Beemers

[Vit4wd]

Just for your info, I caught up with a few freinds and one of them was telling me his 3 yr old 735i cannot reverse in reverse gear!!!

 

The car still moves forward. A dangerous problem.

 

Another friend was telling me about his Audi 80's overheating & air con problem.

 

Yet another friend told me that his brand new E200 failed to start within a week of delivery.

 

Fact or fiction?

 

Are conti cars in general still problematic. Is it 'cos of S'pore's hot and humid problem?

 

Are conti cars better suited for European climate?

[W210k]

Having owned a number of conti cars before, I can attribute them to a combination of things:

 

- Cars' design did not take into consideration our hot and humid climate.

Thus you get cars that overheat on long idling

Air-cond not cold enough, due to under-spec'd compressor duty or insufficient fan draft

(nothing to do with FREON pressure or top up required).

 

- Foam or polymer linings that disintegrate / breakdown with time ... due to our high humidity

Example: internal lining of air cond ducting

 

- Poor design and reliability of electricals / electronics

False alarms that can never be reset.

Some workshops just disconnect the alarms after repeated attempts in vain.

But that defeats the purpose.

[Vblaster_w211]

Actually, I've not had any big issues with W211 E200K. It's very reliable and overall reassuring to drive.

 

It's good if a model's been out for a while before buying. For e.g. my E200K had some odour from the aircon after a few months. But that problem is already well known to occur in humid areas. I simply dropped the car at C&C for a free change to the newly designed condensor coils that'll not trap moisture in humid areas (the lady service agent knew about the problem and suggested the free remedy immediately), and everything's fine after that.

 

Also did a firmware upgrade as well over the past yr. Also a free no questions asked Audio 20 HU change when the display became dimmed.

 

For all the usual complaints about dealer service, I'm quite pleased with my experience.

Edited January 30, 2006 by Vblaster_w211

[Vit4wd]

I suppose your W211 has yet to hit 3 yr and tehere's no need to send for inspection yet.

 

Soem friends told me that teh Merc & BMW front wheel alignment is toe in, and will not pass inspection. You have to go bk to C&C to reset to normal straight position in order to pass inspection.

 

Then after inspection, send back to reset back to toe in position.

 

I was told Merc needs to be in toe in position, as once at high speed, it will naturally toe out.

 

Any truth?

[Vblaster_w211]

Nope. No such thing

Edited January 30, 2006 by Vblaster_w211

[Black320]

I guess one man's meat is another poison

 

Touch wood, I have no problem with the ride yet.

 

 

Nevertheless the price difference is just too much to consider 325... Difference of 25K

Versus the 5 series , it only means to top up 5K more...

 

Nevertheless I agreed that the 325 and 330 are definately better rides without a doubt. the 320 is sluggish but still enjoyable.

[Vblaster_w211]

I know. Just like the Merc C350 - such a wonderful ride, but it's in the E Class price bracket with a rather high rd tax, so only enthusiasts will apply.

 

Seriously think our rd tax system is kinda crazy the way they penalise larger cc without thought on emission and fuel guzzler.

[Black320]

I guess they feel that Higher CC = more road space = more tax

Also higher CC = more money??

 

Wierd.

[Vblaster_w211]

Exactly, stupid reasoning. I prefer the CA way of taxation for cars, which impose a gas guzzler tax for those with monster consumption, and also a heavier tax if you don't meet their higher emission standards as you're polluting the environment more.

 

This way, those that come up with better engines that gives more power for less fuel will be rewarded, instead of just throwing gas into power.

[Jonnybravo]

hey vblaster,

 

where did u send ur car to change the heating coil ar? my aircon now smells like sheet and my servicing advisor tells mi the legendary answer "It's like that one..."

 

i'm really vvvv irritated by the smell... could u help mi out? maybe i oso bring to your SE so she can change for mi...

 

Jon

[Vblaster_w211]

It's the condenser coils. Look for the only young lady svc agent (I lost her name) at Leng Kee. The smell should be a bit like vinegar, which is an indication of mould building up. The smell is fleeting, and only lasts 2-3 sec upon switching on.

 

Also can refer to their Asst Manager - Customer Svc, Ms Joanne Chow.

Edited January 31, 2006 by Vblaster_w211

[Jonnybravo]

okok thanx!

 

Jon

[Porker]

You should have stuffed his f*cking face into the aircon compressor and tell him you didn't pay in excess of $240,000 for that kinda answer!

[Jonnybravo]

hahahah cannot la.... my muscles not big enuff.... wait he put my head between e bonnett and bang my head....hahahah

 

Jon

[Mivec9]

bravo

[Vblaster_w211]

Curious, which service centre did you go that actually told you "it's like that one..."

 

There're quite a bit of writeups, and corrective service procedures outlined for this problem. Usual steps include a thorough cleaning & spraying of demoulding agent. If the smell persists, then full coil change under warranty. At least, that's true for E Class prior to their change to the new coils for the newer batches.

 

Take note your car will be in for 2-3 days for this procedure, as they have to take apart the dash. Don't hurry them as I'll rather they do a good job. They did an excellent job for mine.

Edited January 31, 2006 by Vblaster_w211

[Assassin]

Bro,, the inline6 engine does sound lovely, esp when you rev it.

[Jonnybravo]

oh okok.... noted. thanx for e advice. i always go to the one at Ubi. I realized that Cycle n Carriage servicing is damn Freaking ex man.... compared to Performance motors. my uncle's 7 series is like 20,000km servicing interval & the servicing only costs about $400. Mine is at 10,000km interval and costs about $1500.... wtf man... this is crap lor...

 

Jon