dldb
Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2022
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- Your Mercedes
- CL500 (C216) 2009 107K miles 5.5l V8
I've just replaced my starter with a second hand Bosch at £30. I didn't want a new one even at £85 as they all seem to be made in China and the Chinese alternator which the last owner fitted lasted only 19K miles. I tried replacing the reg on it and the Chinese screws were chocolate.
Part number for the original Bosch was 0001107459 (460), Mercedes A0061516001.
It is probably the easiest job I have done, much easier than replacing the alternator. The hardest bits were getting the car up on my car ramps (using a jack), without having the benefit of the hydraulic suspension raising, and removing the 2 underfloor panels and their 20 bolts. After that it was just 2 bolts and 2 nuts and the starter came out easily. I understand that the USA CL500/CL550s with 4WD are more complicated to remove.
Now I am surprised how fast the new (second hand) starter is compared to the old one. I do remember saying, when I bought the car, that the battery may be going as the starter seemed slow. The seller told me it was due to the engine being a V8 (I am used to a V6) and that seemed to make some sense especially as the battery tested (and is) 100%. Anyway 7K miles after purchase, at 114K miles, the starter remained slow but worked until one day it didn't and I had to have the car recovered. The starter took amps but did nothing apart from get warm. No warnings apart from the slowness for 2 years.
Upon inspection the starter brushes were knackered having worn right down and 2 of the 4 had disintegrated completely. An easy repair except that I don't know what caused it (possibly a worn bush) and I already had a replacement with good length brushes.
I've never had a starter motor fail in any other car. I note that the exact same part number is used on the V6 M272 engines where it would have an easier life, maybe it is underpowered for the V8.
Part number for the original Bosch was 0001107459 (460), Mercedes A0061516001.
It is probably the easiest job I have done, much easier than replacing the alternator. The hardest bits were getting the car up on my car ramps (using a jack), without having the benefit of the hydraulic suspension raising, and removing the 2 underfloor panels and their 20 bolts. After that it was just 2 bolts and 2 nuts and the starter came out easily. I understand that the USA CL500/CL550s with 4WD are more complicated to remove.
Now I am surprised how fast the new (second hand) starter is compared to the old one. I do remember saying, when I bought the car, that the battery may be going as the starter seemed slow. The seller told me it was due to the engine being a V8 (I am used to a V6) and that seemed to make some sense especially as the battery tested (and is) 100%. Anyway 7K miles after purchase, at 114K miles, the starter remained slow but worked until one day it didn't and I had to have the car recovered. The starter took amps but did nothing apart from get warm. No warnings apart from the slowness for 2 years.
Upon inspection the starter brushes were knackered having worn right down and 2 of the 4 had disintegrated completely. An easy repair except that I don't know what caused it (possibly a worn bush) and I already had a replacement with good length brushes.
I've never had a starter motor fail in any other car. I note that the exact same part number is used on the V6 M272 engines where it would have an easier life, maybe it is underpowered for the V8.
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