Can I avoid the Dealer and do most Services myself?
#1
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Can I avoid the Dealer and do most Services myself?
I recently purchased a 2010 E350 sport with abour 95,000 miles for an awesome price.
So far the only issue I have had is a dead battery about a week after I purchased it. After contacting the dealer and exploring my options I decided to replace the battery myself and I am VERY glad I did. Battery only cost me $155 and I had the whole job completed in under 20 mins.
My question is this.. I know I will need certain services and maintenance soon and I'm wondering if I can complete most of the service myself or if there are some thing that absolutely MUST go to the dealer. I am very mechanically inclined and have always performed all the maintenance on my past vehicles, although this is the newest vehicle I have owned. I'm confident I can change the plugs, coil packs, oil and filter as well as the cabin filter and aux battery.
Are there any other services that I should look into due to the age and mileage of my car that you guys would recommend? Any services that you guys have tried to complete but ran into problems??
So far the only issue I have had is a dead battery about a week after I purchased it. After contacting the dealer and exploring my options I decided to replace the battery myself and I am VERY glad I did. Battery only cost me $155 and I had the whole job completed in under 20 mins.
My question is this.. I know I will need certain services and maintenance soon and I'm wondering if I can complete most of the service myself or if there are some thing that absolutely MUST go to the dealer. I am very mechanically inclined and have always performed all the maintenance on my past vehicles, although this is the newest vehicle I have owned. I'm confident I can change the plugs, coil packs, oil and filter as well as the cabin filter and aux battery.
Are there any other services that I should look into due to the age and mileage of my car that you guys would recommend? Any services that you guys have tried to complete but ran into problems??
#2
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
The only reason you probably need the dealer is for diagnostic of complex problems although you could get a cheap X431 Launch EasyDiag code scanner to get MB specific trouble codes. You could also have an indy mechanic do the work for 1/3 to 1/2 the price at the dealer, but then you miss out on roadside service and the free loaner from the dealer when getting service done at $150-$200/hr. You can get a knock off copy of the WIS on eBay which go for around $10 or pay MB $60 a day for access to their Startek system which has all their repair procedures.
#3
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Of course you can do the work yourself. Future purchasers may have a problem with this, but since this car has one foot in the grave you will probably be the last owner. So. go for it.
#4
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The only reason you probably need the dealer is for diagnostic of complex problems although you could get a cheap X431 Launch EasyDiag code scanner to get MB specific trouble codes. You could also have an indy mechanic do the work for 1/3 to 1/2 the price at the dealer, but then you miss out on roadside service and the free loaner from the dealer when getting service done at $150-$200/hr. You can get a knock off copy of the WIS on eBay which go for around $10 or pay MB $60 a day for access to their Startek system which has all their repair procedures.
I'm definitely interested in the X431 you mentioned. Will this for sure pickup all mercedes specific codes? and does it display any other data other than the fault codes?
#5
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I started with a $2,500 1989 Chevy truck when I was 16 years old and slowly stepped my way up to this. This car is the 9th vehicle I've owned and right now I have over 70% equity in it. Hopefully it will hold it's value over the next 3-4 years and I'll sell it and move onto bigger things.
It does bother me that any future owner may have an issue with not having service done at the dealer so that's something I need to consider and maybe use other ways to document the service procedures when I complete them.
#6
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Just document everything you do and if you unload it in the future it will help. It could be a $5,000 car when you go to sell, so I cannot imagine it would have a big impact on the purchase situation. Parts can be expensive (like $200 for a thermostat,etc), so keep that in mind and only put quality into the car as you repair it and you should have many years of fun motoring. Good luck!
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TheInfuse (09-19-2016)
#7
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Use the dealer for complicated issues. Changing the oil on this car doesn't take any special skills despite the dealer acting like it does. Oil changes, brakes, tires, plugs, etc., I would use Indy.
I just spent over $1100 last week at the dealer because my car wouldn't start. They replaced the starter. I was more comfortable towing to dealer vs Indy in this case.
I am not mechanically inclined.
I just spent over $1100 last week at the dealer because my car wouldn't start. They replaced the starter. I was more comfortable towing to dealer vs Indy in this case.
I am not mechanically inclined.
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#8
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Use the dealer for complicated issues. Changing the oil on this car doesn't take any special skills despite the dealer acting like it does. Oil changes, brakes, tires, plugs, etc., I would use Indy.
I just spent over $1100 last week at the dealer because my car wouldn't start. They replaced the starter.
I just spent over $1100 last week at the dealer because my car wouldn't start. They replaced the starter.
I'm comfortable diagnosing things further as long as I have the correct tools, but I guess i'll have to make that call when problems arise.
#9
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Originally Posted by TheInfuse
ouch.. this is exactly the type of repair costs I wanna avoid, but I assume the part cost alone was pretty high not to mention the labor.
I'm comfortable diagnosing things further as long as I have the correct tools, but I guess i'll have to make that call when problems arise.
I'm comfortable diagnosing things further as long as I have the correct tools, but I guess i'll have to make that call when problems arise.
I couldn't help it in this case as the car was a sitting duck on my driveway.
Oh well at least I know that a dealer replaced a very critical part of my car. Stuff happens.
Good luck with your new purchase.
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TheInfuse (09-19-2016)
#10
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Perfect! You answered a few of my questions. I knew some of their trouble or fault codes were specific to those cars so obviously when problems arise is when I was assuming that I would end up at the dealer. It's nice to know that I can get access to some of their dealer tools.
I'm definitely interested in the X431 you mentioned. Will this for sure pickup all mercedes specific codes? and does it display any other data other than the fault codes?
I'm definitely interested in the X431 you mentioned. Will this for sure pickup all mercedes specific codes? and does it display any other data other than the fault codes?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Launch-X431-...2&var=&vxp=mtr
#11
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W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
if youre tool handy, shouldnt be a problem.
ive been using ELM 327 OBDII wifi and works like a charm for under $20 for all my cars.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ELM327-OB...AAAOSwBahVWcPH
ive been using ELM 327 OBDII wifi and works like a charm for under $20 for all my cars.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ELM327-OB...AAAOSwBahVWcPH
Last edited by beejAMG; 09-19-2016 at 06:29 PM.
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TheInfuse (09-19-2016)
#12
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if youre tool handy, shouldnt be a problem.
ive been using ELM 327 OBDII wifi and works like a charm for under $20 for all my cars.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ELM327-OB...MAAOSw-KFXe2ww
ive been using ELM 327 OBDII wifi and works like a charm for under $20 for all my cars.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ELM327-OB...MAAOSw-KFXe2ww
#13
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W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
ey mate, i dont know what happened to the link i attached on my original post. lol when i clicked it it was an adidas shoe wtf?!
anyways, i updated my original post to show the correct link. it does support MB specific codes, i use it on all my 3 cars and works really well, ive diagnosed an error code from it, searched google about the error and did the repair myself. solenoids on the sedan. easy fix and saved a few hundreds i reckon.
#14
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That's a generic OBDII scanner. You will only get OBDII error codes. Not MB specific error codes.
#15
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I have one of the BFAX bluetooth readers from Amazon. Haven't had any codes yet but it works great with the car. Use it with torque pro app and you get a lot of info including speed tracking on map, etc. But I don't know if it can read all the MB codes.
OP, I heard that the ATF service can be quite complicated on this car compared to the other fluid changes but haven't really looked into it.
OP, I heard that the ATF service can be quite complicated on this car compared to the other fluid changes but haven't really looked into it.
#16
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W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
paired with Dash Command app. more than what i need.
i just had a look at the link you provided, mine does all that. only difference is half the price and connected via wifi.
just had mine done from my indy. something i wouldnt mind paying for.
Last edited by beejAMG; 09-19-2016 at 07:00 PM.
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TheInfuse (09-19-2016)
#17
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2010 e550 p2
ey mate, i dont know what happened to the link i attached on my original post. lol when i clicked it it was an adidas shoe wtf?!
anyways, i updated my original post to show the correct link. it does support MB specific codes, i use it on all my 3 cars and works really well, ive diagnosed an error code from it, searched google about the error and did the repair myself. solenoids on the sedan. easy fix and saved a few hundreds i reckon.
anyways, i updated my original post to show the correct link. it does support MB specific codes, i use it on all my 3 cars and works really well, ive diagnosed an error code from it, searched google about the error and did the repair myself. solenoids on the sedan. easy fix and saved a few hundreds i reckon.
yea i might do some more research , but for 16 bucks cant beat that.
#18
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yeah i couldnt complain. does what more expensive readers does and for that price, i actually have 3 of them, one on each car. sometimes i leave it plugged in but most times its just in the center console.
#19
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I have one of the BFAX bluetooth readers from Amazon. Haven't had any codes yet but it works great with the car. Use it with torque pro app and you get a lot of info including speed tracking on map, etc. But I don't know if it can read all the MB codes.
OP, I heard that the ATF service can be quite complicated on this car compared to the other fluid changes but haven't really looked into it.
OP, I heard that the ATF service can be quite complicated on this car compared to the other fluid changes but haven't really looked into it.
I've also watched the full procedure for removing the valve body which houses all the valves and most of the sensors along with the main board. It really doesn't look nearly as difficult as you would think as long as you follow every step. Hopefully it will never come to that.
#20
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If you guys can confirm that the ELM does in fact pickup ALL codes then I'll grab one on ebay. I would like to stick with a bluetooth or wifi version as I use my phone for everything else anyway. I would also like to view any other data possible. I'll take all the info I can get as far sensor readings and whatnot
#21
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not sure what other codes it will or will not pick up but i can assure you that it works perfectly fine coupled with the DASH COMMAND app. will provide you all the live data you need.
#22
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The link doesn't mention manufacturer specific subsystems, because that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. I just ran a quicktest on mine, systems checked include: ECM, TCM (transmission control module), ESM, ABR, TPMS, CGW-Central gateway, EIS, SRS, WSS, SAM - passenger and driver, rear sam, Xenon headlamp, OCP Overhead control panel, UCP, LCP, right and left emergency tensioning retractor, system diagnosis, IC instrument cluster, Steering column module, parktronic, audio gateway, keyless go, trunk lid control, air conditioning and driver/passenger seat adjustment.
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belarus27 (09-20-2016)
#23
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^wow, you can open your own MB repair shop with that.
OP, id definitely go with what he has. mine is crap.
OP, id definitely go with what he has. mine is crap.
Last edited by beejAMG; 09-19-2016 at 08:46 PM.
#24
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Read it carefully. I also have an ELM327, it only reads OBDII error codes which is basically engine and emissions related codes. That's why I got this one. OBDII codes set of the CEL light, other subsystems can have faults, but won't set off the CEL light.
The link doesn't mention manufacturer specific subsystems, because that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. I just ran a quicktest on mine, systems checked include: ECM, TCM (transmission control module), ESM, ABR, TPMS, CGW-Central gateway, EIS, SRS, WSS, SAM - passenger and driver, rear sam, Xenon headlamp, OCP Overhead control panel, UCP, LCP, right and left emergency tensioning retractor, system diagnosis, IC instrument cluster, Steering column module, parktronic, audio gateway, keyless go, trunk lid control, air conditioning and driver/passenger seat adjustment.
The link doesn't mention manufacturer specific subsystems, because that varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. I just ran a quicktest on mine, systems checked include: ECM, TCM (transmission control module), ESM, ABR, TPMS, CGW-Central gateway, EIS, SRS, WSS, SAM - passenger and driver, rear sam, Xenon headlamp, OCP Overhead control panel, UCP, LCP, right and left emergency tensioning retractor, system diagnosis, IC instrument cluster, Steering column module, parktronic, audio gateway, keyless go, trunk lid control, air conditioning and driver/passenger seat adjustment.
#25
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I do my own service on it. As long as you have good documentation and your wrenching skills are up to snuff you shouldn't have too many issues.
As mentioned, leave the tranny alone since they have pretty much made that serviceable only with the Star diagnostics, but pretty much everything else should be okay. I cut my MB teeth on a c230 and that car had a few things that needed repair over the time I had it. These are more complicated, but in some ways are simpler too. The older cars with their reliance on using vacuum to operate everything were always fun to keep up with.
As mentioned, leave the tranny alone since they have pretty much made that serviceable only with the Star diagnostics, but pretty much everything else should be okay. I cut my MB teeth on a c230 and that car had a few things that needed repair over the time I had it. These are more complicated, but in some ways are simpler too. The older cars with their reliance on using vacuum to operate everything were always fun to keep up with.