₦airaland Forum

Where can i get this within FCT, AC temperature sensor.

Zeal192:
Hello guys, please I need help with diagnosing my 2012 ML350 W166, it randomly vibrates while driving. My mechanic change the transfer case(auxiliary) but that didn’t solve the problem, please anyone who has experienced such in the past and has fix it should kindly assist.

If you're in Abuja, contact me to help diagnose it.

kingreign:
If you're in Abuja, contact me to help diagnose it.

I’m in Lagos

Zeal192:
Hello guys, please I need help with diagnosing my 2012 ML350 W166, it randomly vibrates while driving. My mechanic change the transfer case(auxiliary) but that didn’t solve the problem, please anyone who has experienced such in the past and has fix it should kindly assist.

Needs physical assessment, a lot of component can cause that vibration. Contact me at 0802 899 2075

Ko

Parser:
I dey enjoy am boss. I no go lie. The way the thing dey accelerate. Dey carry me go where I no know. Even d first time I started learning how to drive it fear enter my body but the fear is gradually going away cause I dey rev am atimes for free way.

Truly it works fine on normal Nigeria standard. Haven't drove before. So don't know whether there's something more perfect than the current state. My friend who uses a c300 had drove it several times & he didn't complain on the performance or anything. But looking at the thread; I believe is all about perfectionism..noticing the small details before it turns out to bigger problems later.

So this afternoon I went for a drive, and tested the oil level with the dipstick after the engine was idle for like 20 minutes because the weather was hot the level of the oil surpassed the Max level on the dipstick as opposed to the previous reading I shared earlier that it was a little below the Max level. Which means engine temp and weather affects the reading. I did some Google and some MB experts from some forums said, if there's more than the required oil the oil sensor could trigger the 'check oil level' that pops up sometimes on the dashboard. And they said to get the correct dipstick reading, you will run the engine and wait like 15 to 20 minutes which I did.

So my hypothesis is probably the oil level is much than the required, which means I may contact a mechanic to reduce it and see.

We almost share the same sentiment too..I like to.emsure that things are perfect especially with cars so as to avoid stories later,but some times I just look away and come back to it when I have funds. I also like the fact that you are googling and watching videos it will help you a lot in enjoying the car and know what to tell your mechanic to fix. I like the fact that you are enjoying the car, if you want to know why Benz is in a class of its own,go and drive another brand like Toyota or even Lexus then you will run back to your car 🤣.

Your car is beautiful

cbrass:
Ko

We almost share the same sentiment too..I like to.emsure that things are perfect especially with cars so as to avoid stories later,but some times I just look away and come back to it when I have funds. I also like the fact that you are googling and watching videos it will help you a lot in enjoying the car and know what to tell your mechanic to fix. I like the fact that you are enjoying the car, if you want to know why Benz is in a class of its own,go and drive another brand like Toyota or even Lexus then you will run back to your car 🤣.

Your car is beautiful

Thank you.

Exactly, you get the point. I'm even an engineer, EE. So there's that innate desire for DIY. For ordinary person the car is more than ok. But for an enthusiast you'd like to know everything and push boundaries.

And I've learnt a lot less than a month. My next oil change, I'll do it myself. I've started buying tools also gradually.

The driving is addictive.

The only problem I have now is foreign sites to buy stuff that ship to Nigeria..it's not like electronics that you can easily get from Ali, Jumia etc. but I'm on it using Chatgpt.

HeavenlyBang:
Yes. Also, it's a V6, so a slightly smoother–albeit slower–ride.



That generation of C Classes were generally bad, and the M271 on the C230K isn't quite as reliable as the NA M112. Maintenance costs aren't anything out of the ordinary. The supercharger isn't particularly difficult to work on, and it's not something that spoils without prodding–or wear and tear.



Kingreign is in Abuja. Radautoworks is in Lagos.

Hello heavenlybang. We are back to these comparisons.


I want to try the compressor. I used the V6 for some time.

I actually used to V6 for the past 4years. I wdnt lie, the fuel economy at their best shapes wasn't good enough.


At their best, they were doing like 1Litre for 6Km.


I want to try the compressor with the supercharger you have praised a lot.


But I am hearing about issues of the AIR HOSE being too low.

That if you pass water with the car, the air hose could easily suck water into the engine.


Unlike the V6 M112 engines, I have used,, the Air Intakes are above the front-grill. Just below the Bonnet of the car.



Please what are the downsides of the M111 with Kompressor Turbo (with Red cover).

How do you compare these RED COLOURED engines to the WHITE COLOURED ENGINE?


I have some friends who have these Kompressor engines with Red top, who said "they can never pass through water with their cars".


Please put me through.


Thanx.

FutureFocus:
The simple 4 cylinder engine

Are you referring to the engine with the white Top?

FutureFocus:
The simple 4 cylinder engine

Are you referring to the engine with the white Top?


This engine seems to be the most reliable with a lot of fuel economy.


But I heard the wire harness degrades with time and later leads the car to having a lot of electrical issues.



How do we compare this with the RED TOP KOMPRESSOR ENGINE?

nairamaniac:
Are you referring to the engine with the white Top?


This engine seems to be the most reliable with a lot of fuel economy.


But I heard the wire harness degrades with time and later leads the car to having a lot of electrical issues.



How do we compare this with the RED TOP KOMPRESSOR ENGINE?

Yes, but tricky, when I got mine in 2011, I went on Mercedes thread and followed top rated engineers on foreign forums and read up on that which showed me the secret, all you need to do is to used mere paper tape to tape it where they are about to crack on top of the engine, the point where the wire usually come out to split into two, separate and ensure no bridging, it’s not more than an inch but most Eletrician doesn’t know or they intentionally won’t tell you

Because if it manage to touch, it can start cutting just any fuse randomly, making you visit mechanic every time , I was told I would rewire the whole electrical system but I never did after taping just that and it stopped, the Eletrician was disappointed I never came back and he kept calling me, used the car for two years before I sold it off, in excellent condition
It was a monster then , please avoid the 6 plugs

FutureFocus:
Yes, but tricky, when I got mine in 2011, I went on Mercedes thread and followed top rated engineers on foreign forums and read up on that which showed me the secret, all you need to do is to used mere paper tape to tape it where they are about to crack on top of the engine, the point where the wire usually come out to split into two, separate and ensure no bridging, it’s not more than an inch but most Eletrician doesn’t know or they intentionally won’t tell you

Because if it manage to touch, it can start cutting just any fuse randomly, making you visit mechanic every time , I was told I would rewire the whole electrical system but I never did after taping just that and it stopped, the Eletrician was disappointed I never came back and he kept calling me, used the car for two years before I sold it off, in excellent condition
It was a monster then , please avoid the 6 plugs

Thank God. At least there is a trick to avoid the wire harness issues that later start blowing up the fuses in the fuse box.

I know some users of the vehicle that purchase fusebox every 6months.

I hope this solution would completely prevent those issues.


I'm thinking of getting this model very soon.


Lastly, I'm sure you were referring to 12PLUGS and not 6PLUGS.


The V6 is 12 plugs.

If that's what you are referring to, why do you say it should be avoided?

nairamaniac:
Hello heavenlybang. We are back to these comparisons.


I want to try the compressor. I used the V6 for some time.

I actually used to V6 for the past 4years. I wdnt lie, the fuel economy at their best shapes wasn't good enough.


At their best, they were doing like 1Litre for 6Km.


I want to try the compressor with the supercharger you have praised a lot.


But I am hearing about issues of the AIR HOSE being too low.

That if you pass water with the car, the air hose could easily suck water into the engine.


Unlike the V6 M112 engines, I have used,, the Air Intakes are above the front-grill. Just below the Bonnet of the car.



Please what are the downsides of the M111 with Kompressor Turbo (with Red cover).

How do you compare these RED COLOURED engines to the WHITE COLOURED ENGINE?


I have some friends who have these Kompressor engines with Red top, who said "they can never pass through water with their cars".


Please put me through.


Thanx.

Sorry, I don't have any experience with the M111.

HeavenlyBang:
Sorry, I don't have any experience with the M111.

I thot I had read some of your post where you talked about the Kompressor engines in w203?

The ones with the Red Tops.

Still liquidating on IG. Lots of old inventory.

radautoworks:
Still liquidating on IG. Lots of old inventory.

I don't understand liquidating ma'am. Are you closing down the auto shop business?

Omor Mb na machine. E dey drive wetin no good.

The mb mechanic I got says oil is ok no need of change. But dem done put fear for my body for the thread. He says the check oil level might be as a result of dirty oil sensors. I can come for general service. He will do the ATS & maybe break pads if I want.

@Dru23 I'll buzz u up for original fluids & other stuff as everything for naija na fake. Only email on ur bio.


Thank you all.

Parser:
Omor Mb na machine. E dey drive wetin no good.

The mb mechanic I got says oil is ok no need of change. But dem done put fear for my body for the thread. He says the check oil level might be as a result of dirty oil sensors. I can come for general service. He will do the ATS & maybe break pads if I want.

@Dru23 I'll buzz u up for original fluids & other stuff as everything for naija na fake. Only email on ur bio.


Thank you all.

Baba better soup na your money kpai am .. we dey here for all your original Mobil 1 USA...and other special order items...... Just email me dru23@hotmail.com and drop ur WhatsApp #

Nadingo:
I don't understand liquidating ma'am. Are you closing down the auto shop business?

Actually explained it on IG. Just cleaning the warehouse of older inventory to make room for new. Major shift in vehicles needing maintenance now so need to rollover inventory is all. Easier to let them go than ship back to HQ. We are even looking for franchisees for new locations. We go nowhere! 🫡😁

radautoworks:
Actually explained it on IG. Just cleaning the warehouse of older inventory to make room for new. Major shift in vehicles needing maintenance now so need to rollover inventory is all. Easier to let them go than ship back to HQ. We are even looking for franchisees for new locations. We go nowhere! 🫡😁

Oh ok 😁

Good evening here

Please who has had this problem and a solution

When I start my Benz in the morning it makes this loud cracking sound for max 2 seconds and the engine goes to quiet running. Happens when car is parked for some hours a day and when you start it that loud cracking noise comes up and fades. Please what could be the problem and solution. Thank you

joshdgr8:
Good evening here

Please who has had this problem and a solution

When I start my Benz in the morning it makes this loud cracking sound for max 2 seconds and the engine goes to quiet running. Happens when car is parked for some hours a day and when you start it that loud cracking noise comes up and fades. Please what could be the problem and solution. Thank you

Camshaft actuators most likely

joshdgr8:
Good evening here

Please who has had this problem and a solution

When I start my Benz in the morning it makes this loud cracking sound for max 2 seconds and the engine goes to quiet running. Happens when car is parked for some hours a day and when you start it that loud cracking noise comes up and fades. Please what could be the problem and solution. Thank you

Good afternoon sir,

Thank you for the clear description — that short, loud cracking sound for 1–2 seconds on cold start is a classic symptom that needs a measured, scan-first approach.

⸻

🔧 Professional Diagnostic Insight

1️⃣ Primary Causes — what most commonly makes that cracking on cold start

• Timing chain / tensioner slack (chain slap):
When the car sits for hours oil drains from the tensioner and guides. On some Mercedes engines the chain can “slap” the guide briefly until oil pressure builds and the tensioner takes up slack — this sounds like a loud cracking/ticking that fades.

• Hydraulic lifters (valve tappets) or VVT actuator delay:
If lifters or hydraulic valve actuators are slow to pressurize (old/contaminated oil or weak lifter), valves can make sharp noises on first crank until lubrication reaches operating pressure.

• Starter engagement / Bendix kick-back:
If the starter’s engagement doesn’t fully retract or the ring gear has damaged teeth the starter can make a harsh mechanical noise that may continue briefly during start. Usually this noise is during cranking rather than after the engine is running.

• Exhaust or backfire/popping on cold start:
Unburnt fuel igniting in the exhaust or a loose heat shield/manifold can make sharp popping/cracking noises for a second on cold start, then stop.

• Accessory / pulley / injection noise (less common):
A failing belt tensioner, pulley, or a sticking injector can cause a transient loud noise that stops as oil/temperature stabilise.

⸻

2️⃣ Symptoms that point to each cause (what to listen for / observe)

• Chain/tensioner: metallic slap or clack from front/top of engine, usually rhythmic or slightly irregular, occurs only on cold start and fades after oil pressure rises. May sound louder on cold mornings.

• Lifters/VVT: sharper ticking around the head that stops after a few seconds of running. Noise often changes with RPM.

• Starter: very loud mechanical clunk or grinding during cranking; if it continues after start, suspect starter not retracting fully.

• Exhaust/backfire: more like pops from the back of the car; accompanied sometimes by rough idle for a few seconds.

⸻

3️⃣ Correct (non-guess) Repair & Diagnostic Steps — scan-first, inspect-second
1. Record the sound — a short phone video from the engine bay during a cold start helps a lot.
2. Check oil level & history — confirm correct grade/viscosity (use Mercedes spec). Very old or wrong-thickness oil causes slow pressurisation. Top-up/change if dirty or low.
3. Full OBD scan (include engine & transmission modules) — look for related codes (timing, camshaft, injector misfire, starter).
4. Cold-start observation — mechanic to watch/feel oil pressure gauge (if fitted) or use a mechanical/diagnostic oil pressure readout to confirm slow build-up.
5. Visual inspection — timing chain cover area (if accessible), valve cover for oil leaks, starter location and ring gear teeth, exhaust manifold and shields.
6. Specific checks:
• Remove and test lifters/inspect cam phasers if indicated.
• Check timing chain tensioner operation and guide wear.
• Starter bench-test and inspect ring gear.
7. When confirmed: replace the failed component(s) — tensioner/guides, lifters, starter, or repair exhaust — rather than swapping random parts. Follow Mercedes recommended parts and torques.

⸻

⚙️ Ryan Automotive Workshop Professional Take

We see this exact cold-start cracking most often on Mercedes engines where oil drains overnight and the hydraulic tensioners or lifters need a pressure moment to stabilise. In our experience:
• 40–60% of such cases are timing chain tensioner / guide related (especially on higher-mileage cars).
• 20–30% are oil-related (wrong/old oil or low level) or hydraulic lifter issues.
• Starter and exhaust causes make up the remainder.

We always recommend scan first + listen on a cold start — targeted parts replacement after diagnosis gives the best value and prevents repeat visits.

⸻

🧩 Professional Summary & Next Steps

Short-term:
✅ Don’t ignore it — continued chain slap or failed lifters will cause faster wear or engine damage.
✅ Check oil level and top up with the correct Mercedes-spec oil immediately. Try a cold start after that and record the sound.

If it persists:
➡️ Bring the car for a cold-start inspection and full diagnostic at Ryan Automotive Limited. Please bring the car cold (parked for several hours) so we can reproduce the noise. We will:
• Run OBD and pressure checks
• Observe a cold start and record the sound professionally
• Inspect timing / valvetrain / starter and advise an exact repair plan with cost

When you post next time on Nairaland, please include: Brand (Mercedes-Benz), full model name (e.g., E200, C300), year, engine size/code (e.g., M272, OM642), mileage, and any recent oil/maintenance history. That lets us give an even more accurate first-response.

⸻

Ryan Automotive Limited
Precision. Transparency. Excellence.
Professional Auto Diagnostics • Engine & Transmission Experts • Genuine Parts & Cooling Division
Lagos, Nigeria
Contact via profile/signature
Ryan Automotive Workshop Division

RyanAutomotive:
Good afternoon sir,

Thank you for the clear description — that short, loud cracking sound for 1–2 seconds on cold start is a classic symptom that needs a measured, scan-first approach. Below is a full Ryan Automotive Limited diagnostic reply in our standard format so you can post it professionally on Nairaland.

⸻

🔧 Professional Diagnostic Insight

1️⃣ Primary Causes — what most commonly makes that cracking on cold start

• Timing chain / tensioner slack (chain slap):
When the car sits for hours oil drains from the tensioner and guides. On some Mercedes engines the chain can “slap” the guide briefly until oil pressure builds and the tensioner takes up slack — this sounds like a loud cracking/ticking that fades.

• Hydraulic lifters (valve tappets) or VVT actuator delay:
If lifters or hydraulic valve actuators are slow to pressurize (old/contaminated oil or weak lifter), valves can make sharp noises on first crank until lubrication reaches operating pressure.

• Starter engagement / Bendix kick-back:
If the starter’s engagement doesn’t fully retract or the ring gear has damaged teeth the starter can make a harsh mechanical noise that may continue briefly during start. Usually this noise is during cranking rather than after the engine is running.

• Exhaust or backfire/popping on cold start:
Unburnt fuel igniting in the exhaust or a loose heat shield/manifold can make sharp popping/cracking noises for a second on cold start, then stop.

• Accessory / pulley / injection noise (less common):
A failing belt tensioner, pulley, or a sticking injector can cause a transient loud noise that stops as oil/temperature stabilise.

⸻

2️⃣ Symptoms that point to each cause (what to listen for / observe)

• Chain/tensioner: metallic slap or clack from front/top of engine, usually rhythmic or slightly irregular, occurs only on cold start and fades after oil pressure rises. May sound louder on cold mornings.

• Lifters/VVT: sharper ticking around the head that stops after a few seconds of running. Noise often changes with RPM.

• Starter: very loud mechanical clunk or grinding during cranking; if it continues after start, suspect starter not retracting fully.

• Exhaust/backfire: more like pops from the back of the car; accompanied sometimes by rough idle for a few seconds.

⸻

3️⃣ Correct (non-guess) Repair & Diagnostic Steps — scan-first, inspect-second
1. Record the sound — a short phone video from the engine bay during a cold start helps a lot.
2. Check oil level & history — confirm correct grade/viscosity (use Mercedes spec). Very old or wrong-thickness oil causes slow pressurisation. Top-up/change if dirty or low.
3. Full OBD scan (include engine & transmission modules) — look for related codes (timing, camshaft, injector misfire, starter).
4. Cold-start observation — mechanic to watch/feel oil pressure gauge (if fitted) or use a mechanical/diagnostic oil pressure readout to confirm slow build-up.
5. Visual inspection — timing chain cover area (if accessible), valve cover for oil leaks, starter location and ring gear teeth, exhaust manifold and shields.
6. Specific checks:
• Remove and test lifters/inspect cam phasers if indicated.
• Check timing chain tensioner operation and guide wear.
• Starter bench-test and inspect ring gear.
7. When confirmed: replace the failed component(s) — tensioner/guides, lifters, starter, or repair exhaust — rather than swapping random parts. Follow Mercedes recommended parts and torques.

⸻

⚙️ Ryan Automotive Workshop Professional Take

We see this exact cold-start cracking most often on Mercedes engines where oil drains overnight and the hydraulic tensioners or lifters need a pressure moment to stabilise. In our experience:
• 40–60% of such cases are timing chain tensioner / guide related (especially on higher-mileage cars).
• 20–30% are oil-related (wrong/old oil or low level) or hydraulic lifter issues.
• Starter and exhaust causes make up the remainder.

We always recommend scan first + listen on a cold start — targeted parts replacement after diagnosis gives the best value and prevents repeat visits.

⸻

🧩 Professional Summary & Next Steps

Short-term:
✅ Don’t ignore it — continued chain slap or failed lifters will cause faster wear or engine damage.
✅ Check oil level and top up with the correct Mercedes-spec oil immediately. Try a cold start after that and record the sound.

If it persists:
➡️ Bring the car for a cold-start inspection and full diagnostic at Ryan Automotive Limited. Please bring the car cold (parked for several hours) so we can reproduce the noise. We will:
• Run OBD and pressure checks
• Observe a cold start and record the sound professionally
• Inspect timing / valvetrain / starter and advise an exact repair plan with cost

When you post next time on Nairaland, please include: Brand (Mercedes-Benz), full model name (e.g., E200, C300), year, engine size/code (e.g., M272, OM642), mileage, and any recent oil/maintenance history. That lets us give an even more accurate first-response.

⸻

Ryan Automotive Limited
Precision. Transparency. Excellence.
Professional Auto Diagnostics • Engine & Transmission Experts • Genuine Parts & Cooling Division
Lagos, Nigeria
Contact via profile/signature
Ryan Automotive Workshop Division

Thank you for this comprehensive guide towards finding the problem. I am in abuja. Would have brought the car to you if you were in abuja or can you refer me to a company in abuja you feel is competent in handling this issue

joshdgr8:
Thank you for this comprehensive guide towards finding the problem. I am in abuja. Would have brought the car to you if you were in abuja or can you refer me to a company in abuja you feel is competent in handling this issue

Mr Kingreign is in Abuja, highly competent with the repairs, search is moniker here on Nairaland

What do y'all think about GLA 2015, with just over 100K miles.

Please can anyone recommend a Mercedes Benz gearbox specialist in Lagos.

Zeal192:
Please can anyone recommend a Mercedes Benz gearbox specialist in Lagos.

There is no one like gearbox specialist or so in the whole Africa. If you can dm RyanAutomotive. With your car year and model. Like Run a Computerized Scanning And A Proper Diagnostics. On Your Vehicle and give you a detailed report of whats wrong.

God Bless

RyanAutomotive:
There is no one like gearbox specialist or so in the whole Africa. If you can dm RyanAutomotive. With your car year and model. Like Run a Computerized Scanning And A Proper Diagnostics. On Your Vehicle and give you a detailed report of whats wrong.

God Bless

There’re mechanics who niche are gearbox

laluski:
Please is there a Mercedes Benz WhatsApp platform?

Good morning. When you able to get added to the WhatsApp group send to you by ibbabah?


The link is no longer going.




Is there another more valid Whatsapp group from this Benz thread?

nairamaniac:
Good morning. When you able to get added to the WhatsApp group send to you by ibbabah?


The link is no longer going.




Is there another more valid Whatsapp group from this Benz thread?

Yes there is… 2 Infact

Greetings all the MB lovers, please is it advisable to replace the radiator fan of W112 (203) with toyota radiator fan because of loud noise and over heating ?

laluski:
Yes there is… 2 Infact

Thank you. Please how do I get added?