Kyle's Risky Cheap Electric Mercedes B-Class Purchase Explained | Episode 194

[@nc3826]

Would love to see an Out of Spec repair channel. That documented procedures in EV repair shops. Particularly interested in the option of swapping oil, for the coolant in the electric motor? Since oil is much safer, but it is not as efficient, at cooling the motor.

[@johnpoldo8817]

Hey Kyle, while not asking QC Charge to divulge any trade secretes, we are still interested in how they diagnosed and repaired this electrical problem. Based on their stellar reputation, they probably have more EV troubleshooting knowledge than most MB dealerships. It wouldn’t surprise me if the problem only requires replacement of a $100 part, but costs thousands to diagnose.

[@nc3826]

Kyle the geeks in your audience, including me will be fascinated. However you proceed with this project. But my two cents on this matter is, lease it or lend it out and document living with its limited capacity, as a short range city commuter EV..... And concurrently document any QC charge, developed repair options. Until there is a SAE J3400 upgrade option.... And then you will hopefully document and upgrade both the DCFC capabilities and its battery pack capacity. While you keep reminding us that this EV is a potential Money Pit.

[@jimparr5412]

Pretty sure Mercedes will tell you to go pound sand if you ask them for money back on unneeded work done

[@johnpoldo8817]

Jim is 100% correct, so don’t waste time & effort asking MB service. They have so little experience working on this model that it’s like shooting in the dark.

[@jamespaul2587]

​@johnpoldo8817 it's worth trying for a refund, depending on what QC diagnostics uncover as it doesn't take a lot of time if you contact the right people at a more senior level than the MB shop or dealership. The shop's lack of knowledge and experience doesn't prevent one from seeking a remedy for improper repair work.

[@pierrenovak4971]

Hey Kyle! Great video! I believe your mission with these older EVS is extremely useful and important for our goal of a better world. On that note and since you mentioned the idea of purchasing an older Model S, I believe that would be extremely important as more and more come up for sale and are approaching the end of their useful life, caused by BMS_u029 error codes, or if you prefer, end of battery life and other electrical issues. By the way, I will be at CharIN Testival next week checking out Lincoln Electrics new DC Fast Charger, hope to see you there.

[@JP-sw5ho]

I love this video. Is this motor issue similar to the situation with used Audi etrons?

[@coalieroller5663]

no updates for 11 months, wonder if that has anything related to the change of ownership of QC charge.

[@rossr6616]

did you ever try a brand new 12V Battery? Many of us owners went through this with the Classic Rav4-EV'S; Battery measured fine, but ECU'S Balked at quality of 12V DC supply. New battery fixed errors. Worth a shot!

[@jawan21]

I have a 2015 model. I’ve had her for about three years now. I had the same issue. I took her to dealership and they needed more time to look over the vehicle. I ended up buying a BMW i3 because I was told I needed everything replaced. I ended up changing the 12 V battery as a last resort and it fixed the problem. She started charging again and all of the Messages on the dash are gone.

[@shawnjimerson9536]

So, what ever happened to this car?

[@rschneid1996]

There is a 2014 Mercedes B-class near me for sale (in Cincinnati, OH). This useful video came up while researching - thanks for posting ! Just as a PSA, many parts from Mercedes are wildly expensive !!

[@rsnakteten5587]

hi, i noticed you mentioned to buy it under $3k, what's the significance, or is there a dmv rule to it? thanks

[@camaro3097]

I bought a 2015 pre owned for 14k with 35,000 miles on it. Six months later and only 2k miles driven it’s been ok so far. But now I’m worried. I literally go 12 miles a day at 35 mph so I’m hoping it holds up for at least a more few years until I can pay it off. 😅

[@nc3826]

Suggest contacting automotive repair insurance companies.. To see if any of them offer a cost effective, policy for your make, model and year EV? Plus hopefully Kyle and QC will find some cost-effective repair options? Good luck, with your crapshoot of an EV ;)

[@nc3826]

FWIW. Particularly interested in the option of swapping oil, for the coolant in the electric motor. Since oil is much safer, but it is not as efficient, at cooling the motor.

[@coalieroller5663]

used to own a B250e, way too much hassle with that much problem with tiny bit of range. Moved on to an i3s REx with the 120AH battery, much happier. At least I can use the i3 as my only car without freaking out where to charge, if i want to.

[@Black-Villain]

Question for Kyle, maybe he'll reply to this comment lol. About your comment about the early i3 REx, what exactly are the problems with them? I test drove one a bit ago and love them and have been on the hunt for one. Im pretty mechanically competent, so minor stuff like the fuel system having problems, or etc doesnt borther me, but i might reconsider if theres some major issue with them like a 100% failure rate of the REx at X miles or something

[@danmobile]

Any updates?

[@norisolorio1357]

Any updates

[@norisolorio1357]

Did you? Finish repairing the vehicle.

[@BigGollum1]

so it is a ticking bomb

[@BigBenny24]

Don't buy one! 😢