Mar 28, 2016, 07:21 PM
Last edit by: IB Nolan
Table of Contents "S55's Endless Build Thread"
1. Car Forklifted Onto Delivery Truck Because Auction Had No Key
2. Finally Sees Car and Damage In Person on Delivery Truck
3. Videos of S-Class Forklifted Off Delivery Truck And Slid Into Garage
4. Additional Rear-End Damage Photos
5. Cost Breakdown For Vehicle and Parts as of 3/12/16
6. Key Arrives! First Start Up.
7. First Test Drive, Warning Lights Abound
8. Fixed Electrical Issues(?), Replaced Battery and Alternator
9. New Woodgrain Steering Wheel Installed
1. Car Forklifted Onto Delivery Truck Because Auction Had No Key
2. Finally Sees Car and Damage In Person on Delivery Truck
3. Videos of S-Class Forklifted Off Delivery Truck And Slid Into Garage
4. Additional Rear-End Damage Photos
5. Cost Breakdown For Vehicle and Parts as of 3/12/16
6. Key Arrives! First Start Up.
7. First Test Drive, Warning Lights Abound
8. Fixed Electrical Issues(?), Replaced Battery and Alternator
9. New Woodgrain Steering Wheel Installed
I finally bought it Fellas!
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Seriously out of the flagship German luxo sedans, the D3 Audi A8 (preferably 07+) is the way to go. Out of the S class and 7 series, it is far more reliable, better AWD system (Quattro), sound system, lighter in pounds, more fuel efficient, cheaper new MSRP, functional and ages better.
Mercedes and BMW aren't what they used to be when it comes to reliability while Audi has gotten much better in recent years. Audi's 4.2 V8 and transmission are nearly bulletproof and there are ton's of daily driver D3 A8's approaching 200k miles or have surpassed it with no issues, oil leaks, electronic problems etc. Nothing but regular wear and tear items.
Mercedes and BMW aren't what they used to be when it comes to reliability while Audi has gotten much better in recent years. Audi's 4.2 V8 and transmission are nearly bulletproof and there are ton's of daily driver D3 A8's approaching 200k miles or have surpassed it with no issues, oil leaks, electronic problems etc. Nothing but regular wear and tear items.
MB is almost always the first to develop new and important systems for cars. The W221 had several industry firsts, just like previous generations of S-class models. But then the Japanese reverse develop the systems for their cars and make them more reliable. Even American and Korean cars are now almost as reliable as the Japanese.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,230
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From: Vancouver, BC
CLS55 AMG
Some reading material for you in case you decide to change the trans fluid yourself. I highly doubt the transmission would work after that, but hey you never know
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ce-thread.html
a gread DIY from the "other" forum
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w221...7g-tronic.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ce-thread.html
a gread DIY from the "other" forum
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w221...7g-tronic.html
Last edited by xpl0sive; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:09 PM.
Thread Starter
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Acura TL 2008 - Acura MDX 2012
Are you sure? The tranny change kit will be here this after noon.
I'm going to buy an infrared thermometer($11 at walmart), so no star needed for this.
I'm going to buy an infrared thermometer($11 at walmart), so no star needed for this.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:11 PM.
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From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
Thank you Quadcam ,I will change the tranny and differential oil today. Aswell as bleed the brakes. and check the speed sensors.
If it comes down to it I would very much appreciate you offer. I finally got the OBD2 tool, so lets see what can be done with what I currently have.
Thanks again.
If it comes down to it I would very much appreciate you offer. I finally got the OBD2 tool, so lets see what can be done with what I currently have.
Thanks again.
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,230
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From: Vancouver, BC
CLS55 AMG
a little quote for ya from an actual MB Tech who knows what he's talking about
ANOTHER *HUGE* CAVEAT!!- *DO NOT ATTEMPT THE "I'LL TAKE A LASER TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT OF THE PAN" TRICK TO GET THE OIL TEMPERATURE!!!" I have a nice, High-End Fluke Laser Thermometer, and what I was measuring at the Pan, and what STAR was Reporting??? It was OFF by a much as 10 C!!!! ***YOU MUST BE EXACTLY ON TARGET TEMP TO DO THIS JOB!!!***, and the Car must be **LEVEL**, so you will have to have it on 4 equal Ramps/Jack-Stands.
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Sure you can. A cheap infrared thermometer is good enough for taking atf temp readings. I have done comparison out of pure curiosity and temps both taken by infrared and star were within couple degrees. You move around the bottom of the pan the the Ir termometer and you find the spot with the highest temp and you read there. The one thing to remember is that most ir thermometers are off so prior to using it you need to measure a known temp object and know your correction factor. Also the surface of what you read makes a difference. Thus apply a few strips of electric tape to create a black non- reflective uniform surface and point ir thermometer on it.
Last edited by alx; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:30 PM.
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At rest with accessories running you should be at 12.x Volts. Engine running you should be at 14.3-14.7 Volts. Your battery or charging system is suspect.
Last edited by alx; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:29 PM.
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I admire Benzs55's drive to fix his car by himself. But he's finding out the hard way that he really needs to spend the money to have a professional diagnose and repair all of the issues. Everything he tries to fix, he makes worse or breaks more. It even seems that he messed up a simple battery swap by possibly touching the battery lead to the car body.
He needs to stop spending money on parts and equipment for his nearly dead 9 year old wreck and let a real mechanic with the right tools diagnose it so he can get a good idea on how much money it's going to take to make the car right. He can then decide whether it's worth spending the money to fix all of the broken issues, or dump it or part it out before diving into all of body and frame work.
I think spending $500 on a proper diagnosis would be money well spent before he breaks anything else trying to torque on it himself without the proper knowledge of how everything works. He's confusing this car with a 1970 Chevy.
He needs to stop spending money on parts and equipment for his nearly dead 9 year old wreck and let a real mechanic with the right tools diagnose it so he can get a good idea on how much money it's going to take to make the car right. He can then decide whether it's worth spending the money to fix all of the broken issues, or dump it or part it out before diving into all of body and frame work.
I think spending $500 on a proper diagnosis would be money well spent before he breaks anything else trying to torque on it himself without the proper knowledge of how everything works. He's confusing this car with a 1970 Chevy.
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Member
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Posts: 204
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From: Connecticut
2018 E400 Coupe | 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Ecu voltage looks way too low, but I lack experience with this platform. I would expect voltage to be approximately 14 volts when running, 12.6 volts or so when on battery power alone.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
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Acura TL 2008 - Acura MDX 2012
Front battery(starter battery):
Off:12v
On(with headlights on aswell):12.5-12.8v
Rear battery(Brand new accessory Batt.)
Off:10.54v(This is after a turning off the car and restrting it 20 seconds later)
On(with headlights):9.24v
Do I need a new alternator? This maybe what my Battery light means/Why my comand shuts off thinking the engine is off(goes into safe mode)/Why my speedo flickers when the engine struggles..
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:53 PM.
Thread Starter
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Acura TL 2008 - Acura MDX 2012
I admire Benzs55's drive to fix his car by himself. But he's finding out the hard way that he really needs to spend the money to have a professional diagnose and repair all of the issues. Everything he tries to fix, he makes worse or breaks more. It even seems that he messed up a simple battery swap by possibly touching the battery lead to the car body.
He needs to stop spending money on parts and equipment for his nearly dead 9 year old wreck and let a real mechanic with the right tools diagnose it so he can get a good idea on how much money it's going to take to make the car right. He can then decide whether it's worth spending the money to fix all of the broken issues, or dump it or part it out before diving into all of body and frame work.
I think spending $500 on a proper diagnosis would be money well spent before he breaks anything else trying to torque on it himself without the proper knowledge of how everything works. He's confusing this car with a 1970 Chevy.
He needs to stop spending money on parts and equipment for his nearly dead 9 year old wreck and let a real mechanic with the right tools diagnose it so he can get a good idea on how much money it's going to take to make the car right. He can then decide whether it's worth spending the money to fix all of the broken issues, or dump it or part it out before diving into all of body and frame work.
I think spending $500 on a proper diagnosis would be money well spent before he breaks anything else trying to torque on it himself without the proper knowledge of how everything works. He's confusing this car with a 1970 Chevy.
I am not selling this car. I'm not going to a pro to figure out if "its worth me keeping". I'll take it to a pro if need be to figure out what problems I have that I was not able to figure out.
I can figure these issues out with the help of MBworld members.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:51 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 204
Likes: 18
From: Connecticut
2018 E400 Coupe | 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
That accessory battery needs to be charged or is defective.
Please note that the car is highly reliant on proper voltages. Once you sort that out you may find that it addresses most, if not all of your issues.
Just to be clear, the battery you just put in the trunk should be a fresh (Recent manf date) fully charged (12.8v or so) by an AGM charger. A non AGM charger can easily damage or fail to charge an AGM battery. Your car will not charge the accessory battery at 10.4V, it will just indicate a failed battery.
It is a bad idea to change the transmission fluid at this time. You would be adding another variable to your current issues. Sort out the voltage/ battery issue first. Then move on to the transmission fluid change once you've settled the electrical issue.
From a site about batteries:
Digital Voltmeters should read as the voltage is shown in this document. The sealed AGM and Gel-Cell battery voltage (full charged) will be slightly higher in the 12.8 to 12.9 ranges. If you have voltage readings in the 10.5 volts range on a charged battery, that typically indicates a shorted cell. - See more at: https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/arti....YJKY0cDF.dpuf
Please note that the car is highly reliant on proper voltages. Once you sort that out you may find that it addresses most, if not all of your issues.
Just to be clear, the battery you just put in the trunk should be a fresh (Recent manf date) fully charged (12.8v or so) by an AGM charger. A non AGM charger can easily damage or fail to charge an AGM battery. Your car will not charge the accessory battery at 10.4V, it will just indicate a failed battery.
It is a bad idea to change the transmission fluid at this time. You would be adding another variable to your current issues. Sort out the voltage/ battery issue first. Then move on to the transmission fluid change once you've settled the electrical issue.
From a site about batteries:
Digital Voltmeters should read as the voltage is shown in this document. The sealed AGM and Gel-Cell battery voltage (full charged) will be slightly higher in the 12.8 to 12.9 ranges. If you have voltage readings in the 10.5 volts range on a charged battery, that typically indicates a shorted cell. - See more at: https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/arti....YJKY0cDF.dpuf
Last edited by MrRat; Mar 18, 2016 at 01:25 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 600
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From: Minneapolis, MN/Breckenridge, CO
2010 E550 4Matic Sport P2
That accessory battery needs to be charged or is defective.
Please note that the car is highly reliant on proper voltages. Once you sort that out you may find that it addresses most, if not all of your issues.
From a site about batteries:
Digital Voltmeters should read as the voltage is shown in this document. The sealed AGM and Gel-Cell battery voltage (full charged) will be slightly higher in the 12.8 to 12.9 ranges. If you have voltage readings in the 10.5 volts range on a charged battery, that typically indicates a shorted cell. - See more at: https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/arti....YJKY0cDF.dpuf
Please note that the car is highly reliant on proper voltages. Once you sort that out you may find that it addresses most, if not all of your issues.
From a site about batteries:
Digital Voltmeters should read as the voltage is shown in this document. The sealed AGM and Gel-Cell battery voltage (full charged) will be slightly higher in the 12.8 to 12.9 ranges. If you have voltage readings in the 10.5 volts range on a charged battery, that typically indicates a shorted cell. - See more at: https://www.batterystuff.com/kb/arti....YJKY0cDF.dpuf
Steps:
1.) have the front/primary battery tested. I will give a 95% probability that it is your problem.
2.) Have the car scanned with a Benz computer,
3.) Off to the rack
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'15 T&C & '14 SL63
Get the tranny serviced before you put any miles on the car... but only AFTER everything else is fixed.
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Acura TL 2008 - Acura MDX 2012
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From: Minneapolis, MN/Breckenridge, CO
2010 E550 4Matic Sport P2
Take your old primary/front battery with you. Have it bench tested. You will also need it as a "core" which is kept by the auto shop. (Or you pay more). By testing it first, you can determine if it is in fact bad before sticking the new one back in.
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Mayback
Dave, the issues with the MIL,ABS,battery light were there before the battery change. So lets take new issues after battery change out of the equation.
I am not selling this car. I'm not going to a pro to figure out if "its worth me keeping". I'll take it to a pro if need be to figure out what problems I have that I was not able to figure out.
I can figure these issues out with the help of MBworld members.
I am not selling this car. I'm not going to a pro to figure out if "its worth me keeping". I'll take it to a pro if need be to figure out what problems I have that I was not able to figure out.
I can figure these issues out with the help of MBworld members.
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Posts: 7,653
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2016 C300
Originally Posted by nycphotography
Absent any evidence to support otherwise, this is absolutely correct in the short term.
Get the tranny serviced before you put any miles on the car... but only AFTER everything else is fixed.
Get the tranny serviced before you put any miles on the car... but only AFTER everything else is fixed.
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
mother of god, what is up with those voltages.
A battery at 10.x volts is absolutely dead.
Didn't you just buy this?
Also, if your voltage drops when its running, you likely have an alternator problem.
Like these gentlemen said though, proper voltage is absolutely key here. Don't do anything else until you have a good battery.
A battery at 10.x volts is absolutely dead.
Didn't you just buy this?
Also, if your voltage drops when its running, you likely have an alternator problem.
Like these gentlemen said though, proper voltage is absolutely key here. Don't do anything else until you have a good battery.
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Since you're going there any way, how about having it towed there instead and let them properly diagnose your car. Forum members trying to advise a guy with zero automotive knowledge likely isn't going to get your car running like a champ. You're always trying to think 5 steps ahead, but you don't even understand the original problem. I fear for yours and your family's safety regarding this project. I hope you don't burn your car and house to the ground because of your stubbornness to listen to logic.
