Is it Time?

[YiLi]

So is it time to chalk this vehicle up to a LEMON and research options for the consumer? I read a post by "Tank" where he wound up replacing just about everyong on his vehicle. However, I did not purchase my first MB to restore it. My main concern is that the stalling problem continues no matter what part is replaced? Since I am not a mechanic, I cannot determine if the vehicle is still not running safely because of misdiagnosis or a major fault. I do not wish to insult any mechanics on the site, but if the procedure- like in medicine- is trial and error- shouldn't there be some kind of discount if the treatment doesn't work-

I purchased this vehicle about 3 months ago and have been able to drive it perhaps 8 times (mostly trips to repair shop) the remaining time it has been garaged - a part gets replaced my confidence is restored and then in a day or two it starts stalling again. Now after a few rather scary stalls I do not have the confidence to drive the vehicle.

Like most others here, I really do wish to keep this car- and I don't think I would be quite as upset about spending all this money to get it running, but the point is no matter what high priced part is replaced ior what costs I incur to get it to dealer, including lost work time- the repairs do not hold. Unlike many others who can fix or monitor the mechanics of the MB's, I am not a mechanic- I purchased the MB for the quality reputation.

So any ideas- as a used vehicle do I have any options to save the vehicle without continued repair costs? Thanks for any input.

[Cap'n Carageous]

If I had it to do over again, I would have sold mine after that 1st "check engine " light flickered. These are not DIY vehicles, so you're at the mercy of whoever you can get to figure it out. It may cost you $3000 to find out you have water in your gas.

[Ashman]

Why not post up what you have replaced or had repaired, that way we can try to assist you in tracking down your car's demons.

Alon

[YiLi]

Car ran well for the first two weeks- now that I write this I wonder if there is a connection that after the AC was repaired the trouble started? Though the vehicle stalls whether AC is on or not.
Then a head gasket was replaced because oil was in coolant. I had believed that since the complaint was stalling that a full diagnostic was performed- so if the head gasket was replaced, then that is what was wrong.
After this stalling was more frequent and wild fluctuations of tachometer from Park to Reverse and from Park to Drive (interesting no problem when Drive to Park or Reverse to Park).
MAS replaced. AFter reading lots of posts here about stalling, I did ask dealer if things like clogged throttle, air/fuel mix, fuel relay or idle control were (the less expensive) culprits. He said know, so again I believed they must have checked all these items.
Vehicle was fine day one, day two on the second trip of the day- vehicle seems to be okay on first trip of day, not as errative tach fluctuation more that it dips when into R or D but on the way the jump is only up to about 10- and the swing down is slower.
When the vehicle is in its throws, I would not call it a miss, but something just doesn't feel right- other times the idle, acceleration etc. are fine. Even if the car does not stall, there are inconsistent times that there is a lurch and a hesitation while on the brake.
I also notice anecdotally that the vehicle consistently 'upshifts'. I chalked my concern up to lack of experience with an automatic, but to note, sometimes there is a long drag and the car kicks into I guess it is second, other times with the same accelerator pressure it goes through two-three gears. I find on the highway you don't feel a 'downshift' at highway speeds and I find myself not controlling the speed- but again this could be because I am a stick shift driver and I am not used to using brakes- but I would have thought any vehicle's speed can be controlled via accelerator.
Mailman just delivered "How to Repair and Maintain a Mercedes Benz" thought it would help me find the parts everyone talks about here- still not sure where this idle adjustment is- not that I would touch it, just want to see if it is set to where is should be- but then again if it weren't wouldn't the stall or inconsistent idle happen all the time?
And should I call the dealer back who replaced this MAS and tell him car still stalls- or will that cost me more money? I don't understand the repair 'guarantee' do they only guarantee that repair even if it does not fix the car and then charge for another item or would I be credited for that cost when it is determined what is wrong?

[YiLi]

I should have typed INconsistently upshifts. Thanks.