anonymousmoose

Hoped in the car this afternoon and engine light is glowing. Is there a way, through the LED screen, I can check what the warning is, or do I need a STAR system?

Its booked in with the dealer tomorrow anyhow... hopefully not wear-n-tear as everything else should be covered under my warranty.

ncmudbug

Not sure how it works down under, but most car parts places in the US will scan your codes for free. They are not very expensive so you might consider buying your own.

I don't think there's any way to get what you want on your dash.

Glyn M Ruck

Sven, Get yourself an OBDII scanner & scan for codes. With a Benz you really need one. IIRC no free scanning in Aus & the dealer will charge you for hooking up a Star & reading fault codes.

anonymousmoose

Thanks Glyn, if I keep it next year when warranty finishes, I might very well get myself one. But I only have months to go on the lease I think and maybe driving something nears soon.

Wife and I will be doing the sums to see whats better to buy next. 5 year lease on a brand new or demo Benz C or BMW 3er. Or 3 year lease on a 2009-2010 C class again like we have now (with a good aftermarket warranty).

anonymousmoose

Ok, just got back from the dealer. The sensor was activated when because there is a slight loss of air pressure in the houses. Apparently some small part that joins two hoses is leaking air.

$1500 fix (approx). But it should be covered under my warranty.

Carsy

Sven,

I bought a scanner about 5 years ago & have had no reason to use it .....touch wood.

A cheapy costs about $50 on Ebay & can be used on BMW & MB.

What do you reckon about a diesel next ?.

Poisonously expensive hoses.

Glad its under warranty!!

John C.

Glyn M Ruck

Amusingly I've never had to use my scanner on my cars but my friends have made up for that. But sods law the day you need one the dealer charges you enough to buy 10 of the things to tell you your fuel cap is loose.

Preet

what is the error code number?

anonymousmoose

Did ask sorry. Didnt think because the dealer is handling it. I'll try to remember to find out.

anonymousmoose

Not covered under warranty. Wear and tear according to them.

Dealer wants $1300 to fix. Got an independent quote under $700.

Only issue I can feel is when I rev the car on neutral. It looses pressure at higher revs before then continues to climb.

Dealer report:
star diagnosis fault code report carry out
self adaption fault codes through engine management
air filter housing remove & install, carry out leak test
through secondary ari system
leaks detected. intake manifold remove & install, renew all
secondary air hoses & check valves.
remap adaption data with star diagnosis
MBA2710181282 HOSE 1
MBA2710181482 HOSE 1
MBA2710181582 HOSE 1
MBA2711410880 GASKET 4
MBA2710180329 VALVE 1
MBA2710940080 GASKET 1
MBA0139979145 SEAL 4

Carsy

Surprised to see how it is a wear & tear issue on a 2006 car.

The hose rubber should still be in top condition after 7 years unless it is oil affected.

If you are nearly out of lease I would replace just the affected hose & leave it at that.

anonymousmoose

Got a quote for under $700 from an independent. Will go ahead with it. Chap in the phone seems super nice and knowledgable.

Ps
Starting to look for the next car already. Looked at CLA, bmw 3, and will look at Audi A4 tomorrow. Not buying yet, but we like to do our homework a few months in advance so we know what we like and when a deal pops up, we can jump.

So far bmw 3 is front runner.

Carsy

Sven,

You just have to check out the BMW 3 diesel engine !!. It has a great reputation.

I found that the BMW 3 runflat tyres made for a hard ride over uneven surfaces.

Not having a spare in Australia sunk the car for us.

Interested to know what you choose.

JC

anonymousmoose

Driving the 3er tonight for a test. I watched some German reviews that say the current 3 series has its suspension adjusted to compensate for run-flats on harsh roads.

Wife and I took a new Audi A4 out. We loved the interior. But I am worried about the oil consumptions issues I am reading about and CVT. We would be buying brand new and prices at Audi are fantastic this month. $15,000 of a in-stock bread new car.

I will of course discuss with the Benz dealer before making any purchase. I can easily see myself driving a new W204 if it had some nice options like sunroof and vision pack.

Moviela

The early A4 had oil consumption issues that have been addressed by changing the design of the oil separator and programming the engine electronics to lower crankcase pressures. The CVT is a must to avoid. The A4 with quattro is really the car to buy. It is much more mannered on the road. The front wheel drive has poisonous torque steer. The 4 wheel drive has a conventional automatic with Tiptronic. The quattro allows you to take a given curve at higher speed with confidence over a 2WD system.

I get more recognition when driving the Benz, but the A4 is more fun to drive.

Carsy

Exciting times......make sure you take plenty of test drives in all conditions. Its enjoyable too.

The Peugeot 508 also has a good write up & is a big car. Volvos ?

My dealer let us take the C Class home overnight on a 1.5 hour round trip. It really helped to get to know the car.

Keep us informed.