Need some help with my merc.

 

I have an s320CDI 2002 LWB.

 

1. The airmatic suspension appears to have collapsed at the front! the front is low, no longer raises and I get warnings on the dashboard to visit workshop. However, an indie was able to raise the car using some sort of diagnostic machine, but the computer still says visit workshop and the dash buttons do not apear to do anything. Any idea on what I should look out for and advice on how I can diagnose the problem?

 

2. I now get an EPC warning upon kickdown, and the revs do not rise when I see the warning however it is intermittant. Any ideas what this could be? MB Collindale replaced an injector recently and since then this has happened intermittently. MB Collindale for whatever reason cannot solve the problem and insist that it isnt due to them changing the injector...

 

3. Central locking pneumatic pump failure!!?!? Central locking no longer operates, any tips on how to fix this pump or is it a replace job? I have obtained a 2nd hand PSE which appears to work for a short while but the fuse blows.

 

4. Merc Anti corrosion warranty, any idea on how long this lasts and is it dependant on FMBSH? A merc of this vintage obviously has the dreaded corrosion! The car does have FMBSH.

 

Paul C, your advice (or anyone elses for that matter) would be greatly appreciated, and if you think it would be worth bringing the car to you, I will gladly do so.

 

best,

darren

Hi Darren,

 

Here goes:-

 

1 - if the suspension compressor is actuating with STAR diagonsis & pumping it up but it is dropping low at the front then the most common problem is the top strut mounts leaking - if you can get it to pump up using the raise suspension switch in the car then spray some soapy water (high tech procedure here!) arount the strut top under the bonnet & see if you see bubbles forming. Usually it will show up more if you jack the front of the car up so the suspension is hanging. If this is the case then there is a repair kit to replace the strut top mounts in situ. A special tool is required however to fit these.

 

2 - EPC warnings could be down to anything in the engine system, common problems are turbo boost pressure related. Too high pressure is caused by the turbo itself (sticking actuator) & low pressure can be caused by anything from air leaks to blocked cats - look for soot around the cat joints & smokey black headlamps where they get filled up by exhaust gas! EGR faults & MAF faults are also common. Any idea on what codes are stored?

 

3 - PSE pumps are common failures for this & if the fuse is blowing its usually because the pump is worn & drawing too much current. You may be able to get yours repaired at BBA Reman: http://www.bba-reman.com/content.aspx?content=mercedes_central_locking_vacuum_pump

 

4 - The anti perforation warranty is 30 years - however, nearly all (infact all LOL) cases of corrosion are NOT perforation (ie - inside of the panel out) but are usually a result of poor sealing and/or stone chips which then corrode up. This is only covered for 7 years on the dot & Mercedes will not usually shift on this!

 

If you want to bring it down to me you are more than welcome :)

 

Let me know if I can help further.

 

Paul

Thank you ever so much Paul, I'll look for leaks on the struts. Also which Mb dealer do you work for? Plz send me your contact details to dvitarana at g mail dot com as I can no longer send or receive pms!

 

Darren

Hi Darren,

 

Im here: http://www.vikingscanterbury.co.uk/contact.htm - you can email me at paul.crew@mercedes.co.uk :)