06FATBOY

I just bought a 08 350clk, 91k miles. The check engine light is on. I posted here earlier and you all were very helpful. (Thanks Rudeney). I have an independent mechanic Ron Marker, Hutchinson Ks. The best MB mech. in Midwest. These are the 3 main things that need attention:
1. Camshaft plug replacement - both sides leaking. Oil centrifuge cover replace.
2. Transmission fluid/filter, torque converter fluid change.
3. Right rear window won't go down. (just hear the motor humming.)


I do not have the tools or space to do the work myself.


I'm thinking:
1. Camshaft plug/centrifuge replacement $300.00
2. Transmission fluid change $200.00-300.00
3. Rear window repair $500.00


For a grand total of approx. $1,100.00-1,200.00


Am I in the ballpark for the cost of these repairs? High-Low-Average?
I'm sure that he will find several other things that need attention. The lady I bought the car from didn't maintain the car very well.
Thanks in advance for any advice/input.


Cheers

06FATBOY

Oh,
Forgot, probably/maybe valve cover gasket replacement also?
$200.00?

Yidney

Do you know what the CEL is for yet? As for valve cover gaskets, are they actually leaking? Your prices are probably not too far off except the cam plugs and centrifuge cap. That's way too high.

Rudeney

I agree with Yidney - cam plugs and centrifuge cover are maybe $50 in parts, and take about 30 minutes total. Even half your estimate - $150 - would be pricey, especially if it's already in the shop for other work.

The transmission service is over $100 just in parts/fluid, and takes several hours, so $300 is about right (dealers usually charge over $400).

The rear window regulator is going to be a few hours in labor. As for the part, there is a repair kit that is not too expensive:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/W209-MERCEDE...632?rmvSB=true

Here's a thread where someone used it:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/c209...tor-diy-3.html

If you replace the entire unit, retail on the part is over $500, $385 discounted:

http://www.genuinemercedesparts.com/...tor-2096700203


And a valve cover gasket leak on this engine is VERY rare. They used RTV instead of a rubber gasket. Replacement is very complicated, not like on the older M112/M113 engines. It's an 8 hour job at book rates. Did the shop tell you is is leaking, or do you have evidence yourself, or are you just assuming it?

06FATBOY

Thanks Yidney, Rudeney for your response. I do not know what the cel light is for yet.
I do know the cam plugs/centrifuge cover are leaking. I do not know if the valve cover gaskets are leaking, just assuming the worst. Glad to hear that that is rare on this model. As for the window regulator I know that this is quite a labor extensive job and expected that.
I had talked to the lady owners mechanic in Fla. before I bought the car and he said that she wasn't very proactive in keeping up with any issues that the car had. The lady conveniently neglected to tell me about the window or the oil leak, even though I had asked her, so I am assuming that there will be other issues that I will find. It will be several weeks until my mechanic can service the car, so I was just wanting some idea of what I will be in for.
Thanks again for your help and advice. I will keep you updated when the repairs are completed.
Cheers,
Craig

Rudeney

Many retail auto parts shops (e.g. Auto Zone) will scan codes for no charge to tell you what's illuminating the MIL. Note that these are just generic OBDII scans of the ECU and may not give you a full picture of the problem. MBZ's have many complex electronic systems that can all be scanned for their specific faults, but that requires special tools that talk their language. Of course the dealers' SDS (Start Diagnosis System) does it all, but there are aftermarket tools like iCarsof i980 and others,too. There's no problem starting with a generic OBDII scan, but just know that often times, you'll need those MBZ-specific codes to get to a real solution.

06FATBOY

Hi Rodney, Thanks for the heads up on the OBDII scan. I will do that until I can get to my mechanic. I know that he has the dealers SDS system so he will be able to pinpoint the exact problem.
One more question, when I got the car she gave me 2 keys fobs. One does work, the second does nothing. I changed the battery and still nothing. She had another S class MB, and I'm wondering if she gave me the 2nd fob for her S Class? Will I need to go to the Dealer to reprogram the 2nd fob or need to buy a new one?
Thanks

Rudeney

Sounds like you got the wrong SmartKey fob. They cannot be programmed (well, not officially, and I've never found a reputable source for doing that - always a "guy who knows a guy" kind of thing). So you just need to order and "extra" key from the dealer's parts dept. It will come pre-programmed, ready to use.