Steering Wheel Lock

[sean sherry]

Common problem ..C Class . Car locked via the steering lock .. Major surgery to repair. Big $$$$.
The Miniature 12 Volt Motor which fails, $12.30 on the net. When the inevitable happens ...I now have one. But then does the Key Module have to be programed by a Specialist ??? Anyone.

 

[Patrick_R]

Sean,
I think you need to update your fleet mate.

 

[sean sherry]

No.. No.. No.. Patrick, I checked the W205 C Class a couple of years ago and found that the Safety Star Rating were exactly the same as our 2010 W204s Also the Electronics in the W205s were off a Spaceship !!
As we say in Ireland .. our W204s will see us into the Grave.

 

[Patrick_R]

Understand mate,

However they now seem to be causing you on going grief, and heartache with small annoyances.

Do you need these dramas and expenses during your retirement?

 

[Styria]

I wonder if Helmet (Peter) could advise you ? He is a mechanic of many years experience, especially with the newer models. Failing that, what about contacting a capable locksmith ? Unfortunately, I really cannot advise you better than that.

It is unfortunate that Mercedes, many models (W220, W221, W140) plus probably others, have annoying, and potentially expensive issues that really should not surface in the first place. I have lots of videos that demonstrate the lack of reliability and manufacturing issues, but I do not wish to post them as I don't wish to be known as the perennial knocker. Regards Styria

 

[abl567]

I've had my W220 S500 just over 12 months and have covered 30,000kms in that time so I'm at 120xxx right now. The issues I've had I believe relate to the low K's for it's age.
At its first service I replaced brake rotors and pads all round, fitted a new MAF I supplied ($290) and a B service came to $1200, including Trans oil change and filter. Parts came from Imparts, local to me.
Second service, an A service, was $440, including air filters and a cabin filter. In between I replaced 2 rear tires, $280 each fitted for Pirelli P Zero 18" Both due to punctures from the Tek screws left in my factory car park after Solar panels on my roof were installed
I've had 2 other issues, the secondary cats fell apart inside, and rattled like ball bearings in a can, $880 for magnaflow cats.
Then a cracked vacuum fitting for the brake booster resulted in no power assistance $120 for a genuine Benz part, hose included and $80 labour.
Sure, a decent spend, but what a drive

 

[sean sherry]

Yes the saving Grace is how they Drive....No one sorts out Suspension like Mercedes. I recall reading many years ago that Mercedes could do with Springs and Shocks what Citroen did with Hydraulics.

 

[Patrick_R]

Mate,
I can only imagine what the S500 would be like.
The gold S430 I had was just stunning.

I still talk to the guy in Victoria who purchase the car from me.
He is still over the moon.

Like you said, what a ride.
I’m very glad you are still enjoying it

 

[Patrick_R]

Your pretty right there Sean.
All the Mercs I have had rode very well.

I spent last week in Adelaide, and had a 7,000k old Toyota RAV4 hybrid.
You would think a compact SUV would have quite supple suspension, as it had a standard wheel and tyre package on it, I thought this will be good.

It banged like a dummy door in a hurricane, over man hole covers and fairly small bumps, and the road noise that entered the cabin was quite alarming.
The road noise sounded exactly like stuffed rear wheel bearings droning right through the cabin.

If I bought this car, it would have been taken back for a refund.
That being said, the hybrid function and drive ability was amazing.
After all week, I squeezed 8 litres of fuel in the car.

This is completely opposite to some comments I made last year on a brand new Camry I had from Hertz.
It was stunningly brilliant at how it handled bumps, and holes, and was quiet as any car I have ever driven.

 

[sean sherry]

Yes for the money the currant Camry rides and handles very well. As I have reported earlier I was very disappointed with the Paint finish and interior. The paint was wafer thin and scratched by just looking at it !!! The 10 year old
C Class in Metallic Silver I replaced it with has a very high Quality fit and finish
To be fair the Merc was over twice the cost when new. Used with 75Ks $16,500

 

[Helmet]

Did you get the steering lock repaired yet ? If not I can send you in the right direction

 

[sean sherry]

Yes... one Car done... Our C250 2010 we take to the Country twice a month. So I took it to "Sydney Star" in Brookvale to R & R... Australian ECU in the same building replaced an upgraded Motor and some of the vulnerable gear Bits.
Our other C200.. 2010 is ok for now (Also 80,000 Ks) ..is a suburban Car. I will probably R & R it myself but will have the Unit professionally sorted and tested together with the Key Module.
I now understand that it is not if.. but when ..for the Lock Motor. I have heard that some have failed as early as 40.000Ks.
Is there someone closer to me at Hunters Hill ???

 

[Helmet]

Yes... one Car done... Our C250 2010 we take to the Country twice a month. So I took it to "Sydney Star" in Brookvale to R & R... Australian ECU in the same building replaced an upgraded Motor and some of the vulnerable gear Bits.
Our other C200.. 2010 is ok for now (Also 80,000 Ks) ..is a suburban Car. I will probably R & R it myself but will have the Unit professionally sorted and tested together with the Key Module.
I now understand that it is not if.. but when ..for the Lock Motor. I have heard that some have failed as early as 40.000Ks.
Is there someone closer to me at Hunters Hill ???

Australian ECU repair does the repair , anyone can remove from the vehicle and send to them