Rookie Mistake on a Mercedes! “I quit”

Part 2: Blown Airbag! 2006 Mercedes CLS500 • Blown Airbag! 2006 Mer...
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[@satguy]

Many years ago when I was a tech and worked for a national auto repair chain. I had a supervisor come up to me and say I want you to find x amount of dollars worth of repairs to do on this truck. I looked at him and said, I will recommend what needs to be recommended based on failure, wear or mileage and nothing more. He suspended me for insubordination, it's a good thing too. It turned out to be a sting truck set up by the state.

[@Shad0wBoxxer]

Good job! You never know who’s watching

[@watershed44]

@@Shad0wBoxxer It's good to know SOMEBODY might be watching since many shops are all too happy to rip customers a new one in unneeded repairs, and calling for repairs, billing the customer, and NOT doing the repair at all.

[@lh883]

To Satguy comment. And I sure hope that supervisor got busted by the state if he done this once he had done it before.

[@satguy]

@@lh883 I don't know what happened to him I left the company soon after but they did promote him to assistant manager of the department, for his outstanding sales numbers.

[@505fastlife6]

I worked for BM for a couple years and they would sell people brakes daily that I wrote on my report they were still good. The Managers would laugh and take turns at bending people over and whatever else jokes they used.

[@brkemm25]

I think I’ve heard Four non blonds “what’s up”more on your videos than I did on the radio in 1993.

[@jimmyjack1896]

I noticed this as well. That song is always playing in the background. I think Ray just has it on repeat along with the heavy metal Christmas carols. Lol.

[@SullySadface]

Makes me wonder if he's listening to O-Rock. Either way, better than Creed.

[@petersmart1999]

He propbly just uses his google playlist.

[@rynoopperman5010]

What is your point?

[@djhorn5769]

It’s the perfect song for his videos! It just about sums up The recent jobs he’s been having to deal with. Ray seems to be kind of down in the dumps, if you ask me.😢

[@teed58]

I am a long retired Brit mechanic, living in France and enjoy your videos so very much. Unfortunately due to health problems, I am now unable to play much, with my motorbikes and cars. Your videos honestly keep me from going round the twist. So a thousand thanks to you. I think that you will find a button on the left hand hood strut on most Mercs. This allows the hood (bonnet in the UK) to be locked in an almost vertical position for easy access. Wishing you and your wonderful family Seasons Greeting and every success in 2023

[@DanielNotDeadYetThomas]

I was laid up in bed for 3 months... Ray kept my brain from melting completely.

[@fredk.2001]

I recommend scale model cars, for when you can't work on the real ones.

[@gregrobsn]

My 2015 C250 just requires a lift of the hood and it goes straight up.

[@MiracleMitch]

Saves me mentioning that too! Bonnet (hood) "service" position is so useful on cars that have it.

[@floridaman5125]

On my E320 the hood button is on both sides.

[@williamwhite9767]

Your first rookie mistake was not turning off the air suspension so it wouldn't deflate the bags when the car was lifted. Merry Christmas!

[@calfeggs]

Just drove 6 hours to save my friend from a dealership and spending 700 dollars on a starter replacement for their 05 outback. The repair took 40 minutes start to finish including cleanup and parts were 155 bucks. They were also presented with over 2000 dollars of additional non-critical items that they felt had condemned their car and weren't going to be able to get to family for Christmas. Replacing that starter saved them and now they can visit their friends and family. I've ended up becoming the default mechanic for all my friends and family.

[@phillipdewitt4454]

I stopped doing work for family and friends unless there is a emergency. My children are well employed and can be responsible for there lives.

[@Focusonbehind]

@@phillipdewitt4454 Same here. Not the children part but the 4 sisters part. They earn more than me. Bye go bring it to a garage lol

[@chrism5433]

250. Is pretty inexpensive. Very easy access. The job also entails resetting basic functions after battery disconnect.

[@scannerlanier471]

I used to be the mechanic for my kids. My two sons have great jobs and earn boatloads more than my wife and I. They have stopped asking for my opinions anymore with autos. They just take it to dealerships. My one son found a repair shop that he liked. I wasn't too thrilled about them though. He's old enough though. Now my daughter is another story. Tire pressure light came on for -20F this week. At least she let me know. But I ended up putting air in tires for her. She still has me doing routine maint for her. That's ok though, I enjoy it and it gives me a chance to check her honda over. I find simple things like oil changes, tire rotates, filters, and brakes to actually be relaxing for me. Very therapeutic.

[@ricknash3055]

@@phillipdewitt4454 If it makes him feel good to do it for friends and family, so be it. If it feels instead like they're just 'using you', yep, time to stop being a free mechanic. One acquaintance makes a point of charging friends and family at a reduced family cash rate. That way they still pay and don't abuse his services.

[@mummabear01]

Wow. That Benz seems to be infested with Chrysleritis.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

What we have here is a man attempting to improve his verbal communication. We now know how MB wipers are connected to the driving mechanism. Love the content today, Ray!

[@electropentatonic]

23:10 I like the happy dance of the Mercedes wiper. He's almost saying "thank you friend."

[@thecuss6817]

Here's a "rookie mistake" I made a few years ago: I was experiencing intermittent AC clutch slippage on the Sanden compressor in my 1988 Mazda truck. I practiced R&R of the AC clutch using its old compressor, made tools so I could do this without removal of the compressor from the engine. So I got to the truck itself, to loosen the nut on the compressor drive plate, and it was loose. So all I had to do to fix was tighten the nut !!!!

[@elrobo3568]

Yes, some shops use the "gotta get it fixed or else" fears to do repairs and charge more. I was with the Tucson Police department and there were a lot of complaints called in to the city attorney's office for fraud involving a number of "service stations along I-10 going through the city. Since I was a mechanic, I was tasked to set up a sting operation to see if it was true and who was doing it. Since almost all the complaints were involving women I got several women police officers to pose as drivers from out of state and had a few cars brought to the city shops so we could set them up. We tuned them up and checked everything to make sure that all was serviceable then we built in a known problem. One car had one spark plug closed so it would not fire, another had a mis adjusted carburetor and all the belts were serviceable. The drivers went to all the gas stations along I-10 and either told the attendant to check the oil or that there was a "funny" noise from the engine. As a result there were several criminal fraud charges involving one "mechanic" telling the driver she had a bad oil leak that had to be fixed before she left. He was found to have a pen light that also had an oil squirter so he would look like he was checking things but was squirting used engine oil on a part. Another quoted a huge bill for all sorts of "must get done" repairs. One had a small razor blade that he cut belts with. There was only one old mechanic that pulled the plug that was closed and told the driver he fixed it and there was no charge. This did make the newspapers ( the ones printed on paper) and the only one shop the news was allowed to identify was the honest one. The complaint rate dropped. This was done in the mid 70's. There are a number of hidden camera fraud videos on KZbin that are similar.

[@edwardcarberry1095]

It is (funny/pathetic ) how here they quote WCB as reason for me not being in the shop! I don't mind getting charged more for verifying work done the way ( I ) Want! I do complain when I don't get what I WANT DONE! Like the other day I asked for checking one cylinder for compression, they said should check all 8, so didn't do it!

[@scottminer7702]

This is why I bought an OEM level bi-directional scanner. Well done.

[@bradhaines3142]

i remember in like 90s or early 2000s there was one but i think it focused on a specific business

[@dplorbl]

My friends in Tucson tell me they trust AutoworX for all their repairs

[@michaelpressman7203]

To be honest I'm 69 years old physically I could be in better shape I don't need to be working on my car even though I am mechanical but I've been burned so many times I don't even want to bring my car in for an oil change that's pretty sad when you trust people and stuff happens I can't begin to tell you stories but no matter what have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[@mlawlan69]

I've been watching this channel since the first few thousand subscribers and the last few videos have been the best I've seen from Ray. I genuinely think that leaving and setting up himself has been the single best decision he may have ever made.

[@TheHolyGhost777]

Yup.. I was always hoping he would because he hated how the customers got treated by Napa.

[@dennyj8650]

Hear it in his voice! Such a difference working for yourself!

[@Karthunk]

@@TheHolyGhost777 pp

[@abautoworks4674]

Free-Tip-Friday: next time you get a Merc in, you should utilize the use of service position for the hood. Gives you extra room and no hood prop required!

[@martinkesselaar9522]

Hi Ray, there is a maintenance position on the Mercedes. You can flip up the hood when you release the hinge. That will give you a lot of room, handy when you do the struts.

[@blockbertus]

Mercedes hoods can be opened further by unlocking the hinges. Then it is opened by around 90°.

[@w124mercedes7]

I dont know if the newer mercedes hoods with the hood struts open like the older ones with standard hinges. 1 have a 1987 w124 turbo diesel and being able to stand the hood up is a life saver. I wouldn't own a mercedes like he is working on. The last good mercedes were 1991 and down. Easy to work on. Cheap parts and last forever. My friend has a mercedes with 500k miles and another one with 375k miles and both have original motors and are daily drivers. The older cars were made to be repaired by the average mechanic and last forever . Too bad they no longer build them the same.

[@blockbertus]

@@w124mercedes7 Possible, but this one still has the unlocking hinges. See 3:52. You can see the taps left and right.

[@davidamato768]

The wiper arm attachment nut is designed to loosen automatically to prevent damage to the wiper transmission or motor if the wiper blade becomes blocked or frozen to the windscreen. It should be only tightened to 19nm to allow it to break loose if it becomes blocked again. Love this channel Ray.

[@elijahevo6859]

good thing he is in southwest florida lol, no freeze

[@TJAnttola]

Sometimes they just come loose without an explanation. Not much snow and frost in florida. I had a ducato where the splines were so worn out that the wipers would flop which way around. Tightened it down with epoxy and a strong wrist :D Then again, I've never had a wiper nut "break loose", but I have one time had a mercedes wiper motor pull the body screws out when the wiper got frozen on the glass.

[@jameswhiteii4679]

@@TJAnttola windshield replacement is a prime suspect when ice is never encountered.

[@ivanwhisker6932]

There not designed to come lose at all not on mercs anyway if they freeze your supposed to defrost the screen common sense tell you not to turn on wipers if there frozen to the screen

[@zefallafez]

@@elijahevo6859 Most the time.

[@wernerpd777]

"If I can't have fun, what am I doing here?" - well spoken.

[@mercedes-amgforlife3237]

I have a 2007 CLS550 with the AMG package. I got the tools to work on the airmatic suspension. Mine had the wires break at the dump valve causing the car to not be able to lower itself as needed. The suspension on these aren't that complex, but a good diagnostic tool and common sense goes a long way.

[@stevewhiting556]

The dealership I worked at had an early 2000’s S class come in and all 4 corners were on the ground. Mercedes quoted us almost $10k to replace the pump, struts, sensors etc. Our shop ended up doing the work for a lot less than that, but it was still a chunk of change. The car was like brand new otherwise. It was on the lot for months and we finally sent it to an auction and sold it for a loss.

[@goattw3lve12]

It's awesome to see you get to do things how YOU want to do them in YOUR shop!

[@warrenhall829]

gday ray. i was a kiwi bush mechanic. i learned by doing the job. i worked for a company for 20 years and in that time i worked on heavy trucks, 20 tonne diggers, skidders, log splitters light trucks and chain saws. what you did is part of that prosses. well done m8.👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@larryvandyke6073]

That's why I like to watch your videos. Most mechanics would not have shown the footage of the panel removal, they would have replaced the wiper cowl...off camera , and then had footage of them tightening the wiper nut.

[@roxanneabbott8424]

I hope you have an awesome Christmas, thank you for being an honest mechanic!!!

[@brianjrichman]

Return of the floor protectors.... Life is good again.

[@dewfall56]

the music in the background is giving away all your editing cuts and splices. Not a problem of any kind, just funny to listen to. Keeping going man!

[@scannerlanier471]

I would definitely have customer sign a waiver on the tires if they don't get changed.

[@charleshines7282]

It is easy, he won't pass state inspection. Here in Pennsylvania the tires would have to have a minimum tread depth you don't get a sticker. Oh, and you still pay for the inspection, just no sticker until you can pass. There is a fee for both the sticker and inspection.

[@IdiotPosterBoy]

​@@charleshines7282 Florida has gone all 'Murica! Freedom!' and does not require regular inspections.

[@guidosarducci166]

Gotta say, I'm happy you kept all that in there. Some guys wouldn't want to showcase that they make rookie mistakes. This is one of the many reasons I love your channel. You're educational, and your human! Wish I could get my Solstice over to you. Man, do I have what would make for good content! Mystery CEL about the turbo. 🤷

[@cheeseburger3209]

Seems you're also human

[@beardsntools]

He didn't quit tho, clickbait

[@guidosarducci166]

@@beardsntools In this case it was more an "inside joke", but hey, if it gets the clicks. :)

[@dncarac]

Solstice was a couple days ago

[@cheeseburger3209]

@@dncarac you know he's talking about a car right?

[@steveb6103]

10 years ago it was $750 / corner on a 1995 Lincoln Continental. So I bought the car for $300 . Put a spring kit in for $300 and drove it for 7 years. Finally gave it away to a kid leaving for college.

[@die-eggocamaney6967]

I have been watching you for many years without subscribing, dont know how the algorithm keep showing me your vids. Good thing.

[@brisman1963]

'Movin' on up, movin' on out'? Nothing can stop you? Darned right Ray!

[@stevepollock8388]

Ray, you need to start a nationwide system of mechanics who are “Rainman approved “. Since you can’t be everywhere, yet your attitude,skill, and ethic are in great demand!

[@lucky13farms99]

Same thing I was thinking. Get Rainman Ray and South Main Auto to start a school. Nationwide certifications for techs. Guaranteed success if they fix the vehicle and dont rip you off.

[@SirDrinksAlot69]

Mike Holmes did it for houses, why couldn't Ray for cars?!?

[@clbcl5]

But only if they got the toothpick reference.

[@bjornna7767]

There should be a new profession - raychanics.

[@boozinncroozin]

I would let him repair my automotives as well as South Main Auto :)

[@waylonlingerfeldt1899]

KZbin decided I would like Scotty and put it in my feed. I watched for a month or so. Got tired of the clickbait. That's also about the time KZbin put you in my feed. I've never looked back. For a while I thought you were South Main Auto but with a new job location. So now I have you, SMA, and Ford Boss Me to get my mechanic fix. Years ago I worked in a Nigerian owned shop where BMW, Mercedes and the like were the norm. I was the only one with experience on Ford, Chevy, Dodge and other domestics. Toyota was our only common ground. Keep up with the good work. The best thing I see about you is an honest work ethic. Keep it up.

[@MikeSmith-tg1ku]

You'll never be short of material for these movies

[@lorditsprobingtime6668]

Ya know you could start making it a habit to pull up out front before driving in and popping the BONNET (here in Oz they's bonnets at least) and giving every car a leaf, dust and crap blow away BEFORE running them into the shop. You'd get the happier customers because all leaves and things gone, less risk of contaminants making it into places we filter to keep stuff out of and much less mess on your floor in the actual workshop. If you made it a regular part of your routine you could have most done adequately within about a minute. BTW, I think anybody except someone who's worked on those particular Mercs and only the ones who've actually had to work on the wipers with a similar problem would be just as likely to make that same mistake. Looking at it with the cover on there's nothing obvious to tell, at least not that I can see there.

[@brucemcgee2281]

Ive got a 2002 MB in similar condition. I've done most of the work on it, but had to have the mechanic do the motor mounts, and transmission mount. It's been a good car, but has surprised me on the cost of parts more than once. Several drains back around the hood hinges, too.

[@1rmrider]

We all make rookie mistakes. I was a plumber for 32 years. Take the p-trap off the sink and dump it down the sink you just took it off of, soak the cabinet. Every plumber has done that at least once.

[@chrisgolfer7528]

I like you admitting your rookie mistake, it shows your honesty mate. Most guys would edit the video and we would be none the wiser.

[@Sman7290]

Ray, what you're fighting is that shops are ALWAYS in a position of power over the customer. If the customer would, could, had the time, skills, and tools to do it themselves, they wouldn't be there. Honest shop's rates don't change. Crooks eventually get called out.

[@Sandy.J.Lloyd.Sr.]

I agree, don’t take advantage of a customer, ever, it always pays off in the end.

[@SickMy_Duck]

However, reality is honest shops without changing rates struggle with inflation and die. Crooks survived with high profit and then more and more crooks there and customers are harder and harder to find an honest shop😢

[@TheEthiopian1987]

An example I can think of is for my sister. She manages a sign writing business. And if they have too much work, they put the price up. So as an example: If she had a job worth $300 for materials and labour, it would be $1500. And that is just to put the price up, but most in her industry are friends so they will also say "Company xyz, will do it for less though." While not the exact same, it can explain it for some repair companies. But some others charge way more as a scam, no matter the circumstances.

[@eatshitful]

Well not totally. There are other shops to go to.

[@Sandy.J.Lloyd.Sr.]

@@TheEthiopian1987 If the customer wants the job done immediately and it’s requiring the employees to work overtime or after hours to get said job done then yes, it’s okay to charge more, but if you’re just charging more because you can, then it sounds like the company your sister works for is scamming their customers.

[@rongray1785]

There are a lot of shops that would take advantage of the wipers not working by "replacing the wiper motor". Do not be hard on yourself too much as well all tend to act first and think later. I have a lot of respect for a person that owns up to their mistakes, you very well could have edited it out and no one would be the wiser! Wishing you and your family a Merry and safe Christmas.

[@michaelpressman7203]

Yesterday my wipers went out when it was almost zero degrees today it was about 5 when it gets a little warmer I'll fix it because I popped the wipers and then it started to work again it just the neutral switch on the wiper motor it'll be all right I'll fix it have a great day

[@unkleeyerose]

Hey man. I've said this many times before. You have to break eggs to make omelets. It's okay to make mistakes as long as we own up and learn from them. This is one of the things that keeps me coming back to your vids. You're not afraid to own and even show us your mistakes. That right there is so valuable to me personally. We all can learn from these videos because you're willing to be that real. Keep on keeping it real man. Thank you.

[@MrBakedDaily]

Bro getting rewarded for showing and not hiding mistakes good for him

[@kennethcarson3583]

I look forward to your videos every morning! Glad to see your shop is doing well.

[@clbcl5]

Sometimes VERY early morning.

[@edwardcarberry1095]

Yes , include me as well, even if I have not had coffee? I am now. As well Alex Christoforou The Duran. Seeing what is going on in the world.

[@domandrobinmarz4751]

A lot of respect for you not taking advantage of customers not a lot of mechanics are as honest as you are so keep doing the amazing work you do and I am a new subscriber but caught up on ALOT of your videos not only are you a great mechanic but you have a sense of humor. Merry Christmas and happy new year from ALASKA

[@kevindickerson6306]

Also check the trany tail housing soft rubber mount, if it's near or touching the bottom travel stop, replace it also. The air suspension strut/shock dampner assembly fail often. It will not be the last one, the customer will have to replace. They are a nice ride, but wear and tear components need to be replace as they wear out.

[@Blasterxp]

The leafs in the drain tell a story about the owner..... And the tyres, headlights, windowmotors....engine mounts... Thing is driven to the ground.

[@elmerfrejoles98]

I watch in between your channels Ray to South Main Auto. You guys are doing great in diagnosing, repairing and maintaining cars in good conditions. Glad to see you won't shy away from MB/Jags and other luxury cars out there. I'm sure with your expertise, skills and all the tools you use will make you work much manageable. And most of all, you guys are honest in you car service dealings with the customers for reasonable fees. That's why they keep coming back to you and with referrals too.

[@TheWADodd]

Yes, got the leaves!!! Love the videos Ray. Got the confidence to swap out the intercooler on my Aviator after watching your stuff. Keep them coming!

[@stakkabo1]

Merry Christmas Ray. Thanks for the content this year, all the best for 2023.

[@gregoryrapier3021]

In 1970 and 71 I worked for a Saab and Citron dealership as a mechanic. The Citrons if you put the incorrect oil in the suspension system they would total the car. It cost more to fix the suspension system than the car was worth. I never did that but someone did once and so when you started to work there they made sure you were aware of the fact. This dealership was the cheapest people I ever worked for. Working on used cars they would cut corners. Like one time they wanted me to wire the heat riser open instead of replacing it. I didn’t work there very long because I hate crappie work like that. Do it right or don’t do it at all. That is one of the things I like about watching you. You do it right. You take pride in doing it right.

[@robertr9372]

Lol that thing is not a luxury car. That thing was a headache from day 1

[@twwtb]

I was trying to tell ya', when you found that loose nut. Check if that arm turns. Check if hole in the wiper arm was ground out by the shaft turning in it. And blow out them leaves! Great video. Cool to see how that cowl comes apart. That's good info for us in viewer-land. Not a total waste of time. I think MB is pretty good about keeping parts in stock.

[@69nites]

It's designed to loosen if the wiper is stuck to prevent damage to the transmission or motor. Doesn't stop them from constantly going bad on sprinters, but it's great when you see that loose nut.

[@TheMailmanOfSteel]

A Ruger 10/22 with a vertical foregrip just bolted around the barrel and stock is the most Florida Man gun thing that I've seen in some time. Nice.

[@WilliamCHyland]

I have seen several shops leverage customers when they figured they had the customer over the barrel. Fortunately, word gets around, and the bad ones get the rep. and get weeded out. I'm definitely not shy about giving my opinion of a shop to any one who will listen (and anyone near them). But I'm also not shy about extolling the virtues of a good mechanic, and always carry a few of my mechanics cards with me to pass out. Love watching you work!

[@thepvporg]

Car dealerships take advantage of out of town people for sure. I was on vacation and the wheel bearings went and the garage tried to sell me a new gearbox as the problem at $1800 when it turned out to be a $165 repair. Got the car towed back to a more local garage that did the work. So in answer to your comment, lots of garages will take advantage if they can.

[@jimpetersen8095]

My Mercedes has a small button on the drivers side hood strut that allows you to push the button and raise the hood straight up into a locked position for safety and a lot better access. I’m surprised the one you worked on didn’t have that.

[@jameshancock1515]

You still need to check the washer motor on the Windshield may be just empty or failed. Some have a sensor to display when it needs fluid. some dont.

[@jasonhankins2775]

I just want to say I love your videos. This is coming from an introvert who never comments on things. Watching @SouthMainAuto is what brough me to find you ~1 year ago. Your 6 AM postings were a life saver during recent recovery from a surgery. As someone who considers themself to be a want to be backyard mechanic, I appreciate your down to earth approach. I have to ask though do I have to take a shot every time I hear "What's Up?" plays in one of your videos? I work in IT and for the last week every time something big has broken I've said out loud "I quit".

[@richmacdonald9132]

Ray, don't feel bad, rookie mistakes are just part of going to school.

[@forgetfulme1719]

$5K mistake to replace auto level system.

[@vegvisirphotography5632]

Big man left school bare time ago. He ain't in kansas anymore, Dorothy.

[@forgetfulme1719]

cheaper to research before start, learn from others' mistakes

[@PatricksDIY]

Mercedes with Air Ride have a "Jack Mode" that needs to be set before using a lift or a jack, its like with the common Lincoln town car for example. Just wanted to let you know why it made that noise when it was put up on the lift. Great Video!

[@thoughtthinker9300]

My 94 LTC has the switch in the trunk. Lifting it without flipping the switch could easily be an instant $1,000.00 mistake

[@itstheweirdguy]

@@thoughtthinker9300 Well, this car "genius" made that mistake.

[@duncanmcewan1049]

Same with some Audis. I know if you jack my Q7 up on a post lift without putting it in jack mode, is can screw the suspension sensors and it needs a code reset.

[@andries4561]

@@duncanmcewan1049 been there with an audi a8. It didn't need a reset. The car took around 5 minutes to lower down all the way and to air up all the way and middle out. Then the sensors know where they are again

[@thoughtthinker9300]

@@itstheweirdguy It happens. What I learned when I first started working on cars, is they all are different and there's a lot to learn. One of my mentors put it this was. Being a mechanic is harder than being a doctor. Doctors work on to different models. Male and Female. That's it, and that's all you have to learn and know about. As a mechanic you will have to learn and know about hundreds of different automobiles and all their different features, abilities, and special add-ons. Then every year there are going to be many along with the ways you'll need to work on them, will be changing at the same time. He couldn't have been any more correct. Then I started working building new aircraft like the 747's jumbo jets, A-10 thunderbolt- warthog, and then experimental aircraft. I'm saying this because it was kind of a cop-out. Once you build one, the next one is usually exactly the same. Then I'd change aircraft and the same thing. What I needed to know and do was almost the same on the first one I built and stayed the same after the 400th and beyond. It actually got boring after a while and I'd try to get moved to different parts of the aircraft. With anything and cars. Anyone can turn a wrench. What makes a good or great mechanic is knowing tricks and how to get around problems. The better and more versatile you become, the better the mechanic you are. I see it as that simple. Rainman ray's got a lot of know-how and ways around difficulties. Along with a great attitude that won't give him a heart attack at to young an age, and he doesn't seem like he'd be miserable to be around. Now that's cool, mistakes happen, and the world keeps on spinning

[@mikevee9145]

Retired Mercedes tech here, just a tip on replacing parts that have pairs, recommend to the customer that they get both replaced. As an example, when one strut goes bad, the other is not far behind. It's not necessary to replace both, but give the customer a heads up, that way they don't come back all heated two weeks later that the warning light is back on with the other strut blown.

[@glock22357]

Every video....makes me want to come visit your shop, clean and organize it. Get ya some folding plastic tables that can be utilized to set parts removed from vehicles as you're working. Right there next to the vehicle you're working on, nice and organized. Your deductive/diagnostic skill are most impressive. Great to watch.

[@kenm6948]

I’m pretty sure a goodly number of us would like to visit Ray’s shop and help him with organization. The problem then would be that he would never be able to find anything… 😂😂😂

[@Gizmetti]

It's organized to him though. Everyones brains work differently.

[@hotpuppy1]

Rolling carts are better.

[@dangeiger4231]

.....and an old fridge for cold snacks in the tropics.

[@LesReeves]

Do you have OCD?

[@eman7892]

Do not miss that phone ringing from the previous employ. DaDoo dadee dadoo..

[@garyb.4080]

The answer to your shop question is, yes . I think the larger shops do take advantage of vulnerable people. That is why I find a mechanic that I trust, and stay with them!

[@johndesaavedra1040]

The wiper cover removal was only a rookie mistake when you found nothing wrong under the cover. Otherwise it would have been a clever move. It revealed which hub was the idler.

[@granitecowboy2199]

Nah, the rookie mistake was not tightening the loose nut and testing the wipers FIRST. Then taking things apart when that didn't work... That said, at least it wasn't a big mistake. This was a 1 hour setback instead of being more or requiring parts to undo said mistake.

[@electronicengineer]

@@granitecowboy2199 Agreed. However it was entirely interesting, just the same, to see how MB completely overengineered the windshield wiper mechanism on this car. I even remember a specific Mercedes Benz model years ago that had a single windshield wiper that articulated up and down (vertically) as it swept horizontally across the windshield, reaching the wiper blade out to better wipe the "corners" of the glass.

[@granitecowboy2199]

@@electronicengineer overengineering is typical of MB... Even their diesel truck engines are the same way. Heck their diesel sprinter engines are stupidly designed with unneeded parts.

[@the_first_resort940]

I work on sprinters , you think they’re over engineered? Hahahahah seen 800k on stock engines

[@fhuber7507]

That was a good inspect of the wiper linkages... When you don't know the issue, sometimes you take a less than ideal path for diagnosis.

[@chrisgosling6083]

hi ray thanks for all the content in 2022 i hope you and your family have a super Christmas and the shop has a prosperous 2023, all the best from the UK chris

[@bobkrunkle5626]

Keep up the good work

[@AL-RCjunkie]

Every rookie "mistake" leads to a learning experience. You'll kick yourself for supposedly wasting time. But everything you take apart and put beck together, is an investment in your own knowledge and wisdom. It's all about your perspective. Not unlike so many other things in life. 👍

[@RedEarthAA]

Hey mate, I really appreciate your due diligence. The world of mechanic-ing needs more you's.

[@KCSwing6880]

I love BG products! Glad to see some of their service products coming in future videos!

[@thedeck333]

Finally my day can now start because I can sit and watch my boy Ray do what he does best

[@chrislj2890]

The perfect car brand for someone who doesn't take care of their vehicle. I use to think that German cars were the ultimate in quality and performance, but they are actually the ultimate in needless complexity and exorbitant maintenance cost. There is no way I would ever own one.

[@2pugman]

My friend who works in a shop told me the front struts are $1,500.00 each and they have to re-program the computer. (yes, I know) If your German car is 8 years old, get rid of it.

[@PeterInWiesbaden]

I drive a Mercedes 220E (W124), 30 years old, no problems.

[@chrislj2890]

@@PeterInWiesbaden Yeah, 30 years ago was a different story. These days everything is plastic junk, even engine components, and all of the high tech features they include are just problems waiting to happen. It's not just the Germans of course,, even Chevy pickups were great at one time.

[@vegvisirphotography5632]

The Germans can sure build some engineering marvels. For example, they built the Saturn 5's which took Neil Armstrong to the moon. 🤫

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Wow. Mercedes did a great job overcomplicating windshield wipers.

[@TheBackyardHappens]

Had a shop add 300 bucks to a 100 fuel pump job and it was external. As a consumer, I learned a lesson on shady ships. As a person, it inspired me to learn repair.

[@StevesWanderlust]

I was wondering where the assault blow gun went! That wasn't a mistake, just the advanced German underhood autofoliage cleaning add-on service. Thanks for another year of starting my mornings in your shops. You set my work ethic for the day, most every day (unless I'm on vacation).

[@theburums6657]

Yea I love that assault blow gun Where Can I buy one I've searched several sites can't find anything close ????

[@jerrypete8670]

Love Mr. O, South Main Auto. Love Florida Ray. What I think would be really cool is if you both just once flapped your arms like a bird taking flight while talking just like Mr. Scotty. 😂🤣 wishing you much success and Merry Christmas 🎄 to both you and the wife and mini units. God Bless.

[@jackporcenaluk680]

A real guy, warts and all. I like him. I talk to myself just like that only no camera. My '03 C320 is not nearly as complicated but probably not as fast either.

[@motorwolfe]

love seeing you get a Benz in your shop! wiper mechanisms on those can be fun (along with the cowling). FWIW, that CLS500 has 302hp and is not at all slow, but the CLS550s (2007+) have an additional 80hp and are absolute beasts. I'm just glad mine doesn't have any of that AirMatic crap. Arnott makes good replacement bags at ~$300/corner for those air suspensions though, they're an OE supplier for MB.

[@chinbin2006]

Good vid Ray, what about the windscreen washers? Hope you don't have to strip it down again to fix them!

[@mhfuzzball]

Okay, in the interest of avoiding more rookie mistakes, I think the first thing Ray needs to do about the washers is *check the fluid.* If there's fluid and the washers aren't working, that's one thing. If they aren't working because there's no fluid (and we've already seen that the owner isn't great about checking his fluids--see the power steering), then that's another.

[@marksamuel5347]

Hi Ray being a retired mechanic and was for over 40 years, I don't know of any mechanic that didn't at one time or another make a rookie mistake. I love the way you show your human. Some guys would of cut that part out and just shown that you just tightened up the screw. Cudos to you! Have yourself a Merry Christmas! Mark from Montreal Canada.

[@WestYorkshireGuy1]

One of many reasons why Scotty Kilmer says avoid Mercedes cars. They go wrong and are expensive to fix.

[@patriel1]

I glad that you lay it all out there mistakes and all. Who hasn't done something, come to find out it was something simple. I watch all you guys Eric O At SouthMain, Wes Works, Scotty cracks me up the way he waves his arms all around. I learn something new from all you guys! Keep up the good work in such an entertaining way.

[@TrondBrgeKrokli]

I enjoyed this episode, so thank you for taking us with you on this inspection and reassessment of your repair order. Have yourself a great day and cozy holiday weekend.

[@FloodExterminator]

Don't worry about that mistake. Mistakes happen to everyone and meant to be used for learning! In a previous video you mentioned the Miata/MX-5 needed a new engine, can we expect to see you do the swap? 😁 Would very much love to see you do the swap... with an LS... Just kidding of course... OR AM I! :P

[@Aramis1]

This is so off topic but i cant help it! My husband just gave me your Nice and Shiny t shirt for Christmas!!! I love it!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!

[@CatsMeowington]

You go beyond fixing vehicles, although that's one reason we are here and supporting you. When you said you made a mistake, and a rookie mistake, and apologized, it showed your vulnerability in the world just like all of us. I have for many years been on the journey of learning every day and not being a no it all which is unattainable. As someone said, you could have edited that out and we would not have known of this. Also, I like your effort to use "have" instead of "got", a small improvement but it is what your channel may also bring to show others how easy it is to try to improve. And I want to thank all the positive commenters on your channel for that too. I occasionally learn or at least agree.

[@agj.7331]

As i watched i could see the mistake but hey live and learn is the rule to all mistakes, Get over it an carry on doing your magic, go for it , SH--T HAPPENS , like for you now as i push the button, Love your stuff, Keep it up

[@Sandy.J.Lloyd.Sr.]

Ray, you have a great reputation, no matter how much money you can make off a customer never take advantage of them. When you do you become one of the mechanics that gives the good one’s a bad name. One more thing, don’t call the check engine light the money light, it doesn’t fit you.

[@jmqwert]

A normal trick at MB dealships, is to spray soapy water at the strut tower, and air hoses. Makes bubles if any leaks. I think there is a valve air controller which you as well should diagnose, before changing the full strut. It should be placed behind plastic wheel arch inner shield, and could make the hissing noise as well! Btw Looks like the shock damper, which is a part of the strut tower, is damaged (oil leak?) FCPEuroparts got great replacement parts, which are hell of a lot cheaper that OEM part from MB dealship..

[@rrtnps]

There is always the "Car Ninja" to ask for assistance.

[@richardl4556]

One of my moms favorite sayings is "you are never too old to do a new dumb thing". I would add or too experienced.

[@timothykelley4495]

I was thinking... why doesn't he just tighten it and try it... but after watching 100's of Ray's videos... that's the 1st time I got it right and he got it only afterwards. THANKS FOR ALLLLL THE VIDEOS RAY!!!!

[@donaldhuffman8080]

Just like sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don’t 😂 have a Merry Christmas Ray and Family thanks for the laughs and the wonderful tutorials!!! 14:03

[@Draxindustries1]

Great to see you're back Ray👍

[@davidl2438]

The owner of the Mercedes has a few delayed maintenance repairs. I would never drive on tires that are totally shot. My life is much more important to me than to put myself at risk for a major accident. Perhaps your client is not able to afford a higher end car or they are just "tight" with the dollar. Good video.

[@TommyViper]

I think it's probably the former. I can't imagine how much it costs just for parts on a car like that. Even the wiper mechanism looks overly exaggerated for what is needed to get the job done. Makes me wonder if on a car like that, if tires are actually one of the cheaper items for it unless it uses some really off the wall sizes.

[@Monkeh616]

@@TommyViper Depends how you define the 'job'.. clear the bare legal area of windscreen or clear the maximum possible amount? They're cramming all this stuff into the smallest possible area, too, which creates complications people imagine are easy to deal with, because they've never tried engieering something themselves. This is a Mercedes, not a Volkswagen (and I mean that in the original sense). If it were simple and cheap, it wouldn't be worth bothering with.

[@thomasflynn5366]

A word of advice Ray. Don't try to see how fast that car goes on those tires lol.

[@briang7241]

Happy for you. I wondered if you had another building because your work area seemed very condensed. Now that I know you didn't have a larger area I'm amazed how you managed to work on multiple items without mixing parts between all the projects you work on especially with the delay in parts You must have the most organized shop to have been able to function in it. Congratulations on the well deserved building.

[@LeverPhile]

Lol ... @ 17:20 that looks alot like a rifle stock holding the compressed air gun/nozzle ... love the zip ties!!

[@benfrancis4896]

The air systems I've dealt with - in my admittedly limited experience confined to mainly Audi - require you to put the system in a service position (jacking mode) in order not to upset or potentially damage the system (according to those who profess to know more than I). Is this not the same on the Mercs?

[@forgetfulme1719]

Ray owner now of the Mercedes, he bought the damaged auto level system which exceeds the car's current value.

[@bigqwertycat]

This gen of Mercedes airmatic suspension does not require you to put the system in a "service" mode prior to lifting. The only thing to beware, is to not lower the car when the suspension is deflated, as this may cause damage to CV axle boot on AWD, or the air spring bladder.

[@noodlz1134]

Respect your work Ray, if you were in Texas definitely bring my trucks to you. I just want to know why most of the vehicles you work on have tons of leaves under the hood at the bottom of windshield.. Keep up great job.

[@jessenichols1353]

Texas needs water to grow trees rite,😊

[@WilliamJamesGilbertIIakaJamie]

Yeah I heard that , "The man himself jamming away on radio , RYAN UPCHURCH !!!

[@joemuncie9187]

Nice video Ray, and Merry Christmas