Please Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[helljcat]

For the grand total of two weeks I have been the proud owner of a 2001 w208 320 CLK cab. Only 45K on the clock and a full merc service history.

However so far the following faults have appeared:-
CPS replaced
EC light staying on (managed to clear the fault code but worried will happen again)
Drivers memory seat lost all settings, reset and now remembers them

And the best bit.....went for drive today and a worrying noise (knocking noise) developed under hard acceleration (no loss of power). It is now noticeable on idle and appears to be coming from under the car in the area under the drivers seat.

Two questions you gurus maybe able to help out with:-
Is the knocking likely to be the cat?
As the car is under warranty I will give the garage a chance to fix, but losing confidence that more things wont go wrong.Thinking of asking for money back. From the above does it sounds like I have a case?

Many thanks for any help!

 

[carabind]

could be the cat or blowing from a joint - or maybe something else. You really need to get it to someone like a MB dealer or an indie who can check it over properly - (was this done pre purchase? ) and give you a quote to get it all properly done.
Then you go back and ask the seller (nicely) to get thework done or give you teh cash to get it done.. If he says no, then its the legal route.
I'd also try and track down the last owner and find why they sold it. I did that after a test drive once and when I was told he got shot coz of a dodgy autobox, I quickly walked away from that one.....

 

[AndrewIles]

I would get it checked over by a good reputable independent MB specialist.

If the result is a long & nasty list consider rejecting the car. I would suggest visiting Citizens Advice Bureau for further advice.

Was it bought from an MB dealer?

 

[helljcat]

Car bought from a non merc garage. Took it for long test drive, checked it over etc etc.

I can understand that the CPS and even the cat can be unlucky (ran perfect on long test drive etc). Had read these forums to get an understanding of common things to look for. All I need now is the MAF to go.....

Will speak to them tomorrow and tell them I am going to get the car checked over (at their cost) at a merc dealership. If a long list then its the old sales of goods act, legal route.

 

[AndrewIles]

I doubt if they would agree to the check being at their expense. (I would still get it done though!)

Do they know of the earlier problems and did they put them right/pay for the repairs?

If you wish to reject the car timing is important as well as the strength of your argument and how you respond (A solicitor's letter shows you are serious but will cost you!).

CAB will give you an idea if you have a case and will advise you of next steps.

 

[PanzerMcGrory]

I doubt if they would agree to the check being at their expense. (I would still get it done though!)

Do they know of the earlier problems and did they put them right/pay for the repairs?

If you wish to reject the car timing is important as well as the strength of your argument and how you respond (A solicitor's letter shows you are serious but will cost you!).

CAB will give you an idea if you have a case and will advise you of next steps.

Problem is in this country only the rich can afford a lawyer and the scum get them for nothing and Garages and everyone else is fully aware joe blogs isnt going to go through the courts pursuing something worth less than the bill from their lawyer and thats why we will always keep getting shat on.

 

[helljcat]

Andrew, thanks for the advice. So far the dealership have been good when a fault has appeared. The last two (seat and knocking noise) happened today. I have emailed them this evening and will speak to them tomorrow. Apparently they know a good merc indie 10 miles away (told me this when told them about EC light on Friday).
Dont really want to go down legal or money back route as the car is actually mint and looks superb, drives well etc etc.
Just really disappointed as just wanted to enjoy some quality motoring!

 

[AndrewIles]

Hope it works out.

Keep us posted!

 

[helljcat]

Will do. Hoping it all gets settled amicably i.e they fix it all! If they don't I will be contacting CAB, credit card company (you can get money back apparently) and also got legal cover on car insurance so will have a word with them.

 

[helljcat]

update:- its one of the cats making the noise. Garage is going to fix under warranty which is the good news. Also spoken to Mercedes and they don't really see an issue with an after market one but did say would make the exhaust note a bit raspier...I think any profit margin for the garage has gone up in smoke so that makes me feel better!

 

[television]

Nice to have some good news,,there are lots of very good after market CATs

 

[helljcat]

Thanks Malcolm. RAC looked at it then took to ATS, did a kick test and sure enough you could hear it rattling around. I could hear the blood drain from the sellers face as i spoke to him on the phone, he knows its not a cheap job. My main concern now is if one goes is the other on the way out........its a 2001 with only 45K on the clock. First time I have spent £8.5k on a car so been frustrating so far.
Had a 190E for 8 years and that only needed a dist cap replacing!

 

[AndrewIles]

Good result!

 

[helljcat]

Thanks Andrew