Nickc0844

Hi folks,

I purchased an 03' E500 with 47,000 miles on it back in July. Just before the warranty goes up, I have an appointment scheduled today.

What are some items I should have them look at before the warranty expires? Do you remember the fix?

It was in the shop a couple weeks ago for the tire pressure monitoring system, and is in today to check the heated steering wheel.

What else should I have them look at?

I do have an extended warranty, but would like to cover what I can today under the existing.

Thank you!

Nick

revstriker

I think it's a smart idea to get as much done under the original manufacturer's warranty where there is normally less headache, and less cost to you for repairs.

With that said, I think it's hard to point out something specific unless you are having an issue with it. If I were you, I would go through everything possible on the car to ensure it operates properly. Windows (auto open/close), radio, CD Changer/Player, Nav, seats, AC/Heat, Lights, heck, I'd even blow the horn a few times if you haven't lately. If anything seems to not be working properly, get it in and get it looked at. Even if they come back and say it's not an issue, at least you are on record should it fail in the first few months or so after the warranty expires.

dimex3

someone told me they paid the dealer $60.00 for them to check everything before the warranty expires...is that waste of money? or will they actually find something useful?

konigstiger

Familiarize yourself with relevant recalls:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/145960-w211-recalls.html

W211 issues:

Transmission (7-speed):
Bulletin P-B-27.60/61d JUN06 Rough Shift Quality – addresses any mechanical causes and performs shift adaptations.

Transmission (5-speed):
P-B-27.55/50f MAR06 Harsh engagement possibly followed by droning/buzzing noises during acceleration (1200 – 2500 rpm). This may be caused incomplete adaptation of the torque converter, the transmission EGS ECU software, or glycol contamination of the automatic transmission fluid.

Common Airmatic suspension problems:
(1) P-B-32.22/15 MAR03 Low ride height at one or more suspension points after the vehicle has been parked at cold temperatures – the affected air strut is replaced.
(2) P-B-32.22/32 AUG05 Sporadic knocking / rumbling noise from front left of vehicle when driving over rough roads – the compressor bracket is replaced.

MBUSA modifications:
(1) P-B-42.10/48 JUL04 Increased wear rear brake pads (part # A004420 44 20).
(2) P-B-42.10/51e FEB06 Squealing or grinding noise from the front brakes, even when the brakes are not applied – replace pressure retaining springs, piston damper, pads.
(3) P-B-82.30/366b JAN06 Windshield wipers chattering / noisy – replace wiper blades and wiper arms need to be adjusted to windshield angle (tool W211 589 02 21 00).
(4) P-B-82.62/387 SEPT04 Poor sound quality in Harman/Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound – replace Audio Gateway and update software.
(5) P-B-33.15/16a JAN06 Steering wheel twitch (side to side during slow speed braking) – replace torque strut bushings (part # A211 333 11 14).
(6) P-B-82.62/499 MAR06 AM Radio interference – remove wiring to left, front brake wear sensor (eliminated).
(7) Drifts right: Install left & right “Camber/Caster Bolt Kits” including new alignment to correct for road crown.

Playing mp3s:
As long as the vehicle has COMAND the dealer simply needs to update the software. That it to say for early production 03 the vehicles were equipped with a cassette player in the head unit and optional CD changer. I believe these vehicles cannot be modified however I’m not certain. For later 03 vehicles equipped with a head unit that has a single CD (COMAND) rather than a cassette player it can be made to play mp3s by updating the head unit software.
__________________
'06 CLS500: Iridium Silver/Black leather/ High Gloss Laurel wood trim; Electronic trunk closer; SIRIUS; VCS; 318 Trim pkg (wood/leather steering wheel & wood shift knob); 326 Premium pkg (multicontour/active ventilated seats, logic 7; MP3 6-disc changer; COMAND DVD nav; power rear sunshade); built 8/05, delivered 10/05.

revstriker

This is always a good idea, but really has little to do with the warranty. If a recall/service bulletin has been issued on something, it doesn't matter if the car is under warranty or not.

konigstiger

I agree for Recalls, or Service Campaigns. However, DTBs, TSBs, etc., depending on the severity of the recommendation, are not covered cost free for the life of the vehicle (i.e.: modifications).

Ecin

anything there I don't have to pay for? What about the one that says extended brake pad wear?

Ecin

Do I have to pay for any of this? My car drifts right. I have an 03 HK sound with cassete player and it holds like 6 Cds

konigstiger

Recalls & campaigns are covered - always. If still under warranty all are covered with the exception of (1) P-B-42.10/48 JUL04 whereas the modified pads will be installed when replacing rear brake pads at cost, Camber/Caster Bolt Kits installed with wheel alignment at cost, and CD changer (CDC) replacement at cost to play MP3s.

sinocomp

Hi, I have a 03 E500 later model, 09/2003 , no casset, Hk sound. no cd changer, it seems to be able to do upgrade,, but what I need to tell dealer ? just tell them I need to do a "software" upgrade to make it play mp3 ? will I be charged ? if Yes, how much ?

tks for answering.

Phil

konigstiger

Single CD slot can be upgraded to play MP3s – COMAND update head unit software. Still under warranty – no cost. Warranty expired, cost at your dealer’s hourly rate guessing a about a half hour.

georgedaman

Airmatic was a big problem with mine..so when mercedes fixed it(after about 4 attempts) i played around with it til the last days of the warranty..just to make sure.
Now that the warranty is off,the only problem is the heater valve sticks...hot air blowing through the rear vents,heats up my whole center console .