@@chrishernandez2490 There was that one redhead guy that used to wander back and forth in the background of Wizard's videos - I always wondered about him, though. Magic Mike seems almost OCD.
He really is the kind of mechanic whose opinion I wouldn't second guess. But as written above, the wizard would never hire anyone who has bad ethics. I would definitely bring my car to a shop like this. I just ran away from our local Ford dealership because of the "service advisors" there, arrogant folks who never listen to the customer.
hoovie is an idiot! he doesnt even know what a dry sump is or what he's talking about. in the Philippines the tax is 100%, so this gla would cost $90k new. fact is, plastic and rubber dont last forever on any car, use it or not, you'll eventually have to replace them and price depends on which country and factory they are made
@@kimi61 read and understand what I said, whether here, there or anywhere, hoovie is a youtube actor, not someone you want to get professional educated advice.
It's always nice to see the mutual respect Car Wizard and Magic Mike have for each other, they look like they appreciate each other as co-workers who know how not to get in each other's way. Also, Mike clearly enjoys his job he always has a big smile on his face when he's on camera. He probably never thinks back on his time at the Merc dealership except whenever the Wizard brings it up.
I love that he doesn't fluff up these videos! It seems like he's going about his day, then has an idea and shoots a quick video and moves on. I love that honest, no BS "Here's what I got if you want it."
@@scherzva Well it's been a year and I'm 3500$ into repairs and I have an other one on the way! Lollll but I do enjoy the ride and the car itself. Not ready to part with it quite yet. Sorry to hear about your Lexus experience
Try flushing the orfice with oven cleaner. It breaks down the carbon and sludge where break cleaner wont. Flush, let sit 2 hrs, flush again, repeat. Normally takes3-4 times and it will open up.
always a good idea- Took my Xterra in for a roof rack issue- when I picked up had scratch on door - Told them they needed to fix it - they didnt have any notation the scratch was there and they paid to fix it.
That's what we do with the customer when they drop the car off. If we find anything on the lift that wasn't visible from the outside we take photos and email them. While most of our customers wouldn't pull that kind of stunt, I'm sure there's a few we've thwarted by doing that. And a few have discovered damage done by their spouse or kids that they hadn't yet noticed.
@@blueridgerennsport I likely wouldnt notice a minor blip on a car thats been driven for years but I noticed a several inch long vertical scratch on my door on the side where they had to remove roof rack- so I have no doubt they did it. They made it right so all is good - now that dealer photographs car when cust drops off. Protects both parties
@@bikeman1x11 I didn't mean to imply you were scamming the dealer, sorry if it came off that way. I had a kid bring in his beat to hell e39 540 touring once. Dropped it off in the middle of the night and wanted an estimate. I took photos of it when we opened the next morning, and wrote up an estimate for what he wanted done and a list of recommendations. Kid refused everything. A week later his father called cursing up a storm, saying we broke this and broke that and basically accused us of sabotaging his kid's pristine wagon. After I got him to calm down I sent him the photos from the parking lot, dew still on the car, and the photos from underneath on the lift. He changed his tune pretty quickly and admitted he gave his son the car 6 months ago and hadn't seen it for the last 90 days or so. The kid messed it up fast 😆
@@bikeman1x11 I had the opposite happen twice. I seem to have bad luck with mechanics and tire studs. Took 1 car in to a mechanic years ago over an issue I didn't have the time to diagnose. Long story short, I get the car back and one of my tire studs were snapped off. I called them up and they denied it. Fast forward my wife's car at the time blew a tire on the highway so we got it towed to a tire shop. A month or so later I was taking off the tire to replace something on the car, and what do I see? A snapped stud. I didn't even bother calling them as I knew calling after a long period of time wouldn't be fruitful. Only 2 times have I ever seen snapped studs in my life, and both were after going to a shop. At that point I got annoyed with mechanics and always pay attention to my car before I drop it off, especially the studs.
FYI, even in emission states, mechanics CANNOT legally hold your car hostage. If you want it back, they are required to relinquish it. The caveat is they may require you to tow it off their property (emissions liability issue), in which case a tow truck would simply tow it around a corner and drop it, allowing you to drive away.
I live in NY and no, a mechanic can not keep your vehicle. They can fail you for an inspection, but NyS does not allow vehicles to be held for ransom. I worked as a mechanic for many years and was an inspector for several more.
Yeah i live in NYS and when he said that i was shocked and was like really? Ive had cars like that and a shop told me i can go anywhere but, it is kind of like you have to stay there because they scratch your sticker off, so goodluck. I had that issue with my 07 lacrosse, and my registration was up so it was like a double whammy trying to go anywhere so i ended up staying at the shop. Which i guess wasnt really an issue with me because ive been going there for years
Car Wizard lied or said something wrong? Hmmm.... Lol. Yeah, even if the CEL is on and the customer doesn't have the money to pay for it, the shop can't keep the car.
You're 110 % Right DIY Chad. The ONLY time we can keep a vehicle is for Example : Upper Control Arm is seriously cracked or some other Deadly Component about to Break. CHP ( California Highway Patrol ) will come & say , " Mam , the only way you're taking this car Home is on a Tow Truck or let 'em Fix it ) Southern California Smog Emissions Repair background
Yes the old saying, "a fool and his money are soon parted" applies, these cars are "snob value" only, quality departed Mercedes Benz products many years ago. As Scotty Kilmer says, " money pits.
Just read a forum post from someone who switched from Toyota to Mercedes since the total cost of ownership would be lower. I would like to hear his opinion in a couple of years ;)
@Jay I have seen it often that people who have more to spend tend to be complaining about cost more. If I trust a workshop I pay the invoice without discussion.
@Jay more like its not wanting to be ripped off. If you spend the money on the mercedes you should be rightfully upset if it breaks at 28k miles and the dealer tries to scam you into paying more than you have to. Thats not the luxury experienced you paid for.
@Jay People dont get rich by spending more money. On the upside, a lot of those people are highly skilled and often engineer DIY repairs for a fraction of the cost! Ferrari and Maserati owners figured out how to repair their hydraulic pumps for a fraction of the new pump cost. BMWs are also blessed with tons of DIY write-ups
Chevy: "The PCV valve in my 350 V-8 is $5! Ford: "That's nothing! The heated PCV valve in my 3.0L V-6 is $50! Mercedes (laughs in German): "Hold my bratworst..."
that a $5-10 part - a pain to change on my xterra but a 2 minute job on my integra. I guess if you pay for a mercedes you hahve to pay for parts and service
Bought a Mercedes and thinks that a 1400.00 repair is expensive.... I’ll never understand my fellow Americans. Everyone tries to look rich while they are barely making it. A Camry would have been more in their budget. Thanks for the awesome vids, Car Wizard!
YUP, we have to put up a facade(usually accompanied by a heavy financial burden) to make us look what we which we could be because apparently reality is "too harsh". 🙄🤣
Get many C43's with engine failures? (stock or not stock) what do you see fail? Just curious since I have one that sh*t the bed. It's going to the shop soon and I suspect it's going to be an engine replacement. It's blowing compression out of the valve cover.
Based on my experience I would NEVER buy a Benz. They're trying to produce a model for almost every market niche and have stretched themselves far too thin. My C-Class was a lemon of epic proportions. They used the cheapest, crappiest parts to keep the costs down and they broke left right and centre. And the electrical system was a nightmare.
When you actually look at what they are doing they are stretching several bodies over every platform/engine they have. It's the TacoBell approach to car building, everything is kind of the same few ingredients arranged differently. Apparently people have an insatiable desire to own a Mercedes. 🤷🏻♂️
@@A565a There is actually a german car magazine that has a C180 (w204) with now over 500.000km. They originally had the approach to test what you can get with a bone stock car. They ordered it with the navigation system being the only extra. After 100.000 km (the usual amount) they figured it was too sad to take it apart and kept driving it. They also did a test with a VW Golf and an A-Class that now have over 250.000 km at the moment. Seemingly without major issues. Except for the Golf having water leaking into it for some reason, if I remember correctly, but I‘m not sure about that. …which would have been a major issue from my point of view.
Wizard, I like how you and your wife are a team in making and shooting your videos. A lot of UA-camrs are one person shows who set up cameras to tape sections of the main video. Refreshing to see a husband wife team working together for their betterment. Hats off to you both!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
@@xoxo2008oxox He has had one in a barn for a while, but he let it be seen in a previous video and said something like "that's not there...." so it could be possible. The outline of the front looks a bit like an old 911.
the clips on the passenger side arm rest in my R52 Mini cracked and broke off. I went to the dealership to get a replacement. Despite the part being held in by clips, they only sold the whole door panel for the low low price of like $500. So I glued it back on XD
I'm in Australia. A buddy had a Grand Cherokee. It went into a repair shop and somehow they lost the driver's door card. The local dealer provided a replacement card, leather, speakers included, for $4500 AUD. That's $3500 USD. For a door card. No wonder they are called stealers....
In Germany you can buy just about every small part for German cars from a dozen cheaper companies. That's the problem with import cars, also in Germany: spare parts are a rip off.
Small stuff like this is also a good opportunity for Chinese and Eastern European manufacturers. Crank out individual components and they'll sell quick. So many of them are built by the OEs there anyways!
I live in NY and if you fail the emissions test on a state inspection you are not forced to fix it in the shop. The shop removes the inspection sticker and you are allowed to leave but with the risk of getting a ticket for no inspection.
@@CheezyDee in CA we have smog but no inspection. gas cars newer than 1975 and diesel cars newer than 1997 have to do it every two years, if you get flagged with "gross polluter" status it's every year. It's all electronic so you go to a privately owned "smog only" station (they have to do only smog checks, no work) and if you pass (or if the shop is cool and you "pass") they just update it and when you go to register your car the DMV can see it passed
@@CheezyDee I don't think any state in the US would allow a shop to hold it for emissions. Most don't even allow you to hold it for safety problems, if they pay the bill it leaves.
Right , RJO Video : You can't hold anybodys car for what this good man said and he's a Sharp Fella. The ONLY reason you can do that is if the vehicle is exhibiting a Life & Death situation ( like a Cracked Upper Control Arm ) and other Deadly observances ....You can call the CHP ( California Highway Patrol ) . They will come & tell the Customer the same thing ( The car AIN'T leaving mam unless you get this thing Fixed or you have it TOWED to your House ) The "Car Wizard" musta been listening to one of the UA-cam Mechanic Experts that has Never changed Oil or Fixed a Flat on their own vehicle. Even if the car was a "Gross Polluter", you can't hold NOBODYS da_ _ car for this PCV issue ( which will definitely Fail a Smog Check , only because the Check Engine Light will be on & the PCV Onboard Monitor will be displaying "Not Ready"....The only way Any 2000 & Newer vehicle can Pass the Onboard Monitor Test in California is if the EVAP Monitor shows "Not Ready". The EVAP Monitor will NEVER Run or Test unless the Fuel Gauge is showing 1/4 to 3/4 Full from your Gas Tank. Smog Emissions Repair background ( The Leader in ALL States when it comes to 5-Gas Emissions Repair Work )
@@FOURfabrication 1979 - 1999 vehicles still require the 5 Gas Emissions Test for HC - CO - NOx CO2 - O2 2000 & Newer : Onboard Inspection System Test ( Doesn't Test for the 5 Gases ) but vehicle can still Fail if Smoke is Emitting from the Tailpipe - The Number on the CATS retrieved & inserted into the Smog Computer & it comes back that the CATS aren't California Certified Converters - Some Idiot has removed the CATS & running a Straight Pipe - Some Idiot has put a spark plug extender on the Oxygen Sensor so that the Head of the Sensor is no longer visible in the Exhaust Gas Stream because they refused to fix the P0420/P0430 " Catalytic Converter Below Threshold Codes. - Check Engine Light Is On - Check Engine Light Doesn't Illuminate - Onboard Diagnostic Monitors are Incomplete - Car has a Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code & ( Your 20 year old Daughter or 20 year old Son buys this car as their 1st car and have a Heart Attack @ their 1st California Smog Inspection. www.smogcheck.ca.gov Get Educated & while you're there , Click "Search" for Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Southern California Smog Repair background
This is why we save all the good, reusable components from any assembly that we replace. You never know when you're going to come across a cracked or crack a brittle accordion hose or need an odd little solenoid that has to be special ordered and takes 2 weeks to arrive... Always nice to have options to offer the customer.
Amazing how much your shop rate has risen 25% plus since the last time you mentioned it in previous post. I suppose that's what happens when business is good. Wizard this is not a negative post. I'm just saying everything has gone up in the past year. Love your show. Thanks for sharing.
Our always-dealer-serviced 2015 ML400 was totaled in early 2020 due to massive water intrusion, after a severe rainstorm, resulting from blocked drainage tubes that were supposed to drain the closed Sunroof. Apparently all of the critical computers in that vehicle were located under the floor carpets, and were toast. While Mercedes claims to check and clean out these drainage tubes during every routine service, there is no line item for such service, as there is for every other bit of service work they perform, so I doubt that the dealer techs were ever directed to performed this simple service w/o a specific request by the customer. Thanks to my MB service adviser, who had seen this happen many times in MB vehicles with sunroofs, I immediately called my insurance company to have the car inspected before authorizing any further dealer service after they drained somewhere between 9 and 11 gallons from the floor pans in the passenger areas. Before having it towed in, I had already vacuumed out several gallons of water from the spare tire area. Within 30 minutes of inspecting the car, my insurer declared it a total loss. We had planned to keep that unusual model forever, but I guess we dodged an expensive bullet. That SUV had an amazing turbo-charged V-6 engine. But no more cars with sun roofs for us.
Used to run car parts for Mercedes. Kinda funny as many of the parts, for those built in the US anyway, are made in the same plants as most other big car manufacturers. In shipping warehouses there will be lines of MB, BMW, GM, Ford etc right next to each other.
Kinda like how most motor oil is refined by a handful of refineries for multiple companies. They just adjust the process and additives to meet customer specs.
@@stephenhayes3765 aftermarket parts run the gamut, some are higher quality than the oe and others are absolute junk. If you are buying from a good manufacturer or the manufacturer which made the OE part originally it's good.
@@shaunbava1801 too many people believe that the car company makes the parts, few make any part most buy from one of the dozen or so suppliers who make everything. I see people say don’t use borg Warner parts in certain brands even though that’s who makes the oem part
Had to buy a Bosch electronic throttle for my SLK. Bosch makes essentially the same throttle for every car manufacturer they all have different part numbers, so if I had a VW I could have paid $200, but because it's the Mercedes one it cost $1,000.
Thanks, Wizard, always a learning moment. I loved the 2012 Mercedes GLK350, 3.5 V6 but $$$ problems after 5 years 50k beat the love out of me. When the $400 car payments ended, the $1k a month repairs began.
What started to go wrong with it if you dont mind me asking? I have an 09 e350 and some things have popped up here and there but ive been able to tackle them myself
you dont need to download it, you can go frame by frame back and forth just by pausing the video and typing " , " for back and " . " for forward. when i tried, it looked like a larger car with oldschool star rims. my guess its a 60s or 70s vehicle.
It's a Ferarri, you can see it clearly in Hoovies last video when he went to the Wizards to check on his orange Lambo, it's next to it. Not sure if it's Tavarish's from this season of Car Trek, but it being all the way over in Kansas, either means possibly Hoovie bought it, but however with the effort that the wizard is doing in attempting to hide it, that tells me maybe the Wizard himself took it off of Tavarish's hands.
@@LycanWitch oh wow, you're right. i was way off. i really didnt care until they went out of their way to hide it. eh now i care even less than before. do these people live so far out of reality that they think everyone has Lambos, Rolls Royces and Ferraris we can relate to? i realize that sounds like i'm jealous, its just those cars are so alien to any other normal car, its impossible to relate to them and the problems they have.
Stay in New Jersey. If you ever move to another state, please do not tell the people how it was done in New Jersey. Here in Florida the damn people retired from the north always have to say, "well that is the way it was in XXXXX." Just go back to where you came from I tell them. Always trying to change things in Florida. I tell them "that road you came down on, goes right back to where you came from....take it. That usually shuts them up.
I worked at Chrysler...theres isnt, nor was there ever, space to store every individual part, so frequently parts are serviced as assemblies...for example...you couldnt get just the rear view mirror glass...you had to buy the whole mirror assembly. Besides warehouse space, there is computer bandwith to track the part, price it, etc.
Todays lesson "don't buy champagne vehicles' when all you can afford is lemonade money". And side note why are Apple/John Deer afraid of right to repair when you can just bundle items into assembles and over charge?
Such horrible engineering! The amount of money they charge for this junk is astounding! I wonder how much it would cost to assemble a Mercedes by parts, $200k for a C class?
Well they do have poverty spec cars. Remember seeing a modern bmw 316i with cloth seats and rusty steel rims with plastic hubcaps and was horrified. Cheapest bmw you could get was the 320i which was better equipped but now it's only the 328i. Same with Mercedes they have much cheaper trims than here in the us. Some even have older and simpler engines and transmission options than here. The German taxi Mercedes e is more old school mechanically than a new one here. That's why they're a lot more reliable and cheaper to buy. I wish we could get cheaper, simoler and less crap filled and more reliable Mercedes's over here.
Most of them aren't bought, they're leased. Personal leasing has exploded in popularity in the UK in the last 10-15 years, and it's the reason why so many new cars are now Mercs, BMWs, Audis and Range Rovers. Of course, it also means that all those brands are less of a status symbol than they used to be, because now you see them everywhere.
Javier, you are right. For example,when I hear Doug saying “...base mercedes E 350...” Im thinking to myself,when was the last time I saw something bigger than 200 D 😩😄 . That’s the reality.
@@elihernandez330 Correct! In France these cars are all over the place. Here in the US, if you know what models to buy you can attain a very good quality long lasting vehicle at a fair price. W212 E Class is like the modern W124 E Class. The W204 C class is an excellent compact vehicle with low upkeep costs as is the W204 GLK. I would pass on the W211 E Class as it was made with cost cutting in mind. The worst IMO is pretty much any used S Class. Just a matter of time before you spend 2 to 3 times the amount on repairs that you paid for the car.
Yeah we get the crappy high tech base models over here. over there they get the cheaper, simpler, and more reliable Mercedes which is a good thing. also a lot of mercedes over here are actually made here and not in Germany. the US made mercedes are less good. i believe the suv's besides the g wagon and a few cars are made here. others models are German made only like the cls and s class for sure which has proven better but are also higher tech yet.
mercedes updated the replacement part because it was plaguing both M270 and M274 engines under warranty. that's my guess anyway, remember hearing that they updated that part and warranty only wanted you to replace those parts
Flori-Duh where I live has a lot of problems. But one thing I will say is that they are seriously conservative when it comes to vehicle inspection. You could literally mount a PT6 engine in your car and as long as you have insurance and have paid your tag fees, the state could care less.... Great video!
I had this happen on a leaking antifreeze hose that went into the firewall and was used as the heat source for the heater .. So I lost heat in winter and the hole /crack was so bad that I couldn't keep the antifreeze topped off .. 1996 ford v6 mustang.. The hose needed to be replaced but it had one time use factory crimp connectors .. To fix it I was told I needed the whole hose .. Because the hose went into the firewall the dash needed to come out so it was 3,609$.. I was just 17 .. I only had money in my bank to cover the diagnostic fee 75$ .. I told them thank you and I'll just take it home and fix it when I could .. The mechanic working on my car caught me before I left .. He gave me a small portion of heater hose and some clamps .. He opened the hood and showed me that I can cut the one time connectors off.. Once off I could place new hose over the metal that was left and clamp it down .. Then just cut out the torn section of the hose and get the hose back together with a metal connector he gave me .. It was absolutely free and I had it done in 1hr in my driveway .. It wasn't a hack fix either .. It was a strong fitting new hose. It never leaked again . Thank you so much to the ford tech that realized he could help me fix the car and make it easy to understand .. He saved that car .. I was so young that I never would have the cash to fix it .. He took unpaid time out of his day to not only teach me how to easily fix it but also give me the parts to do it .. That was my start in auto work .. I found everything was much simpler then I imagined it could be .. I work on my own cars now and have for 18 years. Again thank you to the stranger that seen me in need and stepped up to help me out for nothing in return . I will always remember you and I am reminded of you every time I fix my family's cars and neighbors as well . I dont charge a cent .. So you good sir sparked my interest to help others . If I had never met you , my life would be different .. You help started a lot of good carma for all of the people I help . Your one act of kindness lead to 100 more .. Wish I could see you now and thank you for what you did for me ..
Love your videos and yes many shops both dealers and independent shops aren't honest but as a dealer we pride ourselves on honesty especially in our small town. Not all dealers are dishonest.
The A Class is now sold in the States as well; this model has the base model headlights/tail lights so it does in fact have incandescent brake/turn signals
I know my cousin drives the A class coupe I think. I told her she is nuts to pay 35k for a car that has less features than her sister's fully loaded Sonata. But she is a realtor and image is everything according to her. She isn't a car person though. She just found out that her sister's car has ventilated seats and she doesn't, and she cried. She also thought she got the new AR navigation system and found out she didn't.
As a German (that actually drives Mercedes for about 12 years now, from W124 to W213 Mopf/Facelift), i've got some experience with them...the funny thing is, parts are dirt cheap here, they often have the cheapest parts. (Side note: you have to buy the whole assembly for LED cars on european cars, beacuse we do have a law around here that LED lights cannot be "open", due to them being easy to do wrong and then blind other drivers) That Valve is also available alone in Germany. Also, labor is quite cheap on Mercedes dealers, most of them are around 80-90 Euros per hour (where independent shops take around 60-70 Euros per hour). However, most mechanics do actually learn quite a bit at Mercedes shops. It actually surprises me, that the differences are THAT significant between the same cars...
and shops don't charge by actual hour they charge by how many hours book says it takes to repair. So job pays 4 hours they charge $125x4 if it only takes him hour to replace actually $500 per actual hour of work.
I own an ‘03 E500, with over 188,000 miles on it. Last summer, my son and I gave her a full-on tune-up, at a cost of around $700.00, plus replaced the air-ride suspension for another $1900.00. The a/c compressor was an additional $150.00, and still will not work, due to a dealer only code clearing issue, so I’m told. I used to really love that car, but love and money are two separate things. But she sure looks good sitting in the driveway. I’m back to driving my ‘03 Avalanche, with 189,000 miles on it. Needs rear shocks, a tune-up, and a good wash/wax. If that costs more than $150.00, It’ll be a bargain in comparison. And, she still looks good sitting in the driveway, the mall parking lot, the grocery store. . . .
As always you are a very honest guy and it shows in every one of your videos! That’s what we need in this industry! I run my own shop diagnosing and repairing Mercedes and I can relate to the part prices. It makes it hard on the customers and us to go to them with these crazy part prices. I’m glad the dealer step up to the plate and did the right thing!
You need deep pockets if you want a merc or BMW. I'll stick with my Honda's. They might be considered boring but they've only cost service parts and wear and tear
Even hondas are getting pricey to maintain. Toyotas require less these days. Hondas only have gdi and no port injection so honda recommends a carbon cleaning every 30k on the newer ones. they also have timing belts and not a chain which usually lasts 300-400k.
@@elihernandez330 I didn't know that.mines a few years old now, I do worry about the CVT gearbox, heard they can be troublesome. My 2003 crv had 230,000 miles on the clock. I do miss it.
I’ve got an ILX and was worried about part costs. Then I realized it’s a civic with a fancy inside and saw how cheap parts are. Honda is legit. Not the fastest car by any means, but nice interior with reliability is awesome.
@@llamedosr7843 yeah those old hondas were just better plain and simple, on par with toyota. Now they're below in all fairness. Which is sad cause that makes picking a car harder. The zf9 is troublesome, the gdi and turbo is troublesome whereas Toyotas don't have just gdi or turbo. They have gdi and port injection and timing chains.
I live in Europe and here car repair shops hourly price is just as cheap for every car brand, no need to pay extra for import cars. the work is priced in advance and no surprise costs will come. And the parts usually get in a couple of days. Sometimes the parts are even ready on the workshop shelf because they are replaced so often
This should be covered by the 8 year 80k mile Emission Warranty! It you are running with a code they have to cover it as its not performing as certified. Tell the customer to call the dealership or Mercedes customer service.
@@bigpjohnson I have mentioned the exhaust actuator, wizard had a problem buying it, he could have just ordered it from Europe, it would have been still cheaper than the whole exhaust assembly. No wonder the customer was pissed.
@@lmrst2 doh! Didnt realize you were talking about the 45 and not the PCV valve. Mechanics usually order from dealers and known suppliers who deliver fast. A lot of stuff is cheaper overseas but can take a long time to arrive.
On 850 Volvos everyone knows about servicing the PVC system. But it doesn't clog up that fast...usually every 100K or so. But the kit is readily available for 250 dollars plus 2 hours labor. A clogged PVC in an 850 is bad news because the crank pressure causes main seal leaks which are extremely expensive.
Really enjoy the vids! HAD TO LAUGH- as you were describing the valve that failed, I flashed-back to something my ol man told me many, many years ago. You were describing what he called, the EGR (EXHAUST GAS REGULATOR) but his description about the smog crap they started putting on vehicles a long time ago was just a little bit different than yours. He said to me, boy these f&@king egr’s are just like and I quote, “EATING YOUR OWN SHIT” I never forget that moment with him (even though he was an asshole) and brought back some memories….for those of you that know what an egr is, I’m sure you can relate where he was coming from….
Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever first occurs). The specified major emission control components only include the catalytic converters, the electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU), and the onboard emissions diagnostic (OBD) device or computer. If you are a resident of an area with an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program that meets federal guidelines, you are eligible for this warranty protection provided that: Your car or light-duty truck fails an approved emissions test; and Your vehicle is less than 2 years old and has less than 24,000 miles (up to 8 years/80,000 miles for certain components); and Your state or local government requires that you repair the vehicle; and
I had the same part go out on my old Fiesta ST. The dealer was going to fix it for free but the part was back ordered and I found a part online and ended up fixing it myself for like $60.
A thing I found that I didn`t realise is that dealers don`t all charge the same for genuine parts, I rang 3 local franchised dealers to see if they had in stock a turbo hose for a diesel Mondeo and all 3 were different prices, one was 1/3 less than the next nearest it was only a little dearer than ebay and I could collect it the following morning. I had thought that all genuine parts from a dealer were a fixed price but, was happy to be proved wrong. This was in the UK so may be different in other countries.
Korean cars just like German cars come with hard expiration date, Hyundai engines are designed to live trough warranty period past it is up to your luck if it blows or not, Toyota Mazda Honda Lexus Acura are the way to go
From the EPA: Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever first occurs). The specified major emission control components only include the catalytic converters, the electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU), and the onboard emissions diagnostic (OBD) device or computer.
You can usually clean up a PCV valve and make it function pretty much like new. Equity it was brake clean is actually a pretty good element but you have to lubricate it. Do not lubricate with WD-40 it is not a Lube it is not a Lube it is not a Lube. It shouldn't even be in your shop for most of the purposes people use it for. The other issue is that valve failed at such a low mileage probably because that car is driven very short trips. That is very hard on especially the oiling system and some of the breathers.
Current UK Mercedes tech here, we get soo many people buying these cars then are surprised when the running costs are higher than budget makes/models! Lots of skimping on maintenance just to get a ‘status symbol’ (🙄) on the driveway but premium cars = premium prices. Generally we find that engine pretty good! The other reason for bundling some assemblies (not always, I’m not THAT naive) is that modifications get carried out down the years as fairly common faults are found and fixed for the next production run, replacing as assemblies makes sure everything is compatible.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 looks hideous to me, but we still need an all-new, buy this, not that video this Saturday. The Car Wizard was extremely busy for the first five months of 2021 and do not worry, guys. He will eventually do the buy this, not that video for Subaru, either with the Bug Ninja (if he is visiting next video upload) or himself as usual. Thank you very much and enjoy, people.
I had that once, with my current vehicle, a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. I had issues with the wiper assembly just stop working, and required putting back together. I shopped around and during my research found that the entire assembly was a recall part. So I took it into the dealer and at no cost to me, it was fixed entirely. Never had an issue since, though some parts have been a pain to deal with. The gas tank has to be ordered from Japan and its not cheap either, so I've been patching it, any time it springs a leak.
The way how MB design their cars now is the exact reason why I sold mine when the warranty expired. I'm not a badge shopper so I don't think it is worth paying the ridiculous repair costs just to say you drive a Mercedes. I don't know about anyone else but when I see people driving a Mercedes now I don't envy them. I think they're dumb enough to buy one just for the badge. I'm pretty much done with them unless they change their ways.
@@keithmatthews1673 I'm not sure if I could call an Amphicar a Yacht. That said, my opinion is similar to the Wizard's other boats. What even is a Yacht?
@@mrtyreus0 Depends where you live in the world. In USA...something you can't normally sail single handed In New Zealand...anything with sails In Australia...over 20ft long with sails In UK...over 30ft with sails...anything less is just a sailboat..or day sailer, or has a specific model name/class....
I still want to see a video on that 80s BMW 5 series behind you at the beginning of the video. I love those! Seems it's been in your shop for quite a while.
A base spec Mercedes Benz is still a Mercedes Benz. If you choose to drive them then you should be prepared to spend the money to maintain and repair them. You shouldn't expect Hyundai/KIA or domestic vehicles parts prices or maintenance/repair prices.
8yr/80,000 miles Federal Emission Warranty applies here. Dealer shall repair it at no cost to any owners... Every car in USA is covered for emission related issue.
You want a shock,, call the mercedes dealer ask for price of all the power steering line for a 2000 suv... was quoted around $3000 special orders from Germany...
I'm in Cape Town, and every single used BMW I have bought (8), has had a dead PCV valve, and with every one I've totally ignored it, with nil comebacks. Every BMW mechanic here says the same thing, ignore and live with it!
Thanks for sharing this information. As we both know, it isn't just MB who "package" repair parts even though to those who have mostly owned American vehicles it would seem like an MB or BMW thing. Nissan, Honda, Ford and GM and many other brands forego common sense and value per dollar with regards to simple repairs such as this. I personally have 3 MB's. An 18 GLC300 4matic, 13 E350 4matic, and a 90 300SL, so I am no stranger to parts "hunting" with regards to the SL however the other 2 cars are no problem (if) at all. Both do have extended warranties which do give me a warm fuzzy feeling no doubt, but I do my own brakes, rotors, and oil changes quite cheaply and straightforward. Thanks for the informative videos. Good to know since my Daughter is considering one of these chassis variants of GLA/CLA.
I bought a Renault Laguna back in 1996. A nylon rack inside the door mirror broke ... the ball on the end snapped off. I dismantled the mirror and got the broken rack out ... it actually hada part number on it. Renault wouldnt sell me the part, I had to buy a whole new door mirror. Last French car I ever bought.
Good the customer learns how much a minor maintenance job on that car costs, so they can get rid of it before something expensive breaks. I remember I was looking at a 1960 rag top Caddy as my first car. It ran pretty well for $80.00 but needed a lot of work. I recall my mentor sitting me down and explaining that he had no doubt that I could fix it, but he sat me down and explained how the parts would eat me alive long before I ever got to drive the thing. Grudgingly, I passed on the car... but it was a valuable lesson to avoid cars that weren't worth the cost of fixing.
Magic mike seems like the type of mechanic with an A+ work ethic and sense of integrity.
Doesnt seem like the wizard would hire a hack with no skills and bad attitude or work ethic
Thank you!
Im sure all of the wizards employees are like that!
@@chrishernandez2490 There was that one redhead guy that used to wander back and forth in the background of Wizard's videos - I always wondered about him, though. Magic Mike seems almost OCD.
He really is the kind of mechanic whose opinion I wouldn't second guess.
But as written above, the wizard would never hire anyone who has bad ethics. I would definitely bring my car to a shop like this.
I just ran away from our local Ford dealership because of the "service advisors" there, arrogant folks who never listen to the customer.
You probably just got the service manager fired for not ripping off the customer
Who killed you?
How were you suicided?
@@seanm3ify Jeff is chilling under the iron dome in tel-aviv
@@KingHisss
😈
Fun fact:
you didn't kill yourself
Wow a dealership actually didn't rip off people? Hell is officially frozen over.
And a Mercedes one at that.
@@elihernandez330 that's hell rare
Yep, as if 2020 and 2021 didn't look strange enough
Actually I’ve seen independent shops charge more than dealers.
@@jamespn those shops probably are not doing too well
Life lesson: "there's nothing more expensive than a cheap luxury car."
I think Hoovie said it, and he should know.
Except the difference is that these are cheaply made luxury cars when new, not just used
hoovie is an idiot! he doesnt even know what a dry sump is or what he's talking about. in the Philippines the tax is 100%, so this gla would cost $90k new.
fact is, plastic and rubber dont last forever on any car, use it or not, you'll eventually have to replace them and price depends on which country and factory they are made
@@millionaireidealist4459 he's talking bout US not Philippines, so it doesn't we mean he is idiot
Well, there's expensive luxury cars. They are more expensive.
@@kimi61 read and understand what I said, whether here, there or anywhere, hoovie is a youtube actor, not someone you want to get professional educated advice.
It's always nice to see the mutual respect Car Wizard and Magic Mike have for each other, they look like they appreciate each other as co-workers who know how not to get in each other's way.
Also, Mike clearly enjoys his job he always has a big smile on his face when he's on camera. He probably never thinks back on his time at the Merc dealership except whenever the Wizard brings it up.
Like that The Wizard posts so often. Comes in handy when Paul Harrell hasn't and I need my dose of Shatneresque pauses.
Even Shatner doesn't sound like he used to these days! 8-))
I watch both as well!
You sir, you own the internet today. I tip my hat to you!
This comment needs some caveats, disclaimers, and yeah-buts.
I love that he doesn't fluff up these videos! It seems like he's going about his day, then has an idea and shoots a quick video and moves on. I love that honest, no BS "Here's what I got if you want it."
Thanks for reminding me why I have a Toyota and Lexus. I will continue to admire Mercedes from a distance.
It's really nothing to admire, your Lexus is a superior product.
I jumped the fence a few months ago and went from a unkillable Toyota to a Mercedes! Time will tell how bad of a decision that was! Lollll
@@theminicooperMercedes are reliable of you take care of them. The least reliable vehicle I’ve ever owned as a 2014 Lexus IS 250 AWD.
@@scherzva Well it's been a year and I'm 3500$ into repairs and I have an other one on the way! Lollll but I do enjoy the ride and the car itself. Not ready to part with it quite yet. Sorry to hear about your Lexus experience
@@theminicooper that's painful. I would expect that on a project car, but not a Daily.
Try flushing the orfice with oven cleaner. It breaks down the carbon and sludge where break cleaner wont. Flush, let sit 2 hrs, flush again, repeat. Normally takes3-4 times and it will open up.
yeah even after spraying it leave it in a sealed bag for over 24 hours, rince it and it will be like new (just dont breathe the fumes)
Whats break cleaner?
@@sjfk1306 Is that the worst misspelling you've seen on UA-cam? I've seen some it took me a while just to figure out what they were saying. Lol
@@wernerdanler2742 It's not the worst, but it still forces me to do a double-take.
@@juki6377 you might melt it, its made of plastic
I bet Wizard does a walkaround on all his featured vehicles to document that that particular scratch didn't happen in the shop.
always a good idea- Took my Xterra in for a roof rack issue- when I picked up had scratch on door - Told them they needed to fix it - they didnt have any notation the scratch was there and they paid to fix it.
That's what we do with the customer when they drop the car off. If we find anything on the lift that wasn't visible from the outside we take photos and email them. While most of our customers wouldn't pull that kind of stunt, I'm sure there's a few we've thwarted by doing that. And a few have discovered damage done by their spouse or kids that they hadn't yet noticed.
@@blueridgerennsport I likely wouldnt notice a minor blip on a car thats been driven for years but I noticed a several inch long vertical scratch on my door on the side where they had to remove roof rack- so I have no doubt they did it. They made it right so all is good - now that dealer photographs car when cust drops off. Protects both parties
@@bikeman1x11 I didn't mean to imply you were scamming the dealer, sorry if it came off that way. I had a kid bring in his beat to hell e39 540 touring once. Dropped it off in the middle of the night and wanted an estimate. I took photos of it when we opened the next morning, and wrote up an estimate for what he wanted done and a list of recommendations. Kid refused everything. A week later his father called cursing up a storm, saying we broke this and broke that and basically accused us of sabotaging his kid's pristine wagon. After I got him to calm down I sent him the photos from the parking lot, dew still on the car, and the photos from underneath on the lift. He changed his tune pretty quickly and admitted he gave his son the car 6 months ago and hadn't seen it for the last 90 days or so. The kid messed it up fast 😆
@@bikeman1x11 I had the opposite happen twice.
I seem to have bad luck with mechanics and tire studs.
Took 1 car in to a mechanic years ago over an issue I didn't have the time to diagnose. Long story short, I get the car back and one of my tire studs were snapped off.
I called them up and they denied it.
Fast forward my wife's car at the time blew a tire on the highway so we got it towed to a tire shop. A month or so later I was taking off the tire to replace something on the car, and what do I see? A snapped stud.
I didn't even bother calling them as I knew calling after a long period of time wouldn't be fruitful.
Only 2 times have I ever seen snapped studs in my life, and both were after going to a shop.
At that point I got annoyed with mechanics and always pay attention to my car before I drop it off, especially the studs.
FYI, even in emission states, mechanics CANNOT legally hold your car hostage. If you want it back, they are required to relinquish it. The caveat is they may require you to tow it off their property (emissions liability issue), in which case a tow truck would simply tow it around a corner and drop it, allowing you to drive away.
@Robby Dey that’s the get around....the tow out. Which like I said could be out of sight of the shop and dropped immediately to be driven again.
where I live, customer can just drive vehicle away but cannot get vehicle reinsured next year until passed
I look at used cars on the market, looking to replace my 2019 Kia because its 'boring'. These videos kick me straight back into line!
I live in NY and no, a mechanic can not keep your vehicle. They can fail you for an inspection, but NyS does not allow vehicles to be held for ransom. I worked as a mechanic for many years and was an inspector for several more.
Yeah i live in NYS and when he said that i was shocked and was like really? Ive had cars like that and a shop told me i can go anywhere but, it is kind of like you have to stay there because they scratch your sticker off, so goodluck. I had that issue with my 07 lacrosse, and my registration was up so it was like a double whammy trying to go anywhere so i ended up staying at the shop. Which i guess wasnt really an issue with me because ive been going there for years
emissions are warranted for 50-60, 000 miles in NYS
Wizard get your facts right about NY
Car Wizard lied or said something wrong? Hmmm.... Lol. Yeah, even if the CEL is on and the customer doesn't have the money to pay for it, the shop can't keep the car.
You're 110 % Right DIY Chad.
The ONLY time we can keep a vehicle is for Example : Upper Control Arm is seriously cracked or some other Deadly Component about to Break.
CHP ( California Highway Patrol ) will come & say , " Mam , the only way you're taking this car Home is on a Tow Truck or let 'em Fix it )
Southern California Smog Emissions Repair background
If you can't afford to repair a Mercedes, you can't afford a Mercedes.
Yes the old saying, "a fool and his money are soon parted" applies, these cars are "snob value" only, quality departed Mercedes Benz products many years ago.
As Scotty Kilmer says, " money pits.
Just read a forum post from someone who switched from Toyota to Mercedes since the total cost of ownership would be lower. I would like to hear his opinion in a couple of years ;)
@Jay I have seen it often that people who have more to spend tend to be complaining about cost more. If I trust a workshop I pay the invoice without discussion.
@Jay more like its not wanting to be ripped off. If you spend the money on the mercedes you should be rightfully upset if it breaks at 28k miles and the dealer tries to scam you into paying more than you have to. Thats not the luxury experienced you paid for.
@Jay People dont get rich by spending more money. On the upside, a lot of those people are highly skilled and often engineer DIY repairs for a fraction of the cost! Ferrari and Maserati owners figured out how to repair their hydraulic pumps for a fraction of the new pump cost. BMWs are also blessed with tons of DIY write-ups
Chevy: "The PCV valve in my 350 V-8 is $5!
Ford: "That's nothing! The heated PCV valve in my 3.0L V-6 is $50!
Mercedes (laughs in German): "Hold my bratworst..."
that a $5-10 part - a pain to change on my xterra but a 2 minute job on my integra. I guess if you pay for a mercedes you hahve to pay for parts and service
VW's oil separator PCV for the EA888 engine is anywhere from $50 to $200. There are aftermarket ones
Just look how the rubber hoses and plastics touching hot metal!
I replaced the PCV valve on my 3.0 Aerostar once. $12.59 at AutoZone....
My FoMoCo 2.0T is just under $9. The rest of the PCV assembly is just under $35. You CAN buy them seperately too.
Bought a Mercedes and thinks that a 1400.00 repair is expensive.... I’ll never understand my fellow Americans. Everyone tries to look rich while they are barely making it. A Camry would have been more in their budget. Thanks for the awesome vids, Car Wizard!
YUP, we have to put up a facade(usually accompanied by a heavy financial burden) to make us look what we which we could be because apparently reality is "too harsh". 🙄🤣
Or they just don't care about a pcv valve that doesn't do anything unless you live in CA
I work for an MB dealer and I have seen so many of these have to have engine replacements!
Same, I see one replaced at least once a month
"Mercedes Benz, The Best Or...." I'll take nothing!
for what reason?
Get many C43's with engine failures? (stock or not stock) what do you see fail?
Just curious since I have one that sh*t the bed. It's going to the shop soon and I
suspect it's going to be an engine replacement. It's blowing compression out of
the valve cover.
What's causing them to fail?
Based on my experience I would NEVER buy a Benz. They're trying to produce a model for almost every market niche and have stretched themselves far too thin. My C-Class was a lemon of epic proportions. They used the cheapest, crappiest parts to keep the costs down and they broke left right and centre. And the electrical system was a nightmare.
When you actually look at what they are doing they are stretching several bodies over every platform/engine they have. It's the TacoBell approach to car building, everything is kind of the same few ingredients arranged differently.
Apparently people have an insatiable desire to own a Mercedes. 🤷🏻♂️
Lexus time
Which C-Class did you have if I may ask? (W203, W204, W205,…)
Definitely not a 204 because their pretty good.
@@A565a There is actually a german car magazine that has a C180 (w204) with now over 500.000km. They originally had the approach to test what you can get with a bone stock car. They ordered it with the navigation system being the only extra. After 100.000 km (the usual amount) they figured it was too sad to take it apart and kept driving it.
They also did a test with a VW Golf and an A-Class that now have over 250.000 km at the moment. Seemingly without major issues. Except for the Golf having water leaking into it for some reason, if I remember correctly, but I‘m not sure about that. …which would have been a major issue from my point of view.
Ny mechanic here. We absolutely can not force you to fix your car, and we can not hold your car hostage.
Wizard, I like how you and your wife are a team in making and shooting your videos. A lot of UA-camrs are one person shows who set up cameras to tape sections of the main video. Refreshing to see a husband wife team working together for their betterment. Hats off to you both!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻
Loved the censoring of the "New Mystery Car"
I thought something was popping up on my you tube till I realized...Oh clever!!
I'm guessing air-cooled 911.
@@Flies2FLL Perhaps a red 308 ferrari...that was in Car Trek? Hmmmm?
@@xoxo2008oxox He has had one in a barn for a while, but he let it be seen in a previous video and said something like "that's not there...." so it could be possible. The outline of the front looks a bit like an old 911.
the clips on the passenger side arm rest in my R52 Mini cracked and broke off. I went to the dealership to get a replacement. Despite the part being held in by clips, they only sold the whole door panel for the low low price of like $500. So I glued it back on XD
Of course! My left side is glued too
I'm in Australia. A buddy had a Grand Cherokee. It went into a repair shop and somehow they lost the driver's door card. The local dealer provided a replacement card, leather, speakers included, for $4500 AUD. That's $3500 USD. For a door card. No wonder they are called stealers....
In Germany you can buy just about every small part for German cars from a dozen cheaper companies. That's the problem with import cars, also in Germany: spare parts are a rip off.
Small stuff like this is also a good opportunity for Chinese and Eastern European manufacturers. Crank out individual components and they'll sell quick. So many of them are built by the OEs there anyways!
The pcv may be a covered part under the 7 year/70k mile federally-mandated emissions warranty.
I live in NY and if you fail the emissions test on a state inspection you are not forced to fix it in the shop. The shop removes the inspection sticker and you are allowed to leave but with the risk of getting a ticket for no inspection.
Maybe New Jersey or Kalifornia, but not here.
@@CheezyDee in CA we have smog but no inspection. gas cars newer than 1975 and diesel cars newer than 1997 have to do it every two years, if you get flagged with "gross polluter" status it's every year. It's all electronic so you go to a privately owned "smog only" station (they have to do only smog checks, no work) and if you pass (or if the shop is cool and you "pass") they just update it and when you go to register your car the DMV can see it passed
@@CheezyDee I don't think any state in the US would allow a shop to hold it for emissions. Most don't even allow you to hold it for safety problems, if they pay the bill it leaves.
Right , RJO Video :
You can't hold anybodys car for what this good man said and he's a Sharp Fella.
The ONLY reason you can do that is if the vehicle is exhibiting a Life & Death situation ( like a Cracked Upper Control Arm ) and other Deadly observances
....You can call the CHP ( California Highway Patrol ) . They will come & tell the Customer the same thing ( The car AIN'T leaving mam unless you get this thing Fixed or you have it TOWED to your House )
The "Car Wizard" musta been listening to one of the UA-cam Mechanic Experts that has Never changed Oil or Fixed a Flat on their own vehicle.
Even if the car was a "Gross Polluter",
you can't hold NOBODYS da_ _ car
for this PCV issue ( which will definitely Fail a Smog Check , only because the Check Engine Light will be on & the PCV Onboard Monitor will be displaying
"Not Ready"....The only way Any 2000 & Newer vehicle can Pass the Onboard Monitor Test in California is if the EVAP Monitor shows "Not Ready". The EVAP Monitor will NEVER Run or Test unless the Fuel Gauge is showing 1/4 to 3/4 Full from your Gas Tank.
Smog Emissions Repair background
( The Leader in ALL States when it comes to 5-Gas Emissions Repair Work )
@@FOURfabrication
1979 - 1999 vehicles still require the 5 Gas Emissions Test for HC - CO - NOx
CO2 - O2
2000 & Newer : Onboard Inspection System Test ( Doesn't Test for the 5 Gases ) but vehicle can still Fail if Smoke is Emitting from the Tailpipe - The Number on the CATS retrieved & inserted into the Smog Computer & it comes back that the CATS aren't California Certified Converters - Some Idiot has removed the CATS & running a Straight Pipe - Some Idiot has put a spark plug extender on the Oxygen Sensor so that the Head of the Sensor is no longer visible in the Exhaust Gas Stream because they refused to fix the P0420/P0430 " Catalytic Converter Below Threshold Codes. - Check Engine Light Is On - Check Engine Light Doesn't Illuminate -
Onboard Diagnostic Monitors are Incomplete - Car has a Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code & ( Your 20 year old Daughter or 20 year old Son buys this car as their 1st car and have a Heart Attack @ their 1st California Smog Inspection.
www.smogcheck.ca.gov
Get Educated & while you're there , Click
"Search" for Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes.
Southern California Smog Repair background
This is why we save all the good, reusable components from any assembly that we replace. You never know when you're going to come across a cracked or crack a brittle accordion hose or need an odd little solenoid that has to be special ordered and takes 2 weeks to arrive... Always nice to have options to offer the customer.
Amazing how much your shop rate has risen 25% plus since the last time you mentioned it in previous post. I suppose that's what happens when business is good. Wizard this is not a negative post. I'm just saying everything has gone up in the past year. Love your show. Thanks for sharing.
Magic Mike is a very talented mechanic and ever so humble.
Our always-dealer-serviced 2015 ML400 was totaled in early 2020 due to massive water intrusion, after a severe rainstorm, resulting from blocked drainage tubes that were supposed to drain the closed Sunroof. Apparently all of the critical computers in that vehicle were located under the floor carpets, and were toast. While Mercedes claims to check and clean out these drainage tubes during every routine service, there is no line item for such service, as there is for every other bit of service work they perform, so I doubt that the dealer techs were ever directed to performed this simple service w/o a specific request by the customer.
Thanks to my MB service adviser, who had seen this happen many times in MB vehicles with sunroofs, I immediately called my insurance company to have the car inspected before authorizing any further dealer service after they drained somewhere between 9 and 11 gallons from the floor pans in the passenger areas. Before having it towed in, I had already vacuumed out several gallons of water from the spare tire area. Within 30 minutes of inspecting the car, my insurer declared it a total loss. We had planned to keep that unusual model forever, but I guess we dodged an expensive bullet. That SUV had an amazing turbo-charged V-6 engine. But no more cars with sun roofs for us.
Used to run car parts for Mercedes. Kinda funny as many of the parts, for those built in the US anyway, are made in the same plants as most other big car manufacturers. In shipping warehouses there will be lines of MB, BMW, GM, Ford etc right next to each other.
Kinda like how most motor oil is refined by a handful of refineries for multiple companies. They just adjust the process and additives to meet customer specs.
And they also make the aftermarket parts that everyone says never buy
@@stephenhayes3765 aftermarket parts run the gamut, some are higher quality than the oe and others are absolute junk. If you are buying from a good manufacturer or the manufacturer which made the OE part originally it's good.
@@shaunbava1801 too many people believe that the car company makes the parts, few make any part most buy from one of the dozen or so suppliers who make everything. I see people say don’t use borg Warner parts in certain brands even though that’s who makes the oem part
Had to buy a Bosch electronic throttle for my SLK.
Bosch makes essentially the same throttle for every car manufacturer they all have different part numbers, so if I had a VW I could have paid $200, but because it's the Mercedes one it cost $1,000.
Thanks, Wizard, always a learning moment. I loved the 2012 Mercedes GLK350, 3.5 V6 but $$$ problems after 5 years 50k beat the love out of me. When the $400 car payments ended, the $1k a month repairs began.
What started to go wrong with it if you dont mind me asking? I have an 09 e350 and some things have popped up here and there but ive been able to tackle them myself
Very tempted to download the video to go frame by frame to see if you missed covering the "mystery car" lol
you dont need to download it, you can go frame by frame back and forth just by pausing the video and typing " , " for back and " . " for forward. when i tried, it looked like a larger car with oldschool star rims. my guess its a 60s or 70s vehicle.
@@chukzombi it might be tavarishs Ferrari 308 Magnum P.I
It's a Ferarri, you can see it clearly in Hoovies last video when he went to the Wizards to check on his orange Lambo, it's next to it. Not sure if it's Tavarish's from this season of Car Trek, but it being all the way over in Kansas, either means possibly Hoovie bought it, but however with the effort that the wizard is doing in attempting to hide it, that tells me maybe the Wizard himself took it off of Tavarish's hands.
@@LycanWitch oh wow, you're right. i was way off. i really didnt care until they went out of their way to hide it. eh now i care even less than before. do these people live so far out of reality that they think everyone has Lambos, Rolls Royces and Ferraris we can relate to? i realize that sounds like i'm jealous, its just those cars are so alien to any other normal car, its impossible to relate to them and the problems they have.
I tuned into UA-cam and thought, "I sure would like to see a video from the Car Wizard"...
Voila!
$125 an hour??? That’s $3 MORE than my Mercedes dealer! And I’m in New Jersey, not friggin’ Kansas!
Stay in New Jersey. If you ever move to another state, please do not
tell the people how it was done in New Jersey. Here in Florida
the damn people retired from the north always have to say, "well
that is the way it was in XXXXX." Just go back to where you came
from I tell them. Always trying to change things in Florida. I tell
them "that road you came down on, goes right back to where you
came from....take it. That usually shuts them up.
@@williamoneal3947 given the index of living costs, the prices this Gollom charges are lächerlich.
I worked at Chrysler...theres isnt, nor was there ever, space to store every individual part, so frequently parts are serviced as assemblies...for example...you couldnt get just the rear view mirror glass...you had to buy the whole mirror assembly. Besides warehouse space, there is computer bandwith to track the part, price it, etc.
"Computer bandwidth" limitations?
And you really believe that?
@@ZboeC5 STFU
The PCV valve is so cheap and easy to replace on my 2015 Silverado V6, I replace it every 30K miles just as preventative maintenance.
Luckily my 1982 Sears lawn mower, which I use to run errands, doesn't have a PCV. Get to save on the maintenance too!
I just own Volvos... no PCV valves at all, crankcase runs at full vacuum all the time.
Todays lesson "don't buy champagne vehicles' when all you can afford is lemonade money". And side note why are Apple/John Deer afraid of right to repair when you can just bundle items into assembles and over charge?
It’s always been John Deere now. Mandela Effect.
Such horrible engineering! The amount of money they charge for this junk is astounding! I wonder how much it would cost to assemble a Mercedes by parts, $200k for a C class?
In europe this part costs 100 bucks
I went back to the UK recently and every other car seems to be a Mercedes. It's amazing one country could buy so many of one brand of car. 🤔
Well they do have poverty spec cars. Remember seeing a modern bmw 316i with cloth seats and rusty steel rims with plastic hubcaps and was horrified. Cheapest bmw you could get was the 320i which was better equipped but now it's only the 328i. Same with Mercedes they have much cheaper trims than here in the us. Some even have older and simpler engines and transmission options than here. The German taxi Mercedes e is more old school mechanically than a new one here. That's why they're a lot more reliable and cheaper to buy. I wish we could get cheaper, simoler and less crap filled and more reliable Mercedes's over here.
Most of them aren't bought, they're leased. Personal leasing has exploded in popularity in the UK in the last 10-15 years, and it's the reason why so many new cars are now Mercs, BMWs, Audis and Range Rovers.
Of course, it also means that all those brands are less of a status symbol than they used to be, because now you see them everywhere.
Javier, you are right. For example,when I hear Doug saying “...base mercedes E 350...” Im thinking to myself,when was the last time I saw something bigger than 200 D 😩😄 . That’s the reality.
@@elihernandez330 Correct! In France these cars are all over the place. Here in the US, if you know what models to buy you can attain a very good quality long lasting vehicle at a fair price. W212 E Class is like the modern W124 E Class. The W204 C class is an excellent compact vehicle with low upkeep costs as is the W204 GLK. I would pass on the W211 E Class as it was made with cost cutting in mind. The worst IMO is pretty much any used S Class. Just a matter of time before you spend 2 to 3 times the amount on repairs that you paid for the car.
Yeah we get the crappy high tech base models over here. over there they get the cheaper, simpler, and more reliable Mercedes which is a good thing. also a lot of mercedes over here are actually made here and not in Germany. the US made mercedes are less good. i believe the suv's besides the g wagon and a few cars are made here. others models are German made only like the cls and s class for sure which has proven better but are also higher tech yet.
mercedes updated the replacement part because it was plaguing both M270 and M274 engines under warranty. that's my guess anyway, remember hearing that they updated that part and warranty only wanted you to replace those parts
Flori-Duh where I live has a lot of problems. But one thing I will say is that they are seriously conservative when it comes to vehicle inspection. You could literally mount a PT6 engine in your car and as long as you have insurance and have paid your tag fees, the state could care less....
Great video!
You can easily get used parts (reconditioned) online , or at a pick a part car junk yard there are plenty of Mercedes with that valve.
I had this happen on a leaking antifreeze hose that went into the firewall and was used as the heat source for the heater ..
So I lost heat in winter and the hole /crack was so bad that I couldn't keep the antifreeze topped off ..
1996 ford v6 mustang.. The hose needed to be replaced but it had one time use factory crimp connectors ..
To fix it I was told I needed the whole hose .. Because the hose went into the firewall the dash needed to come out so it was 3,609$.. I was just 17 .. I only had money in my bank to cover the diagnostic fee 75$ ..
I told them thank you and I'll just take it home and fix it when I could ..
The mechanic working on my car caught me before I left .. He gave me a small portion of heater hose and some clamps ..
He opened the hood and showed me that I can cut the one time connectors off.. Once off I could place new hose over the metal that was left and clamp it down .. Then just cut out the torn section of the hose and get the hose back together with a metal connector he gave me ..
It was absolutely free and I had it done in 1hr in my driveway .. It wasn't a hack fix either .. It was a strong fitting new hose. It never leaked again .
Thank you so much to the ford tech that realized he could help me fix the car and make it easy to understand .. He saved that car .. I was so young that I never would have the cash to fix it .. He took unpaid time out of his day to not only teach me how to easily fix it but also give me the parts to do it ..
That was my start in auto work .. I found everything was much simpler then I imagined it could be ..
I work on my own cars now and have for 18 years.
Again thank you to the stranger that seen me in need and stepped up to help me out for nothing in return .
I will always remember you and I am reminded of you every time I fix my family's cars and neighbors as well . I dont charge a cent ..
So you good sir sparked my interest to help others . If I had never met you , my life would be different ..
You help started a lot of good carma for all of the people I help . Your one act of kindness lead to 100 more ..
Wish I could see you now and thank you for what you did for me ..
A better story than the car wizard's story for sure.
Your voice is so soothing.....not like those other guys who try to hype everything up. Wink Wink 😉👍
Love your videos and yes many shops both dealers and independent shops aren't honest but as a dealer we pride ourselves on honesty especially in our small town. Not all dealers are dishonest.
The A Class is now sold in the States as well; this model has the base model headlights/tail lights so it does in fact have incandescent brake/turn signals
Wish they would sell that A45-S AMG hot-hatch over in the states.
@@davidh7339 in Canada we get the A35 hatch actually, unfortunately no A45
@@crbb3099 That's cool. We only get the sedan version here in the States at the moment.
I know my cousin drives the A class coupe I think. I told her she is nuts to pay 35k for a car that has less features than her sister's fully loaded Sonata. But she is a realtor and image is everything according to her. She isn't a car person though. She just found out that her sister's car has ventilated seats and she doesn't, and she cried. She also thought she got the new AR navigation system and found out she didn't.
I think he meant if you upgrade.
As a German (that actually drives Mercedes for about 12 years now, from W124 to W213 Mopf/Facelift), i've got some experience with them...the funny thing is, parts are dirt cheap here, they often have the cheapest parts. (Side note: you have to buy the whole assembly for LED cars on european cars, beacuse we do have a law around here that LED lights cannot be "open", due to them being easy to do wrong and then blind other drivers) That Valve is also available alone in Germany.
Also, labor is quite cheap on Mercedes dealers, most of them are around 80-90 Euros per hour (where independent shops take around 60-70 Euros per hour). However, most mechanics do actually learn quite a bit at Mercedes shops.
It actually surprises me, that the differences are THAT significant between the same cars...
MagicMike's participation was very interesting. Please bring him to give his comments more frequently.
*MAGIC MIKE* is a _'company man.'_ "Yes sir boss... anytime boss." We could all learn a thing or two from Magic Mike.
With his boat in the background the Wizard explains 125$ an hour adds up fast.
and shops don't charge by actual hour they charge by how many hours book says it takes to repair. So job pays 4 hours they charge $125x4 if it only takes him hour to replace actually $500 per actual hour of work.
I own an ‘03 E500, with over 188,000 miles on it. Last summer, my son and I gave her a full-on tune-up, at a cost of around $700.00, plus replaced the air-ride suspension for another $1900.00. The a/c compressor was an additional $150.00, and still will not work, due to a dealer only code clearing issue, so I’m told. I used to really love that car, but love and money are two separate things. But she sure looks good sitting in the driveway. I’m back to driving my ‘03 Avalanche, with 189,000 miles on it. Needs rear shocks, a tune-up, and a good wash/wax. If that costs more than $150.00, It’ll be a bargain in comparison. And, she still looks good sitting in the driveway, the mall parking lot, the grocery store. . . .
When Mr. Wizard makes a video on which cars to buy, take the advise.
@@apj341 Agreed
The next buy this, not that will be up this Saturday, regarding Subaru's.
Good to see magic Mike like always!!
lol I love the extra effort concealing the new mystery car.
As always you are a very honest guy and it shows in every one of your videos! That’s what we need in this industry! I run my own shop diagnosing and repairing Mercedes and I can relate to the part prices. It makes it hard on the customers and us to go to them with these crazy part prices. I’m glad the dealer step up to the plate and did the right thing!
You need deep pockets if you want a merc or BMW. I'll stick with my Honda's. They might be considered boring but they've only cost service parts and wear and tear
Even hondas are getting pricey to maintain. Toyotas require less these days. Hondas only have gdi and no port injection so honda recommends a carbon cleaning every 30k on the newer ones. they also have timing belts and not a chain which usually lasts 300-400k.
@@elihernandez330 I didn't know that.mines a few years old now, I do worry about the CVT gearbox, heard they can be troublesome. My 2003 crv had 230,000 miles on the clock. I do miss it.
I’ve got an ILX and was worried about part costs. Then I realized it’s a civic with a fancy inside and saw how cheap parts are. Honda is legit. Not the fastest car by any means, but nice interior with reliability is awesome.
@@llamedosr7843 yeah those old hondas were just better plain and simple, on par with toyota. Now they're below in all fairness. Which is sad cause that makes picking a car harder. The zf9 is troublesome, the gdi and turbo is troublesome whereas Toyotas don't have just gdi or turbo. They have gdi and port injection and timing chains.
I live in Europe and here car repair shops hourly price is just as cheap for every car brand, no need to pay extra for import cars. the work is priced in advance and no surprise costs will come. And the parts usually get in a couple of days. Sometimes the parts are even ready on the workshop shelf because they are replaced so often
Emissions related parts covered for 70000 miles are 75000 miles, federal law
Yeah but pos dealers get their way.
This should be covered by the 8 year 80k mile Emission Warranty! It you are running with a code they have to cover it as its not performing as certified. Tell the customer to call the dealership or Mercedes customer service.
The part number for the GLA45 actuator is A 190 906 45 00, and you can buy it as a separate part.
Yep £200 here in uk
I assumed is was available because Wizard said it wasn't.
@@bigpjohnson I have mentioned the exhaust actuator, wizard had a problem buying it, he could have just ordered it from Europe, it would have been still cheaper than the whole exhaust assembly. No wonder the customer was pissed.
@@lmrst2 doh! Didnt realize you were talking about the 45 and not the PCV valve. Mechanics usually order from dealers and known suppliers who deliver fast. A lot of stuff is cheaper overseas but can take a long time to arrive.
On 850 Volvos everyone knows about servicing the PVC system. But it doesn't clog up that fast...usually every 100K or so. But the kit is readily available for 250 dollars plus 2 hours labor. A clogged PVC in an 850 is bad news because the crank pressure causes main seal leaks which are extremely expensive.
Wow thought they were like $5 for an American vehicle
They're cheap for MOST vehicles, no matter where they're made.
Thought so
I had put one in my old truck, 2001 GMC Sierra and that PCV valve was $5.
Really enjoy the vids! HAD TO LAUGH- as you were describing the valve that failed, I flashed-back to something my ol man told me many, many years ago. You were describing what he called, the EGR (EXHAUST GAS REGULATOR) but his description about the smog crap they started putting on vehicles a long time ago was just a little bit different than yours. He said to me, boy these f&@king egr’s are just like and I quote, “EATING YOUR OWN SHIT” I never forget that moment with him (even though he was an asshole) and brought back some memories….for those of you that know what an egr is, I’m sure you can relate where he was coming from….
First issue with this Benz, its a cheap model. Cheap Benz = buy something else.
It’s Cheap and a Benz.
2015 Mercedes GLA250 4matic 2.0 turbo PCV valve Autozone-$48.95 Advance Auto Parts-$53.99
Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever first occurs). The specified major emission control components only include the catalytic converters, the electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU), and the onboard emissions diagnostic (OBD) device or computer. If you are a resident of an area with an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program that meets federal guidelines, you are eligible for this warranty protection provided that:
Your car or light-duty truck fails an approved emissions test; and
Your vehicle is less than 2 years old and has less than 24,000 miles (up to 8 years/80,000 miles for certain components); and
Your state or local government requires that you repair the vehicle; and
I had the same part go out on my old Fiesta ST. The dealer was going to fix it for free but the part was back ordered and I found a part online and ended up fixing it myself for like $60.
My 99 Maxima PCV valve was all of $16. I see a new car, I run away from new car.
Only new Toyotas aren't that scary. They still make them repairable and pretty reliable to begin with.
2004 corolla, $19.99 for my pcv valve. Right there, super easy to access
Yeah, I had a 96 maxima. Those PCVs are reasonably cheap.
Changed the PCV on my 2012 maxima for like 20 bucks lol
@@icepop54367 Yah love those car's
A thing I found that I didn`t realise is that dealers don`t all charge the same for genuine parts, I rang 3 local franchised dealers to see if they had in stock a turbo hose for a diesel Mondeo and all 3 were different prices, one was 1/3 less than the next nearest it was only a little dearer than ebay and I could collect it the following morning. I had thought that all genuine parts from a dealer were a fixed price but, was happy to be proved wrong. This was in the UK so may be different in other countries.
This is exactly why, I will never buy Mercedes, BMW, or most any other European car. No thanks I will keep my Kia and Hyundia cars instead.
Korean cars just like German cars come with hard expiration date, Hyundai engines are designed to live trough warranty period past it is up to your luck if it blows or not, Toyota Mazda Honda Lexus Acura are the way to go
I'm in NYS, ain't no one holding my car hostage.
Hey Wizard, wouldn't this repair fall under the Manufacturer's 8 year/80,000 mile emissions warranty?
Emission Warranty!? Im from Europe. The most Cars here have only a general 2 Year Warranty. If you want more, you have to pay for it.
From the EPA: Specified major emission control components are covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles (whichever first occurs).
The specified major emission control components only include the catalytic converters, the electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU), and the onboard emissions diagnostic (OBD) device or computer.
You can usually clean up a PCV valve and make it function pretty much like new. Equity it was brake clean is actually a pretty good element but you have to lubricate it. Do not lubricate with WD-40 it is not a Lube it is not a Lube it is not a Lube. It shouldn't even be in your shop for most of the purposes people use it for.
The other issue is that valve failed at such a low mileage probably because that car is driven very short trips. That is very hard on especially the oiling system and some of the breathers.
Have you check Infiniti dealer parts for this car?
Current UK Mercedes tech here, we get soo many people buying these cars then are surprised when the running costs are higher than budget makes/models! Lots of skimping on maintenance just to get a ‘status symbol’ (🙄) on the driveway but premium cars = premium prices. Generally we find that engine pretty good! The other reason for bundling some assemblies (not always, I’m not THAT naive) is that modifications get carried out down the years as fairly common faults are found and fixed for the next production run, replacing as assemblies makes sure everything is compatible.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 looks hideous to me, but we still need an all-new, buy this, not that video this Saturday. The Car Wizard was extremely busy for the first five months of 2021 and do not worry, guys. He will eventually do the buy this, not that video for Subaru, either with the Bug Ninja (if he is visiting next video upload) or himself as usual. Thank you very much and enjoy, people.
I had that once, with my current vehicle, a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. I had issues with the wiper assembly just stop working, and required putting back together. I shopped around and during my research found that the entire assembly was a recall part. So I took it into the dealer and at no cost to me, it was fixed entirely. Never had an issue since, though some parts have been a pain to deal with. The gas tank has to be ordered from Japan and its not cheap either, so I've been patching it, any time it springs a leak.
It is just too old already, especially for these late-2000's Mitsubishi Outlander's. You can trade-it-in for a late-2010's Hyundai Elantra instead.
Yes! More of misses wizards interior reviews! Love it
The way how MB design their cars now is the exact reason why I sold mine when the warranty expired. I'm not a badge shopper so I don't think it is worth paying the ridiculous repair costs just to say you drive a Mercedes. I don't know about anyone else but when I see people driving a Mercedes now I don't envy them. I think they're dumb enough to buy one just for the badge. I'm pretty much done with them unless they change their ways.
Is the mystery car an Amphicar? Looked like one under a tarp weeks ago...
That would be a dream for me. Please let it be..!
That would mean the wizard now has THREE yachts!
@@keithmatthews1673 I'm not sure if I could call an Amphicar a Yacht. That said, my opinion is similar to the Wizard's other boats.
What even is a Yacht?
@@mrtyreus0
Depends where you live in the world.
In USA...something you can't normally sail single handed
In New Zealand...anything with sails
In Australia...over 20ft long with sails
In UK...over 30ft with sails...anything less is just a sailboat..or day sailer, or has a specific model name/class....
Weird stuff that should never fail does today. I used to buy used Caddys and virtually nothing went bad, only brakes and a fan belt.
This wizard channel is growing so fast 💨 good job wizard …just ditch the pcv valve and add a catch can delete kit
Catch Can FTW. 🤘
I still want to see a video on that 80s BMW 5 series behind you at the beginning of the video. I love those!
Seems it's been in your shop for quite a while.
He did a video on it when it 1st came in. I'm with you....love those so much
I work at a shop In New York, this happens all the time. Especially for inspections.
That’s insane
A base spec Mercedes Benz is still a Mercedes Benz.
If you choose to drive them then you should be prepared to spend the money to maintain and repair them.
You shouldn't expect Hyundai/KIA or domestic vehicles parts prices or maintenance/repair prices.
i wanna see the car Mrs. Wizard is hiding on us lol
I think it's the IROCZ.
@@Ozziemints No, they already did a video on that. The mystery car is left of it.
@Richard Gmail wait, Is that the 308 thatTavarish used for Car Trek?
8yr/80,000 miles Federal Emission Warranty applies here. Dealer shall repair it at no cost to any owners... Every car in USA is covered for emission related issue.
It’s a bloated a class
So often people forget the luxury tax added to every part of expensive vehicles.
Never buy "cheap" German cars... You're not fooling anyone. Get an Acura or a Lexus.
Never buy any German car period. especially those heaping pos vws made in mexico. Get a Lexus, even Acuras and hondas are going a bit downhill sadly.
You want a shock,, call the mercedes dealer ask for price of all the power steering line for a 2000 suv... was quoted around $3000 special orders from Germany...
A big Wizard fan from INDIA.....!!
Big Fan of wizards? Because Harry Potter has Numerous your have a field day with that... Or the Carwizards?
@@unknownunknown3368 Car wizard
I'm in Cape Town, and every single used BMW I have bought (8), has had a dead PCV valve, and with every one I've totally ignored it, with nil comebacks. Every BMW mechanic here says the same thing, ignore and live with it!
What's really crazy Wizard is buying a new or used Mercedes in the first place
Next week, Wizard and Mike are going to start selling a replacement PCV valve on ebay for $400...
The last time I came this early my girlfriend was mad at me
Is your girlfriends name Karen or Mercedes ?
Imagine Whoopi Goldberg and Hillary Clinton are there with you.
That will put an end to that shit!
@@vintagetriplex3728 yes
Thanks for sharing this information. As we both know, it isn't just MB who "package" repair parts even though to those who have mostly owned American vehicles it would seem like an MB or BMW thing. Nissan, Honda, Ford and GM and many other brands forego common sense and value per dollar with regards to simple repairs such as this. I personally have 3 MB's. An 18 GLC300 4matic, 13 E350 4matic, and a 90 300SL, so I am no stranger to parts "hunting" with regards to the SL however the other 2 cars are no problem (if) at all. Both do have extended warranties which do give me a warm fuzzy feeling no doubt, but I do my own brakes, rotors, and oil changes quite cheaply and straightforward. Thanks for the informative videos. Good to know since my Daughter is considering one of these chassis variants of GLA/CLA.
16 minutes of my life I will never get back. That information made a 4 minute video. Max.
I bought a Renault Laguna back in 1996. A nylon rack inside the door mirror broke ... the ball on the end snapped off. I dismantled the mirror and got the broken rack out ... it actually hada part number on it. Renault wouldnt sell me the part, I had to buy a whole new door mirror. Last French car I ever bought.
Good the customer learns how much a minor maintenance job on that car costs, so they can get rid of it before something expensive breaks.
I remember I was looking at a 1960 rag top Caddy as my first car. It ran pretty well for $80.00 but needed a lot of work. I recall my mentor sitting me down and explaining that he had no doubt that I could fix it, but he sat me down and explained how the parts would eat me alive long before I ever got to drive the thing. Grudgingly, I passed on the car... but it was a valuable lesson to avoid cars that weren't worth the cost of fixing.
Too many dealerships have hammer techs and only one licensed mechanic