Merc FTP - Cookie's adventures in shiteing

[SiC]

Yeah could well be low voltage triggered some of them. The gearbox will likely throw codes (torque and load calculations it needs the most) if the engine ECU is in a fault mode and stops sending that information across the bus. 

Likewise if the car is not getting up to temperature, the cat and associated fuel control systems will be unhappy. 

[Cookiesouwest]

23 minutes ago, SiC said:

Yeah could well be low voltage triggered some of them. The gearbox will likely throw codes (torque and load calculations it needs the most) if the engine ECU is in a fault mode and stops sending that information across the bus. 

Likewise if the car is not getting up to temperature, the cat and associated fuel control systems will be unhappy. 

Yes. I'm going to put a battery and thermostat in it (although it could be temp sensor rather that thermostat).

It's a game of parts darts

[SiC]

Have you got an IR thermometer? If so, point it at the top hose when up to temperature. Should give some idea if things are right. 

My money is on the thermostat. Mostly because virtually every used car (new and old) I've bought has needed one soon/just after buying it!

[Cookiesouwest]

1 hour ago, SiC said:

Have you got an IR thermometer? If so, point it at the top hose when up to temperature. Should give some idea if things are right. 

My money is on the thermostat. Mostly because virtually every used car (new and old) I've bought has needed one soon/just after buying it!

No, but I will get one

[SiC]

A quick look at the reg on GSF for thermostats show you can either get the thermostat cartridge or the whole housing with it in. If you go through housing it has the stat and sensor replaced together.

I guess you're going to chuck it at a garage? Pretty simple lumps with decent access if you were to DIY. 

[Cookiesouwest]

On 02/06/2025 at 16:22, SiC said:

A quick look at the reg on GSF for thermostats show you can either get the thermostat cartridge or the whole housing with it in. If you go through housing it has the stat and sensor replaced together.

I guess you're going to chuck it at a garage? Pretty simple lumps with decent access if you were to DIY. 

I will give it a go. Going to get a housing so it all gets changed.

[Cookiesouwest]

Got a call from the garage at 5.40.

Good news the BFG is fixed.

Bad news, due to age and BFG not wanting to come apart, it ended up on the ramp for 8hrs. 

Tech had to do it twice. Fixed the ABS ring, put it together, test drove it, to find that the speed sensor was also knackered.

Originally quoted 3 hrs. Said she would have to charge 4 and they would swallow the loss. Given I want a good relationship with them, I offered 5 hrs. They still take a hit, but it cushions the blow.

Labour will be 450. Parts I'm guessing will be north of 250 + vat.

My guess it would be an expensive month was right.

Will find out tomorrow, the exact bill.

Still to do later in month is gearbox fluid change, full engine service.

New front shocks for the Honda and a thermostat and Battery for the Polo.

Old cars. Gotta love em.

[andyberg]

3 minutes ago, Cookiesouwest said:

Got a call from the garage at 5.40.

Good news the BFG is fixed.

Bad news, due to age and BFG not wanting to come apart, it ended up on the ramp for 8hrs. 

Tech had to do it twice. Fixed the ABS ring, put it together, test drove it, to find that the speed sensor was also knackered.

Originally quoted 3 hrs. Said she would have to charge 4 and they would swallow the loss. Given I want a good relationship with them, I offered 5 hrs. They still take a hit, but it cushions the blow.

Labour will be 450. Parts I'm guessing will be north of 250 + vat.

My guess it would be an expensive month was right.

Will find out tomorrow, the exact bill.

Still to do later in month is gearbox fluid change, full engine service.

New front shocks for the Honda and a thermostat and Battery for the Polo.

Old cars. Gotta love em.

Just think back to the Disco then things don’t seem so bad 🤣

[Cookiesouwest]

54 minutes ago, andyberg said:

Just think back to the Disco then things don’t seem so bad 🤣

LMAO, that, or a horrible reminder of that absolute piece of shit.

When the garage called, I started getting flashbacks

 

[SiC]

1 hour ago, Cookiesouwest said:

Got a call from the garage at 5.40.

Good news the BFG is fixed.

Bad news, due to age and BFG not wanting to come apart, it ended up on the ramp for 8hrs. 

Tech had to do it twice. Fixed the ABS ring, put it together, test drove it, to find that the speed sensor was also knackered.

Originally quoted 3 hrs. Said she would have to charge 4 and they would swallow the loss. Given I want a good relationship with them, I offered 5 hrs. They still take a hit, but it cushions the blow.

Labour will be 450. Parts I'm guessing will be north of 250 + vat.

My guess it would be an expensive month was right.

Will find out tomorrow, the exact bill.

Still to do later in month is gearbox fluid change, full engine service.

New front shocks for the Honda and a thermostat and Battery for the Polo.

Old cars. Gotta love em.

A lot of money but I think it's the first big/only real expense it's had since you've owned it? Helps if you like the car and makes it more justifiable. Plus less than depreciation on a new Focus/etc. 

(Also doing better than the NEVER MENTION AGAIN JLR product 🙃)

[Cookiesouwest]

BFG is back. My guess at the bill was wrong, which meant when the bill was presented, it was quite a relief.

The reason for the long job, was the hub is effectively welded to the drive shaft due to rust. So the entire rear suspension had to be taken apart, so the new ring could be fitted.

If it ever needs wheel bearings, I will need a hub and shaft.

I was happy with the service and I've therefore booked it in for ATF change and an A service. 

Slightly ouchie but less than expected.

Looks like I'm keeping it for the rest of my life, to get it down to the same monthly cost average as the Honda

 

[andyberg]

3 minutes ago, Cookiesouwest said:

BFG is back. My guess at the bill was wrong, which meant when the bill was presented, it was quite a relief.

The reason for the long job, was the hub is effectively welded to the drive shaft due to rust. So the entire rear suspension had to be taken apart, so the new ring could be fitted.

If it ever needs wheel bearings, I will need a hub and shaft.

I was happy with the service and I've therefore booked it in for ATF change and an A service. 

Slightly ouchie but less than expected.

Looks like I'm keeping it for the rest of my life, to get it down to the same monthly cost average as the Honda

 

At least Mrs csw will be happy her luxo/heated seats/wafty and chauffeur driven wagon is back in service. 

[Cookiesouwest]

CRV went to garage yesterday.

Front shocks are surprisingly difficult to get. NLA at most motor factors and back order at Honda.

ECP found some in Scotland (I assume one of their branches) and sent them down.

Arrived this morning and amazingly for ECP, they were correct.

Retail at 199 each. But my lovely mechanic gave me discount.

384 Inc VAT fitted.

My credit card is taking a hammering this month. BFG ATF change and service still to go.

Haven't driven the CRV yet, so don't know if this parts darts has made it drive better and stopped the noises.

 

[Cookiesouwest]

Picked CRV up tonight.

Got a lift from Little Cookie, on the way to the garage the Polo threw up EPC and EML again. Told her to just keep driving it.

Don't think it's the Battery. 14v when charging, 12v when not. 

Possible VAG electrical gremlin somewhere.

Honda feels weird to drive. Bit floaty, steering a bit more loose.

Does brake better and less noisy, so maybe parts darts worked, except for the steering. But cars often feel a bit different after they have been apart. Will see how it is after a weekend of driving.

 

[Cookiesouwest]

Hmmmm

June just got pricier.

Little Cookie who can't park for shit, also seems to be unable to get out of a space.

A slight coming together with a 10 plate golf. Bumpers scraped. Message left under the wiper blade. No contact yet.

Her car

Their car

 

[Cookiesouwest]

Radio silence from the Golf driver, so Little Cookie may have got away with it.

BFG went to Merc specialist today for 'A' service and ATF change.

They did a car condition check.

1. They cant do ATF change, as sump is badly corroded, so new sump ordered from MB at 82 quid plus vat. Not as expensive as I feared.

2. OSF press in ball joint has excessive play. 49 quid plus vat, plus fitting.

Advised the following need doing at some point.

1. OSF shock has misting - fair enough, as the NSF got changed at last MOT.

2. OS door mirror indicator, flashes when car is off. I know it is, it's a crappy Chinese LED in the mirror housing.

3. Slight movement in inner tie rod track ends.

4. Headlights going a bit cloudy.

5. Brake fluid Amber - needs doing at next service.

6. All brake pads at 50%. 

7. Front discs - Heavy lipping, replace when pads are needed.

8. Broken exhaust clamp.

Blimey. Take it to a specialist and get a big list. 

Nothing scary. Some known and the shock was expected, given its age and its sister shock was replaced a few months ago.

Need to get off my arse, to source a better mirror indicator.

Anyway, they are busy and the extra work means it will be a few days till I get the car back.

At least the courtesy car they gave me was in better nick than the last one. 

[Cookiesouwest]

BFG returned today.

They washed it.

Bill was high. Higher than the last one.

I would love to say it drives better.

But it doesn't. Gearbox maybe slightly smoother, but that could just be my brain, thinking that.

Still need to get a front shock done.

The rest can wait till I've paid off my credit card.

1,387.86 this month. Plus the 400 for CRV to have front shocks that have made fuck all difference lol

The Auto Shitter in me was screaming, that I could have bought @andyberg X type for 400 quid !

I console myself that a new E type wagon on PCP would cost shit loads more for a years motoring and won't be as good.

Slight concern that garage says its crusty underneath, cause the MOT man did not mention it. I suspect the specialist has MB level standards for inspecting a car.

They did mention a possible reason for the O/S mirror indicator issue. But that involves investigation including removal of both headlamps. Fuck that. I will live with it for now, till I win the lottery and can  afford it

[High Jetter]

Wow, pricey ATF - and they charged you for a loan car? That's a rental, surely?

[Cookiesouwest]

47 minutes ago, High Jetter said:

Wow, pricey ATF - and they charged you for a loan car? That's a rental, surely?

All parts from MB, where available.

So prices are at top end.

Re the loaner. Only a tenner. And it's ten quid regardless of how long you have it.

Even if it's a day, it saves me 60 quid in taxi getting to and from the garage.

[andyberg]

10 hours ago, Cookiesouwest said:

BFG returned today.

They washed it.

Bill was high. Higher than the last one.

I would love to say it drives better.

But it doesn't. Gearbox maybe slightly smoother, but that could just be my brain, thinking that.

Still need to get a front shock done.

The rest can wait till I've paid off my credit card.

1,387.86 this month. Plus the 400 for CRV to have front shocks that have made fuck all difference lol

The Auto Shitter in me was screaming, that I could have bought @andyberg X type for 400 quid !

I console myself that a new E type wagon on PCP would cost shit loads more for a years motoring and won't be as good.

Slight concern that garage says its crusty underneath, cause the MOT man did not mention it. I suspect the specialist has MB level standards for inspecting a car.

They did mention a possible reason for the O/S mirror indicator issue. But that involves investigation including removal of both headlamps. Fuck that. I will live with it for now, till I win the lottery and can  afford it

Shit! And I’m having a mild complaint that my alternator is going to cost £300 including the fitting 🤣

I think the BFG deserves it, it’s a lovely car and management loves it. Also the money spent is still less than getting something else, except my Jag🤣 but BFG is nicer. 

[SiC]

13 hours ago, Cookiesouwest said:

new E type wagon on PCP would cost shit loads more for a years motoring

Cheapest new e class deal on MB website. I wont lie, it will be a better car. But that one bill nearly the same as a monthly on one really worth it? (I know not to me and almost certainly for you too)

[Split_Pin]

A quality service kit for a BMW gearbox, which includes Meyle fluid a new filter and sump pan+screws is over £300. It cost almost as much as the replacement gearbox!

However a full mechanical flush and fluid change on the 75s Jatco box was only £155 and even then, the mechanic thought that was expensive. It needs the correct Jatco fluid as well. 

Sounds like quite a decent garage you have. Pricey but I bet they'll take on jobs on your Merc that normal garages don't have the balls for.

Maybe get some Lanoguard for underneath? I'm trying that on the Saab for the winter.

[Cookiesouwest]

Little Cookie is on holiday.

So I took the opportunity to go buy a new battery for her Polo and check the levels. The battery is a 'parts darts' attempt to stop the EPC and EML from making regular appearances.

Bought an HCB 027 from Halfrauds, loaded it and my tools into the trolley and trundled off to where it's parked up.

The terminals looked a bit crusty.

Whipped it out, after much swearing, because I didn't initially see the clamp at the bottom  

New one in and a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner used to slightly improve the look of the connectors.

Car starts, no EPC or EML yet.

Checked the oil.

On the minimum.

Ranted it back to Halfrauds to get oil and screenwash.

Put half a litre in and it's back up to maximum.

Engine did sound less clanky.

Screenwash also filled up.

Will take it for a spin round the villages tonight, to see if the EPC / EML re-appears.

 

[Cookiesouwest]

Took it for a rant  sedate drive.

Warning lights came back.

Car drives the same with them on or off, so god knows.

Parts darts fail.

[Cookiesouwest]

The Mercedes has decided it wants a trip back to the garage.

A tinkling sound followed by an exhaust blow from the front.

Does sound good mind.

Managed to get it in on Weds this week.

The CRV is still making clanky noises from NSF. Top mounts / ball joints maybe. New Shock didn't cure it that's for sure.

Decided to book in for an MOT 6 months early, to see what that uncovers.

And Mrs Cookie fancies a Berlingo. Kinda wish I'd not let her watch the latest HubNut video lol

 

[Cookiesouwest]

BFG is back.

Broken exhaust hanger and small split in exhaust where the CAT is.

Couple of bits of welding. 90 quid. Job done. BFG is now back to being quiet.

CRV MOT booked for mid August, hoping that will uncover the source of the clonking from Front Suspension.

 

[Cookiesouwest]

Long time no update.

CRV didn't go for MOT in August.

It went today, in the hope the knocking noise from front left suspension could be found.

Well kind of. Advisory for a ball joint.

Will get the garage to replace that and hope the knocking goes.

I will get two rear tyres done at some point soon and I will put discs on too.

Then its the Mercs turn for a new front shock, then MOT. Probably next month.

[Cookiesouwest]

Garage is keeping the CRV and will fit in changing the ball joint this week.

Today the Mercedes decided that it didn't want to switch on the heated seats. Hopefully a fuse. Will investigate when I get the time.

[Snake Charmer]

7 hours ago, Cookiesouwest said:

Today the Mercedes decided that it didn't want to switch on the heated seats. Hopefully a fuse. Will investigate when I get the time.

Did you replace the battery? Seem to recall it giving problems.

[Cookiesouwest]

14 hours ago, Snake Charmer said:

Did you replace the battery? Seem to recall it giving problems.

Yes battery was replaced a few months ago. 

It's weird they have stopped working and everything else is ok.

I need to check the fuses. Start with the basics.