Proud first time Mercedes Owner -Advice needed!

[Absolutebull91]

Hi, I have recently become the proud owner of a C220 CDI BlueEfficiency AMG Sport 2013 Coupe and I am in love with the car! I have finally settled into my trainee role after graduating last summer and travelling approximately 600 miles a week so having a comfortable reliable (and good looking car) was of big appeal to me. Having previously owned a BMW 118D M Sport, I was unsure about jumping to Mercedes but the added spec and performance of this car has made me realise it was the right decision. :bannana:

However, despite my excitement and sense of satisfaction there are a few things that are bothering me with the car, and I have searched for the answers through these forums but not had anything concrete to settle my mind. Before I pop it into the dealer, I was hoping I could see if other owners have experienced similar issues and or resolved them so here goes...

Starting the car - I have the C220 diesel model with manual transmission and need to engage the clutch when starting the car. I always ensure I go through the ignition process slowly whilst waiting for the glow plug symbol to disappear before actually starting it up. However, I am concerned that at least 1 in 3 attempts at starting the car (both from cold and when warm) it fails to start as expected. No noise, no hesitation just nothing - it as if I haven't even attempted to start it at all. All of the electrics fire up as expected and no warning lights remain on, it is extremely frustrating and tedious to have to sit and remove the key form the ignition and start the process again, sometimes twice! Whilst I am a big car fan, I am no mechanic and therefore can't identify any reason why this could be happening. I am not sure if the immobiliser in my key may have a weak battery which could be causing this or whether it is a more serious issue? (hopefully not ) Does anyone have any experience of this or would it be best that I take it into the dealer for an inspection?

Noise on full lock in reverse - Another issue ( I may be being fussy with this one ) but I have noticed when I reverse on to my driveway, I usually need to turn the wheel to full lock to manoeuvre. I have noticed what can only be described as a 'whining' noise at the front right wing driver side that only releases when I drop the car off full lock. Obviously, I am trying to avoid this where possible, but is this something to be concerned about? I have read about power steering fluid that could be low, but never experienced it in my previous car so would just like someone to clarify if possible what this could be?

Service History - Finally, the car has a broken dealer service history with the first two services carried out in Gloucester/Cheltenham MB and the most recent (on approx 45k miles) by Roles Royce (previous owner of the vehicle). I always had my BM serviced by dealer and never any issues, so despite the cost of servicing I am tempted to reinstate this car (if possible) with MB and get the service history back in line with the cars use. Does anyone recommend this approach or would you be able to recommend any reliable MB independent specialists which are better value for money given that the service history is already irregular? I am in the South Wales/South West area. The car is currently on 56k miles and rising quickly so I am aware I need to arrange for service within the next few months anyway!

Apologies for posting all of these issues in one place, and especially if there is a more suitable place for it to be posted. As time goes on I will familiarise myself with this very useful forum and ensure I post correctly for the best response! I would appreciate any advice offered!

Thanks

 

[Flackadder]

For me it would be:

Get it checked at MB

Ditto

Use MB

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

Hello and welcome to you. As above the dealer should be able to find any faults related to your problems.....Hopefully.

 

[boyt]

Morning,
You will have the om651 engine, from what your describing it sounds like your alternator pulls is seized giving the squeal noise on full lock, these are quite common

On the starting issue, if your key is turning in the steering lock it won't be immobiliser, when it doesn't start does the glow plug light come on as usual? Or Doe it not come on at all?
Can you hear a faint click from the engine? Try with your window open to see if you can hear anythink

 

[Absolutebull91]

Thanks for the replies!

Boyt - The glow plug symbol comes on after I turn the key for the first time, but then goes off as it should do. I always ensure this happens.

When I turn the key to start the car, nothing happens. I can't hear any noise at all, but will try that again this morning and listen for the click that you describe.

Would this suggest a trip to the dealer? When I purchased the car I was given a 3 month RAC warranty - maybe time to consider a longer term warranty option and pay for it myself!