Engine cut-out problem and MB Dealership in Stratford London

[dragontung]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd tell you about my experience with the official MB dealership in Stratford.

I had (and still have) a problem with my SLK 230 (1999 T-reg) where the engine sometimes just cuts out. Turning the key all the way off and then on again doesn't start the car up again. The temperature gauge shows normal temperature and the battery is fine. When the problem has occurred, the brake pedal feels like it will only go down halfway like it's stuck. After a few minutes, I am able to push the brake all the way down and the engine can usually be restarted at this point.

The problem has only ever happened when I'm stopped at the lights (still in Drive but with foot on brake) or when I'm rolling along slowly. It is intermittent and there is no reliable way of reproducing it.

I took it to the official MB dealership in Stratford, East London. Whereas the staff were very friendly, they were unable to identify the problem in the 2 hours I initially authorised. Eventually, they spent 4 hours, replaced the 'speed sensor' and something else (I don't even remember what it is) which they said would fix the problem and gave me a nice bill for £840 for the pleasure.

What's worse is that the problem has not been fixed. I called up and they offered to diagnose the problem again for free but I have lost all confidence in them. What I can see happening is they look at it for free and say, "oh you need to change these other very expensive components" and I'll have to spend even more money without any guarantee it will fix the problem

Does anybody have any ideas what the problem might be, or can anybody recommend a specialist (preferably near SE London) who really really knows what they are doing?

Thanks

 

[neilrr]

Ask for a refund.

 

[glojo]

Ask for a refund.

Intermittent problems must surely be the very worse to diagnose. If you or anyone else can suggest a 'specialist' or independant that will work for free, then I for one would be very grateful.

If this were me then I might consider taking the dealer up on this offer, but politely point out I had already paid their workshops 'X' amount of money and I was now after results.

A large dealership can perhaps afford to write off a little time or parts perhaps better than a small independant garage?

You could however take Neil's advice, DEMAND a refund and never go back, but who then is the loser?

Good luck,
John

 

[dragontung]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I may take it back to the same dealer.

I've found the notes they gave me, and the other part they changed was the recirculating motor, whatever that does...

 

[dragontung]

Solved at last!!

I decided to have one more go at fixing this problem after speaking to David, who runs http://www.mercservices.co.uk/ in Tooting, London. This was because David really sounded like he knew his stuff.

Anyway, after some diagnosis, his mechanics decided that the problem was most likely caused by the "K-40 relay". I went for the repair, which cost about £330 (much less than Mercedes charged me before). After several weeks of using the car, the problem hasn't returned (touch wood!!!).

The service was very professional and friendly, so I can happily recommend these guys!! If you fancy, tell them Mr Mac who had the black SLK that cut out from mbclub sent you :bannana:

 

[pammy]

Thanks for the update. Did you get your money back from the main dealer? Must admit I didn't see this first time round but it didn't sound anything like a speed sensor to me!

 

[dragontung]

No, I never did get that £840 back

I called them, they said they'd have another look for free. They came back and said it'd cost £1000 or something stupid like that. They basically wanted to change anything and everything that might have caused the problem. They obviously didn't know what was wrong and I had no confidence in them at this point so I didn't go with it.

I did talk to Mercedes complaints and they were very sympathetic but after a month or so of "we'll call you back" etc, I basically gave up. I know I shouldn't have, but it's possibly a bit late now to try again?

 

[jaymanek]

id be interested to know what a K40 is!!