E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

My piece of ***** A/C on-going issues....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 05:29 PM
  #1  
john doe iii's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
My piece of ***** A/C on-going issues....

I'm fed up with the A/C problems I have been experiencing for the past year and a half. It's been in service for the same on going issue 8 times with out any resolution.

If you recall my previous post a while back, my A/C would just randomly shut off while it's on....the lights will still be on but NO AIR is coming out. I would have to wait anywhere from 2-5 min to shut if off and keep trying until it goes back on... it's either that or I can shut off the car and that usualy does the trick. I have had new buttons, new unit, 3 new blowers, battery module changed, sensors, etc..... NOTHING HAS WORKED. I have also dealt with MBUSA and I get nothing accomplished but another unsuccesfull visit to the dealership.

What are my options? Any suggestions.... my drive home from Vegas in 112 degree temp with no AC has finally done it for me.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 05:44 PM
  #2  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by john doe iii
I'm fed up with the A/C problems I have been experiencing for the past year and a half. It's been in service for the same on going issue 8 times with out any resolution. What are my options? Any suggestions....
Curious, has the problem ever been documented on a ride through? That is to say, has anyone from the dealer or MBUSA actually experienced the problem first hand?
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 05:48 PM
  #3  
john doe iii's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
On my 4th visit, I was able to "duplicate" the problem in the service bay...... tech came out along with service advisor... plugged system in and said the car didn't have any error codes.... then the tech mentioned that this has been a problem with my 03 for years and they dont generate an error code which makes it next to impossible to fix..... all they can do is keep replacing parts.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 06:53 PM
  #4  
zergcerebrates's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
w211 E320
8 times to the dealer is a lot, that could qualify as a lemon. Go find a lawyer.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 08:14 PM
  #5  
Brian_I.'s Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
I don't think it qualifies under the Lemon laws because it doesn't really pose a risk to the driver. I have the same issue and have been to the shop at least 5 times already. MBUSA contacted me and made all these promises about having the lead technician work directly with MBUSA but that never happened.

Since then I just stopped driving the E now. I mostly use my other car and just take the Benz out only when I have to or when it's not so hot. I already looked into to getting rid of it but right now I'd be updside down like $11,000 so it doesn't make sense.
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 08:24 PM
  #6  
sgaar's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina, US
'06 E500, '99 ML430 and '07 SL65
Originally Posted by Samoan_Ridah
I don't think it qualifies under the Lemon laws because it doesn't really pose a risk to the driver.
It doesn't have to a danger/risk to the driver for the car to be a lemon. Anything that doesn't function within specs and the dealer can't get to work with a reasonable number of attempts can be considered a lemon.

I have gotten an SUV replaced for windnoise in the drivers door that the service dept couldn't fix over an 18 month period. You will get the option of a buy-back or a replacement. Since a lemon will typically have low equity (do you ever have equity in a car?? ) it will normally be a better deal to get a replacement since you get to keep the payments you already have made on the lemon.

I have written little somethign about how it happend here: http://www.overgaardweb.com/home/Dif...8/Default.aspx

-S
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 10:18 PM
  #7  
john doe iii's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
It's a safety issue to me.

When I have to wipe my f*in windshield down during the rainy days because my defroster isn't working is keeping me from having both hands on the wheel.......or if I'm driving with my kids on the freeway and my windows need to be down because the A/C isn't working and something flys and hits somebody in the eye or face becomes a safety issue as well. That's how I look at it and how I'll present it to the dealership.

If they gave me a replacement car, would it be the same year or do you get a new one? How exactly does it work?
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2006 | 10:45 PM
  #8  
sgaar's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina, US
'06 E500, '99 ML430 and '07 SL65
Originally Posted by john doe iii
If they gave me a replacement car, would it be the same year or do you get a new one? How exactly does it work?
If MB does it the same way as Ford then you can pick any car just as long as the sticker on the new one is more or equal to the lemon. If you pick one that is more than the lemon then you have to finance/pay the difference.

The upside is that if your lemon has a sticker of $60K and you owe $45K on it and you pick one off the lot with a sticker of $65K then you will owe $50K on a $65K car since you get to keep the payments already made on the lemon. Now that is if you opt for a replacement rather than a buyback. If you do a buyback then the lemon statute of your state will determine how that works out. You will most likely have to pay for the miles you have on the car but you will get a check and you can go get what ever car you want.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 20, 2006 | 11:01 AM
  #9  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Have they replaced a "blower control module" under the dash (passenger side)?

That cured my same problem as yours. The A/C Blower would cut out any time the unit went into "Max Cool" or defrost modes which puts the blower fan into its highest speed. It would blow hard for 5 seconds then quit. Only letting the car sit turned off, or turning the climate control off for a couple of minutes would allow the re start the fan.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 04:03 PM
  #10  
Brian_I.'s Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
I have an appt on Monday morning. The Service Manager is personally going to follow through on the entire visit. He claims to have tried to contact me four times since April but I never got any messages. I love how when you have MBUSA involved they are all over you. He even called me and left his cell phone number to make sure everything turns out okay.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 04:17 PM
  #11  
john doe iii's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
[QUOTE=Barry45RPM]Have they replaced a "blower control module" under the dash (passenger side)?QUOTE]

Not exactly sure, from what I have read in my service reports, I have had a new blower, blower regulator, push button, voltage regulator, and many other things done to try and correct the issue but it still continues.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 04:48 PM
  #12  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
This under dash blower controller item had to be replaced 2 times on my car. Its been perfect since then. (Knock on Wood)

Just br sure to notice if the blowers cut out when they go into MAX Cool or Defrost Mode. That's when they go into the highest blower speed & pull the most power.

Last edited by Barry45RPM; Jul 21, 2006 at 04:52 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 10:12 PM
  #13  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Thumbs down

You'll get exactly the same thing that's coming out of your AC vents from MBUSA...A LOT OF HOT AIR!
Reply
Old Jul 21, 2006 | 10:38 PM
  #14  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
I am not an expert by no means actually far from it however, I am curious if most AC problems mentioned on these threads might actually be caused by a faulty sensor or two (i.e.: the Multi Function Sensor). In as much as any faults should readily show up through STAR the problems are intermittent and I wonder if changing every sensor for precaution might help.

Last edited by konigstiger; Mar 9, 2007 at 03:31 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2006 | 02:25 PM
  #15  
Brian_I.'s Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Okay, got my car back today. According the paperwork they changed the "Blower Motor Regulator" (Part 230-821-63-51).

I hope that was the right part. We shall wait and see...
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2006 | 02:41 PM
  #16  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Originally Posted by Samoan_Ridah
Okay, got my car back today. According the paperwork they changed the "Blower Motor Regulator" (Part 230-821-63-51).

I hope that was the right part. We shall wait and see...
THAT'S the part! MINE had to be replaced twice. The 2nd time did the trick! Good Luck!
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2006 | 03:49 PM
  #17  
Brian_I.'s Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
THAT'S the part! MINE had to be replaced twice. The 2nd time did the trick! Good Luck!
Whew, thank gawd! I hope it does the trick for me as well.

Thanks for your help!
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2006 | 07:46 PM
  #18  
vettdvr's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I wish you best of luck. I had a similar issue with my Corvette memory seats. 5 visits driving over 500 miles and 6 days of service did not correct the issue. I worked with the factory and a little politics finally got it working. It worked for a year and then quit. I pulled the seat and you would not believe the rats nest of wires under the seat from such poor service. After cleaning the connectors and putting the wires back in the correct routing trays it has worked for the last 3 years with no issues.

Sometimes the dealer doesn't have the capacity to make the repairs. I do consider the "SERVICE" in the purchase of a car. If the service is marginal I won't buy. IF it is great I will pay more for the car but the service better be there. Dealers can make or break a car company. Ok enough of Hope it works out. Jim
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2006 | 09:35 PM
  #19  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
My goddam A/C started blowing hot air out of the rear vents again today. I wish someone would find the part number of that little hot water diverter valve... or whatever it is.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 09:53 AM
  #20  
vettdvr's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Ok,, now lets have that discussion about Mercedes Quality and Service.

Are we having fun? Jim
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 11:49 AM
  #21  
lig's Avatar
lig
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
Originally Posted by vettdvr
Ok,, now lets have that discussion about Mercedes Quality and Service.

Are we having fun? Jim

Hey Barry -

Sorry to hear (again) I certainly understand your frustration. Perhaps the SA has a crush on you and just wants you back @ the shop as often as possible?

Jim - stirring the pot :devil:

Now that you mention it - one of the more ardent M-B fanbois has been conspicuous by his absence lately...
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 12:30 PM
  #22  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I can't knock the service I'm getting -- from my service department. The guys are GREAT, turnaround time is stupendous, & I just drive in because I don't need a loaner. They are sympathetic, understanding & get me in & out quickly. I don't mind "thanking" my SA "personally" for all of his attention, and I AM having a really tough time with this car this summer.

Right now I can't say I would buy another MB before giving them 10 years to get their quality problems under control, and only after checking to see if they are back on top of the satisfaction lists again. I've already started looking into Audi, Lexus, Big Jags & Infiniti.

I've said it before... I LOVE driving this car. I just can't stand all of the crappy engineering that keeps this damn thing in the shop at least once every 4 weeks. I love my guys at the shop, (they all know me by name,) but I only want to see them once a year for a Lube/Oil/Filter, and a State inspection. MB really is leaning too hard on the Dealership Service Departments to keep people as repeat MB car buying customers.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2006 | 12:45 PM
  #23  
lig's Avatar
lig
Super Member
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
I also had really good experiences with my SA and the actual service folks. They took really good care of me and my E.

Like you - the problems really were with the poor implementation of features and possibly technologies rushed to market before they were fully tested.

My S4 has been a stereotype breaker - it's been flawless - and the dealer has really treated me very well indeed.

If I needed a big car I would be saving up for a new S6 or S8.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 03:03 PM
  #24  
john doe iii's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
Just an update....

Just to update you folks. MBUSA is purchasing my vehicle back
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2007 | 03:17 PM
  #25  
ElDiabloJoe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 6,753
Likes: 3
From: South Orange Co., CA
'03 W211 aka E-500
Originally Posted by john doe iii
Just to update you folks. MBUSA is purchasing my vehicle back
Wow, what dealer did you manage to get that to work? Fletcher? MBLN? HOI? Calibre?

I know you said MBUSA is buying it back, but you had to go to one of these for the futile service attempts.

EDJ
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:56 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE