Ernie T

Hi. My name is Ernie, and I'm new to MBZ. I bought a 1999 white E320 with 32K miles about three weeks ago. After filling up, my "check engine light" came on. The dealer said that it was probably the gas cap not being properly tightened. I checked it and it was tight. Eventually, after 200 miles, the light went out, but then came on again. I bought gas again and made sure that the cap was properly tightened, and the light went off and came on again. It is still on. I researched similar problems on this site and think that the problem may be a mass airflow sensor or one of four oxygen sensors. I have an appointment with the local MBZ dealer, but was wondering if anyone uses a dependable independent garage in the San Jose, California area. I won't trust my MBZ to just anyone and feel comfortable with the local dealer's reputation, but I'm worried about the cost factor. Anyone know of a very reputable indy repair garage or ideas as to what my problem might be? I had a SMOG check three weeks ago and the car passed. The gas cap was checked at that time.Thanks for any comments.

sosh

The only certain way to tell what is creating your check engine light is to have the computer scanned for codes. The dealers have the most accurate and detailed equipment to do this. Its quick and not relly expensive so, why not go to a dealer and get it right the first time.

raymond g-

Keep in touch, Ernie. I just bought my first car in 20 yrs - a maroo....uhm...burgen.... uhm.... Bordeaux 99 E320 which had about 45k on the odo. Have been reading up on MBs for the past 3 mos trying to zero in on the usual accouterments: rims, lights and sounds. :-)

Ernie T

Raymond,
Thanks for the comments. I got my 1999 E320 from a wholesale auto broker out of Texas. 32,ooo miles on the odo that was verified by the Benz dealer. It was put into service in March of 2000. I talked to the original owner who said that the car was a real buy. No accidents and well cared for. The car was represented as being "immaculate" and it really is. I'll definitely buy more cars from this guy. The price was a steal. Take care.

Whitey

Welcome to the family Ernie. Its great to see another white one here, not too many around Are you going to be modding her? If so, let the mods begin.......... :p

Ernie T

Whitey,
Thanks for the welcome.
I'm an original equipment guy. No mods for me. It took me and my wife most of our adult lives to be able to buy a Benz. We love the car and have never driven in a car that feels as solid. We look forward to owning more. Like Raymond, I like to know what quirks, if any, are inherent in my "new" car. I look forward to learning from all your experiences. Thanks again.

Whitey

Hey no worries champ. You've come to the right place, mods or not. There's a good mix of all sorts here, techies, rev heads, regular users...you name it and there's always someone around to lend a helping hand.

Come time for a replacement, there's no reason not to get some aftermarket stuff for a change either....you don't need to be a modder to change your springs for a better ride or handling, right?

osiris667

Raymond G,

Keep in touch man, we should put together a seattle E-Class get together.

I think your the only other person from the seattle area.

-o

jimmydagreek

Welcome to the MB fam. Ernie...

Ernie T

I took my 1999 E320 into Smythe European in San Jose last Saturday. They quoted me $140 for one hour's labor to check out the "check engine light" problem. An air flow meter needed replacing, and was completely covered by the Starmark 7 year/70,000 mile warranty. I can't specifically tell you the name of the part because I have not received the paperwork yet. But, it's made me a believer in going to the MBZ dealer. A local Union 76 gas station charges $125 an hour. For an extra $15 an hour, I'll take my baby to Smythe European. Thanks again for all your posts.

raymond g-

osiris667, what color benz should i be keeping an eye out for, as i cruise 405, 90, and 5? i have one of those not often seen bordeaux. now, having read mbworld etc i should have held out for black or silver or white but eh....izawite - dont even recall my plate # right now. too new.

Tofi

Don't fret Raymond. I have a 99 E320 which is exactly the same color - bordeaux red. Here's a picture:

Loving the car!!!

Alexbenz

let me tell you something, just becasue there the dearler and might have great equipment doesn't mean anything. for some reasons that are too long to get into to say i had to take my car to a dealership and they ended up making it worst than before but thank god my dad owns a benz/bmw repair shop so i had it fixed there...... people always think just becauase there the dealer and they made the car that they would know how to fix it and plus you don't know how many customers we get that hate going there.... we charge less, better serivce........i can go on but it all depends on the person.

Neicey59

Ernie,

Sounds like it may be a good idea to shop for a extended warranty for your E Class. I have 31,000mi on my 01 E320, and wouldn't be caught "dead" without an extended warranty. The maintenance cost per hour on a big fix can force you to "sell the farm" to pay for the repairs.

Welcome to the forum, hope your wife posts as well - I think I'm the only female around here.

sosh

What alexbenz said is self serving, dealers have a much bigger investment in equipment and training than an independent. The dealers also see more of these cars and have a better handle on whats wrong in addition to having resources to get more detailed info direct from the mfg and quicker parts service. There is certainly nothing wrong with going to an idependent but are they better??? No way just cheaper and cheaper is not usually better. You must also remember that Dealers are independent business people also and that some of their employees are better than others. I am also willing to bet that even though they are less expensive than dealers their profit per job is higher due to the substancially lower overhead and wages paid. Stay with the dealer they will take better care of you and have a reason to do so, perhaps they will sell you a car in the future.

live2drive

A number of previous posts dealt with problems after topping off at the gas station. The easiest solution is to avoid topping off. As soon as the fuel nozzle clicks off, stop filling. If the car is fueled by an attendant, you will need to inform him not to top off.

Alexbenz

put it this way, i'm not gaining anything by saying what i said..... a month ago i had to take me car there, they wired everything wrong and on top of it to redo the job they wanted another 400 and the job that i paid for was retardly expensive and not worth it at all.... i can tell you dealerships are different.. just don't go to the southbay one........ yes they have all the machines and there guys are trained but all that doesn't mean crap..... we got 2 guys that were trained in germany and worked at the dealerships for 15 each.......i wouldn't care to pay mor or less but as long as they give me "great customer service" thats all that matters, and if they get the problem fixed of course

Whitey

Mmmmmm, had an interesting experience today with these "knowledgeable and well trained" stealers......I was at the dealer checking out the new SLK (very nice! ) and took the opportunity to inquire about the possiblity of replacing my remote key case (as I'd damaged it when removing the batteries )......the "informed" response was "no, you need to replace the entire key"...........of course, I know better, just don't have a source for the case . I rest my case.

Neicey59

Whitey, you know the Stealer is like a politician - their answers are never straight, and are always attached to money in some way.

Did you ask Steve if he had a key contact?