Mercedes Benz at Tire Kingdom for engine problems

[edyvw]

What I wrote was that with a good aftermarket scanner they will be able to do diagnostic. They might be able to provide valuable guidance. And that diagnosing an issue doesn't mean they'll be able, or willing, to repair it. I don't see a tire shop in their right mind spending labor on dropping engines and chasing German-speaking gremlins when they can change tires for the same labor rate.


Not that they can't. That they won't. Virginizing used modules to fit, vs installing new ones, etc.



The first google search I did on Autel + BMW returns "Replicates capabilities of BMW ISTA-D and ISTA-P systems for coding, programming, and diagnostics" on the very first result on top of the page. Not sure what Autel your guy has. Now, does every Autel has every car module loaded ? Don't know.

As for ProTool - not here to argue. It will not do flashing, will do diagnostic and coding, which is already quite ahead of what a tire shop or a brake shop might need. I haven't dug deep enough into mine to check if it does ABS purges - I know it does have a whole ABS sub-menu.

I agree


Sure.

That depends on the dealership and their willingness to push it, but for example, some BMW dealerships are going to code SPBR even on E90 models. Now, the dealership won't do some monkey business that is not an approved procedure. That is not at question here.
Autel might say whatever it wants, but it is designed to replicate, which does not mean it will do it exactly as it is written in the BMW software. Idk what Autel model he has, but it is one well above $1,000. I have Innova that also says it replicates stuff, but it does not replicate the way BMW software works. Autel will, for example, purge your brakes in the same order as ISTA. However, ISTA will command you when to press the brakes and for how long while purging valves. You won't be able to code stuff with Autel the way you can do with ISTA. For example, Autel won't do VO or SPBR. ProTool, for example, will do VO, but after you change on E90 VO to SPBR, you still have to code it in ISTA P, and neither ProTool nor Autel has that. That is what I have tried with ISTA and other OBD tools, including ProTool. Then you have numerous other functions.
Then we come to network and support, which tire shops won't have.

 

[John105]

… I haven't dug deep enough into mine to check if it does ABS purges

I had my DSC Hydro rebuilt (knock on wood it was 9 years ago) so I needed this feature, as BMW’s position is it’s not possible to purge the air otherwise from the ABS pump. Some guys said just drive in the rain or on gravel and slam on the brakes.

I used Rheingold on a laptop, as this was 2016 and what others did. It’s too complicated to get into the correct menu (in German to boot) and so a tool would be nicer.

My car is early an 2007 so my other software can’t even register a battery, why way back when I went to the dealer.

Back then it was wild how much software did. Oh your sealtbelt butlers aren’t handing you your seatbelts? BMW says do not replace the arms, upgrade the software. Today it makes sense, back then, no.

 

[Dave Hess]

...and then complain about how bad European cars are.


Maintenance costs are a function of original price, not what you just paid the 5th owner for the car off Craigslist.

I agree.

Craigslist has lots of very nice vehicles that are 10+ years old that need lots of expensive repairs.

 

[GON]

No less than two active BITOG members have Mercedes factory diagnostic systems in their home garage.

Mercedes are very easy to work on, if a person has basic skills (not even intermediate or advanced), critical thinking, and patience, a used Mercedes is a very inexpensive to purchase and maintain.

If one needs advanced diagnostic help, if a person has the Mercedes factory diagnostic system, a technician in Italy has a business where he connects to your system at home, and diagnosis the Mercedes.

 

[97prizm]

That is a first generation CLS, model years 2006 - 2008. In 2009, they got a facelift, which could be identified by different side view mirrors, and a different bumper and grill.

Depending on what is causing his problems, I wonder if it could be more economical to drop in a used engine. From a quick search on ebay, it looks like an M113 can be picked up for $700 - $1500.

You can overbuy a Ram or Super Duty just as easily as a Mercedes or a Bentley. I don't know how many times I've seen tricked out trucks, with oversized wheels and off road tires, and the tires are worn down to the point that they could soon be mistaken for slicks. I've always speculated that they guy can't afford to buy new tires, because he is still paying off the original wheel/tire package.

I love the CLS. The body style is very elegant.

I'd love to drop in an LS9 from a C7 ZR-1 and manual transmission into one. It would blend in yet be a hoot to drive

 

[Astro14]

What about MB software and diagnostics ?

I’m sure few tire shops have this for troubleshooting emission problem(s)….

Suspension and air ride system they could work on.

I sincerely doubt they have Mercedes software and diagnostics.

When I checked on the price of a legitimate MB DAS/XENTRY system, I was told that it was $6,000 for the laptop and hardware, with a $600 a month subscription fee.

No tire shop is paying that much for one marque.

A Mercedes specialist - sure - but a tire shop?

Not a chance.

 

[Astro14]

That's a bit elitist to say the least.
They might not be able to virginize a DMEs or do stuff even a BMW dealership won't do, but they surely have whatever tools of the trade they need to exercise their trade.

Diagnostic does not automatically mean repair. Any advanced scanner from a reputable manufacturer will fully diagnose pretty much anything on any car it's certified for. Whether a tire shop will actually be able to, and want to, fix what they diagnosed, is another story.

A full ProTool license with cables is $250, and requires a $50 android phone and some courage to use. And it does more than what a tire shop would want to dive in. I doubt that a $3k pro scanner won't be able to do that.

Do not confuse a scan with actual diagnosis. Scanning is only the beginning of a diagnosis, and often, the manufacturer level tests and follow up procedures are required for a proper diagnosis.

An Autel gets you started, but it doesn’t get you to the diagnosis.

 

[D60]

At least yours apologized.

I went in for rear brakes on my Santa fe. I knew the pads were bad, and the rotors had a lip so expected that as well.

Store manager came to me and half disdainful, half angry, half patronizing (I know that's three halves but they were too big to be just thirds ) informed me that he can't let me leave the shop for liability reasons unless I replace the rear calipers as well, because - quote - I drove the car with bad brakes for so long that the caliper pistons overextended so far that the calipers are now damaged.

He'll do me a favor and replace them for $1300, on top of the rotors and pads.

I told him that I'll pay him more than that, as long as he puts that same statement, with the technical explanation as it gave it to me, in written, stamped, on their letterhead.

I might have mentioned to him that in a previous life I worked at a tire shop in Europe to get me through college, along with my other odd jobs. I was all smiles, positivity and love.

He then mentioned they might be able to retract the pistons back, but that I should have them checked by my dealer.

I was so thankful that I keep advertising them as the amazing source of positive vibes that they are. Midas on Main Ave in Norwalk, CT. Across from the stop'n shop. Tell them I sent you.

PS: I did indeed mention this at the dealer and told the story, they got a good laugh.

I LOVE that story!

I'm always fascinated by the old "we can't let you drive it away" line. It seems not only unethical but illegal to me.

It also seems (anecdotally) every shop backs down if REALLY pushed on this stance.

By all means, if something is truly endangering lives, a shop can (maybe even should) call the authorities, but that's the point: they don't have the authority.