Firstly, this is not my own car, but was reccomended BY ME to the 2 elderly owners back in Aug 2004, when they were thinking of buying an Audi to replace the elderly Saab they'd been happy with for 8 years.
Jointly, with the owners,WE would appreciate any serious input or advice about the following ongoing problem associated with this LEMON of an A series.
CAR: is A-140 Avantgarde Auto petrol 1st registered 17/9/2003.
Car was purchased second-hand from "Mercedes Benz of Gatwick" when only 10 month's old in Aug 2004.
1st Warranty visit:
1) 25/11/2004 with complaint of POWER LOSS when going up through the gears when hot or cold whenever car decides to do it (no pattern as to when n where).
2) Auto gear shift snatches or jolts when cold and gets better to 'as it should be' when warmed up!
RECIEPT SAYS: Shock Absorbers changed, no mention of power loss.
Car operated properly for 3-5 weeks after this visit & same problems then returned.
2nd Warranty invoice:
12/5/2005 - Same problems on gear change & loss of power.
Warranty reciept says Contact coils changed (ign coil) all.
3rd Warranty invoice:
12/12/2005 - same problems returned, after 6-8 weeks
Reciept covers: short test / motor check / speed control check / throttle valve actuator check / control unit for electronic engine control replaced after check.
Mobilo reimbursements for loan cars etc.
4th Warranty invoice:
7/3/2006 - Same problems experienced after running fine for 6-8 weeks again.
Reciept says: Short test perform / Automatic transmission check (after quick test) / Full throttle (downshift) switch for automatic transmission replaced (after check).
Dealer servicing personnel comments? NO COMMENT just apologies & red faces.
5th Warranty invoice:
18/5/2006 - same problems again, gears juddering when cold & power loss after nice running for 3-4 weeks this time.
Warranty invoicereciept says: FOC Health check / short test perform / motor check / control unit with intake air temperature sensor replaced / throttle valve replaced.
More red faces!
6th Warranty = Now titled as "job card" invoice:
30 / 5 / 2006 same problems re-emerging after only 2-3 weeks perfect running.
JOB CARD photo-copy sheet reads:
Snatches into gear when first driving car, then engine warms up its fine. (never any mention of any power loss still existing).
TECHNICIANS REPORT:
1) Has had pressure sensor plate replaced.
2) Engine control unit replaced.
3) Kickdown switch replaced (now they're obviously guessing as this was covered once before above).
4) Throttle valve control unit.
And now up to date car started giving same problems a week ago, and dealer has never given any indication that they intend to fix this problem permanently.
In fact when thier warranty runs out in September, the dealer has said that to get extended warranty they will have to pay a wopping £50 per month.
Any advice gratefully recieved & kept confidential from dealers if you so wish - so please state this with any answers or suggestions you may have.
Finally, the old couple in question love the car to bits, but has become an 'in' joke to all thier friends particularly when they regularly visit veteran car shows with thier classic award winning =Triumph Herald soft top.
Its been extremely embarrasing for me, as they only live a few doors down, particularly while I've got a 195k miles E280 that works perfectly, and is over 12 years old.
Never again will I be reccomending Mercs to anyone except myself!
Thanks for any help,
Keith.
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1994, E280 Petrol, Auto, 195k miles.
