hello from newbie

[englishbob]

Hello all

Thought it was about time I joined up as I have just brought my second Merc. I currently have an 04 SLK 320 which I am very happy with but with ever rising fuel prices I thought about buying a diesel to commute with.

A bit of market research was carried out and now I own an 03 C220 CDI SE sports coupe.

Question - are there any service oddities I may need to know about as I will service it by myself and dont want to attempt anything that may cost me more than I bargined for

Does anybody know much about these motors ie strong points, weak points and reliability (is an auto model non EVO)?

Appreciate your help in advance

Mark

 

[television]

hello Bob from Devon, and welcome, the forum has been a little quiet this week, many people away still enjoying the last of the sun. with many Diesel owners here some one will answer soon.

Malcolm

 

[englishbob]

Hi Malcolm

I notice you are from the same neck of the woods - who do you use for tech problems/repair etc. I used to use Exeter Merc main dealer but boy they are exspensive. Have you ever used MBSMercedes in Exeter as they claim to be merc specalists and familiy run but never used them before?

Cheers

 

[television]

Hello Bob, I do buy my bits from them, but have not used them for service, I am in Lyme Regis so its 25 miles either any way for me. There is another indie in Taunton, but I have been recomended to one in Poole or bournmouth, but I have misslaid the link, I will find it. Most things I try and do myself like brake pads,oil etc. With the 129 SL most was possible on a DIY basis, but this new 230 SL500 may be a little different, and I see now even with sensonic brakes, I can do those myself. Time will tell, where are you?

Malcolm

 

[englishbob]

Hi Malcolm

I live just outside Oakhampton so I am limited to which indies I could use -however if the ones in poole/bournmouth are that good then it may be worth the trip. I have familiy down that way so I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone I guess. I dont think the 220CDI is anywhere near as complex as your SL though.

I have just brought a set of DVD manuals for all Mercs from e-bay which should help with my servicing needs. My only problem (like most) is that I dont have the diagnostic kit should something go wrong in that direction.

Would be a great help if you could find the indie in Taunton

Cheers

 

[television]

Hello again, yes I will find that one in Taunton, several peopls said the Poole one was good. If ever you want any info on jobs that you may fancy trying, I can always send it to you. will post again later. If you have fault codes read by an indie, they can always be worked out if one knows what sytem read them.
Don't laugh but I am thinking of getting one.

Malcolm