C230 Sport Coup

5 stars!

I get so sick of people telling me there tales of car related wallet lightening
acts of larceny, and then crying the blues about it because they were too lazy to even look in the owners manual.
Example, my sister takes her car to the
local oil changers because the dealer wants 140 to change the tranny oil.
I enquire if they used the right oil, she had no idea. Never bothered to see what was required, or what was installed.

They put the wrong oil in, and the tranny started acting up.
And of course she calls me....
she's been screwed by bad mechanics so many times and still.....

mtnman82

BadAss, I'd still be trying to find out which dealer messed with the timing chain and why. None of the hoses/MAF stuff should have required digging in that far. It sounds like it was one of just two dealers, so you shouldn't have to look far. I always get a fairly detailed write-up on the service invoice, so I would think something like the timing chain would be listed as one of the labor items. Do you still have your invoices (I save all mine - complete history on my vehicles)? Maybe they could shed some light.

I hear you on sticking with the I4, if you're looking for good gas mileage. We got our 230 used from my brother-in-law, to replace an aging Acura Integra - our around town 'gas mileage' car. Acura had manual tranny, a completely gutless 1.6L engine and got 23 to 24 mpg in town. I was totally shocked to find the 230 getting the same mileage, but with an automatic tranny. Plus, the 230 scoots pretty darn good with me and the 3 kids in the car (especially compared to the Integra). I'm so used to the 230, I can't see myself being satisfied driving any other smaller car now.

Russell/C230 - I wholeheartedly agree on the knowledge thing. To me, that's one of the main purposes for these forums to exist - so we CAN be knowledgeable about our cars so we 1) can research/get an idea of what's going on when something is going on with our cars; 2) don't get ripped off or mis-diagnosed at dealers or any other repair facility; 3) can DIY (diagnoses/repair/mod) if so inclined. Personally, I would love to see more of the 'technical tidbit' or DIY type threads here on this sight.

RES

Along the same lines, I just had a friend that had the trany serviced at one of the fast service oil change places. Cost him $99.00 for trany flush and fluid change. I asked if the filter was changed and did they remove the pan and he said no! So most of your particles are going to trapped in the filter causing it to become restrictive, so whats the good in clean fluid at this point? It's still going to perform like crap if it can't draw fluid through the clogged filter. I am going to do some more DYI with good pictures and one of the things we have on the Porsche sight is a good picture of the engine compartment and underside of the car that identifies all the components. So that might be something we should work on for this sight. I just don't like people ending up as a victim to dealerships and mechanics trying to make a buck because they don't know much about cars. As for this thread, It helped me with my problem. I ended up spending a total of $12.00 to fix my car and it was something that anyone here could have fixed. And it is on the Merceds repair disc once I took the time to put all the codes together with the trouble shoting guide. I hope everything works out with your car, but it seams odd to me that they had to bring in a specialist to fix your car. How can you trust a dealer that doesn't know that much about the cars and how to fix them?

BadAssC230k

I agree with you guys. On one side, I have the fact that its covered under warranty, so its not costing me a thing, yet im still without my car for now [once i get it back] a month. STUPID! ON the flip side to that, with the help of this forum and mbklasse [r.i.p.], I learned a lot about my car. I'm not a total 'gear-head' but have some knowledge of the engine's mechanics. I grew up in american muscle and the simplicities of custom classics. So I'm not a total idiot when it comes to the things. I have some knowledge. Maybe not as much as most of you, but enough to grasp basic concepts. Trust me, for everything the S.A. was saying to me, I'd fire right back with other possibilities or more in depth questions.

Personally, I am totally unsatisfied with the services completed with my car. All I've gotten is 'we're trying' blah blah blah. Its annoying and I've gotten in the S.A.'s ear about it. I had sent the car to Darwin whom then sent it to Smythe, due to the problems being above and beyond his call. No harm there.

I figured Smythe, being that of Mercedes nature would have the problem fixed in at most, a few days. And then now here I am. I'm completely thankful for the fact of a loaner, but that doesnt make it easier to deal with the fact that I havent had my car for nearly a month. It just has totally made me rethink of the 'Mercedes Legacy'. I'd like to think the tech's are highly knowledgeable, but as time moves on, my trust has worn thin.

If I were to have to pay for parts to be installed or any service, I would go to my oustide mechanic first. But because its still under warranty, I will still take it to a dealership and utilize the aspects of warrantied parts/service.

Mtn, I have a feeling Mercedes of Pleasanton was reasponsible for the timing advance when they replaced the PCV hose. Adding the pulley made it worse. Pulley was switched back to stock and from there and sent to Smythe. What I find hard to believe is how Smythe has went through so many different proccess'. First it was replacing the MAF... Then a vacuum hose... Then the ECU... And now finally the timing advance. Should it SERIOUSLY take a month to get a handle on this? Believe me I'm not satisfied and they WILL hear about it when I arrive for picking up.

I do thank you for your concearns as well as your information on the subject. Its been pretty tough to deal with, and thats no joke.

mtnman82

Russell, you by any chance referring to Rennlist? Hopefully this community will grow (technically) to that point!!

BadAss, I totally understand your frustration. There are a few shops in my small town that I will not go to anymore because of the 'let's try replacing this/that and see if it helps' mentality. I can do that kind of 'auto repair' all by myself - no need to shell out $$$ to someone else.

Having been to Smythe (San Jose), Sangera (Bakersfield) and now Valencia Mercedes (can't recall the name), I have to say Valencia seemed to have it's act together heads and shoulders above the other two. I only had one service visit with Smythe, and between the mechanic and SA I dealt with I was not impressed (being somewhat of a gearhead I asked some questions, and got no answers!). I dealt with Sangera several times and the mechanics seemed fairly competent (though I still didn't get all my questions answered, and when they replaced a tie-rod end I got my car back with a pull and the steering wheel mis-aligned) but the SA wasn't really interested in helping me too much. Valencia I've only dealt with this one time, but they SA was absoultely great - worked with me on a changing schedule coming in from out of town, and had me finished the next day on my way back thru, called to let me know what was going on during the day and to coordinate on my way back thru, etc. The mechanic also seemed to know what he was doing, and even seemed to have looked at the note I left describing the problem, what I had done so far, and what I suspected. Still don't know if it was $600's worth of labor to replace that hose, but they had the service/diagnosis/fix wired. A dealership can actually make money with mechanics/service staff like that. I have no idea how they make money wasting time like they have with your car (probably on the service A/B's) ....... Hopefully they'll have you taken care of by the weeks end.

Tony Berry

Hello Russell. Glad to hear you got your car fixed and for a quite reasonable cost. Like so many others, I am having the same problem with rough idle, but seemingly otherwise normal behavior. I personally diagnosed it (using help from the forums) to be the PCV hose. About a month ago, I was having the same problem (rough idle, but otherwise normal), and I determined it (again with forum help) that air flow was a problem, so I replaced the air filter and the problem went away until today. Suspecting the PCV hose, I asked the dealer (since I was going in for another, unrelated, issue) to take a look. He "claims" he hooked up the computer and it indicated the PCV hose was indeed leaking. He quoted me 5 hours at $90/hour. I think $12 is a more appropriate figure for this problem. Do you mind sharing the exact part number of the hose required? Should I use the original spring clips, get new ones, or just use a worm drive hose clamp? If I don't go to my parts counter with a part number, I will most certainly receive the wrong part... even if I ask for it by correct name.

---------------------

Tony D. Berry
Lafayette, LA
2003 C230K

RES

They had to use my vin number to match the correct one for my car, I don't know if that was them just being carefull. I have a great parts department so I'm pretty lucky. If you know how to remove the aircleaner housing then that is the most difficult part. The torx that is near the valve cover side that everyone has a problem getting to can be removed by using a 1/4 drive deep 8mm socket instead of the 3/8 drive torx bit. The 3/8 drive does not fit down in the hole to get to the bolt. I reused the clamp next to the throttle body and replace the side next to the head with the screw style clamp. I used a 1/4 drive swivle bit in 1/4 " to tighten it. I cleared the engine light and everything is working good now. I think I have had this problem for a while because I had a gradual drop in power over a long period of time.

mtnman82

Hello Tony, yes it appears 'book time' on this job is 5 hours. The MB dealer I took it to has a labor rate of $116/hour (!!!), so I got stuck paying $580 labor plus $12 for the hose and a few bucks for new clamps. The part # for the hose they replaced on mine is: 271-018-10-82, clamps are: 001-997-69-90. Personally, I'd replace with the screw type where practical. After you get everything disconnected from the airbox, you need to push it backtowards the windshield to get the front mounting fingers out of their holes.

I definitely would have done this job myself if I had the knowledge then that I did now. Mine is a 2003 c230k ss with automatic - not sure if that hose if different on the different models. If you give your VIN to the parts department (supplier) they can make sure they have the right part for your vehicle. Hope this will take care of it for you!!!

BadAssC230k

well problem is finally solved. car runs fine. idles fine. performance is back to what its supposed to be.

BUT... Car goes in with one problem... leaves with a few more. So I go to pick up my car yesterday at Smythe. I get my service invoice [$0 btw], reading the paperwork. They punctured my left front tire during 'repairs', so the replaced it. Coudlnt believe it. Finally get my car. Check it over, car looks fine. Get in. Start the car up. Go to adjust the passenger seat. Fine. Adjust the drivers seat... Ummm... nothing. None of the buttons work. Go to adjust the steering column... Nothing. Also noticed the pixles on the HUD were a lil dim/dead. So go back in, raise some more hell. The SA takes my car back to the techs.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting there waiting for my car to return, I see a woman bring her 01-02 CLK in. The SErvice Valet goes to take her car to the back... But drags 2 cones under her car for a good 25 feet... IN FRONT OF HER!

So still waiting. Reading over the paperwork, see the stamp saying 'if your service is anything but excellence, let us know'. So i walk in, talk to the Asst Service Manager. Tell him my story. Told him with everything thats went on that Im EXTREMELY weart about the craftsmanship of the repairs made to my car. Told him that it was unacceptable and that I wasnt satisfied.

So after all that went on, FINALLY I get my car. After a month of wiating, its back. Turn it on, seats are working, car runs fine. AWESOME! I get to go test it out and make sure everything is on the up and up. Car performs fine.

But wait... theres more. So the pixels on the HUD are STILL dim/dead. Ugh. Its a good 80*+, so I go to the turn the A/C on and make a few phone calls. Got to turn it on... blowing hot air! Waiting a few minutes.... nothing. Still warm air. FAWK! Also noticing the trim ring around the shifting boot is loose. look at it closer... One of the clips is broken. GREAT!

So I call the Service Manager and leave him a voicemail saying im taking the car to another dealership and that if im charged anything, Smythe WILL be paying for it. I cant trust their people with my car and I certainly dont have the time to wait for them to get it right.

Called Stead in walnut creek and made an apt and told them about what needs fixing and that Im bringing all papperwork from smythe because I'd like them to look at the "repairs" smythe made. Just a bit of reassurance I NEED, at this point.

But thankfully, the car is fixed and running fine, lest the few issues that were given by smythe. Just want to thank you guys for your input and whatnot. I think all in all thisthread was pretty helpful, seeing as how this problem is popping up to a few others.

drexappeal

J, it's too bad you're in Nor-cal. Several dealerships that would've done 10X's better job than what you received. Sorry to hear all the hassle you went through, but glad it was resolved 100% without any out of pocket costs to you.

At least your phone provider (err...Sprint...) didn't give away your phone number for no reason (yup, it happened to me recently). they claimed for 3 weeks that they could get my number back, but in the end couldn't do it cuz they released it to another provider and it got picked up by someone.

Chowbow

First post on here, been a lurker for a long time... and thought I'd share my experience.

I had the exact same thing happen to me on my dad's 2004 C230k (39k miles) yesterday on my trip between Norcal to Socal. Drove just fine on the freeway and once I got into LA, it did the rough idle surging thing and I thought vacuum leak since it only did so at idle. Searched and found this thread last night...

But I live in Norcal and have NONE of my tools with me and I had to get this fixed while I'm here... So I legged it down to Simonian(?) Mercedes' service department today (Saturday). They don't do actual repair work but the SA was able to get the shop foreman to help me out since I'm stuck here in Socal. Nice guy, and as you guys said, a $12 part, a $3 hose clamp, and $550 for labor. Had to get it done though since I had no choice with none of my tools here.

Wasn't my car but with so little miles on this car and it has been babied by my dad, I'm really hesitant to buy an MB now... Was considering buying a C32 this week. Might go back to BMW now... Regardless, not trying to take this thread OT, but wanted to share my similar experience.

BadAssC230k

Yeah im still trying to find out whats going on. My problem came BACK while i was driving yesterday. im so pissed. Smythe actualyl said 'we'd like first chance to see what wrong with it'. Told em 'you guys arent touching my car! I dont have another 3 weeks for you guys to guess and another week to fix.'

So the appointment has been set for tomorrow at 10am. ugh. I just want this thing done!

RES

Interesting fact, I was on Merceds EPC net and when it refers to this hose it has a message that states "[414] The old part must no longer be installed". Sounds like they have a known problem that they have not told the owners about. I guess we are all just going to have to shell out the $500.00 plus dollars to repair Mercedes mistake. PART #271 18 04 82 was replaced by #271 18 06 82 and now is replaced by #271 18 10 82. I think we should make are opinions known by calling and complaining to them and maybe we can get these fixed on Mercedes dime and not all of ours.

scottyballz

That would be fantastic cause I'm confident working on a car when I know what I'm doing and pictures help a ton.

Removing the air-box was a lot easier after seeing pics pointing out where the mounting points were.

scottyballz

Here's a cutaway of the M271 with the intake removed.

Where is this hose? Can someone draw a red arrow to it.


Moreso, why is this a 5hr job? Replacing the MAF is a 1.5hr job, and if I've read correctly, replacing this hose shouldn't involve much more than removing the intake and replacing the hose.

Tony Berry

Is this the right set of pliers?




Or is it that set of 2 blue handled pliers (I think they were labeled 11" long)?

Thanks Russell!

Oh, for those interested, here is the hose and my invoice price. Yes, I seriously paid $3 for those $.59 hose clamps. I didn't feel like making another stop and I was already late for where I was going.



Sharp eyes will notice that the ends are different ID (interior diameter). Weird. Also, the hose is about 9" long as evident by the 8.5"x11" paper it's on.

I'll report back with my installation progress.

RES

Those look like they will work. I used a swivel 1/4 drive socket to put the new clamp on. The end by the throttle body is easy. 8mm six point 1/4 socket will work for the torx near the head down in the air box. Most of the torx sets that have that size are 3/8 drive and give some people a problem when removing the air box.

Blake P

I had the same rough idle problem crop up last night. Took the car in this morning and told them I had a feeling it was the hose as described in this thread... we'll see what happens!

EDIT: Just got a call from my SA who confirmed it was the hose that needs to be replaced. He quoted $525 to fix the problem, so I mentioned my CPO warranty and he said it's not covered because it's considered a "wear and tear item." If I was mechanically inclined I'd do the work myself, but I guess I have no choice but to let them proceed with the repairs and try to fight the warranty issue with the service manager.

mig888

I love that hose. I've replaced it thrice for other people already =). If it's the one ya'll are talking about, reaching it involves disassembly of the airbox! Go for it, it's a damn learning experience.

MJ50

$525 for a hose????

Blake P

Of course not. $12 for a hose, $513 for **** lube.

BadAssC230k

eff that! mine was covered under CPO! raise hell. as you would say "talk loud and wave your arms!"

Blake P

I tried and we came to a split decision. The service manager agreed to 50% off labor charges and threw in "complimentary 27 point inspection" (woo focking hoo). Good news is the car is running strong as ever.

Here's what my service tag says...

Customer reports check engine light has come on and engine is running rough
Failed intake hose
Performed intake hose leak test. Found broken PCV hose. Remove intake system. Replaced PCV hose.

Parts:
271-018-12-82 Hose $13.20
005-997-27-90 Clamp $2.86
Total Parts $16.06
Total Labor $239.80
Total Tax $1.28
Total **** Rape (no lube) $257.14

MJ50

freakin' stealers...
B, u should open a independent shop right next to them and offer 50% all the time... u'll be moving to Brentwood in no time...

iAladdin

I wish someone would include some diagrams.