What did you do for your W211 today?

[Bob in Tucson]

Had to replace each of the 2 front ones due to leaks, and one of the back ones leaked, so, since the whole rear drivetrain had to be pulled, replaced them both. Love the ride that the air suspension gives, tho. Should be good for another 110,000 miles tho. I also installed, in 2005 front and rear air suspension in my Dodge Hemi pickup. My son and I did all the work. That rode really nice also.

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[AMGAffalterbach]

The ride is second to none and the best of both comfort and response/agility. How much did the front repair cost you if you don't mind me asking? Did you have it done at the stealer or do the work yourself?

[Bob in Tucson]

The front strut replacements were 1200.00 each with the work done at a local Benz -Bmw -Porsche independent shop. He found the struts for 700.00 each.

[AMGAffalterbach]

Is the car "in-drivable" if there is a leak? Or does it just take a longer time to pump up?

[Bob in Tucson]

The first few days, the compressor just ran longer when I got into the car, then after a few days, the notification area inside the speedometer gave a red notice something like " do not drive car, car too low" and the compressor ran for a minute or 2 and the warning went out. I do figure that in a few more days it probably would not pump up at all and all that pumping could cause the compressor to fail, adding another 3-500.00 to the repair bill. I was right on top of it and by the time that message showed up, the appointment to fix it was the next day. On only the drivers side, which was the first to go, I heard a pssssst when I hit the speed bumps where I live, and took it to the shop immediately, and they diagnosed it and ordered the strut. Hope that helps. It is one of the repairs that just sucks you in, no alternatives, and I only use MB parts on the car. Local shop warranties work and parts for 2 years on MB parts in their repairs.

[AMGAffalterbach]

Yeah thank you for all the info and my condolences for such a pain of a repair, no fun - but as many repairs on these vehicles there is no way around it other than MB parts and MB service or good (yet expensive) indy shops. My 2007 E550 has been well maintained but I REALLY do not look forward to any related issues, I ask the Lord there won't be any in the near future.

[Bob in Tucson]

After replacing the front 2 struts, I saw a post on a discussion thread somewhere that the bags go at about 110,000 miles. My car had 112,000 on it when the first one went and 114,000 when the last ones in the back were replaced.

[Bob in Tucson]

Also, when I went out in the morning, the car was really low when the warning came on, so twas obvious that there was a problem, even before I got in.

[AMGAffalterbach]

Yeah that makes sense, it seems inevitable in that case. Thanks for the information.

Back to the thread: Today I kept it under 75 mph

[MC REN-THE DON]

Took it to get an alignment with a pal of my dads, He told me that he isnt good at alignments on an mbz and just told me to put more air in the tires instead.

[Green E-300 DT]

Would you happen to be in Southern California by chance?



Derrel

[Jack77]

we have nice ride today

[Gersh320]

had to redo the left breather cover gasket because I didn't use enough two weeks ago. Spent 2 hours peeling the old gasket maker off to add new, and a lot more this time!!!

[kosmo]

Oil change (1st time using top side method)
Air filters
In cabin air filter

[anewbie]

Originally Posted by kosmo

Oil change (1st time using top side method)
Air filters
In cabin air filter

I've done it before, but I can't remember twisting off the filter cap, is it clockwise or counter-clockwise? I have the MB Maintenance DVD, but it doesn't run on Windows 7 since I upgraded my computer. The arrow shown on top of the filter cap is clockwise. But I'm not sure if that's the direction to tighten or loosen.

thanks!

[kosmo]

its standard. counter clockwise to loosen.

[AMGAffalterbach]

Washed it, again, as it rained. Now I have to wax it to get it back to that shine because obviously carnuba doesn't stay on that well -_-

[kosmo]

Originally Posted by AMGAffalterbach

Washed it, again, as it rained. Now I have to wax it to get it back to that shine because obviously carnuba doesn't stay on that well -_-

true but prepping the surface better makes the wax last longer.

[delviacv2]

oil change and air filter

[AMGAffalterbach]

Originally Posted by kosmo

true but prepping the surface better makes the wax last longer.

Yeah the waxing system I used, BlackBox, has a 4-stage system with a prepping spray and application process. It stays on pretty well but it certainly is not where it was before I washed it which makes me feel obligated to get it back to that shine lol.

[edwinwalke]

Originally Posted by anewbie

I've done it before, but I can't remember twisting off the filter cap, is it clockwise or counter-clockwise? I have the MB Maintenance DVD, but it doesn't run on Windows 7 since I upgraded my computer. The arrow shown on top of the filter cap is clockwise. But I'm not sure if that's the direction to tighten or loosen.

thanks!

The Maintenance DVD will run on Windows 7 although some of its functions are not available -- electrical diagrams. As I recall there are some work arounds on the MB website to use the electrical diagrams with a 3rd party application.

[Benz-O-Rama]

Crank position sensor on the E500. Finally failed on me, and stranded me.

Luckily, my buddy is an MB tech, so he was able to swap it out for me in 10 minutes flat. Didn't even let the car cool down. It's certainly a DIY, but for those that have never changed one, it's probably an hour.

[kosmo]

new shoes over the weekend: Continental DWS 245/40/18 and 275/35/18

[Bob in Tucson]

On Saturday 5-5-12 I put 2 new front sway bar end links on, but still have some front end noise when I hit bumps. The bottom connection to the links, looks like a horizontal tie rod end, and they both seem really loose, and I think they are the culprits. Those lower control arms were replaced less than 2 years ago and are still under warranty. I will find out in the next day or so what the story the mechanic tells me. Sunday night while pulling into the driveway, the brake wear warning light came on. I knew the rears were thin and figured that the fronts were also. I checked and was right, so a trip to the dealer, with my 10% discount card, put the price about where I figured it would be for all 4 corners, and I have another project to do this week. New tires will hopefully round out the projects for a year or 2 unless something breaks.

[Bob in Tucson]

Nope, sorry but the lower rear control arms were not replaced yet, no warranty. I have spent time thinking about the costs of maintaining my car. I set aside 200.00 a month for maintenance and repair and I am going to up that to 250.00 a month. What could I get out there for car payments of 250 a month that would even come close to this car? Luckily when I bought her 4 years ago with 78,000 miles on her, well documented service history, I was able to pay cash of 20 grand. After thinking about it, I have reaffirmed that, for me, this was the right decision. If my fund for repair is not used up, I still have it in the bank.