This week at SPR Autos EP3 - FRUSTRATING WEEK, SERVICE OVERDUE, FIXING SOMEONES MESS,FREE WORK! vlog

[@sprautos]

Hope you are still enjoying the SPR weekly’s, I think it shows different dynamics to the garage and what we have to deal with. Let me know what you think in the comments below ⬇️ Thanks for everyone’s support with the channel so far it’s been amazing. All the best everyone.

[@ftffighter]

This one was the best one yet! It feels like you are finding your groove and I love how you're doing this format. Showing the individual rides and their faults really shows your knowledge in this field to be superb along with the other mechanics there, having customers return for over a decade really is all of the proof you need that you run an amazing shop! Seeing all of the various problem issues on that C-Class was complete deja-vu for my 2005 CLK 55 with it's last owner/dealer neglecting maintenance the 10k miles they drove it. The over worn brake disks, the driver's side "tie-rod" end link, the overtightened/stripped screws in my air-filter intake cover, even the cabin air filter was super old. Thank goodness, the first owner babied this car and was obsessive with it's upkeep. She's back in good hands now, I just wish I could contact the original owner. Thank you for letting us all join in on the discoveries man! You never know what you'll find haha.

[@pesak_cupeHe]

solid content!

[@plugman1963]

@@sprautos great content

[@williamdeacon5699]

Great channel mate, fantastic integrity fixing cars properlyl

[@sprautos]

@@williamdeacon5699 thank you 🙏

[@davidstevens1547]

Never cease to be amazed that you get the crap jobs and clearing up other peoples shoddy workmanship. Why do people run Mercedes and not appreciate the work needed to be done to maintain them properly. Yes they are not cheap cars to buy but why run one as you knowing the cost of the parts will reflect that also. Seen many examples of people buying Range Rovers which they liked but could not afford to maintain them. I just did not get the owner of the C 204 not wanting discs and pads replacing.

[@Millennial_Manc]

You’ve built a man cave as a staff room! Awesome. Really loving the new weekly roundup format. Something for everyone in here.

[@plugman1963]

You have the patience of an angel! I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut if someone was bringing me all the s**t work while getting the "easy" servicing done elsewhere. Especially when they've bodged it😡 Great video as always👍

[@Mrs.Thatcher]

The fact that this channel doesn't get the usual trolls that channels like Shifting Metal get all the time says a lot about the quality of this content. Keep it up, best car channel going.

[@sprautos]

Appreciate that thank you 🙏

[@philsmith6165]

Whatever make of car you own, this is the class of garage you would hope to find.

[@m60kaf]

I actually know of a Kwik-fit that's a bit like this , can you beleive it!!! You're right it's not so much the brand, just finding people who take pride in doing the job properly

[@sprautos]

🙏

[@michaelhynds8035]

Great to see you taking care of your staff so well. Staff are the most important people in any business. Look after the staff, they look after everyone else, including the customers.

[@bernardpowell3582]

Excellent video, a proper knowledgeable skilled craftsman at work.

[@alextripp1230]

Hi guy's, I've been in Aftersales in the Motor Trade for 50 yrs, never actually owned a Merc tbh. Really enjoy this channel, great content, brilliant customer service, you all obviously have deep product knowledge which is good to see. Roll on the next video.. Alex.

[@sprautos]

Thanks Alex 🙏

[@ThreeCoos]

Certainly last year, subframes for any of the cars mentioned here, were hard to get a hold of, major backorders on them. Great video - thanks.

[@lyndonbull3581]

I really look forward to these videos, it’s so refreshing to see proper engineering of cars can be done as a going business, and especially I like your treatment of loyal customers is warming in the modern world. And it shows how you’re appreciated when you get chocolates! Keep up the good work, so much more wholesome than much of the KZbin content with constant shilling for sponsors.

[@Edinnbesic7]

I'm so glad that I find this channel, big fan of Mercedes Nice work 👍🏻👍🏻

[@sprautos]

thank you and welcome!

[@pking6402]

Very pleasant bloke, good work ethic. Shame I don't own a Mercedes

[@peterbowden2646]

@@pking6402 and me

[@eoinmurphy210]

love the staff room, and the table-enjoy

[@DavidJ0404]

Great content - really useful. Fast becoming my favourite youtube channel.

[@sprautos]

Great to hear! Thanks David

[@forevered4270]

Great video as always guys, keep them coming.

[@outdoortechtrekguy1029]

As usual absolute quality content and professionalism to the job my salute to you sir and the entire team.

[@PB200559]

Lots of variety. All receiving your usual thorough methodology. Young lads working in a great caring, learning, environment. Keep up the great work.

[@sprautos]

Much appreciated

[@CemlynRoberts]

Fantastic video of all your hard work and frustration re customers neglecting their cars. Like your staff room and its a nice touch buying lunch for your staff on a Friday. You demonstrate how well you look after and invest in your staff to show appreciation of their work, commitments to your great business. I would happily buy you a chippy lunch on a Friday lol 😆 ❤🙌

[@itzme1326]

Great video, really enjoying this channel, bought my first merc last year lovely w204. You guys seem to really go the extra mile keep up the good work

[@1987bws]

That’s my SL!

[@mickcresswell1031]

My W204 estate (picked up about 4 months ago) tailgate just started t@#*&$g me on the back of my head a week or two ago. Now I know why! Great vid again as always. Keep up the good work! I might be a couple of hours away from you guys, but seriously thinking about booking a day off to bring the car up for a service and health check. 👍

[@paulknight1332]

Nice touch buying the team lunch on a Friday and the little freebies for your longstanding customers, things like that go a long way. Still waiting for some R129 content... :)

[@sprautos]

all in good time 😉

[@LH17578]

Another busy week for you guys. I recognised the w211, great work on the oil cooler, and another big job done. The c class should of had new discs, not just pads. It's good you pointed this out. I could see your frustration over the s class people getting work done elsewhere and at that doing a shoddy job and leave you to pick up the pieces. I thought the fix you did on the slk replacing the abs sensors cleared all lights of dash was excellent. Keep up the good work Sam looking forward to your next video

[@sprautos]

thank you, all the best.

[@goldieandblackie]

Nice to see a Boss of the business looking after his staff and customers alike, rare these days.

[@roderickjones7479]

Show us some content on the e class convertible that's parked outside

[@sprautos]

Wish I could but it’s long gone

[@kendibben3179]

Another well informative video - great work 👍

[@steveclement9815]

Great video Sam, as always. It's really interesting to see what some owners won't get done, when it's in their own interest to do so. Your channel is fast becoming my favourite one on youtube, especially being a Mercedes owner.

[@sprautos]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Parknest]

I've had to replace the same lower front suspension arms on my own W204. It was the bushes on the other end that had started to fail and was flagged as an advisory on the MoT. An aftermarket part wouldn't fit so I ended up biting the bullet and fitting a pair of genuine ones at £372 for the pair. It was money well spent because I noticed the difference straight away. The owner of that W204 is heading straight for an MoT failure and will no doubt just deal with it when it does happen. I've been there with the rear subframe on my own W204. I love your staffroom. I wish more workplaces were like that. Working form home is the next best thing.

[@bradgray123]

I used to charge my clients extra to fix ither peoples stuff-ups. Gave up after 12 years and started fixing aircraft instead.

[@robertthrossell4321]

Omg I was only speaking to someone about Merc subframes 😮terrifying... Brilliant vid guys 👍

[@Nick-bp7jf]

I always look after the lads in the Garage. I get them box of biscuits in the winter or box of choc ices in the summer. Skimping on repairs is false economy. I have learned over many years that it works out cheaper in the long run to keep on top of maintenance. Another top video, please keep them coming.

[@oliverlotus]

I got to your channel via HPA (Matt). I'm not a fan of modern Germans, I'm a weirdo who loves Renaults and Peugeots. I reckon you're running a fantastic outfit there though, I don't know how you stay so calm!!!

[@william1389]

Always impressed of people having pride in doing a great job! 👍💯

[@nicksilverstein7854]

You guys are the business. I did laugh when you said that the owner of the W212 estate should get cheaper labour rates to replace the brake lines etc, because they are doing the subframe anyway. Yeah right, they will sting him the normal cost 😂

[@sprautos]

haha yea I might of been abit apprehensive there 🤣

[@ftffighter]

Hey, if that stealership wants to milk their customers then he can just take it to a different dealership. That would be messed up though lol

[@MickJoseph-f7i]

Th rear subframe corrotion is an interesting topic. Earlier this year my SL350 R231 had it's rear subframe changed FOC by MB following an inspection. My 2011 CLS350 W218 is basically the same as the E-class W212, however showing no signs of rear subframe corrosion during it's service last week. Love the episodes 😊

[@ftffighter]

Where was the W218 built and where was the W212 built?

[@Jason-hk4sw]

“Honey, wake up, SPR just uploaded a new video”

[@sprautos]

🤣

[@chrispenn715]

Nice to see the 350SL - same as my car, but with nicer wheels 😊. I think I'd be turning down some of the cheapskate customers........

[@jamesdunican1750]

Fantastic work You get it with some people Go elsewhere for the nice work and to sort out the mess they left behind BUT the good thing is you know exactly what you are doing Top marks to SPR ☘️👍👍👍

[@sprautos]

@@jamesdunican1750 many thanks 🙏

[@georgedaville4662]

Just in episode you have imparted such a wealth of knowledge Sam. One lesson is becoming clear you need to maintain these Mercedes vehicles. They deserve it and will reward you with long service 👍😎

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏

[@mrsinghsgarage]

Nice to have an insight into the variety of work you get on a regular basis. Great work👌🏽

[@sprautos]

Appreciate it!

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Every utterance of "declined!" hides a sad, sad story.

[@4418CARLOU]

Posers pretending they have a few quid.

[@plugman1963]

@@grenvillephillips6998 "declined" means more expense at a later date, guaranteed!!

[@bryanporter3025]

Fantastic content really good mix of works lads ....well worth the wait....cant wait for the next episode 👍

[@phil25051]

Great episode Sam.👍👍👍

[@mickyhamer1300]

I remember my first B service on a 320 Class here in spain...well over €2000 20 years ago....great car ...

[@wookiewookster1214]

Excellent content as usual, thank you 🙏

[@4418CARLOU]

Great honest workshop. 10 minutes walk from me.

[@petrolhead28]

Champagne cars for lager money will require some expenditure. Maintained its still a champagne drive

[@seanscott685]

I just love this channel. Well done guys!

[@qc2731]

Love these videos, you’ve got better and better mate. Everyone can see your expertise and dedication 👊👊

[@sprautos]

Thanks 👍

[@51madmitch]

Very interesting thank you.

[@trevormansfield6495]

Your very generous with your staff room and friday lunch. I might apply for a job...............

[@jacquesvanzyl374]

Hi there Sam. Once again thank's to you and your team for another great video. i Have a question though , on the w204 m271 when raised up on the lift , can the crankshaft sensor be replaced from underneath the vehicle?

[@sprautos]

glad your enjoying, 271 crank sensor is easiest from the top if I'm not mistaken 'its been while'

[@jacquesvanzyl374]

@@sprautos ok thank's

[@nunofarinha5457]

Really enjoy watching your videos. Keep them coming :).

[@sprautos]

Thanks, will do!

[@PitSmok]

Again amazing episode, your approach to all this tasks is on another level. Can you dig a bit deeper about sl350, I love the episode about 500 but is there any difference or as well most of the jobs are 1000😄

[@sprautos]

Thank you. The SL 350 and 500 is very similar to be honest just a v6 and v8 but other than that the m112 and m113 were the same

[@peternic1]

It was nice to see the C208 CLK. I've also got a 230K and love it. It's in green black with only 85,000 kms on the clock, and it's in tip top condition. We're lucky down here in Australia that we don't have to salt the roads, so cars tend to last longer... if they've been well maintained. I also noticed a little Smart car in the lot. I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of a road test if you've got the time Sam. Keep the great vids coming.

[@sprautos]

Yea some smart car footage would be good actully. I wish we had your weather our cars would last so much longer

[@coolcat23]

I can relate to being annoyed about that oil cap! :)

[@markaddy53]

great content as always lad keep up the good work

[@FactTV-rj6sh]

Great videos , you do a superb job.. BUT one thing thats amazed me is how technical Mercs are now and what a load of stuff goes wrong and so puts me off getting one for sure. seem like its been made cheap nowadays and over technical. and who wants a diesel and put up with adblue nonsense.. been a eye opener..

[@brentsumner6548]

"Rodeo - Rider" is my favourite.

[@colinhawkins6853]

Great as always.

[@tomthepigeon6272]

Well done guys 🌹

[@frankirvine316]

Good job,amazing customers not wanting to fix ball joints and brakes? Very frustrating for you guys The C230 kompressor are a punchy motor at 190hp My wife had a 4 door saloon (silver) and fun to drive,good handling etc but in its life it had a frontal repair Nicely repaired,but had an annoying parasitic electrical drain,and one time my wife was going into a parking spot and the right front ball joint broke,sending the wheel into the front fender People walking had some funny looks 😂 Cheers Sam you will be super busy for sure Frank ✅🥝

[@bobbobby5724]

Love you video what a master

[@grandtrousers]

R231 SL also has problems with rear subframes. My friend just had his replaced FOC. Some of the replacement subframes (in the USA I believe) were rusty at the parts centre!

[@m60kaf]

I've had an NA M113 where the blank plugs where the oil cooler on top would go have leaked badly because the seal in the blanks gone, big job for a couple of seals. Suspension can really sort itself out with a rodeo tho suposely not supposed to do them unless a parts been replaced. On a car with SBC are you supposed to put the rear brakes in service before you change them - my experience is yes - internetz says no, but you get binding brakes if you don't but then the hoses are supposed to fail in a one-way valve kind of way.

[@sprautos]

m113

[@chrisivan3978]

i got a w211 and it got terrible negative camber i added camber bolts to front and its within spec by Mercedes, but Mercedes spec still makes it negative camber . trying to prevent the inner tire wear

[@sprautos]

its a pain in the ass!

[@len333p]

I don’t think folks get that a long term relationship with a trusted garage and regular investment in maintenance and repair work actually saves you money and grief in the long run. The garage gets to know the car. All cars are machines and they wear, it’s part of the total cost of ownership. Great work SPR, I wish I lived back in the UK or you were in Canada 🇨🇦👍🏻

[@sprautos]

Well said

[@Meads4]

Great vid 👌

[@dhdove]

Thanks for taking the time to produce these videos, it’s much appreciated. Regarding FoC rear subframes from Mercedes, do MB insist on full MB service history or current MB Warranty for the car to qualify? I can’t imagine you could drive in off the street with any old wreck? Best, Tony S

[@Crazydidge78]

Loving the weekly channel updates I live near Bath,Somerset Any recommendations near for a mb indie garage as your too far away for me 😂😂

[@grahamjohnson3765]

Really interesting services - great job at a quality garage - would be nice to know the price of the jobs too

[@jaouad9230]

Which W211 would you recommend? the most reliable. Thank you

[@Masteranddisaster13]

E500, M113, my personal opinion.

[@sprautos]

petrol m112, m113 diesel 646

[@ftffighter]

I notice that the "flow" in your videos with this newer format is coming together really well! For your 3rd episode, I think it's your best one yet. The editing is very well done, camera angles, information being exchanged, etc... all super professional. Thank you so much again for taking the time to make these videos brother man and seeing that blue W208 CLK 230(?) was a huge treat :) P.S. Idk if this matters, but I watched a KZbin video from a very reputable KZbinr stating that the algorithm actually can work against you if you have a numbered format in the title of your videos. Something to check into if you get curious, I can't confirm it and things change all of the time.

[@sprautos]

Thank you that’s much appreciated, I think we’re getting there now with how we want it. I do the editing my self with no experience so that’s great to ear. Interesting on the numbered titles I will look into that. Thanks 🙏

[@ftffighter]

@@sprautos WOW! You do the editing too? You're a G sir, you put in some serious work to do all of this. Much respect to you because you are a true "Master of the Mercedes" :D

[@andrewmooreandrewrmoore7615]

Interesting about the hoses on the old Kpmpressor. Wonder had the E10 fuel finished them off?

[@kennythomson4934]

Coldplays front man secretly owns a merc specialist emporium.

[@stephencox1955]

Hi guys, I find it very satisfying watching your videos,the knowledge you pass on is brilliant. Some years back,when looking for a new to me car the choice was a Merc for the wife or a v70 , the v70 won lol,it seemed a better choice at the time. Now just over 70 years of age,which Merc would you advise to own,as we are looking to change again,I like big deisels and the E class is right for size,over to your suggestions,thank you,no I’m useless with anything other than checking fluids!tyres etc 😅

[@sprautos]

Glad you’re enjoying them! The v6 Cdi is your big diesel, smooth drive and plenty of power.

[@stephencox1955]

@@sprautos any particular year to avoid ? I did see the video you did and changed the throttle “ paddle” was that the same engine please ! Thanks for your response 😀

[@oj4249]

Hey. Love the channel very informative. Have a question regarding the Mercedes GLC. Noticed 1 or 2 black dots on the brake discs. Would like to know what that is lol.

[@oj4249]

?

[@aqibfreed4672]

With the GLC, would you not just use the diagnostic tool to release the parking brake as part of the rear brake pad procedure ?

[@sprautos]

You can put it in brake or mode via the dash so no need for the diag.

[@andrewmooreandrewrmoore7615]

Just saying about the Kompressor as I have a 1998 Rover Mini MPI and the hose running from the tank forward actually ruptured! I was very lucky as it sits over the back box but the car thankfully wasn't hot.

[@Izzy111R]

I fancy a C or E class estate up to £10k. Any ones to avoid? The 220 or 250 Cdi is probably most sensible but love the idea of the V6. Leaning toward an E class because of the boot space.

[@51madmitch]

On the W204 service, why did you replace the injectors copper washers ? is their a problem with them ? Were they leaking ? I have a W204 2.5 diesel, like to do preventative maintenance, thanks

[@Paul-hm3bo]

Excellent content as always. Keep it coming.😀🦘

[@berwhaletheavenger]

On the subframe: I had one replaced on a 2006 SLK. I left a box of new Febi suspension arms and bolts in the boot that were due to be fitted and the MB dealer fitted those on a 'we didn't supply these' basis. 😂 It made their life easier tbh, leaving the original arms on the subframe and not having rusty bolts to undo. I can't fault their service tbh. Who else would do that FOC on a 15+ year old car?

[@eoinmurphy210]

crackin garadge.

[@jedi-mic]

I don't know if the discs have passed the limit..! it looks about three millimeters lip would give you about 3-3 1/2 mm left? ground down the lip they should have done, Yeah and take a gauge measurement to make sure but not sure if it needs new discs!? I got a problem with that SLK under braking! I don't know I've not had a car like that so I don't know if it's quite normal I've always had big heavy cars. What's the lock up the wheels slightly there's a bit of skidding going on so I'm not sure if there's an issue with the abs there was no warning lights before on rotation sensors for the wheels but so I'm not sure it has been bleeded before new brake fluid I could try going for the system again just has a tendency to want to lock up but steerable should break a bit quicker I think and what it's doing I don't know if it's worth putting bigger discs on and cannabis? Would that can a person disc you're working on now would that fit the SLK r170 I want to find a front discs a bit bigger, 17 inch wheel size 45 x 235 I think. You know what's disc or caliper that would fit it? I might have to make an extension for the caliper probably only if there's aftermarket. Do you know that company selling the springs and yellow Springs and gas shocks, they only want £495 for the whole set other people are charging like thousand or more! I wasn't sure if there legit or some scam new company! Really bad Chinese knock offs probably? Do you know company begins with an s. Yeah £25 for gearbox oil I didn't ask the price on filter, there's no resetting any valve systems on that five speed automatic from the r170, 03 don't think is there? Haven't really got a pump not electric take ages by hand so I was gonna fill it up from the dipstick! should be alright I think? Let me know if that's a problem !! Thanks! I like these videos you do better then some of them most... You remind me of an English Dave at Auto Centre, if you know who he is an American US he's got a big shop quite popular I think a TV company filming him;). Property best to use a synthetic 100% in the 75w90 axle. mineral is not good or blend, Full synthetic isn't 100% synthetic, it can be up to 20% or more to be called that. it's got to be 100% I'm assuming that's like that here. I think comma is 100% I have to check on it first, do you ever do oil analysis send it off? there's a few Labs in the UK that would do it.

[@sprautos]

The discs are over 2mm below minimum thickness as demonstrated in the video I’m not sure what other evidence you need that they need replacing.

[@kerbsidemobilemechanic]

Thought that was Jackie Chan with those boot struts mate 😂

[@sprautos]

😂😂

[@Millennial_Manc]

17:52 Is it just the 212 estate / saloon that rots or the C207 cabrio and coupé? Is it the 2013ish facelift too?

[@sprautos]

Yes all of them.

[@Millennial_Manc]

@@sprautos oh FFS. Another reason to go car shopping after you do my MOT next month.

[@martynoxley3745]

It surprises me how many owners seem to decline having major safety jobs done!

[@briansmith2570]

Lots of half assed work on that S-class.😠

[@honda2384]

great workshop, if I lived closer I would bring my Honda accord Mk8 2.4 petrol manual

[@jedi-mic]

I would definitely say no on the bleed nipple. the Casting is all cracked there, there'd be micro fractures five years down the line the thing can just fracture explode, it need a new caliper asap I wouldn't trust it not with that amount of material missing on a structural point. I think you need to relook it..!

[@dbash2004]

I think imo there is a shortage of good mechanics in the UK. SPR can't take on any new clients because they can fix a car properly or advise you to go to the main dealer for specific merc only top secret tec from a bunker in Berlin 😮. Car's are too complicated nowadays.

[@geeman2418]

Left my clk down to a garage for engine mounts gearbox mount and 02 sensor Fitted the 02 sensor says he has not got the equipment to do the engine mounts some subframe thing and bar for engine Its 06 clk 320 v6 cdi have you a video of changing them

[@sprautos]

I haven’t got a video 😞

[@denniscronin1112]

Can you give a ball park figure of what it cost to change rocker gasket please? I appreciate it includes a lot more than just the rocker cover

[@looktaoo]

Do Mercedes in every country(Denmark) replace the rear subframe on the w212???

[@sprautos]

I’m not sure on that one. Mybe contact a dealer

[@makiwa]

And it is spelt "BREAK" - not brake.... It comes from when they used to go shooting pheasant ect and they was a Station Wagon or Estate that used to come along with refreshments and the like so they could take a "Shooting Break"....

[@rambo196919]

Must admit, if the customer kept decling work that needs doing, they would no longer be a customer.

[@aq7705]

Can we come and chill out at the staff room? :-) You didn't show us lunch...fish n chips, was it? Noice!!

[@sprautos]

Haha yes good old fish Friday 🐟

[@usmaanabdullah9874]

What’s the difference between A services and B services?

[@sprautos]

with us A service oil & filter health check and report B service oil & filter, air filter, cabin filter health check and report some garages do it different and charge extra for cabin filters

[@ftffighter]

A and B should also include wiper blades and your doors/ hinges lubed/greased if necessary if I remember right.

[@sprautos]

Hinges get lubed up yes. But never heard of wipers included.

[@ftffighter]

@@sprautos Yea, I'm not sure about all of them but the Crown Mercedes of Dublin dealer here in Ohio does wipers technically, which really irrked me because I had bought brand new wipers before taking the car in not knowing wipers were included and they just threw away my new ones lol. I'd much rather take my car to you over some free wiper gimmick, it sucks there is a big ocean in the way.. I do have big plans for ordering a couple parts kits off of your website soon though to maintain my CLK 55. For example, the fuel pump rebuild kit is awesome. Thank you for putting them together :D SPR Rules!!