CL500 first trip disaster

[JonnyCJ]

Any news ?! Having owned the 500 and 55 versions I would now only go back to a 55 given the choice.

 

[Craiglxviii]

I stopped by on Friday on my way home to see what had been done. Was on the ramp and I'm happy to report that the only visible damage is to the bottom edge of the lower wishbone, which has had its radius flatted off by few thou'. No other impact damage to the car underside. Some parts on order- new backing plate had just arrived; not sure if I mentioned about the wheels but they were having a toss up whether to try to source a good condition monobloc from breakers or bite the bullet and buy new. I suggested a Gumtree trader who's selling AMG sets for £399 delivered.

Hopefully I'll find out more on Thursday when I'm hoping the owner will call me with an update and some direction as to what he's doing. He's on long term sick so in and out of the place.

I know what you mean, if I had the choice again then I'd probably not have bought this specific car, but remember I got it for £2400...... Nothing else out there at anything like the condition at that price level!

 

[television]

So pleased its going better than I thought, but please do get the tracking done on a 4 wheel set up.

Mercman in Southampton has loads of wheels

 

[Craiglxviii]

Hi Malcolm, yes I'm pleased too, I just want it all done so I can get that niggling transmission problem sorted (something I noticed on the drive out, before things fell off- the transmission seems to dither on kickdown, the change is smooth but there seems to be far too little torque around... so whatever I noticed when I bought the car is still evident in Summer mode ) From reading further on this forum I suspect the speed plate in the torque converter may need changing.

I made sure the garage owner agreed to a 3D wheel alignment before handing the keys over to him.

I'll pass on your advice re the wheels, thanks. I think it was more the cost than the availability, but there you go.

 

[television]

They are wonderful cars when all good, nothing else out there than can offer such good value, you have the best suspension that you can get, a high level of interior trim and overall comfort.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Yes... this is what I was hoping for! Well hopefully it'll soon get hooked up to Star and I'll find out what's going on in the 'box. Everything else seemed to be fine, A/C was cold, the Viseeo MBU-3000 I'd bought had synched my iPhone to the COMAND 2.5 (although it sounded like the in-car mic wasn't picking my voice up- but that's a worry for later). Paintwork needs a bit of attention in a few little places but across the car is good. Aside from the obvious, I'm really pleased with it.

Oh and I was able to buy a 7 litre spare wheel reserve fuel can from eBay at an extortionate rate too!

 

[Amandaway]

Hi, I had the same problem with my CL sunroof. a can of spray silicon grease on the runners fixed it.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Thanks Amanda. I tried that before we set out- the roof wasn't binding, I think it just needs/ needed a reset. Won't know until I get the car back.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Out of interest travelling without a wheel has not done too much damage, presumably because the other three wheels were still on the ground as you drove along.

 

[Craiglxviii]

That's got to be a part of it yes. As I was about to pull in anyway (convinced I had a blowout) we felt the wheel go, the car dropped. I had enough steering authority to steer inbetween the cones and did an emergency stop as the escaped wheel shot past us at 40-odd mph. The reat left quarter landed on the lower wishbone and we could see a very clear line in the tarmac going back ~50 yards or so. If you look at my original post you can see it bottom left.

There are a few patches of paint damage above the line of the wheel arch (and forward of it too, most stramge) where departing bits of caliper, brake disc, 5 wheel bolts etc must have bounced off. Apart from all of that, no visible or apparent damage.

 

[m2287]

Good to have another CL around Cambridge, don't see many here!!!

 

[Irresistance]

Just be happy it wasn't the front wheel... this usually results in a total and immediate loss of control. At 50 MPH you'd be lucky to not end up in the hospital.

And - I think it's a bit harsh to judge the garage on a single fault of the kind that is not really incompetence, rather more forgetfulness. Not saying what they did is OK; quite clearly it is a major screw up; but I dare anyone on this forum to claim they have never made a really dumb mistake in an otherwise very diligent way of going about ones responsibilities... we all do.

And their response.. well - let's be honest, could not have been any different. There is no hint of doubt as to blame, not by any stretch of the imagination...

It is a great pity that you should start life with your new car this way, I'd be extremely gutted. So good luck to you and let's hope they will indeed do their utmost best to restore the car to its optimal condition

 

[Craiglxviii]

Oh I don't think it's general incompetence but most likely a lapse of concentration.

Well, I'm glad to report that, having just visited them, the car has had all its work finished and is just waiting on delivery of a new monobloc, before going into MB In Milton Keynes to have STAR codes read, all work verified, a 140 point check carried out and 3D wheel alignment done.

Hopefully I should have it back in 10 days from this weekend. Then it's just the transmission problem to fix.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Sat awaiting his new wheel.

 

[C350Carl]

Oh I don't think it's general incompetence but most likely a lapse of concentration.

Well, I'm glad to report that, having just visited them, the car has had all its work finished and is just waiting on delivery of a new monobloc, before going into MB In Milton Keynes to have STAR codes read, all work verified, a 140 point check carried out and 3D wheel alignment done.

Hopefully I should have it back in 10 days from this weekend. Then it's just the transmission problem to fix.

A good result then and fair play to the garage as they've been very good by the sounds of it.

 

[C350Carl]

Sat awaiting his new wheel.

Were you chillin' when you took that?

 

[Craiglxviii]

No, I ran out of the car and snapped that!

 

[Flyinspanner]

Let's all hope you get it back, and enjoy smooth sailing ahead!

 

[Craiglxviii]

Well, got the car back on Friday. Spent yesterday tweaking it, new pressed license plates on, old license plate plinth at front removed. Many screw heads dinitrol'd, all weatherstrips cleaned with silicone spray. Rear seats have been scrubbed and moisturised with liquid leather, and steering wheel (rest of the car was done before the breakdown).

So I have discovered a few things that need do.oing:

1. Possible MAF sensor replacement.
2. Right side passenger window weather seal causing some wind noise over 50mph (very faint burbling). Needs fixing or replacing.
3. Passengers door mirror-to-window seal splitting and needs replacement.
4. Drivers door mirror & seat control module has broken/ missing clips, needs removal and either replacement or new clips sourcing.
5. One small paint bubble to right of rad grille, some v slight paint damage to fr & rr bumper RH corners, and just on the edge of LH rr wheel arch (this bit through colour coat but not primer. It looks white. )
6. Brake discs and pads need replacing.
7. Brake calipers to be painted.
8. New wheels to be fitted.
9. Missing spanners and pipe wrench from toolkit to be sourced. (Ordered from eBay, all genuine Heyco, £25 delivered for the lot).
10. New mats. I may do the sheepskin thing I saw on an S-klasse on here
11. Spare key either fixed or replaced.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Forgot to add, we took the car on a trip around town and country, Swiss Gardens at Shuttleworth very nice. Didn't miss a beat, there seems to be much more power available than last time too. Could barely feel or hear gear changes, was like wet silk. Many admiring glances seen being cast at the filling station too. SWMBO and child both enjoyed the drive immensely. Visseo works perfectly.

I took the torque wrench and 17mm socket out with us and checked all wheels whenever we stopped. Colour me paranoid!!