W218 CLS 350......incoming! (boredom warning attached as well as pics)

[Abb]

Ah mate, it’ll look dreadful with the facelift rear end, honestly, best thing to do is get it all installed then I’m only a phonecall away pal

Thanks again pal. I know its a big ask, can you let me get the rear lights done too and the window tints, then I will call you.

 

[Abb]

Lovely motor, Abb as always...

Cheers Tony. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful rims fitted!

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Nice! ive been looking for one of those rear bumpers, are you sure thats the correct one for an AMG however? the bottom curve doesnt look deep enough for the stock diffuser?

 

[Abb]

Nice! ive been looking for one of those rear bumpers, are you sure thats the correct one for an AMG however? the bottom curve doesnt look deep enough for the stock diffuser?

TBH, I have gone with the advice I was given and that it would fit. My current rear bumper is a stock one for my model (not sure if it is the same as an 63 AMG version) but a stock 63 diffuser fitted it.This recently purchased bumper is a direct replacement for me model.......apparently, so in theory it should allow the fitment of the diffuser too.

Obviously will keep this updated with what I discover.

Just need to find an N/S facelift rear light now, at a bargain price! so I can do that at the same time!

 

[Abb]

It has been a while and as I managed to get the other light I required, the rear end FL is about 95% complete. Things that have come to light whilst undergoing the mod:
There are 2 extra parking sensor holes on the rear bumper on the FL (I am yet to fit two sensors)
The side securing brackets are different (currently waiting on a call back from the dealer to confirm part number and place order)

It is a very subtle mod but am very pleased with it!

Would be rude not to post some pics .......

Difference in the rear lights, the red is a darker shade, almost tinted..


The new to me set




The diffuser removed




In for prep and paint






Ready to fit

 

[Abb]

One of the missing sensors



All this effort for an extra curve


Fitted



Currently sitting pretty (even if I do say so myself lol)

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Nice job! I'd have kept the diffuser OEM Matt myself.

Yep, the taillights aren't different enough which is why I never swapped them over myself

 

[Abb]

Nice job! I'd have kept the diffuser OEM Matt myself.

Yep, the taillights aren't different enough which is why I never swapped them over myself

The thought crossed my mind, but I always think it looked unfinished. Knew it was a gamble, but now it is done I am happy I went for it being colour coded.

 

[clk320x]

Now just get it tinted pal

 

[SmartAmg]

Great job, Abb, looks fantastic.

 

[Abb]

Now just get it tinted pal

That is a sore point, was booked in for the Friday just gone and I forgot about it So will be getting re booked in once I contact them on Monday.

 

[E220Downer]

It’s amazing how different and such an improvement a change like that can make. Good job

 

[Abb]

So it has been a while since I have updated this thread, a few little things have happened during my ownership. So here goes, apart from routine servicing from my indie, it had the red oil seal cooler rubbers replaced and that had put an end to the suspected oil leak documented earlier in the thread.

Car was running fine until the EML came on. A quick scan using my iCarsoft showed codes all relating to the MAF sensor and this is where the fun began! Anyone who has had issues with their MAF on this model engine will know that you cannot replace just the actual MAF sensor. There is two MAFs which are integrated into the air inlet pipe. MB want you to replace this in its entirety are a mere cost of........£899! Luckily for me I found MB Edinburgh had them on offer for.....£599!

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Having a bit of time on my hands, I decided to see if there was an alternative, after all it seemed a bit ludicrous replacing the whole thing. Soon came across the part number of housing which the sensor was moulded into. This was.....A0281002954, so contacted MB armed with part number, only to be told it can't be purchased separately and referred me back to the whole inlet pipe assembly.

I managed to source the part number, albeit not OEM but a MAF specialist company in Germany and duly ordered one....

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Was surprised to find no videos on online on how to swap them over, and looking at the pipe assembly it is not apparent on how to separate the parts. Luckily the new part came with instructions, albeit vague they were enough to follow.

 

[Abb]

This may be of use to someone in the future, some basic steps which are a simple enough DIY with a few tools.
Not too technical but a few pics (because we all love pics )

Remove intake pipe assembly from car, (no how to on this simple process, but there is videos online)



Using a heat gun, gently heat up the hard plastic (shiny gloss plastic in the pic) where the pipe joins the MAF sensor housing.

 

[Abb]

Using some plastic trim removal tools, gently prize off the securing ring and the two sections will split apart and the ring may or may not detach itself from either section and remain on that part. Mine stayed on the MAF hosuing prior to removing it from there too, as you need to re use this.

 

[Abb]

MAF sensor and housing without securing ring.


Securing ring


You also need to swap the clips from one sensor housing to the other. New Vs old

 

[Abb]

Re assembly is in the reverse, a little time and patience is required, but a straight forward task. The replacement part was made by LOWE, and was a brilliant fitment.
The EML light was extinguished immediately, however the car still ran with no 'boost' and felt like it was in limp mode! My victory was short lived, as a re scan showed no MAF related faults but now an EGR related fault!
So onto EGR valve removal....(didn't take a pic before I began to clean but it wasn't too bad.

 

[Abb]

Using a few small brushes and some oven cleaner I gave it a decent scrub and soak. Turned out like this....

 

[Abb]

Ordered a new seal ring and metal gasket from MB. Less than £6 for the pair. Some part numbers too..



And ready for re install...

 

[Abb]

After re installation, I needed to top up the coolant ( due to losing some during removal I guess) and then drove it for the moment of truth......gutted, still drove as if it was in limp mode and no boost.
As a last ditch attempt before conceding, I swapped out the inlet pipe with the one from our ML,....the car was back!! Drove amazingly well, perhaps even better than before (placebo effect of a clean EGR ), the scan showed zero faults incl any EGR related ones.
I concluded that the new MAF sensor being the culprit must have been faulty!

It was removed sharpish, returned to Germany and a used OEM one purchased. Fitted it upon arrival and have had zero issues since and although I removed the EGR valve unnecessarily (it transpired) at least it got a clean!