Mobilo service - Yes, we had our first breakdown

[Dave B]

I'm posting this tale in order to raise confidence in the MB Mobilo service etc.

A couple of weeks ago my wife went out to go shopping but minutes later returned indoors with a look of disbelief......she couldn't start the Mercedes !!

After the inital shock wore off I tried the beast (the car, not the wife) myself.  It would turn over but not start.  After the usual checks on fuel and fuses etc we phoned Mobilo who promptly despatched a man from Gorners in Wigan.

On arrival he plugged in his lap-top and ran all sorts of diagnostics but could find nothing wrong.  He then looked at the 3 or 4 clear fuel pipes running to/from the fuel filter at the right front of the engine.  Aha ! he cried and beckoned me over to take a look.  He pointed out  many air bubbles moving around as the engine was being turned over.   Somehow we had an air leak in the fuel system and the car had to be taken away for repair.

True to their word the car, having been hoisted onto back of the MB breakdown lorry (oh, the shame of it !), was taken away and returned the next morning with the fault sorted.  The car is now running true to form.

Thankfully the work was covered by our warranty.

THE END (touch wood!)

 

[simon]

Mobilo service

Dave B,
          I too find response is good, even though I am no longer on Mobilo. Did they define the fault? I am particularly interested!

regards
Ernest

 

[Dave B]

Mobilo service

Hi Ernest,

Gorners told me air sometimes leaks in via the push fit fuel pipes and this is common on higher mileage cars.  

I noted on previous diesels I've owned, there was a manual pump on top of the fuel filter housing to enable you to remove air from the system - used when you've changed filters etc.  Alas, this is not the case on Mercedes.

I was going to start a new topic but, whilst I've got your attention, can I ask you a couple of questions?

1.  what grade of engine oil (inc min or synthetic do you use in you c250td ?

2.  do you find the seats to be bum nummingly hard ?

Please feel free to e-mail your response.

 

[Anonymous]

Mobilo service

Dave
1. 10W40 diesel engine oil. MB228.3.  I have just had the dealer install Millers XFD Synth 5W40. Their semi-synth will do.
2. I like the seats in my E. Same seats. On thursday I spent 7 hours on them.

Your air leak could have been at the fuel lines or filter gasket.  Add clips to the lines.  I bet the car was parked facing up hill.  This causes the fuel to drain back if there is a leak.  If your battery will stand it the car will normally start if you keep cranking.

Will
1998 E300 TD

 

[simon]

Mobilo service

Hi Dave,
            I use Mobil 1 diesel 0-40w in the winter because my wife uses it on short journeys frequently & my trusty Kenlowe preheater wont fit in the engine bay.
           I note Will mentions semi synthetic...I fully realise I am contentious ground here but I would not use it on a turbo car that is on ASSYST oil change maxims. I dont subscribe to extended oil changes of that nature, especially on a diesel.
            My reasoning  for not using semi synthetic is to
safeguard turbo bearings.It is a personal choice & I fully appreciate that many will disagree.
            Seats- good  teutonic firmness(I have read that Germans are well upholstered in posterian areas) but I
have always, like Will, found them comfortable even on long journeys.

regards
Ernest

 

[Dave B]

Mobilo service

thanks guys.   I guess I must have a boney backside or something, plus I probably don't drive the thing enough to set-up my driving position properly.

On the oil front, I've always used Mobil1 in anything that's had a turbo stuck on it - using the diesel variety when appropriate.   Unfortunately, the MB dealer we bought the car from couldn't tell me whether they used a mineral based or synthetic oil.  He simply referred me to the service log which stated Castrol 10/30(?).   I checked this out with Gorners during our recent fuel line problem and they recommend/use Mobil1.   I think it may be time to take the wrapping off my Haynes manual !!

Once again, thanks for your input.

 

[Anonymous]

Mobilo service

Interstingly both my local dealers use petrol engine oil in all cars. One uses semi-synth and one uses mineral in all but AMG cars.  The supplying dealer claimed to use Mobil 1 but at 15W40 I'm not sure about this.  The original dealer uses Castrol Magnatec which is mineral oil.
Semi-synth will meet the MB spec easily and don't forget turbos on diesels dont get as hot as petrols and have usually spooled down before you switch off.