Hello MBWorld, this will be my first post. I just picked up a 2000 black s430 with only 40k miles. I really got it for a steal.. only 6.5k. The car has been sitting for about 3 years and just needs some TLC. The interior is immaculate and the exterior only has a few issues.

Let me start off by saying I've never owned a MB before. Ive always owned Honda's and a Nissan. I've been lurking around the forums for the last month soaking up allot of information. I'm well aware of the cost of owning this car but I want to better educate myself about the common issues and possibly be able to perform some of the repairs on my own.

The only thing I've had to fix so far was installing all new rotors and break pads. The original pads were grinded down to the sensor. I had the message on the dash about servicing the rotors. After replacing the rotors and pads the message is still on the dash. Is this something that needs to be cleared using the star system?

Can anyone recommend a good MB shop located in Houston? I would prefer a reputable shop not a dealership.

 

6.5k!

 

I recommend Today's European Cars on Richmond near Hillcroft. Tony is as straightforward as they come.

 

Congratulations and best of luck to you! Sounds like you're going about this the correct way.

 

well, you will need a new brake sensor if the dash light is on. They are like 8 bucks from the dealer.

 

Sorry, I should of added that I replaced the sensors as well.

 

Get the sensors and make sure you push the connector in good thats the mistake I did one time and the light didn't come off. If everything is done correctly the light will turn off by itself when you take it for a drive. I used to own hondas just like you and it feels good to push a big body benz with wood grain grip. Enjoy Justin

 

NO joke, it really does feel good. I fell like a million. I figure i'm growing up now and its time to get a grown up car and get away from the Honda's

 

GL with your new car that was quite a steal.

 

Ill post some pictures up here in a bit. I got the car detailed today.

Also trying to figure out why the CD changer is not working. The cartridge will not eject. The head unit says that the cartridge is not loaded. looks like I can pick up the changer unit for about $200 on Ebay. However If I can just get a ipod adapter I wouldn't even need the changer.

 

You are fortunate to have Sunil Patel in your town. I don't know whether his business extends to routine mechanical work, but his electronics work and mods are incredible. See https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...746&highlight= and http://web.mac.com/motorwerks/German...Main_Page.html

 

$6500?

I hope your 2000 car is more reliable than most. Apparently they are the year most prone to issues and I can't help but think it sitting for 3yrs isn't going to help things.

Welcome to the Mercedes Owners Club

 

Yea I have been doing allot of reading about the common problems on this year. Its funny because all I've done is clean out the gas tank and replace the fuel pump and the car started right up. I drove it about 200 miles that day and then performed the rotor and break replacement. All else has been good so far. I'm crossing my fingers, but I made preparations to endure the cost of major repairs.

 

The CDC problem is likely the sensor that tells the unit a cartridge is inserted. The post at http://blogs.sun.com/miko/entry/cd_changer_repair may help you to open the unit up to see what is going on (though it was written to address a different problem). Still, it should let you get the cartridge out and re-insert it to see how the sensor mechanism works, and perhaps you can clean it.

If you replace it, be sure to get one that is made for your car's model and year. Not all Benz changers are the same.

Several contributors have written about the sensor problem, but I don't have them bookmarked - and they didn't post pictures. A search in this forum and in the Audio & Telematics forum for "CDC cartridge eject" and variations on that will get you more information.

In my personal opinion, the Dension Gateway 500 is the best iPod interface for your car (despite a poor installation manual). See my installation at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ady-prime.html - however, your COMAND unit is not text capable, so you will not get song titles displayed on COMAND or on the instrument cluster; only track number. However, there is an interface option that allows you to do all of your artist/album/playlist/song selection on the iPod itself, while still controlling volume and next/prior song selection from the steering wheel.

The D2B version (which you'll need) is also easier to install than the MOST version, which my car required.

You may want to do a phone system upgrade - if so, see permalink numbers 1, 2, 6 and 7 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...ades-plug.html. Pay particular attention to the new Universal PSE (and the information on "blue label" PSEs - you may have one if your car ever had a phone) - and the "Cradle eliminator" cable.

One thing you will want to pay attention to is your Airmatic suspension. First, check the Airmatic relay, and see if it is made by Hella. If not, replace it (about $35-$45 at a parts store; $85 from the dealer). A bad relay can cause the airmatic pump to run when it shouldn't, burning it out ($900) - or cause the pump not to come on when it should, causing the car to ride too low.

Also keep watch on the upper seals of your front struts. If you see circular cracks in the black paint (in the plate where the brass valve and plastic tube go in), the metal is fatigued, and cracks will show up - causing a leak. Upper seal kits are $550 or so, parts & labor, for both. If you do not have upper seal plates with concentric circles, but instead have a flat nonmetallic surface around the brass fitting (the kind used on newer cars), the replacement has already been done. Good pics at posts 15 and 18, here: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...=airmatic+seal - In post 18, the upper picture provides the part number of the relay; the middle picture is the newer upper seal; and the bottom pic is the older mount, without the mastic. Post 15 shows a crack developing in the mastic of a newer seal, indicating possible metal fatigue/cracking below.

Ignoring such cracks will eventually result in a leak, the front (or a side) being low, and possibly a burned-out pump.

Airmatic isn't scary - it is responsible for the wonderful handling and feel of your car. But early detection of problems and early repair will save a LOT of money.

I know you want to stay away from dealers - some are quite good, however. But I would still have a dealer check the car's VIN to see that all service bulletins/recalls have been complied with. Also, be aware that because of lighting failures, the instrument clusters of all W220s in the U.S. were given an extended warranty, lasting until 10 years from the initial date of service. Don't let your dealer tell you your car wasn't part of a "recall" - the recall was superseded by the 10-year warranty, and applies to all U.S. W220s regardless of VIN. It also applies to any instrument cluster problem, not just lighting failure.

Those things will keep you busy for a while - but hopefully, not too busy to enjoy your car!! Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

Skylaw, thanks allot for taking the time to post this information. This will defiantly help get me started. I'm planning to take it to the dealer later this week to see exactly what work was done in the past.

 

welcome to the club!

 

Hey guys, I have an update. I had my gauge cluster go out on the ride. I took it into Alex Rodriguez Mercedes in South Houston and they replaced it free of charge. They also replaced 4 other recalled items all free of charge!

- trunk battery static insulation
- harmonic balance
- blower motor harness
- door seal strips

my next task is installing a ipod kit or going with an after market head unit. I'm also looking into getting some rims.

Here are some pics of the car. I bought it back in November for 6.5k. I just rolled 50k.

 

nice!! I wonder if I can get those replaced free of charge?

 

Each of the item was a "program" or a recall, except for the instrument cluster (which is on a 10 year extended warranty, from date of initial service). If you, or prior owners did not get them taken care of when they first came out, you should be able the have the items inspected and if necessary, replaced free.

It's one of the advantages of having your car serviced at an authorized dealer; they know to look for such things.