You Guys On This Board Are .....

Guys,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that I've been really glad that a forum like this exists with people participating who are really knowledgable ! At times I've had some people go out of their way to even email me the pics / techniques to troubleshoot a problem. And sometimes these were situations where the local tech ( not a mercededes shop) couldn't even figure out the root cause of the problem. So in my opinion this is one great forum with really nice members.
Have a great day !

[zafarhayatkhan]

Very usefull forum

[Cap'n Carageous]

Originally posted by Duke1Law
I'm glad SOMEBODY is getting service around here.

Wish I could say the same.

The 'clique' only answers certain threads.

I must not be in the 'clique', cause quite a few of my posts don't get answered to my liking. Now if you have a question about oil, antifreeze or the superiority of R12 over WD40 or whatever, then you'll get immediate response. Miracles may take a little longer. I know from my own experience that there are times when I didn't ask the questions in a manner that anyone either knew the answer or wanted to get involved in a useless long distance diagnosis. When that happens you rephrase the question or be patient. If you don't get an answer, then figure it out for yourself or seek paid advice. All we ask is that when you do get the answer, then share it with us. Then maybe someone else can benefit. That's what it's all about.

[G-Benz]

I've been on this forum for a few years, and I have had my share of unanswered posts as well. Clique? Not hardly!

There is a lot to consider as far how symptoms are diagnosed. Complexity is one, familiarity is another.

For example, this forum has a bloated amount of W124-series MB owners. Some of the seemingly complex W124 problems have been experienced by a vast majority of the other W124 owners (like the fabled OVP issue).

To a newbie, getting a quick fix to a peculiar ailment like that would make it seem like the forum is comprised of miracle workers! But if the W124 was a limited-production model and the OVP problem was a singular one, not many others would respond to the post with any degree of confidence.

Forum member advice is free, accurate or not. Some DIY mistakes in an MB can be VERY costly, and delving into the engine compartment armed with a "shot from the hip" advice from someone a few continents away could prove detrimental!

I have watched a few threads go astray with members interjecting theories everywhere before a tech finally comes in and reins the situation with an educated response.

If you have a problem, it may go unanswered simply because although your problem may not be all that unique, others had the problem rectified by a technician with little knowledge as to what exactly transpired.

So we have a few ground rules to abide by when initiating a thread:

1. Use the search first! Cardinal rule!
2. State the problem as concisely as possible.
3. Indicate year, model, style, & engine configuration.
4. Post pics if trying to identify a problem part.
5. Be patient!!

And as it has happened many times, the poster actually solves the problem by him/herself! Then the poster puts the result in the thread for others who later might find themselves in the same situation.

That's why this forum ROCKS!!

[zafarhayatkhan]

G-Benz,

"Forum member advice is free, accurate or not. Some DIY mistakes in an MB can be VERY costly, and delving into the engine compartment armed with a "shot from the hip" advice from someone a few continents away could prove detrimental!
"

The pharse FIRST DO NO HARM comes to mind!!!

[Mel Weaver]

Quick question- fuses/relays a/c ? Mine works when it wants to. Where are relays/fuses? I'm getting ready to strip a 190E, and could use some input.
It IS a great site isn't it!!!!!!!!!!! ( ? )
Thanks to all who have offered help/support
-Mel

[mithra]

It is very easy to become frustrated both with the car and yourself when you end up with seemly endless problems, one after another. And, when you try to get help, and you get no answer or the answers aren't what you need to help you, it is way too easy to lash out at those trying to help.

G-Benz got it very accurate when he stated that some MB models are more popular than others. The rarer your car, the less likely that you may get an answer that helps.

I do not believe that any member of this forum wants to see a fellow member stranded, and that if there happens to be someone browsing the forums that possibly has an answer, they will offer the suggestion.

As indicated by Larry Bible, Steve Brotherton, BlackMercedes, Arthur Dalton, Gilly, MB Doc, and on and on... not everyone is on the forum all the time... these gentlemen have real jobs and real lives to live before they browse this forum. They have a wealth of information that is available....when they are available....not when we want it.

When I need an issue addressed as soon as possible, I call an indy or the local dealership, and pay the rates. When the issue is not pressing, I post and wait and hope.

But to slam an entire group or individuals that are dedicated to helping one another to the best of their abilities and knowledge based on the provided information from a distance ? For free !?!

Totally uncalled for.

[400E]

"God bless you guys. This board has been so helpful. I can't wait to post some w/out having to always need help. I don't think many of us expected so many Mercedes-related problems until the car reaches high miles. This thing is just nearing 100, so this should not be happening now. Neither should I have had to have replaced the darn water pump. At least that's done now though."

--Duke1law, circa 2003


Time to close this thread. Doubt our dissatisfied colleague is reading our replies at this point.

[MAC10]

I have found this forum an invaluable tool in helping my friends and I diagnose and fix our MB's, saving us time, effort and money-(most of the time). If I had to take my car to a dealer every time I had a problem I would be broke and very frustrated.

The advise given on this forum is just that, advice. It is meant as a guide- to be used along with some mechanical ability.

I am grateful for this forum and everyone who contributes to it.
Thanks guys.

Mike C. - MAC10