I have a 1997 c230 that just had the check engine light come on. The MB dealer says for $1200.00 they will replace the "air mass sensor" and make the light go out. Seems a bit expensive ... is there anything I can do myself to fix the problem.

call Phil or stop over to the Fastlane and order one for about $375

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1JN0WU5SE1LC0XHH4F&year=1997&make=MB&model=C-230-001&category=All&part=Air+Mass+Meter

Then, using a phillips screw driver as the only require tool, install it yourself in about 15 minutes. Finally, pat yourself on the back for saving $800.

The MB number is 000-094-09-48! about $400.

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I think you should report the dealer to MBUSA and also te Better Business Bureau.

I agree....that dealer is WAY over charging for the job.

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Can you do me (us) a favor? Call the dealer and try to get as much detail as you can about the cost breakdown of the repair. I'm curious to see what they're charging for parts and labor. Try to get as much detail on the labor and what the actually claim they need to perform. Keep in mind that the labor piece will take them less than 10 minutes to actually do the job. Post for us to see and watch the sparks fly!!

good idea!! I'd love to hear that cost breakdown!

__________________
Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

Yeah, $1200 is way too high. A detailed estimate wiil tell you what else, if anything they're going to do. Maybe they found other trouble codes. I agree with smazur that it takes ten minutes to replace a MAF sensor, however the car then needs to be driven a few miles and the self adaptation needs to be re-checked to verify the problem is fixed. Vacuum leaks, fuel injectors, O2 sensors, and even neglected air filters can all cause problems that mimic MAF's. It takes a decent tech a lot longer than ten minutes to make sure the car won't come back with the same complaint.

Point taken. If there's something else wrong with your car after the dealer screws you for $1200 then he'll have yet another opportunity to bend you over for something else. Maybe $1500 for a motor mount? $1100 for a fuel filter? Find a good indy mechanic through these boards and stay as far away from the dealer as possible. $1200 for an MAF is proof positive!!!

Dealer would not give me a break-down on labor and parts ... probably because I left the last time declining repairs. They did say that there were other problems ... something about a miss-fire code on 2 cyclinders. When we picked up the car it ran beautifully and no light. Two days later it again had a engine lite on and started running rough. My wife is now driving my ML350 and the C230 is parked until we can find a solution. I've been looking for a repair manual so at least I'll know what the part looks like and where its hidden.

It sounds like you are in need of a good independent shop. If you post your location you will probably get some recommendations here.

Also, you can search for your area here:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/good-mb-shops/

Good luck.

Change the 2 plug connectors under each coil and drive the car .
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1LB01VIGK1LJ110N73&year=1997&make=MB&model=C-230-001&category=F&part=Spark+Plug+Connector

If you take it into a local parts store or independent mechanic to get any/all codes read you can come back to this board and search for those code postings. If it hasn't already been commented upon, I'm sure everyone out here will give you all the help you need to understand the problem and what's involved to fix... As an example, when my MAF went bad, the computer read 3 codes; MAF, and 2 cylinder misfires. I did some research, replaced the MAF myself, changed the plus and coils myself, and saved myself around $1000. I'm strictly novice, I've got a small toolbox and live in a condo but the E320 was a snap to work on and the satisfaction of doing the job myself was worth every bit of effort.

And believe me, when I see the owner of the local MB dealer, Herb Chambers, cruising into Boston Harbor in his 180 foot mega yacht, I'm very glad I didn't contribute to his excess...

Okay Guys, you've convinced me to try and fix the C230 myself. Now where is this MAF and what does it look like? Next question what do the spark plugs look like and where are they. Keep in mind that the last real automotive maintenance I did was on a 67' Mustang (which I still have). When I open the hood on the C230 everything looks like something I don't recognize.

The MAF looks like this:
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1H20MAGB81LK0YNH15&year=1997&make=MB&model=C-230-001&category=B&part=Air+Mass+Meter

I'm not familiar with the c230 engine but on the E320 it's on the black air intake tube after the air filter but before the engine. The MAF looks like a short connector tube that clips into the air intake. Just find the air filter housing and follow that tube, you really can't miss it. Just unclip and unplug the old one and then clip/plug the new one and you're good.