usatrader

I am going on a long drive tomorrow (250 miles - and back on Sunday) and so am trying to figure this out asap. I appreciate any quick help in advance!!!

Notes:

2008 E350 4Matic.
Haven't used the car at all in about 2 weeks.
25k miles. Hasn't received the most recent maintenance yet. Prior to these last 2 weeks of non-usage, everything was fine. It's been cold. Not sure if relevant (Long Island, NY).

I start the car today, and right after starting, CHECK ENGINE light comes, and engine has a light, slow, thumping sound. Any idea what this might be? I need to take this car on a trip tomorrow by noon, and so no time to go to MB service center, etc. for appointment. The car has no other warning lights, and has never prior had this light come on, nor have heard/felt this from the engine before.

Should I be concerned? Is there something I can go to local mechanic a few blocks away when they open in morning to have them take care of (like certain fluids needed or something like that)?

Thanks so much in advance!!!

aeggroup

I wouldn't go...but if you must - just cross your fingers and drive...
In worse case - you always can call MB - I assume your car is on warranty and they will pick you up from the middle of nowhere ( hopefully ). I drove my car with check engine light for about 1 month before I went to a dealer and they told me that engine must be changed )) It too kthem about 1,5 months to accomplish this job...

Good luck.

usatrader

Thanks for the reply. When the kids fall asleep I will head outside and try to start and leave the car running for a while to see if it goes away.

Any other ideas people, would be much appreciated! Anything to check or do (fluids?) before I make the 250 mile drive tomorrow? Thanks!

aeggroup

There is nothing wrong with fluids. The only thing you need to do - connect your car computer to MB computer so it can read codes and tell what sensor must be changed. As simple as that...You can do it Saturday morning wherever you going in any open MB dealer.

usatrader

Thanks aeggroup.

gaazmon

MB has lifetime roadside warranty for cars since MY 1998. That's why I love Benzes over the competitors.

usatrader

Ye, I agree. I like MB's too !

In this situation though, I was not able to deal much with MB given my time frame.

Thanks for the response.

ohthelawd

"MB has lifetime roadside warranty for cars since MY 1998. That's why I love Benzes over the competitors."

I hadn't heard this. Does this apply to original owners only?

konigstiger

Every Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. - no matter how old, how many miles its odometer reads, or how many owners it has had - qualifies for Roadside Assistance.

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/data/p...e_brochure.pdf

aeggroup

Hey...it's nice to know, but i don't think they will do the work for free ( if warranty's gone ) .....
Yes..may be they will come for free, but they will bring you to MB service and charge you for everything, but towing ....and it's going to be a lot of money ))