This job would set you back about £1500 for those asking. Hope everyone had a good Easter weekend. This was my last job before we closed for the easter break and I was determined to get it finished. Massive thanks to Tad 🇺🇸 for helping a fellow MB tech out. As always thanks for everyone’s support, I hope this one makes sense and it wasn’t too much of a rant. All the best everyone.

@djwarren5081

2 ай бұрын

The part failed at quite low mileage.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

@@djwarren5081 age I suppose. I’ve always said it’s a fine line, under usage is as bad as to much.

@djwarren5081

2 ай бұрын

@@sprautos The old saying was, Use it or you'll lose it.

@user-bj1gi2rv9r

2 ай бұрын

My R-Class clonks a bit into gear when cold but works fine when warmed up. Oil has been changed. Any pointers

@GoForGold256

2 ай бұрын

@@user-bj1gi2rv9rearly sign of the speed sensor in the gearbox not detecting the mesh rotation speed accurately

Proper engineering. Nice to see future generations learning how to repair real cars

@rvarsigfusson6163

2 ай бұрын

Working on the floor a proper engineering? Oil all over the place a proper engineering? Having the oil sump on the floor a proper engineering? Working with the computer and getting it right was and is a proper engineering.

@stephendavenport1414

2 ай бұрын

I was a marine engineer working in the engineroom of tankers where it was too hot for computers to work properly (air was used to operate valves etc). I meant taking things to pieces, fixing them,replacing parts then putting them back together. Or in my case sometimes making the part.

It's sad that so many mechanically sound cars get scraped because of of a line of code. Well done for saving this one

Top quality work by Sam and the team. Moral of the story, a good mechanic is always learning.

Keep going with the KZread, some of us appreciate your time and tips. I have had several Mercs over the years cars and light commercials, Mercedes customer services are woeful at best, and that's using them occasionally, so can only imagine working with them regularly. great content.

@alexyoung4763

2 ай бұрын

for myself i buy mercs for my wife VAG group vehicles,by experience merc are slightly better plus the coffee is better.

@KnowPorcelain1

2 ай бұрын

@@alexyoung4763I always refuse the coffee, it save £30 on the bill

@shane6115

2 ай бұрын

@@alexyoung4763you should try Lexus dealerships they make you feel special

Sam, please keep going with KZread.You are doing a fantastic job. This video was very informative and shows how good you are at your job and customer care.

I love the fact that you're still doing proper work for paying customers, and that you still find the time to upload to yt!! Keep it real, and please don't go down the route like so many other automotive channels on this platform have done, stay as you are!

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

We certainly want to keep it the same as how it is.

Totally brilliant to watch ....keep the videos coming whenever you can 👍

Thanks for posting this - really interesting! And please keep going with the videos, whenever you have time. We like to keep learning too!

Smashing !...big thumbs up

great video, many DIY'ers use "outside" help to solve their problems, including youtube video's like yours, seems that even MB techs require the same type of help, the "community" is very helpful. - keep up thew good work,and tks ( have been able to solve problems and save hundreds doing stuff myself, with the help of your / other video's)

Great content really enjoy it!.. can see you lads are dedicated which is always great to see.. keep up the great work 💪💪...much love from Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Much appreciated!

You know, people just don’t have the slightest idea of what’s going on . I always tell people that engine or transmission work is like heart surgery. Still they don’t understand. It’s just a car and you’re a mechanic. So glad you show us the real thing.

@sprautos

11 күн бұрын

Your right!

This channel rocks so easy to watch thank you.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

👊

Love the content, and it is fantastic to hear that business is booming. Cheers! Looking forward to the next one.

What a saga but you got there in the end. The online forums are a valuable resource. I've had the rear subframe problem with my own W204 which was replaced under warranty. In case you don't know, the corrosion warranty in the US was recently extended to 20 years so all such affected W204s are covered. Keep on with the videos and don't change a thing.

Another great video showing us how you get the job done. Understand it's hard shooting video when you are busy. Quality cars need top quality guys like you to keep them going. Hope we see more.

Hope you can keep the KZread going . Really enjoy the vids and look forward to maybe seeing a W207 like my E350 CGI at some point!

Please !!!! Do not give up on You Tube,absolutely love your videos,and I do not know one end of a spanner to the other…I am amazed at your patience and knowledge ❤

Two technicians and a cameraman - no wonder Merc repairs are so expensive! Great work Sam - always a joy watching you guys work!

I’m a big Mercedes fan and just came across your videos, I’m really enjoying them .. keep up the great work 👍

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Those vids are pure gold, thank you!

Love the level of knowledge and detail guys 👍👍

Nice one. Enjoyed watching your perseverance and good that there are still people out there that help each other out…. 👍

Brilliant work. I’m new to the MB world and I learn a lot watching your videos. Thanks a lot and please continue doing KZread. I have a SLK 350 manual myself, and I always thought my engine was whining to much, but this one is doing exactly the same sound. Is it normal ? Or is it time to check/change serpentine belt pulleys ? Take care !

I love your methodical approach and delivery, my e350 cdi coupe is still going strong on 120k + miles. Had the swirl flap motor done at 111k no other real issues. You have another subscriber 😊

Loving your work, look how far you are traveling with your channel. Arizona assistance great stuff.keep them coming.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏 and yup great help from over the pond.

I've seen a couple of your MB videos now and I must say I really like your down to earth approach to explaining the situation and what needs to be done and how to do it. If I was nearer to you, I would entrust you to look after my Mercs.

Interesting video. Back in 1997 when the ML and SLK arrived in the states, the gear boxes had “lifetime” oil- never needed changing. Engine oil was supposedly monitored and would tell you when it needed changing- until one came in with 25k on the oil! Now transmission oil gets done every 40k and engine oil at 10k/yearly. I noticed you mentioned replacing the rusted rear frame member. Ours came apart 4 years ago, 2010 C300w4 w/94k, but was denied by MBUSA. Last year a class action suit forced MBUSA to rethink their decision. I found out through an email sent to dealer principals, service mgrs. and other personnel that as many as 7-8 models had the rust problem. After 3+ years I finally was reimbursed for the cost of the fix- $4,000.00. What are you finding? Mac Morgan, Yorklyn Delaware

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

We have had loads of subframes replaced foc I believe they have extended it to a 20 year warranty. I could be wrong though.

Saved the customer a lot of bread and if it took a week extra that's a small price to pay...great work!! Try and get some credit for the lack of assistance from MB :)

Great video as always. Ironically have the same gearbox in my CLS hopefully never need to do this repair saying that I have serviced it previously also through SPR. Keep the content coming anyways any chance on a buyers guide on a CLS W218 fancy buying this to replace my W219, if a W218 does come through anytime

I had an 08 SLK350. Mercedes replaced the rear subframe (FOC thankfully) and it also needed front wings ££££. So that bloody gearbox. The sump was rusty so had a new Ebay special which fitted perfectly, but the refill procedure........😂. Then one day in traffic, I came up to some lights and stuck it into Park. The bastard wouldn't come out. Hazards on, ignition off, fired it up again and it engaged D and worked. I just knew a 7G Chronic drama was next so I got rid of it. A horrible car that put me off Mercs for life. Good video though.👍

Yet again a brilliant video, I'm buying a CLS 63 S in early May, want you guys to do a full service (only an A 😊) but regardless of its service history want the thing fully sorted in terms of service including gearbox etc, I know your super busy so happy to wait!!

@MyScotty7

2 ай бұрын

I've had CLS for last 15 years fantastic car except OIL COOLER leaks and turbo gasket leak onto actuator apart from that a very good car!

Hi men, you're great, patient, and good at your work.

Poor lad, looks super freaked out! Good work, you guys definitely know what you're doing.

That's me subscribed , so impressed with your work ethic 👍

Excellent work! If you were closer to Portsmouth, I'd definitely be sending my SLK280 to you for all its mechanical fettling needs.👍

Really enjoyed this, love the way you problem solved this, shame on Mercedes for not looking after their brand. If I ever get a Merc I'll drive up from Devon for you guys to service! Cheers

Great ingenuity and humility at the same time! Greetings from NZ (I used to live in Heaton Moor though!)

what a faf, good to see you still get excited when it goes well. This will be good knowledge for the boys. Well done.🎉

Watching you sort this Merc is inspiring old school passion getting chit fixed respect at you fella - and its nice to see you passing on your experience to the next generation very cool 😎👌

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Much appreciated

We’ve learned a lot, thanks for talking with us.

Love the videos. Keep them coming. We'll done solving the problem.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Thanks, will do! 🙏👍

Great fix guys, happy to see others helping others. Doesnt happen too much anymore

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Your right that it doesn’t happen much anymore does it.

What a night mare but a brilliant watch,great work Sam 👏

Just a great story! Seems that you're a natural!!! Keep 'em coming!

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

🙏🙌

Proper mechanic, enjoyed watching this 👊

Gbu sir really love your work very honest

Well done Tad from Arizona everydays a school day 😎👍🏻

Mate your a legend! No ifs or buts. I'm having issues with my w164 this video will definitely help with sorting things out Cheers!

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏 that’s how we like it. All the best mate

Absolutely fascinating.

Sam, I can see why your garage is busy. If I wasn't in Australia, I'd be bringing my Merc to you. I hope my specialist is as good as you guys. And Tad, if your reading, well done lad.

I am always fascinated when you show a job like this. The average person has no idea of the complexity of these cars, which are a few years old now. The internet community of car repairers is fantastic, it really exposes the weakness of manufacturers support! I hope you can keep going on You Tube, since yours is now one of my favourite channels, and your Mancunian accent is very welcome to a Nothern boy like me, albeit from the other side of the hill 👍😎😂

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Cheers mate. We will keep it rolling 📺

Having done this job myself, at home, asking a guy in Romania via eBay (I’m in Australia) to program a spare part for me, I love the detail of this video. Thankfully my new conductor plate fitted without a hitch (I’m still smiling at that job).

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Nice work!

very impressive knowlege, \superb videos, keep them coming

Good job guys 👍

Loved the video, gave me a chuckle you forgetting the keys when you wanted to make a early start 😂

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Honestly. Couldn’t make that up could you.

@SuperScania1974

2 ай бұрын

@@sprautos 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂👍🏻

Excellent video. Fascinating content. Thanks😢

Good to see the apprentices picking up your style of doing things, it’s the small techniques you see they have 👍

I like watching your videos because, 1. you are an expert in your field and know how to deliver the content of the videos, and 2. I love Mercedes Benz cars and hope to one day buy one and probably send it over to you for overhauling. Nice video as usual.

Good job, keep it up

More and more impressed with every video. Hopefully my SLK 280 will make it to your workshop over the summer for a tumbler flaps repair and a general check over. 👍👍BTW are you any good with removing a 302 locking nut that the key has sheered off in? 🤔

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

🙈

This is an absolute gem of a video. I understand that there are massive downsides to producing and maintaining social media content but this video demonstrates exactly why you should perservere with it. If this doesn't bring you more subscribers then something is not right with the matrix!

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏 appreciate that. There certainly are downsides to letting the world into your little work life, crazy what people pick up on and criticise you on when really we’re just giving the public information and knowledge that we don’t have to do.

This is crazy! You should charge Mercedes for the fix or at least time lost or something waiting on them to do their jobs so you can do yours. You pay for their support, they need to be there! Anyways, this was another awesome video! Thank you for taking the time to make these, you're such a good person and an inspiration to me and so many others! Have you thought about doing a live stream with the ability to donate, as well as Shorts and a Patreon? Just a tip, adding KZread Shorts to your list of videos will bump you up in the algorithm even more than a regular video! So sometimes if you feel like a video is too much, you can always just do a 15-30 second clip of a quick topic instead? Especially since you are so busy all of the time! Also, Independent sponsors bring a HUGE step up in revenue too. Idk, just some ideas to help the channel. I'm sure a lot of us would pay you a monthly donation(Including me!) for some exclusive content perhaps. You and the whole shop are awesome! I would trust any one of you to work on my CLK without a doubt in my mind.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Great advice thank you. 🙏 We have thought about all sorts 🙈

Great vlog & explanation of the repair....you clearly know your stuff & are very knowledgeable. I am involved within the industry & it is unbelievable how incompetent major manufacturers can be with technical advice. Do not tell Mercedes the fix for this one, when they are in the shit, get them to send you the vehicle & you charge them... knowledge is king in this game. If l owned a Mercedes l would definitely be using your services if needed.👍

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Cheers buddy.

❤ Would you kindly make a up PDF that tells us what it is you learnt from the guy in Arizona. For the benefit of all those following in your footsteps and trying to do this job. Then make it available to your viewers via a download link? Thanks.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

If I ever got the time I could be it would only be helpful to people with a genuine online xentry diagnostics.

@JACB006

2 ай бұрын

@@sprautos OK thanks … No good for Autotel users then?

Thank you Arizona Tad.

Great video top guys 😊

i am a retired truck mechanic,had Sprinters used that merc system, not very friendly to use ,hated it when i used many manufacturer s diagnostic systems . some like Isuzu and detroit are very user friendly.

Nice one for sorting it out Sam. Job well done fella 👍

@sprautos

Ай бұрын

many thnaks tony 👍

Hi I loved the humour in this video please keep it in your videos Respect 👍

If in doubt try turning the computer off and on again! 😅 Great video though I have to say the modern electronics scare me!

that's actually a nice spec'd SLK with wood trim airscarf and wood steering wheel . Great job , congratiulations ... now go take a nap :))

Brilliant vid, i've been through the conductor plate problems, on my old 202 with the 722.6, drop the sump replace the plate, job done. on my current 203 c320 cdi with the 722.9, not so much! got the plate out sent it to ecu testing for repair, and refitted that lasted a few years to be fair, then it failed properly, torque converter engagement had faults showing and somehow it had spun the seal in the atf pump! loads of money and alot of headache later, thankfully its alive again! What the deal with merc replacing the subframes ? the rear subframe on mine is made of rust, and i think that was before they coated it🤣

@sprautos

20 күн бұрын

if there is a hole in the subframe or heavily rusted they will replace FOC

Great effort top guys 🎉

You are a very clever chap. TOP G

I'm only @13:24, but I had the thought from the moment you mentioned "from the cloud" that something would glitch. I can't believe that the procedure isn't to program the unit *before* installing it, or at least flash in the new operating image. I'm an electronic tech, and I've seen these things happen constantly. Ever heard of Murphy's Law? ('If something can go wrong, it will go wrong'). Well Houlihan's Law states that 'Murphy was an optimist'. I guess that you do get it figured in the second half of the video, but I immediately have to wonder what Continental could get right in a component that Siemen's couldn't. And why?

Great video

Another great video. You didn’t do anything wrong… mechanics fix things, not just replace things. Mercedes clearly wants to charge for replacing the functioning part too, which shows all their environment / sustainability rhetoric is lip service. They don’t get it… if you didn’t try to make repairs viable, customers would scrap their cars earlier and never buy a new Mercedes because of the bitter taste it leaves. Mercedes should have you and Tad in Stuttgart reviewing their next models so they can get on top of the reliability.

Perfect example of why I think the 722.6 5speed is the best box, no programming, simple to service and tough as old boots as well, mercedes could learn a lot from you or even better build cars the way the 190 w201 was built

Another excellent video. For info Siemens VDO sold their tier 1 automotive business to Continental so it is likely that the plates were manufactured on the same process. I have been to Stuttgart / Sindelfingen car plant many times, but watching SPR makes me regret buying my ML250!

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info!

Great work. I liked very much getting the young lads involved. I remember early days serving my apprenticeship servicing a van. I asked the question to the journeyman - "how much oil does it take?". He gruffly replies "8 pints" and points me in the direction of the large oil drum with collection of cans and hand pump dispenser on top. I fill it up with 8 cans of oil. Then after all work done I take it for a test drive. Disaster - white smoke billowing from the rear. I limp back to workshop shamefaced. I had put 8 quarts in it - 16 pints!

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

we have all been there 😂

Top Engineering Thanks 😊

Well done for getting over a massive problem and sorting out the code , perhaps explain the breakdown of the cost to yourself for carrying out a diagnostic test, it appears customers don't understand its not just plug it in. Great video as always keep up the great work. It would be interesting to see how fast the main dealers get a reply from MBenz as apposed to an independent specialist !

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Great suggestion! I think I diagnostic video would be a good one thank you 🙏

@Millennial_Manc

2 ай бұрын

Main dealer would have your pants down and replace both parts of the gearbox. It’s like reversing into a bollard and Mercedes say you need to replace your front bumper too.

Mine was in with Prestige Allparts in March and had the exact same issue when the part arrived from Mercedes, like you they sorted it out themselves and my slk 280 is running great again

Thank you Tad!!

I had a similar issue as it is a common issue on the 7g box. However there are a few companies who can fix the issue for around £250 to the sensors with a lifetime warranty on it which is the route I went down and has been fine for the past 3+ years. The gearbox overall is good apart from this common problem

The answers come to us in our sleep. Blessing and curse. Well done with the repair and to the angel mechanic from Arizona

Great video, thanks for sharing and your time, I wonder even tho you pay Mercedes, as not a Mercedes dealer they don’t care or go out of their way to help, I’m sure they and others do it.

Many yrs ago had same issue on Mercedes e320 cdi on 2002 cost quite bit to repair .if remember had valve body changed

Manufacturer’s diagnostic software is expensive to purchase and often you only get the “customer” version, not the“full dealer licensed” version. I’m glad you got a win on this one.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

You’re spot on there! And yes a great win in this case

Amazing work very interesting. What a fix , 2005 merc 350 slk I paid £1200 for a sub frame now the secondary air injection has gone the joys .

I feel for you with this job. Ive been there with other problems. Nightmare. Glad its sorted

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Trevor 🙏

wow that's rocket science well done!

Nice video. Soon i ll have to replace the.conductor plate on my S600 and upgrade to blue top solenoids if it hasnt been done already. I dont have any problems with the gearbox , just as a preventive maintenance . Yesterday finished doing the ABC flush as well.using the AGA tool. That was good money spent. The filter inside was the original mercedes fitted in 2007.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Nice 👍

Did the same job on my S-class recently but bought a used and tested conductor plate pre-programmed to my car's vin on Ebay for $350.

Now that’s real decent skilled mechanics

I have a 350 with the same box, I find it a dream to drive, the down changes for engine braking works really well, prefer this to dsg on our gla.

Well done. I hope you have time to add in detail the issue and rectification method to the Merc forum so that others can bypass the factory.

@sprautos

2 ай бұрын

Certainly did.

Brilliant