Bulldog Creativ

It's been quite a day..car towed, stalled in the middle of the street...witness to another accident.

I have no idea what's happened, but here's the facts:

1) Went to an appointment. Parked the car on the street on an incline. Notice some "rainbow" like fluid on the street. Didn't think it was my car.

2) After an hour, went back to the car. Started the car, but it was really rough and took a while to catch and start. Didn't think too much of it...just it was a little strange...

3) Drove 4-5 blocks...then...stalled. In the middle of street. Couldn't restart. Shuddered violently to a stop...luckily there was batter power still, but no power steering, brakes, etc.

While i was stuck awaiting the tow...trying to figure out what went wrong...

Noticed more rainbow type fluid on the road...

But before the stall, no warning lights, no warnings at all, actually...

I don't believe i hit anything on the underside...or hit any potholes, etc.

Any ideas?

It's at the dealer now...hoping it's a warranty issue...because i do not want to think about the other way...

thefisch

rainbow fluid would seem to be petroleum based which doesn't narrow it down much. Did you see fluid pooling from under your car? Did you smell any burning fluid? If the fluid is not from your car, first thought was bad crank sensor shutting you down. Hopefully it will be a warranty issue.

Bulldog Creativ

Could POSSIBLY have been diesel? Then was told that it was it could have been coolant.

Do you think, possibly, anything to do with the fuel filter?

thefisch

It could have been any fluid, lubricant or fuel except the washer fluid. Without the car to look at for signs of a leak, you'll just have to wait for their diagnosis.

Was the accident you witnessed a result of your car stalled in the road? Just curious.

Quadcammer

Does the starter spin (i.e. does it crank)? If so, thats definitely a good sign.

YYZ-E55

How much fuel was in the tank? Perhaps the tank was low and you got some water in the diesel?

Bulldog Creativ

So the witness to the accident occurred when someone was distracted by my stall. So good news it was not me.

1) It does not crank. The battery is ok and runs windows, radio etc... but when the ignition is pushed - nothing. IT was completely dead apart from the battery run devices.

2) Fuel was 3/4 in the tank.

Airmousam

Any update from the dealer?

F3LiX

I know it stalled but as good measure did you try to remove the push-to-start button and attempt to use the key to turn it over? If not, this is a good idea as it is possible for the EIS to lose track of the key. Rare but it does happen.

wanderfalke

The car is always throwing up warning messages but not when you need it ---darn.

Bulldog Creativ

Update.

Seized engine.

Urgh.

Leak from the seal on the filter. Not covered by warranty.

BIG pit of stomach feeling.


So...ideas on how to fix other that paying MB the $31k for a new engine?

thefisch

holy cow. who did the last oil change? If it was MB they supposedly cover parts and labor for 12 months. If dealer does not take responsibility for faulty part, then get MBUSA customer service involved. If they claim it was the result of road damage then you may want to check with your insurance.

I would start documenting everything in case you need an attorney.

wanderfalke

No warning light for low oil?

KEY08

^exactly. You should have had multiple warnings every time you started it for some time before it locked up. Sorry about this, but it will be a very expensive fix.

thefisch

I would expect warning lights as well, but in the first post, the OP clearly says no warning lights at all.

KEY08

There are several Blutec engine seize stories around the MB sites. Oil change intervals are important for those engines. When an engine is spewing fluid it is not too long before they will lock up. Unfortunately, I don't see any easy resolution to this and more than likely it will all be on your dime, unless the dealer had been servicing your car. If that is the case,they should be liable.

Arrie

MB recommends checking the oil level every time you fill up the car. I never checked my oil with any car I had in the past but have been doing this every time since I purchased my first Benz.


It is very discomforting to realize there is no oil level and obviously not even oil pressure warning on these cars... How can this be?

Mud

Isn't there an easy check - an oil pressure warning light that illuminates with ignition on prior to start? I find it hard to believe that there is nothing.

Bulldog Creativ

Yes - I was surprised no oil warning light - at all....

equetefue

Im sorry to hear about this and wish you the best on this issue.

Let me ask, was the filter seal the rubber one? Was it kinked or did it break? How long ago before was the oil change that caused this?