Let the fun begin – W204 Estate adventure (French edition!)

[Meanmeech]

You will at least have plenty of time to work on it.
Every other week in France there's a bleedin' bank holiday!

OK , not quite every other week , but I for a long time turned down contracts in France . As a self employed contractor who (mostly) charges an hourly rate France is just not worth it for me , 8 till 5 with a 1 hour unpaid lunch break and no weekend work is fine if you are an employee.

The customers are fine with me coming back to UK Friday night and returning on Sunday night at their cost , that might work if the job was London to Paris , but they never are.

As much as we scoff at the 'lazy' attitude of our French neighbours many of them have a much better work life balance than most of us.

Tell me about it…


I’ve been working in France on a CDI for nearly 10 years now, and honestly, for your average working man with a family to support, the French really do have it nailed — holidays, work-life balance, job security... they’ve got it locked down.


BUT…


If you actually want to make some extra cash or do a bit of overtime…
Haha… good luck with that!
Overtime here feels like some sort of urban legend — you hear about it, but you never actually see it.


Swings and roundabouts, I guess!

 

[DSM10000]

Bank Holiday update – Subframe , Sat Nav


So, had a quick crawl under the back end today (though ideally I’ll get it up on a jack later), but the rear subframe looks fine so far — no obvious rust horrors lurking… yet.
Proper check will come when I crack on with the service work (just waiting on the filters to turn up).


But here’s the kicker… the Becker Map Pilot.
Now there’s a bit of quality German engineering gone rogue.


Mine’s stuck cycling the splash screen. So off it came…

• Battery reads 4.1V but feels a bit bloated (promising start… not).
• SD card looks fine — shows up on PC, files seem accessible.

Did the sensible thing and backed it all up, ran Content Manager…
Only to find no map data showing in green or yellow — nothing at all, just a sad, empty menu.


Looks like someone’s already had a go and wiped the system, because the main folder is corrupt or missing the important bits. Classic.


So I’ve started the wild goose chase for replacement files —
Danger Spots Europe? Dead.
RapidGator Becker Map Pilot V17? Also dead.
TNA? Yeah… no luck there either.


So, if by some miracle, anyone has a copy kicking about, or knows where to get the files to stop this misery, please ping me a message and help me save this poor, confused Becker box.


Cheers all!
More updates soon…

Bad news about the Sat Nav although it will not be that good if you get it working! .

Re messages: You cannot send or receive any direct messages until you have 30 valid posts and have been a member for 30 days

 

[fabes]

Comand on Line at Lightwater in the UK are the go to for knowledge advice and potentially solving most audio issues.

Others are available but they support forum users, so would be plan A to know your options.

 

[SpikyMikey]

It's a sweeping generalisation, but usually once the MapPilot starts showing the signs of dementia that yours is, it's considered that its days are numbered (unless you use it as a wheel chock).
You can get a Carplay/Android Auto unit that plugs into the Becker cradle to allow you to use Google Maps or Waze from your phone...or get another Map Pilot from eBay. Bear in mind that Becker no longer support it so no map updates anymore.

 

[markjay]

Bank Holiday update – Subframe , Sat Nav


So, had a quick crawl under the back end today (though ideally I’ll get it up on a jack later), but the rear subframe looks fine so far — no obvious rust horrors lurking… yet.
Proper check will come when I crack on with the service work (just waiting on the filters to turn up).


But here’s the kicker… the Becker Map Pilot.
Now there’s a bit of quality German engineering gone rogue.


Mine’s stuck cycling the splash screen. So off it came…

• Battery reads 4.1V but feels a bit bloated (promising start… not).
• SD card looks fine — shows up on PC, files seem accessible.

Did the sensible thing and backed it all up, ran Content Manager…
Only to find no map data showing in green or yellow — nothing at all, just a sad, empty menu.


Looks like someone’s already had a go and wiped the system, because the main folder is corrupt or missing the important bits. Classic.


So I’ve started the wild goose chase for replacement files —
Danger Spots Europe? Dead.
RapidGator Becker Map Pilot V17? Also dead.
TNA? Yeah… no luck there either.


So, if by some miracle, anyone has a copy kicking about, or knows where to get the files to stop this misery, please ping me a message and help me save this poor, confused Becker box.


Cheers all!
More updates soon…

Forgot BMP... get yourself something like this one:

EASY upgrade MercedesApple Carplay Module NTG 45 NTG 4.5 A B C Becker Map Pilot | eBay UK

Wireless Apple Carplay (iPhone 5 or later). Keep your car genuine look and add Carplay, Android Auto features. INTERFACE VERSION In everything we do, we try to achieve perfection. HDMI port included.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Meanmeech]

Stupid Coolant Question…


Quick one for the hive mind…


I know Mercedes specify MB 325.5, and I’ve also read it’s meant to be blue.
I’m looking to do a full flush, and the only thing available near me is G12/G12+ (pink/purple stuff).


Now, if I’m doing a proper flush, surely this should be fine, right?
I mean, it’s fresh fluid, same spec range, no mixing involved.


And before anyone suggests ordering online, I’d love to…
…but we’ve currently got shipping restrictions here on liquid volumes, so getting it delivered isn’t an option right now.


Just looking to get it done properly with what I’ve got access to — anyone done similar? Any reason not to?


Cheers in advance!

 

[SpikyMikey]

According to Opie, to meet MB325.5, you need G12 ++
https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-206931-febi-coolant-antifreeze-g12-violet.aspx?variantid=327877

 

[Meanmeech]

Service Update – Done! (Well… sort of)​

Right lads, thought I’d better drop an update on the W204 TLC mission…


Coolant –
Managed to track down some proper MB 325.5 spec coolant… which, around here, is like finding a pint of Tetley’s in a French wine bar.
I’m pretty sure I’ve got the only Mercedes in the village, yet we’ve got two Renault garages serving 450 locals. Go figure!


The flush itself was textbook — probably the easiest I’ve done in years.
Went through nearly 15L of distilled water to get it running clear.
And in true sod’s law fashion, I only had 10L in stock, so off I went to the local shop for another 5L top-up mission.

---

Air filter –
Nothing to report really, other than trying not to lose the screw. Easy win.

---

Cabin filter –
What a royal pain in the backside that was!
Bit of trim removal, a wrestling match with the carpet… had ML350 battery flashbacks where you have to cut the carpet to get the damn thing out.
But it’s done, and the car no longer smells like a hornet’s toilet.

---

Oil change –
Smooth enough, apart from the last guy clearly torquing the drain plug to 120Nm.
I nearly needed a scaffold pole to crack it off. Anyway, 6.5L of fresh oil and job done.

---

And now… the fuel filter saga begins.
Turns out my car has the water sensor version.
So what did the parts shop give me? Yep… the one without the sensor, even though I handed them my carte grise with all the car’s details.


So the fuel filter job’s on hold till next week.

---

In the meantime, I’ve done what every responsible Merc owner does…
I’ve cleared the BN service warning off the dash.
Yes, I know the “B” means brakes and tires too — but I’m all good there (new all round).
Might treat it to some new discs at some point… but for now, I’m calling it good enough.

---

To be continued…
The Return of the Fuel Filter, coming to a forum near you next week…

 

[Gollom]

As you are in France may I ask what wine you quaffed after this successful foray into MB fun? A cheeky Bordeaux perhaps?

 

[Meanmeech]

As you are in France may I ask what wine you quaffed after this successful foray into MB fun? A cheeky Bordeaux perhaps?

Don’t be silly… I’m in Brittany!


Wine?! That’s for the tourists and Parisians.
Cider is the local sedative of choice around here… preferably served in a chipped mug, with a galette on the side.


Vive la Bretagne!

 

[SpikyMikey]

Don’t be silly… I’m in Brittany!


Wine?! That’s for the tourists and Parisians.
Cider is the local sedative of choice around here… preferably served in a chipped mug, with a galette on the side.


Vive la Bretagne!

Une Galette de Sarrasin is a wonderful thing

 

[Tonye]

Try the Bordeaux fresh from the fridge with ice and a splash of lemonade, really winds up the locals, especially with a Ricard , ice and lemonade chaser. Crack on with the TLC it will pay in the end.

 

[Gollom]

Don’t be silly… I’m in Brittany!


Wine?! That’s for the tourists and Parisians.
Cider is the local sedative of choice around here… preferably served in a chipped mug, with a galette on the side.


Vive la Bretagne!

LOL

Chased with a little Calvados peut-être?

 

[ALFAitalia]

The flush itself was textbook — probably the easiest I’ve done in years.
Went through nearly 15L of distilled water to get it running clear.
And in true sod’s law fashion, I only had 10L in stock, so off I went to the local shop for another 5L top-up mission.

Because I'm a tight git!.....when I recent changed my coolant (had no choice what with fitting a new radiator).....I flushed it through with a hose pipe until it ran clear....then filled it with tap water, got it up to temp...which usually frees a bit more crap....and than flush with hose again....only after finishing the flush do I flush the tap water through with a full coolant system of distilled. That said many people only ever use tap water with their anti freeze.....and apart from the old anecdotal and internet tale I've never heard of anyone having proven damage due to using tap water in the cooling system. Just to be clear my car has the right mix of anti freeze (but not MB) and distilled.

 

[markjay]

OK, now that the service is out of the way... when are you upgrading the infotainment system?

 

[Meanmeech]

OK, now that the service is out of the way... when are you upgrading the infotainment system?

Haha… I was almost tempted to go down that rabbit hole…


…but then I realised (being a bit of a spanner) that the radio actually does have Bluetooth audio!
So now the phone fires up automatically as soon as I get in —
…though for some reason it insists on playing BBC Radio 2, which makes me feel about 84 every single time.


As for the infotainment upgrade…
Honestly, I can’t see the point in ripping half the dash apart when my phone screen is about the same size anyway.
I just prop the phone in front of the MB screen when I need satnav — job done.


And let’s face it… the Becker Map Pilot’s already retired itself, so the car’s not exactly in a position to argue!

 

[Meanmeech]

Bit of a daft one, but figured I’d ask...


Since I did a coolant flush and replaced it with the correct MB-spec coolant for the OM651, I’ve noticed the coolant level dropping slightly.
Got the coolant warning light on the dash the other day — not what you want to see after doing a job yourself!


Now, I’m probably just being hyper sensitive, since the car’s new to me and it was me who did the flush… but still!


Here’s what I’ve checked so far:

• Coolant looks clean, no sign of oil mixing
• Exhaust fumes are normal, so unlikely to be a head gasket issue
• I’ve inspected around the radiator, hoses, and water pump — all looks dry and tidy

The only thing I can think of is maybe evaporation from the reservoir cap?
Could a bad seal on the cap cause pressure loss and a slow coolant escape over time (1000km)?


Any other simple things I should check before assuming something worse?
Cheers in advance!

 

[DSM10000]

Bit of a daft one, but figured I’d ask...


Since I did a coolant flush and replaced it with the correct MB-spec coolant for the OM651, I’ve noticed the coolant level dropping slightly.
Got the coolant warning light on the dash the other day — not what you want to see after doing a job yourself!


Now, I’m probably just being hyper sensitive, since the car’s new to me and it was me who did the flush… but still!


Here’s what I’ve checked so far:

• Coolant looks clean, no sign of oil mixing
• Exhaust fumes are normal, so unlikely to be a head gasket issue
• I’ve inspected around the radiator, hoses, and water pump — all looks dry and tidy

The only thing I can think of is maybe evaporation from the reservoir cap?
Could a bad seal on the cap cause pressure loss and a slow coolant escape over time (1000km)?


Any other simple things I should check before assuming something worse?
Cheers in advance!

Coolant levels may fall slightly after draining and refilling as air is displaced.

Top it up and see how it goes.

 

[ALFAitalia]

When I replace the coolant in mine I always car a bottle of coolant around for the first few days....no matter how well you bleed it there will always be areas of trapped air that free themselves as you drive. Normally after two of three drives the level stops dropping.

 

[Meanmeech]

Autobahn, Baby – The W204 Goes Continental ​

Just a little update for the thread...


So, I finally got to do something I’ve always wanted to — but never had the excuse to.
Work called me into the office — and for the first time since I joined the company, I actually had to show up...
In Germany.
You know what that means…
AUTOB-AHN, baby!


Now, I’m not gonna lie — considering this C-Class is still fairly “new to me,” I did have a few doubts.
Would it make it all the way to Germany?
Would I make it past Paris?
Would I end up on the hard shoulder Googling “Mercedes + explosion + smoke”?


But off I went, with the confidence only a complete idiot can summon, and I’m happy to report:
1308 km later — no drama.

---

Trip Observations:​

• 110 km/h cruising:
  Managed 1192 km on a tank — that’s 54.32 mpg (UK). Couldn’t be more chuffed!
• 130 km/h zone:
  MPG dropped to around 47, but still no complaints — smooth, efficient, and comfy.
• Flat out on the autobahn:
  Hit 211 km/h (131 mph) before my brain said "enough now!"
  Here's the weird bit — it still felt like it had more to give.
  Official top speed is 235 km/h, but this made me wonder…
  Has it been remapped?
  It just pulled like a train all the way through and felt a bit too eager up top.
• Cruising at 160 km/h was the real sweet spot.
  Still quiet, refined, and loads of torque in reserve.
  Honestly, I was impressed — and again, wondering if this thing’s been given a little “Stage 1 encouragement” at some point...

---

Only One Issue (sort of):​

Around 600 km in, just before Paris, the dreaded coolant warning light came back.
Quick stop, quick top-up, no drama.
Covered another 1900 km after that without it blinking again, so probably nothing major.

---

Weird One – Engine Temp:​

At higher speeds (180+ km/h), I noticed something odd:

• Coolant temp dropped from 88°C down to 75°C
  Now I would’ve expected it to go up, not down…
  So, question for the techy folks:
• Was the water pump overwhelmed?
• Or was it just a case of so much airflow through the radiator that it overcooled?

Either way, the thing behaved itself the whole way, didn’t boil over, no warning lights — just curious more than anything.

---

All in all, an absolute blast of a drive, and I’m genuinely impressed with how the old girl performed.
Smooth, frugal, fast when needed, and not a single rattle or vibration at 200+.


Not bad for a diesel estate that’s already lived a full life.