Automatic Gears Won't Engage First Thing in the Morning.

[M80]

Star, the Merc diagnostic kit, can check the fluid level.
But that isn't associated to the poor starting, or smokey exhaust.
If you has diagnostic kit I would be asking about you fuel pressure during cranking.

As Wighty, you really need a specialist to diagnose, to save you wasted time and dosh going down rabbit holes.

My glow plug comment was more about not blaming the seller too much. If he doesn't know Mercs, it isn't overly surprising that he might source incorrect plugs.

 

[M80]

Ah,
does your diagnostics show the fuel pressure during cranking?

 

[Jule of the North]

Ah,
does your diagnostics show the fuel pressure during cranking?

No, but the reader is only a Thinkcar obd2 500, will check out what the mechanic says tomorrow . Thank you.

 

[M80]

He might want to eliminate injector leak off.
The engine start will be inhibited until fuel pressure threshold is reached.
Excessive leak off could slow the pressure from building.

 

[Dean Fletcher]

Hi, I live just outside Hexham, Northumberland

Best one close to you is Carlisle, Autotech. 30 miles away ish?

 

[mioba]

stop guessing, following all the respected guesses here may well cost - get the codes read for starters before going down old school mechanic route.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for the replies. I've got her in tomorrow at a local garage to check the fluid level. I aslo had the fault code reader and everything was green, no codes.... phew.

Local general garages unless they have a good knowledge of Mercedes can have problems…
I’d find a Mercedes indie and get them to service the gearbox initially

 

[Jule of the North]

Hi Guys,

The Merc has been in at a garage for 2 months now, I have since found out that the original repairs for the issues from Mitchell's of Slaggford were never done. Had loads of new parts fitted. Had to get a guy from Newcastle upon Tyne who specialises in glow plug problems. He said when he started working on them, they had never been touched and very old and they all snapped in half. He had to boar and replace glow plugs, module (not previously done) which Mitchell's said they had put two modules in. The gear box fluid and parts needed replacing and a Heli Coil kit. So, I hope to get her back today, thanks to my brilliant mechanic, Rouse. Hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year. xxx

 

[AMGeed]

Glad you are close to having your car back and running again.

In your shoes I'd be having some strong words with the selling dealer.

 

[BERNMEISTER]

Thanks for the replies. I've got her in tomorrow at a local garage to check the fluid level. I aslo had the fault code reader and everything was green, no codes.... phew.

I have been following this thread with great interest. Have all the problems been solved? Does the car now start OK smoke free first thing on a frosty morning?

 

[Jule of the North]

Glad you are close to having your car back and running again.

In your shoes I'd be having some strong words with the selling dealer.

HI There,

Apparently this Company has had Trading Standards in a few times. During the time the car went back to them for the supposed repairs, I said we might get the Trading Standards Team in (via Citizens Advice) and the reply from them was, "we're not bothered about T S, we have had them around before" and walked off. They are not bothered at all. My mechanic is putting a new pipe on my turbo as it is cracked, which will be done tomorrow. Keep safe x

 

[Jule of the North]

I have been following this thread with great interest. Have all the problems been solved? Does the car now start OK smoke free first thing on a frosty morning?

Hi There. Many thanks for the message. I just have to get a new pipe on the turbo, which is being done tomorrow. The car is still smoking in the morning, but she starts. Up to now, with all the boaring/new parts and labour its only cost me £1,400. I've just had her MOT'd for another year. Will keep you updated on what going to happen. Thanks again for your message and keep safe x

 

[AMGeed]

I'd be inclined to use social media to warn prospective customers away from this place.
It's surprising what bad press can do to a business, especially when its true.
Also, give a review on Trust Pilot. Lots of people use this to give an honest review.
Check a Trade as well if they are registered.