Sprinter 616CDi & Essex/Cambs workshops

Sprinter 616CDi & Essex/Cambs workshops

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Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,238 posts

175 months

Monday 4th June 2018
quotequote all
Hi guys,

Need a bit of help if you don't mind....

I have a 2005 Mercedes W905 616CDI based motorhome. It's the lovely 5-cylinder 2.7 with the full Autobox (not sprintshift) and air handbrake. Last week it spectacularly went into limp mode on the way back from a trip and was recovered to S&B Commercials in Stansted.

The dashboard lit up with ABS, ASR, EDC, alternator lights on the dashboard. With no prior warning of an issue.

I suspected it to be an electrical issue as I know from previous experiences with a 416CDI that they're sensitive to loose connections or low voltages. I had the recovery guys check the alternator and it was knocking out 13.2V. I understand these should be chucking out 14.5v, so that is quite a low reading. I've also noticed that the fridge, when running on DC, wasn't getting too cold, so I'd also wonder if this is a sign of a weak alternator.

The thing is, S&B reckon that the problem lies with a hydraulic (brake) controller which is at fault, even though they have told me that the diagnostics has thrown up a low voltage warning. They have quoted 2k for the replacement part only - plus VAT, plus god knows how much labour.

I think I'm being diddled and want the vehicle going elsewhere. I'll need to get it recovered at my own cost, so only want to do it once.

Can anyone recommend a reliable Mercedes specialist who deals with trucks? I have previously used AllKlasse Autos in Bishops Stortford who are brilliant with Mercedes, but their workshop is too small for this van. The van is 9m long and 6t MGW.

I am based in Saffron Walden so will travel to South Cambs, North Essex or even East Herts.

Help really gratefully appreciated. TIA

Edited by Spuffington on Monday 4th June 10:46