C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Warning Displays

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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 01:33 AM
  #1  
Apollo's Avatar
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E320 CDI Elegance auto
Warning Displays

Hi

This week BAS/ESP warning light came on once and yesterday the check coolant level and check washer fluid level came on at exactly the same time when going over a road speed hump. Looks like I have yet another problem. Phoning dealer today. They now remember me every time I phone. Car has completed 8500 miles. Took it to Belgium & back last week with no issues.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 04:35 AM
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seems like every 203 C-class have this problem with the bas/esp. Have the dealer check the wiring harness at the ECU and replace them. that should do the trick. As for washer fluid and coolant, maybe it's a shorted sensor.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 07:11 AM
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Originally posted by FrankW
seems like every 203 C-class have this problem with the bas/esp.
I have not had one BAS/ESP warning light in 16000mi (thankfully).
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 09:00 AM
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Same here, in 18.000 miles.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 09:42 AM
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2001 C240 6spd
In 35,700 miles - have had one ESP/BAS warning error and one Teleaid/SOS error.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 05:05 PM
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okay, make what i said "almost" everybody
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:42 PM
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For me it's a daily experience. Even 2 or 3 times daily. I was worry at first but reading from this board alliviated all that fear. I will have the dealer correct the pop-ups on the first service.

I still wonder sometime if there REALLY is a problem with the system though.
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Old Dec 20, 2002 | 10:55 PM
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2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
BAS/ESP error

I spoke with our service manager a week ago about this and the problem is that one or more of the various sensors develops too much resistance due to corroding connectors. So the factory fix is to replace the wiring harness, which apparently has some sort of re-routing of the wiring, presumably out of harm's way, or at least with better sealing from the elements.

It's yet to be done on our car, as the parts are still back-ordered.

The low fluids warning was surely caused by driving too fast over the speed hump, causing the fluids to temporarily expose the "low level" sensors.
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Old Dec 21, 2002 | 04:14 AM
  #9  
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Re: BAS/ESP error

Originally posted by Mike T.
The low fluids warning was surely caused by driving too fast over the speed hump, causing the fluids to temporarily expose the "low level" sensors.
Hi

I would agree but I was not really driving too fast over them and I would have thought that these sensors would be designed to only activate if they are uncovered for a set time to avoid this situation. Interesting that the warnings for washer and coolant are coming on again. Washer is probably genuine but the coolant warning has now happened twice during the first 8500 miles. I will check it and top it up, but should it be losing coolant fluid like this.
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Old Dec 21, 2002 | 04:21 AM
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check the level and if indeed was leaking coolant. have your dealership change the tank for you.
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Old Dec 21, 2002 | 06:14 AM
  #11  
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E320 CDI Elegance auto
Hi

Phoned dealer today, mentioned about abs/esp and the customer service advisor said do not worry about it coming on once but if happens again then contact them again. I asked if this was a ongoing fault with C Classes and he said only on some.

I think he sounds a little wary of me because the last time he tried to give a line about pulling to the left being the concourse of the road I then went straight to the service manager. The service manager told me that this was an ongoing issue with c classes. I only have to tell them my name now and not my car. They obviously think that they have a right one here. God forbid that I should expect my car to be trouble free after paying over £30k for it.
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Old Dec 21, 2002 | 08:24 AM
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Do a search on coolant sensors. There is a known problem with a strange link between the washer and coolant level sensors that has been mentioned before. Its a sensor deal not a 'real' problem
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Old Dec 22, 2002 | 12:43 PM
  #13  
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E320 CDI Elegance auto
Hi

Well I have been having warnings for the washer bottle all week, checked today and it did not need to be filled and neither did the coolant.
I also had a 12v supply fitted in the boot, plugged tyre pump in and switched on, smoke poured out of the pump. Tried in the cigarette lighter socket in the car and it worked but would not switch off. That bloody socket in the boot fried my pump. I am NOT happy and will be down the dealers tomorrow, what if I had plugged in a dvd player or my camcorder.

So current issues:

BAS/ESP warning
Coolant level warning
Washer bottle warning
12v supply fitted in boot by dealer ruined my tyre pump
slight rattle in dash

this is on top of the issues that have been sorted:

complete new automatic transmission
car pulling to the left

car less than 4 months old, 8500 miles, 9 days off road at dealers.

don't ever tell me MB means quality
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Old Dec 24, 2002 | 02:32 AM
  #14  
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E320 CDI Elegance auto
Hi

Went to dealer today and spoke to service manager:

Told him I was not pleased with my car with all the issues I am having. That it was my first MB and I am not impressed. Beginning to think mine was made on a Friday afternoon.
Went through all the points as the post above. He agreed that I have a right to be unhappy with the issues I am getting. His initial tact was that the dealer does not make the cars but they will do their best to fix them. He has agreed with me up to now and has been honest and willing to sort out issues.

I asked what I could do next and do they have an area rep. He said that he will tell the rep about the issues and that I should give them a fair chance to fix things. He suggested I could talk to MB customer service. He is going to order the parts for the BAS/ESP problem just in case, but he did say he is waiting for a few as they are on back order. Car is now booked in for another 2 days on 2nd Jan.

Can anyone answer the following:

1) If a 12v power supply is wired up incorrectly can it damage the appliance that you plug in. The service manager said it is only 12v as if this cannot damage anything. My tyre pump poured out smoke from inside when plugged in.

2) What rights do we have in the UK with cars with ongoing issues. At what point can I demand a new car etc.

3) What process should I go through with MB.

Thanks
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Old Dec 24, 2002 | 02:25 PM
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2010 C300 4matic
Had you used your tire pump before this? This may not have caused it to break, but it could have already been broken. Either way, it should be covered under warranty.
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