C Class Throttle Actuator
 

Well, I've already replaced the head gasket and wire harness on my '95 C280 and am now told that the wiring in the throttle actuator is bad. Anyone know where to get a new or rebuilt one reasonably? MB wants $1500 for a new one. When it rains, it pours. Thanks.

Try Beckmann tech! 1-800-742-1021

Sorry to hear about your plight. :confused: $1500 from a dealer is actually a decent price ... I thought list was just above $2k. Nonetheless you can get one online (VDO - same one that the dealer will sell you) for about $1400 or as Doc mentioned, Beckman Technologies can re-wire it for about $700 .. probably your best bet.

Pretty easy DIY install also. If you cut into the harness you'd probably see this nightmare:


http://pauls-space.zftp.com/EA_CC_ISC.jpg

Good Luck

I also found these people who have rebuilt actuators for $400 (for my '95 C280). I think I'll give them a try. http://www.4mercedes.com/index.htm They specialize in Mercedes electronic and electro-mechanical parts.

If you decide to use these people, would you let me know how it works out??

Check out MENU#24 for sources that have been used for the ETAs rebuild/repair. Beckmann has been the 'best' so far.

I just got off the phone with Beckman Tech, and to be honest, I was a little disgusted. I was told that since I wanted the throttle actuator for my car, the price would be approx. $1100. If I were a shop and was going to install it in someone else's car, the price would be approx. $700 and change. Why should I have to pay $400 more? Because I don't own my own shop?

Call them back and speak with Steve Marlow. (919) 381-2700 He's a really nice guy.

Tell him you're not a shop, just a good 'ole DIY'er and an active member of Mercedesshop.com and that you would appreciate it if he could quote you the shop price in return for a positive recommendation on this board. (provided all goes well)

Post in this thread and point him to it since it is viewed often.

Also check with this company to see if they have your throttle actuator in stock. (they're located in the UK) They didn't when I needed to rebuild mine a few months back (same part # as yours) but they may now.

Good Luck :o

Maybe miscommunication here??? You said " . since I wanted the ETA for my car, the price would be apx $1100." Their re-build price was around $600, last I knew??

Did you say that you wanted THEM to re-build your present one??? That's their forte. Of course, that means you're out of operation w/ your car but the prices are (or least WERE) as stated in MENU#24.

Call and talk to "Robert Beckmann" himself and mention me and my web pages. There seems to some mis-communication here???

Time for a Honda?
 

Thanks for the info Jim. I'll give him a buzz next week. My wife is starting to lean on me to just sell it and get a Honda. I haven't had the car 6 months yet and have had the head gasket and wire harness replaced. Now the throttle actuator and my mechanic mentions that the rear differential needs to be rebuilt. The problem is that I really like my C280. The wife says to get a Honda with 4WD and don't put any more $$ into the C280. What do you think? Time to let the Mercedes go? It is stressing me out (which is worth something).

I'm certainly not one to advise you as to what to drive . . . I'd probably tell you to get a "W140" car and then your wife would hang you . . . and me too! :(

But that's a decision that often comes up: sell or fix?? Hard to answer that question. You are unfortunately coming up against a series of costly "fixes" and it's hard not to want to sell. If the car didn't have proper maintenance before you, then looking at the records of repair might help you make that decision.

On the other hand, since you have 'done' the head gasket and, the valves, and since the wiring harness is 'good' meanin you SHOULDN'T have problems with on-board ECUs, you may be at the end of this high $$$ replacement cycle after the TA is repaired.

Just as I say this, your A/C decides to go bad . . . and another high $$$ repair. Anyway, it's something that you and she need to decide.

BTW, my wife drives a '91 Honda Accord LX and she wouldn't trade it. Go figure?? :confused:

The 'Beckmann' advantage is the lower cost of repair b/c of their expertise in rebuilding these devices. When my ETA went bad, I didn't know about their repair expertise so I replaced mine with a new unit. Talk to Robert and let us know.

I bought a refurbished one for my E-320 a few months back from Potomac German Auto in MD. They charged about $750 and it's warrented for a year. I know the owner of the business. They're a quality shop.

Here's their website.

http://www.mbpartsonline.com/

Well, still haven't done anything about the throttle actuator yet but the check engine light is coming on frequently. How easy is it to remove (and replace) the throttle actuator on my '95 C280? Want to take it out and have it rebuilt somewhere. Hope everyone is having a nice New Year.