S500 needs help!

[adam g]

Hi,

NEw to this forum but can be found lurking in the Esprit section so thought I'd drop in and get some help!

Just picked up a 92 s500 as a daily drive. Piced her up for pretty much nothing but she has 3 faults...

1) the heating fans do work a bit as when you adjust the fan speed you can feel a change in pressure but even on max there is almost no pressure.

3) the remote alarm does not seem to work. The car may have had a seperate imobilser fitted though as right now I have to use a little smart key and the socket for that is located just below the steering wheel

3) it judders a tiny bit under braking, may just be the pads.

Any ideas as to things I can try bearing in mind I am a technical idiot or any suggestions for someone to check it out for me at reasonable money in Harrow / North London area?

Not really a car I would tend to go for but I needed something while I am looking for a couple of other cars and the old girl just landed in my lap. Must admit, there is something kind of fun about the old girl, even if she is a little larger than Milton Keynes!

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

[steve-p]

adam g said:

Hi, NEw to this forum but can be found lurking in the Esprit section so thought I'd drop in and get some help! Just picked up a 92 s500 as a daily drive. Piced her up for pretty much nothing but she has 3 faults... 1) the heating fans do work a bit as when you adjust the fan speed you can feel a change in pressure but even on max there is almost no pressure. 3) the remote alarm does not seem to work. The car may have had a seperate imobilser fitted though as right now I have to use a little smart key and the socket for that is located just below the steering wheel 3) it judders a tiny bit under braking, may just be the pads. Any ideas as to things I can try bearing in mind I am a technical idiot or any suggestions for someone to check it out for me at reasonable money in Harrow / North London area? Not really a car I would tend to go for but I needed something while I am looking for a couple of other cars and the old girl just landed in my lap. Must admit, there is something kind of fun about the old girl, even if she is a little larger than Milton Keynes! Thanks for any advice you can offer.

You might want to find yourself a local specialist, as main dealer rates are generally high.

The heater fault could be any number of things, but a dealer or specialist might have an idea immediately if it's a known fault. The main problem with heater faults is that they can be in places which are difficult to access. It could be a motor for example, but having said that, it's possible there are two blower motors in an S class (like Jags etc) in which case it would be unlikely if they both failed. So it could be the control unit.

Juddering under braking is most likely that the front discs are warped, than any problem with the pads. Discs are not normally outrageously expensive but it is an S class! Both OEM and reproduction parts can be bought from places like ECP:

www.eurocarparts.com/

You definitely have a non-MB immobiliser by the sounds of it. The original alarm may have packed up, or it may have been bypassed when fitting the aftermarket immobiliser (presumably for insurance purposes).

Sorry I can't help with any specifics, but you should find yourself a specialist, or decide on a dealer who you will use. Then get them to look at the car.

[GregE240]

Adam, I don't know exactly where in London you are, but George Fraser is over towards Wembley (I think). He is one of the most respected indies in the trade, and well worth a trip over.

Have a look at: www.georgefrasergarage.co.uk/

Hope this helps. Welcome to the (occasionally expensive) world of MB ownership!

Cheers,
Greg

[adam g]

Hey Greg - I am about 20 mins from him so I shall give him a call now.

Thanks both for your help.

Not even sure if I am going to keep the car as I also think I am buying an XJR. Got this merc for an amazing low figure IMHO and so I might keep it, or I may sort out the problems and sell her on. She's actully a great car but I slightly prefer Jags on the whole. Have not decided yet. Anyway, want to get the old girl sorted first.

I'll give MB one thing though, they certainly know how to build a car well. The quality especially considering the age of the car is amazing!

Thanks for the help.

Cheers

A

[dazren]

1 - Pollen filter things may need replacing

2 - Sure it's not the remote battery needs changing? Also I know with my 96 S500 the infrared remote had a deifinite knack to it, requiring the remote to be adjacent to the glass and pointed towardss the rearview mirror.

3 - As mentioned, most likely the brake discs. Note new discs and pads cost me £303 inc fitting at my local MB dealer last year.

DAZ

(running costs for my 96 S500L are available by clicking on the car in my profile)

[adam g]

Daz - not the remote cos I changed the batts already. I also have tried it from less than an inch away from each sensor - one in each door and one on the boot.

Got a chap who will do the pads for me pretty cheap it is really just the heating thing.

What is this pollen filter thing? The car seems to have something called an active carbon filter which I can turn on but I have no idea at all what it does! Can that be the problem?

Thanks again!

[steve-p]

IIRC (my E320 also has switchable carbon filter) there are two separate filters. Needless to say, these filters are probabably one of the first things to be neglected once a car no longer visits the main dealer.

[adam g]

Would those filters restrict the air flow and is it something I can replace myself? How big a job is it and do you have any idea what the filters cost and what I should pay to have them done at an indie place. Checked the link above and left a message for them.

Loving this forum! Great to know there are so many friendly people happy to offer a little advice to a newbie owner.

[steve-p]

According to ECP they are £70-£90.

I found this which might help:

www.benzworld.org/gallery/showlink.asp?CatID=12267&parentID=34&subname=Pollen_filter_stuff&parentname=W140_S,SE,SEL,SEC_Class

It doesn't look too difficult, but neither is it a two minute job and probably best left to an expert if you aren't technical.

This might not be the problem, of course. I guess it could be tested by removing the old filter and seeing if the airflow improves though. Heater motors are £400 so keep your fingers crossed!