Lack of heating in w220

[Smeagol]

My recently purchased 2005 S320 has almost non-existing heating and even when 'warmed-up' the temp gauge shows only 40-50.
Doing a search in this forum produces a thread that indicates this could well be a failed thermostat. Do the experts here think this is the likely cause? I am still covered by the warranty when I purchased the vehicle and the dealer concerned is usually honourable so I hope I can get this remedied easily.

 

[LostKiwi]

Almost certainly a failed thermostat.

 

[range rover]

Almost certainly a failed thermostat.

I certainly second that. My car is the same year as yours and it is now on the third thermostat, they don't seem to last like they used to do, I can never remember having to replace a thermostat in any previous car.

 

[Smeagol]

Thank's gents, I will be calling the dealer tomorrow.......

 

[Paul1948]

If that does not fully cure theproblem could have the same fault as mine had and that is the thermostat AND the duo heat valve is stuck, good luck with the warranty

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

If his gauge is only reading 40-50' after 20 mins running I would say it was the stat, but good advice should it not be.

Dealer repair though....thats gonna be pricey.

 

[Smeagol]

Dealer will have the vehicle back at the week-end to effect repair. He will have it for a month as I am on holiday, so plenty of time to get it done.
May have to fix the aftermarket parking sensors also. The installers have been out to my home 3 times so far as the system has a mind of its own; sometimes only front sensors work, sometimes only the rear and another time all works, just don't know what will happen. Have yet to test the latest fix but if this fails it will be a workshop job rather than my driveway.

I will update when I get back from holiday and hope that it was the simple (thermostat) fix....for the dealers sake!

 

[Smeagol]

Update on the above.

Back off holiday and collected the car yesterday, all appears to be well!
Temperature now rises rapidly to about 85 deg and the heater appears to work (not that it is needed with the recent weather). As suspected a failed thermostat was the problem.
Parking sensors now appear to operate in a sensible fashion.
Dealer also replaced a sensor which gave a 'high oil level' warning whilst the car was with them.

Very happy with the treatment and would not hesitate to buy from the dealer again and would recommend them to anyone looking for a vehicle in the area.

 

[Flyinspanner]

Glad it worked out ok

 

[Smeagol]

Unfortunately......... the car is back with the dealer!
Steering is now groaning like an asthmatic badger, but still under warranty so it WILL be fixed. To be fair dealer seems as embarrassed as I am annoyed.
Will keep you posted.......

 

[John Laidlaw]

Oh dear- sounds like a decent dealer though who’s prepared to follow through on promises

 

[Smeagol]

Just dug up this thread and can give an update.
Car is still with the dealer!!
I have been working abroad for most of May, June, July and August and the car has been with the dealer as various issues required resolving. I believe that the attempt at retrofitting the parking sensors resulted in some other problems which have been difficult to trace. The last I was told that a new ignition switch was required, i had to provide the V5 and sign the order for security reasons and was told it was 5 to 7 days delivery and a quick installation. That was about a month ago!
Dealer is now on holiday and on his return unless the car is available and working I am afraid I will be asking for my money back as I think I have been pretty patient. I bought the car in December last year and have only had it available for a few weeks. I have not actually seen it for six months!
I will post an update next week when dealer returns from holiday.

I do have a loan car, but a rather battered 57 plate Ford Fiesta is not quite the same as an S-class.

 

[V6Matty]

There’s a good 221 for sale by one of the members here if this one falls through

 

[Smeagol]

Final update on this saga.
I have given up on the S-class as it is still not fixed despite having a new ignition lock barrel (£750 from Mercedes) which did not cure the problems. I thought that giving the dealer some 9 months to get the problem sorted was pretty reasonable but since I was back in the UK permanently and really needed 2 cars and there was no firm end date I decided that it was time to make a decision. I did and the dealer gave me my money back and I paid him some additional monies and bought a very nice 2012 E350 Cdi Blue Efficiency Sport that he had in stock. Seems like a good car and drives like a dream. Shame about the S-class but I don't think I would have any confidence in that vehicle even if all the issues were addressed.
I cannot fault the dealer who has always been completely straightforward and honest with me and I will continue to purchase vehicles from him when I need a replacement.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Great to hear about a dealer going above and beyond!