Just wanted to throw this out there to thank the members of this forum for saving me probably $1500-2,000 this past weekend.

My CEL was coming on repeatedly over the last month. Car was missing, going into limp mode and scaring the crap out of me.

After taking my car to a local Mercedes mechanic and getting bent over for a couple of power seat control modules and a new key that still doesn't unlock my car (total bill was $2500) I was afraid of going back as I know now I could have just unplugged the damn modules and saved myself at least $1500.

I dug through this forum and found some terrific threads that helped me diagnose my problem. I had misfires on multiple cylinders. 02 sensor errors as well. My friend has an OBD II reader and code clear computer. Instead of throwing parts at it I followed some great advice and did things in logical order. I cleaned my MAF sensor and ran the car with it unplugged. Car still ran awful... actually worse. I then decided to purchase new plugs and wires. Got a screaming deal from a local foreign parts place.... Bosch Platinum plugs and OEM wires. Plugs were $5/each and the wires were $139.

I then followed the instructions I found on this site to a T and got them all swapped and installed. Car fired right up and idled like a dream. Ran it around the block and nearly wet myself it was running so well. We pulled the codes... misfires from before the plugs/wires, MAF and intake error etc. Cleared them off and the car has been running like a dream ever since. I also put in new air filters which seems to have helped as my old ones were filthy.

I then decided to avoid a trip to a mechanic for my worn out brakes. I found a great thread on here about the Autozone pads. They still have the Duralast pads for the front for $25.99. I also got rear pads for the same price but they ended up being too big... so I had to get the Duralast ceramic pads for $59... but the manager at the store felt bad for having me remove my rears and go through the trouble so he gave them to me for $39.

It took me about 1.5 hours as I've never done brakes. My rotors looked good so I left those alone but Autozone says they have rotors for $22.99/each. Screaming deal.

I have zero noise from my brakes and the car stops on a dime. Very good deal imo. I'm not into performance or racing... this is my work car that sees a lot of miles each week. I just wanted an economical solution to my problems and I do not want to pay a dealer or mechanic $$$$.

Without this forum I would never have gotten the courage to tackle these things.

Thank you to all who contribute and keep this an active and extremely helpful place for us C class owners.

If anyone wants part numbers or contact info for the place I got my plugs and wires from please let me know. tjkeller@gmail.com

All in all I did my front/rear brakes pads, new plugs and wires for a total of just under $300. Not too shabby!

Cheers!