Really, $4K to fix the locks! How can the CAR WIZARD charge SOOO much to fix this '05 CL55 AMG?!?

We all know repairing German made cars can be very expensive, but how can the CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ charge $4,000 to fix this customer's 2005 Mercedes CL55 AMG locks?!?
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[@1boss1]

As an Audi tech I am glad wizard shares the frustration that occurs with repairs like these. It is the nature of the situation and its very hard sometimes for customers to be understanding of that. Thank you for continuously bringing these car issues to light Wizard! Thank you Mike for your excellent skillmenship!

[@GhostV8]

Have and old S3 with vacuum operated locks as well. 99 model.

[@enlightenedg3843]

How did you become an Audi tech?

[@1boss1]

@enlightenedg3843 got the opportunity as a young tech to join their FastTrack program. Intense program. Understandable, as these German cars have very complex computer and mechanical systems. Worth the hardwork

[@rick980]

Just what is the purpose of triple square bolts? Like isn't Torx enough?

[@1boss1]

@@rick980 elaborate a bit if you would please

[@richardgreene3460]

I found my leak by simply connecting my vacuum pump to each line at the pump! I bought a used pump at my local salvage yard for $45.00! With the leak fixed, my used pump has been working perfectly for 7 years!

[@GrayRaceCat]

I came here to say the same. A Mityvac MV8500 hand pump can produce sufficient vacuum or pressure to test the actuators and hoses. I've used one for years.

[@PCgamer923]

You sure knew how to pick great mechanics out to work at your shop, wish I had a similar shop near me.

[@Rekuzan]

Ignoring the need for professional help and occasional bouts of random stupid... Then again, that's pretty much every decent mechanitech out there.

[@mrblack6467]

Need a Wizard satellite shop in upstate NY!

[@macgroober1396]

@@mrblack6467 Not sure how far from you it is, but South Main Auto in Avoca is top notch. They have a YT channel.

[@benminor5562]

@@macgroober1396 'cept Eric doesn't do German cars.

[@mefobills279]

@@Rekuzan I think magic Mike moved to be with the Wizard.

[@kolinstallman3788]

200 bucks from a junkyard, pulled and shipped for a pse pump, coated the trunk mechanism with JB plasti weld, because thats what always fails first. Took me 40 minutes total. Good as new working 2 years in -40-+40c temps.

[@MarkGeraghty]

On my SL55 I replaced the PSE pump and I fixed the boot (trunk) lock vacuum leak with epoxy glue. No more problems. The pump was running constantly due to a fault in the pump, not due to the vacuum leak. Basically if the pump senses a leak in a circuit, it will turn off that circuit. So, replacing the PSE pump might just fix the problem.

[@Derek-xr3uq]

I feel Wizard of old would have spent 30 minutes to remove and dig into that pump to find it was likely just the impeller vanes cracked and failed, stopping the pump. A $25 aftermarket part that breaks on all of these PSE equipped Benzes. Guess it just isn’t worth the time, but would make for a better wizardry story!

[@jd9119]

If I had a nice car like that, I wouldn't want some jerry-rigged pump controlling that all. I'd rather spend the money and get it done right.

[@GrayRaceCat]

@@jd9119 How is it Jerry-rigged if you use the correct aftermarket part to repair the pump? There WILL come a time when aftermarket will be all that is available, what then?

[@frostyab7579]

@@jd9119 it's a known problem and the aftermarket replacement parts for the vacuum pump are better than original MB stuff

[@bricksquad5079]

I fixed mine all by myself on my W220 with used PSE Pump, it matched the number on my old one so i didn't need to program the new part ,it cost me 90$ and around 45 minutes! W215 and W220 are identical before everyone starts to hate.

[@yeahnoway111]

You should make sure nothing is leaking though! So the pump wont die again.

[@SavedbyHim]

Wait, so it didn't cost you 4000 dollars?!

[@yeahnoway111]

@@SavedbyHim Obviously if you do the work yourself.. its free. And used parts are much cheaper than new parts.

[@Ummmmmkay88]

How long has it been working since you fixed it? I’m thinking of doing the same repair, do you have a link to anymore info. Thanks!

[@Ummmmmkay88]

@@yeahnoway111 I heard the pump burns out when this car sits to long with a dead battery.

[@quaddad]

Once upon a time, using a key to open a car door or trunk was normal. LOL

[@2bunphettered788]

😄😄😄👍

[@allenlenz9412]

Are you saying that cars like this and newer cars are abnormal? LOL

[@man_on_wheelz]

Oh man, when I worked as a porter at a dealership, I got the opportunity to drive and regularly clean one of these cars because it sat on our lot for a while as a used car. The one I drove was all black inside and out. Photos and videos somehow just don't do this car justice. That interior was among the most beautiful I'd seen at the time, chrome in all the right places, the way the doors are hinged, the B pillar delete, oh how I wish I could've afforded that car at the time... but of course... I was merely a dealership porter.

[@dingdong2103]

This was also my favorite interior for years. I got the poor mans version, CLK500 for a few years :) But the seats, dash etc are just so cool looking in the CL.

[@rebelusa6585]

The word i wish i could afford a mercedes, so true. But life are full of injustice, what are you going to do.

[@dingdong2103]

@@rebelusa6585 One thing I've learned is that anything is possible in life if you really want it and are willing to work for it.

[@dingdong2103]

@@rebelusa6585 Nowadays if your life sucks, one option to get rich is to film it on KZbin and get rich out of it :)

[@man_on_wheelz]

@@rebelusa6585 Yeah, for me it all came full circle actually. I worked at a Lincoln dealership driving brand new Lincolns all day every day, just knowing I could probably never afford any of these cars. Still can't afford a brand new Lincoln without breaking the bank today, but I do own one of the very Lincolns I drove brand new at the time thinking there was no way I would ever be able to afford one, even used lol. And even with high miles, it actually felt and drove just like I remembered them when they were new, and the car I got is equipped almost exactly like I would've gotten it if I had the choice when new.

[@chippo69au]

I had the same issue with my W210, I found a wrecked car and put that pump into my car; worked a treat. Just make sure you take a picture of the lines before you remove them and replace it. Also, Stiffler's mum drove one of these.

[@DoctorTauri]

Super easy fix. I went to a U Pull yard and paid $25 for the entire unit

[@ahmadshakeeldulmar1554]

You've nailed it!

[@SavedbyHim]

I wanted one of these but settled for a CLK. No vacuum locks, no SBC and no hydraulic suspension. Still very happy with mine!

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

CLK is the best choice for reliability and low costs.

[@revinot]

And at some angles the CLK looks very similar to the CL, esp from the side

[@alasdairhompstead7950]

A dollar wages that it's the trunk lock line where it runs from the body to trunk lid. I would also wager that if you remove/refit the pump fuse under the rear seat in the rear BCM, everything will work two/three times and allow you to trace any leaks. Also don't forget that much of the system is positive pressure as well as vacuum using the same lines.

[@alasdairhompstead7950]

I would also add that you can run vacuum/pressure directly to each line in turn to function test each component. Actual hands on diagnosis takes about an hour and initially only requires pulling the trunk carpet panel and pump manifolds which simply unplug. Pulling each line in turn is asking to break a fitting. If the pump runs, then the chances are it is sound. The system is designed to protect the pump by timing it out if a leak occurs until it is manually reset, which gives the illusion of it not working.

[@jakebarnes9018]

I’ll add that based on my experience with my S600 other common failure points are the lines that feed into the doors, and the trunk latch itself.

[@jordanh3866]

you sound familiar with these systems, I have an issue on my 01' s class with the locks not unlocking. It seems as if they are weak. They lock/unlock fine when the car is driving. But central locking doesn't function properly and same with using the fob. Any ideas? PSE pump just weak?

[@alasdairhompstead7950]

@@jordanh3866 Where abouts are you? It sounds like it is an ambient temperature issue if things start working when the car is being used.

[@alasdairhompstead7950]

kzbin.info8w7Z7bWtMiI?feature=share

[@petere3015]

Back in September 2008 I purchased a 2001 V12 CL600 Palm Springs car with 92,500 miles for $16,500, in "decent" condition and shipped it to Kuwait, where a new job was waiting for me. I was well aware that this car was going to give me a few monster headaches, but having worked previously in Kuwait 20 years before, I knew that there was an enormous number of independent mechanics with the know-how to fix any Mercedes without having to step foot at the local dealership. Sure enough, a month after I was driving it in Kuwait the engine developed a major oil leak, like 1 quart every 30 miles! The local mechanic where I had initially serviced the car brought over from the dealership their top engine mechanic (an Indian) to moonlight at his shop. Cost me KD 1500 ($5000) but it was fixed. What was wrong with it? They couldn't explain to me in English, it was not the rear main seal, but one of those nights while my car was being fixed I visited the shop and to my horror saw my car's engine's cylinder heads on the floor, along with everything including the intake manifold, runners, fuel injection, water pump, everything on the garage floor as well... and the master mechanic was putting it all back together with his eyes closed, like paint by numbers, like a maestro pianist playing a Mendelsohn overture without looking at the notes! I only wish I had taken a picture! Two days later I got the car back and for the next 5 years it served me quite well without any more engine issues... Electrical problems that cropped up were also fixed at an independent electrician who specialized in Mercedes and BMWs... no big ticket repair bills here either. But, had I used the car in California I would have definitely gotten rid of it immediately. The CL600 was in a class of its own, super fast, super smooth and super comfortable. Did I mention the local Mercedes dealership charged $1000 just to open a file for a car that was not purchased at his dealership, and for the privilege of allowing your car to be serviced by an official Mercedes certified mechanic, gouging Mercedes dealership official repair prices! That same oil leak repair would probably cost me triple if not more had agreed to open an official file for the car! Probably the same mechanic would have worked on it!

[@shekharmoona544]

Louis Rossman would probably love to talk to you.

[@maxmiddleton7427]

The leak was the oil cooler seal. It lives in the center of the V. It can't be removed with the heads on.

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Bring back the window hand crank

[@dabay200]

can we see a teardown of the failed part - to see what went wrong?

[@emiliobruh7485]

Probably some old brittle plastic that just gave out. I have a similar problem on m CL55 as the driver side soft close doors don't work...

[@RandallJT84]

You're an honest, and smart-thorough mechanic. We need more types like you out there, Wizard! All the best in 2023! Keep enjoying your V12 XJ

[@spicydogsoup]

Car Wizard hit the jackpot lol

[@ciAMkia]

I have this very car in the 2003 vintage. I love my car like no other car I've ever owned, and I've owned so many. Porsche, BMW, Saab, Volvo, and other Mercedes. But the CL 55 AMG is the best I've ever owned. Thank you, Wizard, for your diligence, honesty, and great hires!

[@tenzinsmith7991]

They truly are amazing and under-appreciated vehicles. I have an ‘03 as well and agree wholeheartedly.

[@bobhrdlicka7762]

Hey I just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos and I try to watch every single one as soon as you post them. I'm not a mechanic nor am I mechanically inclined, in fact I'm pretty much mechanically reclined lol. I used to watch another channel on KZbin but the guy was way too hyper active and it seems like every other video he posted was "click bait". I like the fact that you title your videos exactly what they are no exaggerated "click bait" titles. They are very informative and entertaining. I spend most of my days watching KZbin videos since I became disabled 4 years ago due to a spinal injury. I used to be a truck driver for over 31 years and I do have an interest in cars but like I said I'm mechanically reclined lol. Thank you car wizard and Mrs. Wizard and Magic Mike and your occasional guest Hoovie for keeping me entertained and passing time. I am subscribed to your channel and to Hovie's channel too. Thanks again and hopefully you'll have some more bus videos soon 🙂

[@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522]

"...the guy was way too hyper active and it seems like every other video he posted was "click bait" Now THERE'S a description of Scotty Kilmer if I ever heard one...

[@bobhrdlicka7762]

@@laveritesurlestemoinsdejeh8522 I didn't want to mention his name but yeah, he just over does the click bait. He should just stick to passing along useful information instead of lying to get people to click. I don't click on his anymore. However when I click on the car wizard I can click on the like button before the main video even starts because I know it's not click bait and the video matches the description. I hate being lied to and tricked into doing something that's why I no longer watch the other guys videos.

[@James-ol6rw]

Wow, repair costs on these beautiful Mercedes can be crippling!

[@paul5683]

They are beautiful but after a 100,000 miles they are not worth much for just this reason. One little niggle and you're going to have to spend a small fortune to get it fixed.

[@Kryptic1046]

@@paul5683 - Yep, that's why they say nothing's more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

[@uzzle21]

@@paul5683 not really true

[@schnellerkerl5038]

In 2007 I found one like this. Really nice. Low miles. The salesman actually talked me out of it -He showed me all the "Soft Close " accessories and told me how $$$$$ they were to fix. He helped me find another vehicle. A very reputable sales guy. I'm forever indebted.

[@alannewsome1729]

Yeah my mother had a 1984 300D turbo diesel and I use to hate those vacuum locks. I can’t believe even in that year they were still using that technology.

[@berndm9743]

If I owned that car and before I purchased that $1000 pump assembly, I would at least attempt to dismantle that vacuum pump device and see if it could somehow be rebuilt. I always say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. especially since it is already as dead as it is going to get.

[@unstablebobgable]

The Car Wizards has the coolest walk on KZbin! I'd love to see a continuous loop video of him just waddling around on his stubby little legs with Pantera's WALK as the background music.

[@orkoto6057]

Hey man hope youll get it someday, it doesnt cease to amaze me to read this everytime I read the comments lol Maybe walking around a eighties transam?

[@xoxo2008oxox]

FYI-That car was $120K new, back in the day (now going on 18 years ago).

[@johnny-z]

You can get a pump and impeller for about $120 on ebay.

[@JS-1983]

I had 1987 Audi 100 (5000 in USA) and it had also vacuum central-lock. It also burnt the pump which was located under rear-seat, smell was awful and pump was very hot, maybe it could burn the whole car... It had also drained the battery. Used pump wasn't expensive for that car, maybe 20€/$, but that was ~15 years ago...

[@jayhkjay]

Owner of a 2002 s500l with the same system. PSE is a bit of a nightmare. I have a STAR clone so can do the programming myself. Managed to successfully reactivate the rear headrest release (required dismantling half the interior to install new actuators and lines, followed by turning back on the functionality with star) and repair a leak in the hose to the drivers door. So far the pump has survived, but it acts up occasionally- and soft close fails. Fingers crossed.

[@Shadobanned4life]

I appreciate all of your informative videos! Your cheerful demeanor is contagious,Thank You for brightening a rainy day !🌞

[@Anne6621]

i feel bad for Mr Wizard because so many rotten to the core auto repair shops have left the vast majority of car owners not trusting mechanics as far as they can throw them , i knew an auto shop that told a customer they needed a new transmission and all they did was steam clean the old one while it was still in the car and painted it

[@daveanaru3038]

Those slimy mechanics and car dealers have created an awesome opportunity for Mr Wizard or Scotty. People just want to hear a mechanic that tells the truth.

[@michaelbaka4777]

I have an '05 MB SL500. My power trunk pulldown doesn't work, hasn't since I got her four and a half years ago. ALL other vacuum or pressure operated items work great. I had my mechanic look at it when I first bought her, he told me he can get it to work once or twice, then it stops working. He's a great wrench, but body and accessory work ain't his forte. BUT!!! He never explained it to me like this video does. I may do the grunt work and see if there's a line leak. I love this channel for these kind of videos, SOOO helpful!! Thanks!

[@marrisgroup301]

Come to Eastern Europe, we can fix it for 100€

[@houseofno]

Don't forget the car has to be shipped both ways and that's going to cost a LOT more than the price you're quoting. Let's not pile on.

[@2mo2time]

Thats where they kidnapp ppl lol

[@elmayimbe5094]

I'll pay for your round trip ticket LOL.

[@NenadTrajkovic]

Sometimes I see American car mechanics more like parts assemblers than mechanics...

[@01Bouwhuis]

You also take it for a 100......

[@donaldwest8130]

Unmatched? Indeed... you won't find an Asian car/Toyota that runs up a repair bill like a Mercedes or BMW. While the engineering of German cars is often cutting edge, I'd never own one outside of the factory warranty period. Excellent content Wizard.

[@uzzle21]

nobody wants that

[@hethaerto1]

How about just use a regular handheld vacuum pump to check each line going to the pump and see which unit will not hold pressure.

[@majist0]

Doesn’t matter, pump still broken. Replacing the pump and then being able to tell in 2 minutes where the problem is saves countless hours wasted on manual pumping and removing lines. Time is money.

[@hethaerto1]

@@majist0 good point.

[@jd9119]

@@majist0 Yeah, but then you'll know what is wrong. As a customer, I'd rather pay a couple hours of shop labor to find out that it's going to cost $6k to fix the problem rather than dropping $1-2k in it to find out it's going to be another $4 or 5 grand.

[@GrayRaceCat]

@allen walker, Exactly, a Mityvac MV8500 and an hour (or two) in labor, and you would have your answer. There's likely to be more wrong, it's a system with 18 y/o plastic and rubber parts, so why spend 1-2 grand just to test?

[@JaredJanhsen]

Older Mercedes definitely leveraged vacuum actuated all the things. My grandfather had a Diesel Mercedes in the 70's. Among its other problems, one was a leaky vacuum system. The fuel cut-off for the engine was vacuum actuated when you turned the key off. When that vacuum system fails the engine doesn't stop when you turn off the switch. Rather than fix that vacuum system, my grandfather installed a John Deere engine-stop cable and rigged it in place of the vacuum actuator. He got the part from his brothers' Deere dealership. My grandfather went back to Fords after that.

[@burntnougat5341]

Older Audis are the same way. They use vacuum operated door locks

[@malibuman8941]

Poor design on mercedes end

[@stevengreco8961]

Car Wizard,Magic Mike, Mrs. Car Wizard Hoovie’s Garage, Uroasian Bob are the best KZbinrs ever.

[@mrblack6467]

Here’s a tip: Once a German car is out of warranty,sell it. This coming from a former BMW 7-series owner.

[@malibuman8941]

Tip2. Do want Scotty Kilmer would do.

[@patterisepi]

Too bad the germans have so short warranties.

[@windronner1]

I am so impressed with the condition of such a unique AMG that has such a great mileage on it. It’s worth the fix, once you know the tricks 🎉

[@RussellBonjornoJr]

Wait until it needs the ABC suspension repaired! (To fix it, you need A Bag of 💰 Cash-hence: A B C!)😆

[@paul5683]

Any of these old mercedes, and they don't really handle that well. They just weigh so much.

[@Firestorm637]

MB has forever roadside assistance. They have replaced batteries for me free if problems while traveling out of warranty. They take great care of customers long after the sale and warranty

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

They don't want ANY MB standing bonnet up at the side of the freeway advertising "Yes; it did break down...again"

[@hamsterbrigade]

German engineering at it's best.

[@Val-mm5gd]

Car wizard is all about the money 😂😂😂

[@Firestorm637]

The CL were over $100,000 so nothing is $100 to fix, always $1000’s

[@rick980]

Magic Mike must be worth his weight in gold! These cars are engineered to go back to the dealer all the time!

[@daveanaru3038]

Definitely. I knew a person who had a late model 5 series BMW. He got sick of the $1200 service bills, and the lame excuses he was given for such ridiculous prices. He drives a Toyota now.

[@wangonguy62]

If you ever get a clean W209 CLK through the shop I'd love to see it on the channel. Recently picked up a 03 CLK500 and despite having to replace the transmission I love the car. Luckily I'm a fellow tech so I was able to do the work myself and understand with these kinds of cars sometimes you have to pay to play. Hopefully we get a quick update on this one and the full list of repairs that was needed.

[@markotarma]

Out of the luxury mercs this era CL is maybe my favourite. But there's a reason they seem like a great deal used. Before prices took a hike, you could get a black cl55 for €5k. Because they're €10k per year to own.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Bingo

[@user-rd3ou5ev6o]

Bruh I own a CLK200. It's by no means cheap, but it's more like one thousand dollars a year to own, with hikes of up to 2k when something breaks because mercedes parts are expensive as fuck.

[@tenzinsmith7991]

@@user-rd3ou5ev6oCLK vs CL is quite a difference. This car has more computers in it than Silicon Valley

[@user-rd3ou5ev6o]

@@tenzinsmith7991 Yeah my point is that this car is a money pit even when ur talking about older models, can't imagine new ones. Also the car is just uncomfortable as f*ck, nothing luxury about a coupe. As someone who's had a CLK 200 for like twenty years now, I can confirm the car is a piece of sht. Uncomfortable as hell, expensive, heavy, gas guzzler. Yes it's a mercedes and if you take care of it it will last forever, but that care is expensive. Buy a four-door honda and be done with it.

[@RogerM88]

The vacuum operated locking mechanism from 90's Mercedes-Benz could be tedious to troubleshooting and repair. Knowing what I know now, I would only buy one with the system still operational, or simply avoiding it for a gen with electronic actuators.

[@charlesleist552]

I drove a 97 E420 for years, I just never locked the doors 😂

[@sunsixizzy]

@@charlesleist552 I had a A160, the air pump got bad because there is a chronic problem of water getting in the compartment

[@kolinstallman3788]

200 bucks from a junkyard, pulled and shipped for a pse pump, coated the trunk mechanism with JB plasti weld, because thats what always fails first. Took me 40 minutes total. Good as new working 2 years in -40 temps.

[@kingd3001]

@@kolinstallman3788 cool idea

[@Mortalomena]

But they are quite bulletproof systems, overall less problems than electric systems. But when it goes bad it can be tedious since no shop today except maybe the dealer has any clue how to fix. Ofcourse these seat bladder systems are stupid and should be avoided, if the system only operates doors/locks its quite reliable.

[@a73capri]

The buttons for shifting on the back of the steering wheel were normal on early 2000's AMG's & sporty Mercedes models. Mercedes shifted to the paddles around 2005 to 07 depending on the car model. My '07 SL55 has a soft close trunk that has its own pump. A new pump cost me around $200 to replace. I was able to do the repair myself.

[@pclayton5063]

I had a really nice 1977 Mercedes 450SEL years ago that had the vacuum door locks. When I bought it, I noticed there was a golf tee stuck in a line near the latch in the trunk. I assumed a leak somewhere since I had to use the key to unlock the trunk. All the door locks worked fine so I just left it alone and never had any other trouble with the system.

[@DirtyMac5151]

Thank you for this video, it's only two years to late in my case. The number one rule to wanting a supercar basically, is you either need the experience or the scratch to fix em when they break. We are not talking peanuts, I could have bought and sold a few cars for what I paid and was quoted to fix it later. It happened two days after the warranty expired. You ask extended warranty? I say yup but read your fine print! The company was/is reputable so long story, I lose 20K.

[@desertwindauh]

The investigative methodology you and Magic Mike apply and then explain is what is so badly missed by most if not all service providers in the automotive sector. This video link will go into my reference video library as a diagnostic method that I can share as and when I get a W204 CL for any such problem in the future. Thanks.

[@jeffersonhenault7444]

That was awesome. Love seeing the inside infonon things like this.

[@animalpants]

Always a pleasure to watch your informative videos.

[@captainmorgan7386]

Great topic, I have the same car and the same problems except it's intermittent. I love this model it drives so nice with the hydraulic suspension system.

[@xziang]

Always loved these too, nice touch with curved gas cap. Mercedes just SCARE me due to maintenance. Almost bought a GL320 diesel but parts maintennce just way to much $$.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

I was pumped to learn of your troubleshooting plan

[@FastX14XE]

I've had one of these in the shop with the wipers/washers not working, found that with the key in the ignition the ezs would not give a T15 to the Front SAM but the wipers/washers would work if you started the vehicle with the keyless go button on the gear leaver.. needed a new EZS. Good shout with a smoke machine and a mini vac to try narrow down the leak if you've got a long time before the PSE pump arrives.

[@frog7118]

Love the 'Hard Top' profile. 03's and 04's run between $13K and $18K, a bargain compared to new price, but repair prices are scary.

[@talosiv4927]

These are truly gorgeous cars. I've always loved them. That said, I've owned several other Mercedes of that era, and only by luck, did mine never have any issues with the vacuum actuator systems.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

My W220 4Matic has 200k kms and no issues with the 20 yr old vacuum system. I've only had it for 5 yrs, so maybe the previous owner had issues, but I've had no major problems with the entire car for the past 5 yrs. One secondary air pump, $50 used, 10 min install. Two burned out LEDs in the door panels, DIY fix for $5, two relays, $4 each, Idler pulley, $20, DIY replacement.

[@twilson1973]

Nice video, nice job on diagnosing the problem. Nice car. The C215’s styling is timeless.

[@Aroehr0095]

Wizard! Love the content that you and your guys dedicate time to!! I wanted to ask a question. Could you smoke test that system to find your potential leak?? Keep up the content, and stay safe.

[@lutomson3496]

you can do a leak down test on each of those lines without the pump each at a time

[@pablopicaro7649]

mightvac he was using as gauge can do that

[@ic1815]

Once again so happy mine has already had this fixed lol, so many horror stories on the W220/C215 groups. “You have to spend the money, to know how much more money you need to spend.” - every Mercedes service centre Couple things. Seat system usually doesn’t fail at the bladders - it’s usually the brittle old lines. My bolsters failed and the dealership snipped the offending line down and it now works perfectly again and has for over a year now. Two, not a fan of telling people to code out issues which are actually simple fixes like the multicontour seats. I do however agree with you saying that these cars are superior. It’s why I keep my S Class going and it’s why the owner of this CL keeps it going.

[@geni2shoes889]

I have an 03 s55 w220 and my driver side left bolster stopped working. How much did the dealer charge you?

[@ic1815]

@@geni2shoes889 they didn’t. It took them all of ten minutes to do the entire thing - remove seat back cover, find line, snip down offending piece, reattach, replace seat back. This being said I was also there for other work so that could be why they didn’t charge me.

[@geni2shoes889]

@IC Damm but you have to know which line is for which huh

[@Nickword1]

This is why I have a Toyota and a Mercedes you know.. You use your Toyota as a daily driver for work and groceries shopping. Then you use your Mercedes on the weekends for cruising and looking cool. So you keep the Mercedes miles low and in good condition by keeping up with the services on it when needed. But have some money saved on the side to fix it just in case it ever runs into a major problem like the car in this video has. I drive a 1994 Mercedes s320 and luckily i haven't had no major issues with it so far and I have owned it for 2 years already. If your driving your Mercedes everyday and not maintaining it or keeping up with the services then eventually it's gunna run into some really expensive problems!

[@moonshinefuel]

From San Diego, to Kansas. Good for you Mike.

[@theyunglos]

Right on Time Wizard

[@v12kid]

I had one and sold it and now have seller remorse. They truly are amazing cars. There is a cost associated with older German cars but you should know that going into it.

[@1983dmd]

True, specially with new car prices !!!

[@danmiku1]

It’s great to see how well Mr & Mrs Wizard are doing. This proves that using your brain and working hard equals success. A little luck like Hoovie also helps.

[@vamosaltemacongabrielmende3965]

Saw a Mercedes today with a lot of “surface rust”, and remembered your words about those “specials”.

[@jm2529]

What video? Or what did he say about it?

[@sunnyskiesblue]

This is just the beginning of continuous repairs.

[@pablopicaro7649]

1:07 Freight Trains blowing horn, like WatchJRgo old shop

[@djdev3077]

I remember old 80's&90 vw jetta using a system like this back in the days,the door lock were activated by vacuum.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

IIRC the 1960's Grosser Mercedes 600 had hydraulic actuators....everywhere...

[@Kevin19700]

As a 2007 CLS-550 owner I can tell you the thought crosses my mind once in awhile of just when something like this is going to break. Thanks for this most informative vid.

[@envisionelectronics]

It was cheaper to install aftermarket keyless entry locks back in the late 1990s. I’m sure that’s still true.

[@naj_z]

Than you can still not adjust the seats and all that lol

[@omostim2385]

I was thinking the same thing. I have a similar car with a similar problem and that’s an option I’m considering

[@naj_z]

@@omostim2385 how would you adjust the seats then?

[@omostim2385]

@@naj_z The seats in my car are electric and move just fine. I have those vacuum lumbar adjustments too but they never worked in the 3years I’ve had the car so I don’t miss that feature. It’s still the most comfy seat I’ve ever had in a car

[@naj_z]

@@omostim2385 ahh okay.

[@Bizija123]

Yep, my dad has an 01 S430 and basically all the pneumatic soft close and some lock actuators are broken. The locks themselves leak. PSE pump is good. But replacing those locks, especially the front doors are a major pain and expensive, hard to find. In the meantime everything breaks while taking the door panels off. LOL.

[@kevinmcdonald2286]

Thanks for the info, one of my favorite cars of all time, still want one!

[@tim3172]

I once spent $1200 to fix the power locks and trunk release on a Focus. The Focus was 20k new. This car was 120k+ new. As with almost any repair you multiply the price you'd expect by the "luxury ratio" to get the cost to repair. If, anything 4k is a bargain.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

I once apent $40 for the part only to completely DIY replace the driver's side door lock on a 2001 Mazda Demio. The part was marked with a Ford part number (for an Escort).....

[@privateer0561]

You work in a Mercedes-Benz dealership, don't you?

[@wilfredovelez9399]

I had a S55 01 and it happened the same… turned out it was a blown fuse behind the passenger seat.

[@uasparts]

YAY! More content with the best supporting actor out there, Magic Al Borland!! 😆❤️

[@chrismiller7814]

can you repair the pump? Considering it is a very mature system I would think it would be designed to repair

[@jm2529]

I have a 2002 Mercedes Benz slk 230 and the vacuum locks for the doors definitely concern me if something breaks in the future

[@zm321]

Don't worry about it, your SLK is nothing like as complicated as the CL.

[@williamkelley7654]

The problems with cars like this (as well as BMW, Jaguar, etc) is that they end up on used car dealer lots where people that cannot afford to fix and maintain them are given loans to purchase them. Car breaks and the owner is SOL as they had no idea or chose to ignore how expensive they are to fix. I worked on a lot for many years and I cringed every time they brought in a high end European car/suv as they would almost always be someone that should not buy it.

[@GrayRaceCat]

My father used to call people like that "Hundred dollar millionaires." Unfortunately, it rarely works out for them unless they can fix it themselves.

[@kidsstorytime7720]

Replaced a PSE pump as preventative maintenance on 05 S55 in 2016… great video for anyone looking to buy one of these monsters!

[@bsheedy7639]

Fan, Sydney Australia! 💚 Thank you Wizard.

[@digitalrailroader]

I’m not surprised; it’s a complex system and with the age of the vehicle, probably some of those parts are globally NLA. And bi directional control can be exceptionally useful, especially chasing down faults in the body control system. (I’ve got a scan tool that I can individually activate my Buick’s power windows)

[@SC-gm3ry]

My '99 A4 had the vacuum actuated locks and the pump died after a few months of ownership. At the time I looked into options and found a place where I was able to order just the pump itself and not the whole module, as even then (2003?) the full replacement module was like $800!

[@arthurmchan]

Same here - who would have thought that making an air pump out of graphite would be a bad idea! LOL. I discover that the Passat part fits, and has a plastic rather than graphite impeller. Has been fine for the last 11 years since then. P/N is 8L0 862 257N in case this info helps anyone.

[@leenevin8451]

My Passat has nothing like that

[@arthurmchan]

@@leenevin8451 Perhaps specific to the B5 chassis which it shared with the A4?

[@leenevin8451]

@@arthurmchan mine had electronic actuators (which also break) Just googled Passat b4 and they have vacuum locks too

[@TruckNTim80]

looks like OJ brought his Bronco to you. Thanks for the video!

[@XBootlicker]

Another great video. Thank you you two...and Michael...lol

[@TheK24Kyle]

I own a ford, Honda, Toyota, and an MB. Love em all. But The things the benz can handle on the highway and around town are indeed another level. Plus the build quality is insane. I’m on my second W212

[@safffff1000]

Please tell how the MB can handle them better that makes any difference in day to day driving not break the law fast driving difference? Unless you have the money to waste why buy anything else but those other cars?

[@burntnougat5341]

@@safffff1000 variety is the spice of life. The answer isn't always HondaToyotaMazda and you are close minded if you think so

[@martinsvensson6884]

@@safffff1000 They handle everything that has to do with driving, better.

[@safffff1000]

@@burntnougat5341 No I don't have the money to waste on imagined 5% perceived differences

[@safffff1000]

@@martinsvensson6884 What exactly that is worth their extreme cost differences and repair cost. I don't understand, tell discribe what I would be getting worth $10,000's of difference.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

You guys must have the patience of a priest to be able to fix these complicated problems with these European vehicles. GOD BLESS YOU ALL 🙏. YOU GUYS ARE PROFESIONAL MAGICICIANS

[@EvzenEmanuel]

Interestingly European car mechanics do not have any issues fixing European cars. Maybe they are more capable in general?

[@umarfarooq5436]

Americans love to rip off Americans. This guy charges $150/hr which includes multiple toilet breaks. Why people use this guy I will never know

[@24RRTouring]

@@EvzenEmanuel Goofy analogy. Are Japanese car mechanics more capable fixing Japanese cars? Are Korean car mechanics more capable fixing Korean cars? It comes down to training and experience, regardless of where you are on a map.

[@GrayRaceCat]

@@24RRTouring Are we talking about mechanics that ARE European, Japanese, or Korean? Or are we talking about mechanics who SPECIALIZE in European, Japanese, or Korean cars? I've known many mechanics that really have no business spinning wrenches regardless of nationality. I'm curious, I'm of Swedish descent, American born, and I prefer to work on Toyota cars, what does that make me?

[@ArtStamos]

When it does work, it does work smooth

[@seansabhaois]

This gorgeous car looks fast, even when standing still 👍🙂 A nearly 18 year old car & still looks like this. The best car quote I can remember is... "Older cars, are usually full of new surprises." Anon.

[@masonzayas8401]

You could also use a smoke machine just like diagnosing EVAP systems and connect it to each individual branch of the circuit to find the leak before you replace the PSE pump. Obviously the pump is bad but it is possible to diagnose without it.

[@JoelAz909]

Point is the man-hours to diag vs just replace the pump and run built-in diags that take about 2 mins. Could run an easy extra few (or more) hours in diag labor for no necessary reason while the in-built diag will pinpoint the issue with very high reliability.

[@masonzayas8401]

@JoelAz909 that's true. It's a tradeoff between a whole cost estimate and a partial cost, some customers may wanna know how much it will cost them up front rather than pay 2 grand and then need more parts. As a previous MB tech, the diagnosis path will also only tell you which part is malfunctioning, but not anything in between. You could have a broken line somewhere and it will diagnose a certain part as failing instead of the line, only to find out after you replace it.

[@JoelAz909]

@@masonzayas8401 agree. I thought it'd be obvious that an indicated failure could be the end module)device/whatever or the line between and I figured that one would automatically diag the line alone after fail module is found for just that reason ( at least that's what I would do if I was doing the repair)

[@thomasfarley6052]

Very cool car and it lasted a long time until the repair was needed. Take it easy Wizard.

[@henrycarlson7514]

So wise, Thank You . Working smarter not harder

[@jrbuch]

This is really interesting. I had no idea this era of Mercedes used vacuum-operated door locks etc.

[@encinobalboa]

I would love to drive an old Merc but repair nightmares like this are why I drive a Crown Vic. My door locks are electric. Had one fail. $5 junkyard part and DIY, done. Switches sometimes go bad, ebay replacement is $40.

[@petercollingwood522]

In my opinion this is not an "old Merc". I owned five old Merc's. 71, 79, 84, 81 and 81. Those are a completely different animal. This thing is brand new by my standards. If I had the kind of money to afford this thing I would spend it on real Mercedes from back when they were worth it. Without all this ridiculous crap to go wrong.

[@Loujr2250]

Relax lol try out a m119 or m113 powered merc :) if repairs are your issues, buy a model with no sbc or air matic, and no convertibles, even tho I’ve had 2!! If you learn to work on these they are goat!

[@encinobalboa]

@@Loujr2250 Biodegradable wire era is no go. IIRC, 1990-96??

[@Loujr2250]

@@encinobalboa I feel like late 96’-2001’ is the sweet spot depending on the model. Laugh at me but I recommend a maintained SL500. M113 powered. Easy to work on, diagnose, sohc v8. Oil leaks will be your most common enemy. Find a car with a working soft top that’s been rebuilt, or even better, one that doesn’t work, and use the top manually!! The sun visors can be brittle, and the dome light, and maybe some wood on the dash will be cracked, but they are Literal Tanks! The M113 is super easy to work on lol. 300 bhp for under 10k is a Bargain.

[@Loujr2250]

@@encinobalboa parts can be expensive true, but check out FCP euro. They sell EVERYTHING. And they got life time warrant one all they’re parts. What does this mean? OEM quality parts, you can send back and get a new part the price of one. Pay for the shipping! This includes oils, gaskets, even brakes lol.

[@JH-fv1gq]

I think i would have a leak in my bladder if i got a bill thatbig to fix a broken lock.

[@wirelive1003]

😂😂😂😂

[@ordinary-daddee]

Car Wizard: so much respect for your honesty and professionalism. Very little faith in these costly and problematic sub-systems from MB. Vacuum actuation is like modernizing steam punk era tech. Never touching any high mileage MB, it’s like an endless money pit… sheesh.

[@racekar80]

There used to be a kit to repair the pump, replaces the seals that wear out when the pump runs constantly. Same for the airmatic suspension pump, I have rebuilt that for $100. I have never seen a lock actuator leak, it’s always the hose. The seat bladders do leak sometimes, but again it’s mostly the vacuumed tubes or hard plastic connectors that crack.

[@gannicus1026]

I had the exact same car, I can bet that the leak is due to one of the door locks actuators or one of the hoses under the seat (for the lumbar/dynamic seat function) cause the seat move backward and frontward every time you open/close the door and that consistent daily movement cause the line to crack or separate. let's wait until her replace the PSE pump and see what's what lol.

[@Flies2FLL]

Volkswagen in the 1980'-'90's time frame had a similar system for the door locks. "Dual pressure pump" I think it was called. It actually worked well and gave little trouble.

[@macgroober1396]

"...worked well and gave little trouble" - which is why they don't use it anymore lol

[@Flies2FLL]

@@macgroober1396 Hahah!