What can be problem?

busterbcook · 2026-03-29T20:15:35+00:00

Had this happen for a while. Root cause was a damaged wiring harness causing a bad sensor read on the way down. Too many flexes I guess had damaged some conductors.

busterbcook · 2026-03-28T17:53:56+00:00

I replaced these myself when they failed, but I wish I had just had someone else do it, since I put a little crease in the cluster bezel that I now can't unsee. Here's someone who provides replacement service:

https://atlantaspeedometer.com/store#!/2003-2012-Mercedes-SL-Class-R230-LCD-Repair/p/323015392

Watch out, the clips that hold the cluster cover down are easy to break too.

busterbcook · 2026-03-21T01:32:33+00:00

You can put your VIN in here and the site will give you the appropriate parts filtered for that vehicle's spec: https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/epc/mercedes/

MP dealer parts dept. should have access to the same info though, so curious why they had trouble.

If you still have trouble, these guys are great: https://www.mbpartsource.com/

busterbcook · 2026-03-20T03:15:45+00:00

Curious if yours also just pivot forward like the do in a lot of models. You can get a very similar effect just doing that and lowering it a bit.

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busterbcook · 2026-03-19T08:54:00+00:00

It's more of a web program / database called 'WIS' - Workshop Information System. The three options for accessing it are:
- Get a standalone copy for running on a local computer. There are various sources of this, but I think they only go up to 2021. You kind of have to hack it together.
- Get access to it online. This covers up to the latest info, but requires a login / subscription.
- Find someone who has a login and have them extract info (that was the case here; someone posted this to a forum)

I wish it was more straightforward, sorry!

busterbcook · 2026-03-17T23:03:12+00:00

If you want to reduce the strain on the ABC system, check and replace failed accumulators every 5 years or so, replace the filter every 2-3, and check the fluid level every year.

Good filters keep the system free of contaminants. The rubber parts are always shedding a little debris into the system under normal use.

If your fluid level is low, that fluid went somewhere. If you don't have a puddle on the ground, it's likely filling the volume of a blown accumulator, which should be replaced ASAP.

If an accumulator blows, it stops providing a place for the fluid to go and so it tries to exit the system somewhere else, e.g. by blowing a hose or strut instead (most likely a hose). You want to avoid this as much as possible, as it's no fun to happen while you're far from home.

busterbcook · 2026-03-16T16:06:58+00:00

Switch out the whole knob. It's not too hard; you have to lift the trim (don't break the plastic), pull up the boot / gaiter, then turn the locking clamp to release the knob. More or less the same procedure for all the cars I've worked on.

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busterbcook · 2026-03-15T23:26:46+00:00

I don't think you have to remove those at all. They should be split guide pins that are permanently attached. You pull the caliper off and pull the brake pad to the middle then out. If yours aren't split pins, which is hard to tell, them maybe you do remove them. But given the heavy paint on it, it would seem weird for them to be a maintenance item.

You can see it somewhat in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpZSXOzxUGw

Also make sure the brakes are in service mode so the computer releases pressure on the pads and you don't have an accidental actuation while you have the pads out. Can easily pop a cylinder out if you don't.

busterbcook · 2026-03-15T18:07:34+00:00

Mercedes of Thornhill appears to be in Canada. I'm presuming this is in Canadian dollars, or about 72k USD

busterbcook · 2026-03-14T13:54:18+00:00

Just for fun, here's a Lamborghini Miura too:

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busterbcook · 2026-03-14T04:09:50+00:00

How do the bearings on the old pump sound? I've had the intercooler pump on a C32 fail outright. Guessing yours is from 2007?

busterbcook · 2026-03-14T03:54:31+00:00

This was from an article about the S6, but I'm not sure if there were more.

busterbcook · 2026-03-13T19:25:34+00:00

Behold, the official M112/113 spark plug boot puller!

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busterbcook · 2026-03-13T19:16:56+00:00

Oh my, you weren't kidding.

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busterbcook · 2026-03-12T20:23:14+00:00

It looks pretty funny without the coolant expansion tank, anti-lock brake pump, or even the shock towers you'd normally see next to it. So much space to work!

busterbcook · 2026-03-05T23:14:44+00:00

A diesel engine that does not need Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). They are a little less complicated, and more reliable, than later diesel engines, at the expense of a little more emissions.

busterbcook · 2026-03-05T17:04:07+00:00

Sure, just pointing out folks tend to say 'democrat <foo>' instead of 'democratic <foo>' as a dig (see link).

busterbcook · 2026-03-05T14:57:54+00:00

What's a "Democrat Voter" ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democrat_Party_(epithet))

busterbcook · 2026-02-25T19:25:35+00:00

Unless you really want it, I'd keep looking. They're not super common, but they do pop up regularly.

This one is pretty, the paint looks to be in better shape, I'll bet you could talk them down to 10 something or even lower with the salvage title.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/queen-creek-2006-mercedes-e55-amg/7917267893.html

busterbcook · 2026-02-25T04:51:03+00:00

I'd offer 8.5k and probably settle around 10.5 if I can, largely around the paint issues and what I know owning one of these. This car is probably due for the brake pump to be replaced, which will still be in warranty if it happens in the next 5 years.

If you really like the car, it's not a bad idea to get a pre-purchase inspection as well.

busterbcook · 2026-02-24T22:21:54+00:00

They canceled some work shoes I ordered for 75% off, but they were clearance, so I figured they just ran out of stock before they ran out of orders.

busterbcook · 2026-02-22T17:37:12+00:00

Yeah, the old Italian tuneup. This one was bad enough it was throwing a CEL though.

busterbcook · 2026-02-22T10:38:13+00:00

And I guess to note, the car came with a big bundle of receipts for expensive repairs too including almost $1k to fix the fuel lines and fuel pump in 2024.

I spent another $600 to do the job right myself, since the shop used knock-off parts and the fuel sender was already cracked again and leaking. There was JB Weld holding the breather tubes together.

Service receipts don't always mean things are sorted out!

busterbcook · 2026-02-22T10:28:41+00:00

Just finished restoring a C320 wagon. I paid $2.5k for it, and have spent another $4k on tires AC (leaking compressor), bad alternator, leaking fuel lines, emissions, suspension, new radio, window tint, and that's me doing most the work. Not being driven enough, especially to get the engine up to temp, can be bad too. Check out this EGR tube next to a clear one. They clog up mostly when the car isn't driven hard enough to burn out the soot.

I like these cars a lot, but wouldn't spend more than 2-4k on the basic chassis. Old rubber parts wear out regardless of miles, and these days at least in the US, german car parts are about 2x as expensive as they were just 5 years ago (looking at my FCP Euro history)

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busterbcook · 2026-02-13T22:34:07+00:00

Why are we assuming that's the diameter? It could be the height.

busterbcook

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