Jboccino

Hello all, new to the forums. I took my 03 c240 base to this specialist because I was driving around having fun in the snow and my ESP light came on. They call me the next day after I ask them to check up on the car and they came back with saying they have to replace he steering alignment sensor which was normal I believe, then they said there was an internal noise from my water pump and the whole thing including the belt and pulley have to be replaced as well as a right front control arm, and the spark plugs have to be replaced.

Basically my question is, should I be worried about my water pump if my car does not over heat regularly? I have not checked if it leaks yet, I haven't had a chance yet, but I'm skeptical of them trying to take me money, I'm in college and don't think it should cost 3200 to repair my car after going in for an ESP warning/not available. Any advice will help thanks so much.

Josh

RedGray

Bring the car to another mechanic.

Fwiw, yes, the water pump can be on the verge of failing without leaking. Bad water pumps will leak, and then they break (the shaft/bearing will disintegrate).

Fwiw, my guess is that the mechanic is correct and is not lying to you. Your car is not brand new with only 100 miles. Parts go because of use and because of aging.

However, go to another mechanic first anyways. That way, you'll get confirmation of what the first said.
I very strongly suggest going to a dealer!
Many independents vary greatly on their ability to diagnosis parts that are marginal, bad, failing, etc.

Good Luck!

C230 Sport Coup

Mechanic!
Hilarious.
Do they teach you about "Bait and Switch" in college?
Did they even connect an SDS (Mercedes Star Diagnostic)
to your car?
That will pinpoint your problem.

Before you do anything, start the car, turn the wheels lock to lock 3 times,turn off the car, restart and see if the ESP problem goes away.
It forgets itself if the car loses power or the battery goes low or on it's way out.

If not, it's not the end of the world. You can drive the car despite the error.
SDS will tell you which sensor is bad.
Do they even have one?

I had ESP errors over and over. Finally got a printout and replaced the yaw sensor. Plug and play. One connector and like 3 screws.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-06-MERCED...oAAOSwnNBXVe8z

Regarding your water pump. You know it's bad if it's leaking, or the pulley is spinning off kilter.
Internal noise in a standard belt driver water pump?
What did they put a stethoscope to it? Seriously?
Remember what PT Barnum said.

And while I have the utmost respect for Redgrey,
AVOID the dealer at all cost, find an indy shop that owns an
SDS system and get a printout. Or just check the water pump for leaks yourself, and
fuggetaboutit as far as the ESP goes. 03 C240's aren't even worth what this guy wants to repair.