My First Mercedes, C class w203

[arzaamXRS]

on the Benz already had replaced the mechatronic seal with the updated part number when I first bought it just to be safe, heard bad stories of capillary action and ruined TCUs on this model from that seal. also bought my own Mercedes fluid checker tool but always so nervous to use it as it never goes in all the way and have to feel it bottoming out then stop then check level, also I am sure theres a way to get the red cap off without break the lock but for now I just have spare caps which I replace everytime lol.

[Xulfiqar]

I have my own homemade dipstick,

Ita a plastic pipe, so instead of a dipstick its a dip tube. Lol.

And i use chrysler atf+4 in it or another extreme duty atf if the transmission is behind a massaged v8.

Regular v6 cars get the cheapo synthetic multivehicle or benz own cheapo atf134

[Xulfiqar]

That F1 style box is not unique, it has another system running off a separate pump that works with the paddles.

Its the same old zf 6spd in bmws, and fords also used it, which are serviced with mercon sp atf, which is about 40 dollars a gallon at ford and cheaper at supplier.

The paddle control is a pain (similar as the v10 m5), but worth it once sorted.

In any case, i dont trust maserati for making a good car, ive seen too many goofy designs in it

[Xulfiqar]

also I am sure theres a way to get the red cap off without break the lock but for now I just have spare caps which I replace everytime lol.

there is no way - that is why the 30 cent cap lock is stocked by the thousands at every dealer.

[arzaamXRS]

gotta have the three pointed star wherever I go lol cheesy I know

[arzaamXRS]

I always wanted a CLS lol

[arzaamXRS]

most reliable Mercedes ever?

[arzaamXRS]

Got this aviation gasket maker for emergencies on any small or light surfaces not sure if it’s any good

[arzaamXRS]

Also got this liquid tape for some wiring insulation which was a little brittle in certain near to hear areas in the engine bay, I have used it before with success on the internal wiring for the headlights on the Bmw which is stupidly bio gradeable and it solved a major problem

[Xulfiqar]

This product was available in karachi back when i lived there.

For the headlight wiring, remove it and crimp new wires and reuse the connectors, this liquid tape is not good for those high temperatures.

[Xulfiqar]

This is also called indian head shellac. Good stuff for ultra fine machine surfaces which are sealed with silk thread.

I prefer hylomar, it is permanently non setting and has a curtaining effect so parts remain sealed even with some movement.

I use hylomar on bmw oil sump gasket metal bracing.

[arzaamXRS]

It’s the internal wiring inside the housing for the halo lights not the main hairiness, very thin wires and the dont come
Up on the electrical diagram either i originally intended to use heat shrink or a better method like you said but I found no way to disassemble the headlight without forcibly prying it open and using heat etc so I just didn’t risk it , Dewan quotes Rs 270,000 for just the housing per side! This doesn’t include any ballast or bulb or anything and this was 3 years ago when dollar was cheap so I really didn’t wanna mess with it in case I made mine worse, used ones were even worse inside

[arzaamXRS]

I had to change the lower sump on the X5 it had two sumps one bigger and one smaller, small one had the drain plug which was stripped and re tapped by the previous owner but still leaking, had to get a new sump new oil level sensor new o rings new sump bolts and gasket amd Dewan still used some Bmw gasket beaded idk what it was blackish in Color on top of the sump gasket which was unbelievably thin but whatever they did it worked and no more issues, costed 90k for whole job thankfully for the lower sump not much had to be removed, it’s apaprently made out of some wierd alloy like magnesium and from now on strict strict observance of torque on that hex drain bolt on the sump

[arzaamXRS]

[Xulfiqar]

I know about the wiring inside the housings, yes those can be recrimped with new plenum rated or high temperature wire.

These cars use TE connectors, which are easy to crimp too. You will need a picking tool to unlock them from their housings.

The biggest challenge is removing the lens cap and eustachion inside the lamp to reach the wiring from inside, on older cars it could be worked with some long reach tools.

Buying new bmw lamps for this job is a waste of time as the wiring on them is still useless.

[arzaamXRS]

[arzaamXRS]

Noted I appreciate this a lot will find time to do it properly then some day using the description above

[Xulfiqar]

Im surprised that dewan motors didnt have the mg repair helicoil repair kit for it.

The factory manual also mentions it. As the result after the repair would be extremely strong. Same concept as the inner lined nuts you see on bmw exhaust systems.

This gasket is best helped with hylomar, awesome sealant (made by rolls royce in the 60s)

I have pulled sumps on x5, its extremely irritating, not difficult, just packed like an onion. Lol

[Xulfiqar]

This job is quite easy to be honest, and even easier with a helicoil repair kit or a strong sert locked in with permanent threadsealant.

[arzaamXRS]

Lol I know they started after lunch at 2 pm and had it delivered to my by 7 pm
I’ll be on the lookout for hylomar
I wish I knew back then that there was any such repair procedure