C180 Kompressor 2004 crazy electric problem!

[Davey1973]

Bought this car yesterday, knew there was an electrical problem but I got it very cheap... the problems are as follows

main beam stuck on
Indicators stuck on
Reversing lights stuck on
Windscreen wipers stuck on
Key fob doesn’t work

have to disconnect the battery when I turn ignition off

hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks

 

[Davey1973]

Bought this car yesterday, knew there was an electrical problem but I got it very cheap... the problems are as follows

main beam stuck on
Indicators stuck on
Reversing lights stuck on
Windscreen wipers stuck on
Key fob doesn’t work

have to disconnect the battery when I turn ignition off

hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks

Also interior light stuck on

 

[markjay]

If it affects only electrical consumers at the front of the car, it could be a faulty front SAM (Signal Acquisition Module).

A new one will need to be coded to the car, so it's a job for an MB specialist with STAR, or a dealer.

You'll need to get the car connected to STAR anyway to read the codes and diagnose/confirm the fault.

Someone on here might be able to recommend a good specialist in your area.

PS - I am assuming it was a private sale? No recourse under dealer warranty, or the Consumer Rights Act etc?

 

[markjay]

On another note.... the M271 engine is prone to premature timing gear failure. Especially on cars not serviced regularly with the correct MB-spec oil, as well on high-milers (80,000-100,000 miles or more).

So while you are there I would get the specialist to remove the cams cover and inspect the timing gear (chain, sprockets, tensioner, and guide) before investing any money in a new front SAM.

If the timing gear is fine, then you're good to go. If there's sign of wear, you can opt to have the timing gear replaced (Between £1,000 and £2,000 job).

But keep in mind that if the chain jumps a tooth while the engine is running, the almost-certain outcome is that the engine (and the car) will be a write-off.

 

[Davey1973]

If it affects only electrical consumers at the front of the car, it could be a faulty front SAM (Signal Acquisition Module).

A new one will need to be coded to the car, so it's a job for an MB specialist with STAR, or a dealer.

You'll need to get the car connected to STAR anyway to read the codes and diagnose/confirm the fault.

Someone on here might be able to recommend a good specialist in your area.

PS - I am assuming it was a private sale? No recourse under dealer warranty, or the Consumer Rights Act etc?

If it is the front Sam at fault, could I not just get a second hand one out of the same model and year?

 

[markjay]

Another common issue with the M271 engine is leaking cam position sensors.

If this happens, the leaking oil will travel up the wring loom and into the ECU. It's easy to check, unplug the connectors for the cam position sensors at the front of the engine, and check for any oil inside - they should be dry.

That said, the typical issues that you get with an oil-damaged ECU will be engine related, and not with electrical consumers as you described. But it's still worth checking the sensors because it is a 5 minute DIY job.

 

[Davey1973]

On another note.... the M271 engine is prone to premature timing gear failure. Especially on cars not serviced regularly with the correct MB-spec oil, as well on high-milers (80,000-100,000 miles or more).

So while you are there I would get the specialist to remove the cams cover and inspect the timing gear (chain, sprockets, tensioner, and guide) before investing any money in a new front SAM.

If the timing gear is fine, then you're good to go. If there's sign of wear, you can opt to have the timing gear replaced (Between £1,000 and £2,000 job).

But keep in mind that if the chain jumps a tooth while the engine is running, the almost-certain outcome is that the engine (and the car) will be a write-off.

The car has been serviced regularly from new until 124k it’s now done 140. So hoping it’s ok on that front

 

[markjay]

If it is the front Sam at fault, could I not just get a second hand one out of the same model and year?

No, the car will have certain options fitted to it form the factory, and the SAM needs to know which options your car actually has. This is why it neds to be coded to the car using STAR. Essentially STAR will read the options list that your car has based on its VIN, and will program the SAM to recognise these options and ignore others that are not fitted.

You may be able to re-use a second-hand SAM off the Internet, I do not know, but either way it will need to be coded to the car by a specialist or a dealer.

 

[markjay]

The car has been serviced regularly from new until 124k it’s now done 140. So hoping it’s ok on that front

If you have an M271 engine with 140k miles, I would get the timing gear checked asap. Chances are that it already failed and was picked-up in time by a previous owner, and modified parts were used - in which case you're' fine. Removing the cams cover and checking isn't a big job, a specialist will do this in under an hour. I would do that just for peace of mind.

I ran a C180K with the M271 engine for 9 years.... and it's a fine engine. But I sold the car when it had under 60k miles on the clock. My plan was (had I kept the car) to have the timing gear replaced pre-emptively at 80k miles.

Definitely worth checking.

Also, have a read here - typical case:

Another M271 Cam Chain Issue | Engine

Hi from a Newbie! New to this site and new to Mercedes.. About 2 weeks ago I was seduced by a 2005 C200K and having looked at the condition of the car thought to myself. 'that would make a nice project' having one or two scuffs and requiring a new column switch. Initially the engine was quiet...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[markjay]

The main reason I am raising this, is that before spending £££ on fixing the problem that you know about, check what else might need doing... you can then make an informed decision on whether the car is worth fixing or not. It's a great car, I loved mine to bits. Just make sure it's keeper.

 

[Davey1973]

The main reason I am raising this, is that before spending £££ on fixing the problem that you know about, check what else might need doing... you can then make an informed decision on whether the car is worth fixing or not. It's a great car, I loved mine to bits. Just make sure it's keeper.

Ok I will do, thank you very much for your help...
How many pound notes would you estimate it will cost me to get a second hand Sam fitted and coded to the car?

 

[Davey1973]

I have it booked in Thursday morning for a diagnostic test, so we’ll see what they come back with... Hoping to keep the spending money under £400 as I’ve still got a bargain then I think

 

[Davey1973]

I have it booked in Thursday morning for a diagnostic test, so we’ll see what they come back with... Hoping to keep the spending money under £400 as I’ve still got a bargain then I think

One more thing I forgot to mention, which doesn’t really add up is the fuel gauge doesn’t work either... I’ve bought a pile of junk I know lol.....

 

[Davey1973]

One more thing I forgot to mention, which doesn’t really add up is the fuel gauge doesn’t work either... I’ve bought a pile of junk I know lol.....

 

[Davey1973]

The problem is the ecu is knackered, Can anyone tell me if there is a cheap fix?