that the wire harness going to the ABS/ESP module had some wires that had been nicked somehow, so they're in the process of replacing said harness now. No one in the US had it in stock, so the shop ordered it from Germany. Fingers crossed. If this doesn't pan out, I'm seriously considering a first gen IS350.

sick430

You will miss the power of the 55 with the IS.

Best of LUCK

raphman

Yeah, I know I will... but what I'll miss in power, I'll gain in reliability and headache-free maintenance.

Thanks

tw2

You are very unlucky to have this happen. The chance of something untoward happening again if you looked for another C55 is incredibly unlikely. These are extremely reliable cars in general. The power and especially torque difference between those two cars is quite large.

raphman

Tell me about it... I researched the car (C55) for a good month before pulling the trigger; I wanted to make sure it was going to be reliable and problem-free.

Well, the verdict is in. The wiring harness and respective 8+ hours of labor to install did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and the issue remains. So, time to car shop... I may consider getting another C55, but... well... I'm sure you can understand my apprehensiveness. Yes, the power and torque difference between the cars is large, but what's the point of having a fast car if it's always needing repairs? I'll keep everyone posted on what I get.

sick430

I completely understand, with that said it's one of those things that just happen! most of these cars are super reliable. I have had mine for going on 12 or so years and other than things that I brake the car has been really reliable.

Hope you find something your happy with. ISF??

raphman

I wish!! An IS-F is kinda outta my budget right now hahaha... plus, I'll be getting married this year. But, I've been talking to the shop and they're gonna help me find a replacement. I found a REALLY nice C55 that I'm considering and he's found a few W211 E55s in good shape and low miles (under 70k). I'd obviously get aftermarket warranty coverage on the E55

insame1

Coming from a guy who dumped endless cash into his c32. I am not planing on owning a forced induction MB again till I can buy a new one. I just picked up a CLK55 and am much happier.

raphman

Low and behold, the issue has been resolved! You guys ready for this?? Apparently the gas pedal switch was having voltage issues with the associated SAM. Replaced gas pedal, did a full vehicle reprogram, and voila - fixed! Now I just need to find a dyno in the area and see how much my Kleemann headers and tune are putting down...

amgen

Electrical issues? You need a good mechanic.

Well, congrats any way!

insame1

Did you check into this? I have not found a place that will warranty and AMG vehicle.

raphman

Have not man, since the E55 idea fell by the wayside. If I find any info though, I'll reach out to you.

insame1

Thanks but no need now. Got in an accident this morning and I'm pretty sure the car is a total loss.

raphman

Oh **** man, I'm sorry =/
Hope all gets sorted out in your favor

thtguy

So wait... It took them more than 4 months to diagnose a P0123/P0120 "Throttle/ position sensor/switch A circuit high input" code that would not throw a CEL but it still would have been in the Pending Codes section of memory.

I think it is time to find a new shop.

raphman

I wish it was that simple. The shop that was working on it has a good reputation and are regularly swamped with work from customers all over NC. This was just a tough nut to crack, but they figured it out and I have my car back. Yeah, it did take a while, but at least it's fixed.

On a different topic, I see you're in Tampa - I'll actually be moving there in a few months.

thtguy

Yeah I am in Tampa. Best MB shop in the area, with good prices is Werner's in Tarpon Springs. a little drive from Tampa but worth it. The Father, who is retired knows everything there is too know about the older cars. He worked for MB in Germany before coming here. Markus, the son, runs the shop now, he went to Germany to train as a Master Mechanic before coming back here to work for his dad. He is very good, and they have a Certified STAR Diag system.

Once you get to the area let me know if you need any guidance. I do most the work on my cars. the SLK has 280K miles, and the C55 has 185K now.

raphman

Sweet, thanks for the info man! Greatly appreciated