I'm glad i'm retired

[sean sherry]

Just viewed a detailed Video on how to repair the Steering Column Lock on our 2 W204 C Class Mercs. A common fault and expensive. What an elaborate job it is to strip the Steering Column to replace the small Electric Motor which operates the locking mechanism. I learned, contrary to popular belief, that it is not necessary to remove the column... just lower it. Still a very challenging procedure and not for the faint hearted..... ME !
There must be a specialist in Sydney when the time comes ????

 

[SEL_69L]

30 years ago Mercedes were renowned for their research and development.
Now to bring a new idea to market the development time has to be shortened.
I don't know for sure but I feel that perhaps less money is spent on pre production runs, and testing to destruction in the field.

Toyota has stolen the march on the other manufacturers in terms of reputation for reliability and it looks like they have taken the 30 year old page out of the Mercedes book.


Which brings me to the said steering lock motor. Surely, there must have been a simpler design approach to achieving the desired security and safety level, and
combine that with an easier and faster development of the steering mechanism, to achieve higher level of reliability, for which Mercedes used to be renowned.

 

[sean sherry]

Yes, I could not agree more, the design of the system and complication is mind boggling, both mechanically and electronically for such a minor issue in the complete car.

 

[SEL_69L]

For decades Toyota reverse engineered Mercedes ideas, toinnovate, design, build and reliability test new Mercedes' technologies.

It 's about time for Mercedes to reverse engineer Toyota's business approach
to introduce new technologies.
It should end up with Mercedes' products regaining their reputation for reliability.

 

[Helmet]

Just viewed a detailed Video on how to repair the Steering Column Lock on our 2 W204 C Class Mercs. A common fault and expensive. What an elaborate job it is to strip the Steering Column to replace the small Electric Motor which operates the locking mechanism. I learned, contrary to popular belief, that it is not necessary to remove the column... just lower it. Still a very challenging procedure and not for the faint hearted..... ME !
There must be a specialist in Sydney when the time comes ????

It depends on if the column is locked when the motor fails. If it’s locked you need to remove the column complete. FYI the motor that fails looks like a motor out of our old slot cars, worth about $2. MB package it with a circuit board that is programmed to the car so the car charge a fortune for it

 

[sean sherry]

Thanks Helmet,
Does that mean the Car can be stuck somewhere with no way of driving Home or to a repair facility ???
On one web Site it suggested that a firm tap underneath may persuade the motor to reluctantly unlock the lock to drive Home.
As we have two W204's 2010s with 80,000ks each is there any indications of impending trouble ?

 

[sean sherry]

Hi Helmet, at your old more convenient location is there a local Air Con specialist who you used ? Everybody claims that they are specialists to fit the Mercedes Compressor Control Valve to my W204 C Class. I now have the correct Denso valve.
Hard to sort the Wheat from the Chaff.

 

[sean sherry]

Try as I may, I cannot find anyone who can specifically say that they have knowledge of ever replacing a Control Valve on a Denso Compressor in my C Class Turbo. Book it in Mate and we will have a look .. no thanks, I need someone with experience of the Model ?????????

 

[sean sherry]

As one of our C Class W204s is out of Town a couple of times a month... one trip up a 1K dirt private road.... I can't afford to be stranded with a no start steering lock. It is still ok .. but prevention is better than cure. I now read that there are emulators which replaces the locking system ... and again where to go ?
As i understand that it has to be programed to the Key Module.