astamps29

I bought a 2011 e350 diesel engine about a month ago 166,000 miles I know pretty high mileage. I drove it for a couple weeks and it was fine I’ve only driven very short distances I haven’t even put 100 miles on the car. I noticed the service required light would flash in red and then disappear it wouldn’t flash long at all. That worried me a bit so the next couple weeks I drove the car I noticed the red service required light would come on more frequently. The car starts there are no other lights on but now when I start my car the red service required light stays on and will not allow me to shift gears. Anyone have this happen to them? I can’t even get the car in drive to get it to shop. I’ve read it could be the auxiliary battery, brake light switch, or the tcm. Help? Please?

CaliBenzDriver

166KMi for a Diesel is just broken in. Keep up with the maintenance and it'll last long.

"Do not shift, visit dealer" usually involves the PRND shifter module at the gearbox.

Red Sce light coming and going for a while makes it sound like a borderline voltage issue - Charge batteries and measure running voltage.

Use a scanner to retrieve all faults then you'll get a closer idea about what your car is up to.
This limited issue shouldn't be too expensive to fix.
🤞

astamps29

Thanks a lot for your help I will definitely do that later on today. The crazy thing is I’m not getting any faults no check engine light nothing like that. When I go to the service menu all i see is check my wiper fluid and then I scroll down and the red service required do no shift message pops up. As soon as I start the vehicle that’s the first thing to come on the screen as well. The cluster isn’t showing me any faults no check engine no low fluid levels nothing so I’m kinda confused. Thanks alot again. I’m gonna try and take a look at the batteries if I’m not mistaken there’s a new battery but I’m not sure about the auxiliary battery. Keep you updated

CaliBenzDriver

The money light only turns on for hard faults. You can have two dozen faults and still no CEL...

The issue you report warrants not driving the vehicle until checked and fixed right.

Left Coast Geek

indeed, the CEL light is mostly about emissions faults

jayalaba

CallMercedesDriver. Thanks. But I am not able to start at all. Tow is the only way .

CaliBenzDriver

that is why the cluster message says:
not to stop and visit dealer... it's a built-in curse!

The unsoldered connection pins inside the shifter are causing immediate service needs.

jayalaba

Super Update:
All worked well now. I called the AAA to tow and the gentleman sprayed cleaner and wiped nice the KEY and the key hole and started just like that. Thank you all for your courtesy and support and answers.

CaliBenzDriver

Good news! Now you have options you can exercise.

jayalaba

Yes. It's time to go for s550.. can you please tell me which year is good. Thanks.

CaliBenzDriver

... unfortunately I don't know that: "cars by years". I believe @chassis may be able to help with that .

Any low mileage deal with basic maintenance records is goood.

Pick your favorite options and your must have leather in luxury car.
✌️

chassis

The best used car is the newest and lowest mileage one in your price range.

2019 W222 S560 is one suggestion. What are your requirements?

jayalaba

I had 2002 LS430 and MBZ 06 E350, Now 2011 E350. Miss the LS430 could be V8. So, I am looking for only V8 MBZ upto $12K. Regardless of milage. Thanks

chassis

Don't go near a V8 S-Class for $12k. Or any S-Class for $12k unless it is a hobby/project car.

I'm not sure I would go near any V8 MB for $12k.

Left Coast Geek

There's nothing as expensive as a cheap Mercedes.

Left Coast Geek

a clean W124 400E/E420 *might* be a good deal, if you're a do-it-yourself mechanic, and the car is well sorted. I'd want a thorough PPI before spending $12K on it, however. We spent $32K on our 2016 E350 wagon with 24k miles and a CPO a little over 2 years ago, and are quite happy. It now has 50K miles, and no problems to date.

Left Coast Geek

I assume the newer S class 560s or whatever are turbo v6's, same as the E classes ? gone are the big V8's except the AMG 63 models (and thatsa 4.0L V8, I believe)

if you can afford it, get a CPO car from a reliable dealer with a good history, and get the 2 year extension on the CPO, so you have 3 year dealer warranty.

jayalaba

I am about to get a E420. Thanks.