C180K possible ECU/wiring fault- please help!

[HarryBarry]

Hello all,

Having just entered the world of Mercedes Benz owners exactly a week ago by purchasing a 55 reg C180K Estate with 103,000 miles on the clock and a full MB service history, I would welcome any advice on how to proceed with a serious fault the car has developed!

The car was purchased from an independant dealer and I drove it for four days before it failed to start (all electrics ok but no engine turnover). MB sent out a roadside support vehicle and he ran a few tests on the Star computer before saying the car needed recovery. It was delivered to a MB garage where I have paid £72 for further 'diagnostics', thinking this would highlight the problem. All that came of this was a report from MB saying that (in slightly poor english):

'...found fault with possible engine control unit. Checked wiring from control unit, has previous repairs not to Mercedes Benz spec. May require replacement ECU/further investigation on wiring'.

The dealer who sold me the car is offering to repair the car using his local 'ex-Mercedes' mechanic. I would obviously prefer MB to repair it, but he is not prepared to pay through the nose for it. The MB technician said that the fault could be caused by 'all sorts of things' and that I had a clear cut case for giving the car back to the dealer and getting a full refund, and having looked at the consumer rights pages on the yougov website it seems I have a strong case, given that there was a non 'MB spec' repair on the wiring loom that probably led to the fault.

However, the dealer is saying they won't refund me and I actually do like the car which is ideal for me as its a pretty Sport Edition version and will only do c.3000 miles a year from now on. My questions are:

1. Given there could be underlying wiring issues, should I just fight for a refund, or is there a reasonable chance of getting comfort that the car is properly repaired?

2. Should I demand that the dealer allows me to choose an independant MB specialist to carry out the repairs, hence gaining some impartiality on the process?

3. Who would be the best independant MB specialist in the West Midlands to use for the repairs?

I know these are slightly general questions but ANY help or advice would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Harry

 

[BlackC55]

I would give the independent dealer a chance to fix it.

 

[GP801]

Independent specialists are as good if not better than main dealers and cost a lot less. I think its reasonable to give tham a chance to fix it. If they cant or wont fix it then its time to ask for a refund.

 

[mauno]

Refund!!!!!! Stay very far away from it!It can have more hidden faults which would be a huge hole on your pocket!

 

[mauno]

just check the price for example the cabling and you will see.

 

[HarryBarry]

Thanks guys, appreciate your thoughts! Mauno- my initial reaction was along your lines as I know how complicated these cars can be... The only plus is that the dealer is offering to cover all costs for this repair, and then give a further warranty (although only 3 months). I could then buy an extended warranty but these are obviously not watertight..

Maybe a better question would be: If you had to get it fixed, what would you demand to see from the garage to know the repair had been done as well as possible? (e.g. what sort of diagnosis report, proof of parts replacement etc..)

Thanks again,
Harry

 

[mauno]

hope it goes allright if you choose the repair.

 

[grober]

I would go back to the MB dealer first and ask for an informal chat with the mechanic/technician who assessed the car. Be tactful but use the argument that you expected a little more information for your £72. This would permit you to assess the situation better. I am slightly intrigued why anyone would modify the "wiring" to the engine ECU and to what end - seems slightly strange- unless this is an indication of the engine has possibly been " tweaked" in the past?? Once you know exactly what you are dealing with then you can get the car repaired by the supplying non MB dealer [ probably the easiest option without prolonged legal wrangling] or start the process of trying to get your money back.