2015 Mercedes-Benz Redundant S550E

The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the air condition system activated, there was hot air blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the hot air was blowing out of the vents and the floorboard was soiled with water. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the compressor and the motherboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with electrical wiring failure. The electrical wiring underneath the driver and passenger seats was burned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. The VIN was unavailable

NHTSA ID

11546329

Incident

Dec 19, 2022

Mileage

73,000 mi

I PURCHASED A LAVISH S550 AND OVER TIME I STARTED SMELLING GAS IN THE CABIN. I DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL THE SMELL BECAME MORE PUNGENT. I GO ONLINE TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND FIND OUT SOME OF THE CARS HAD FAULTY FUEL PUMPS WHICH LEAK INTO THE BACKSEAT. NOT ONLY DOES IT LEAK BUT THE VAPORS ARE SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE CABIN MAKING IT UNBEARABLE TO BREATH. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO MERCEDES AND THEY DON'T WANNA OWN UP TO THERE FAULTY EQUIPMENT. WITH THE TEMPERATURE BEING EXTREMELY HOT I WOULD THINK MY CAR WOULD BLOW UP BECAUSE IT IS A BLACK CAR. ANY HELP WITH THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED. MERCEDES OF SOUTH ATLANTA (SERVICE ADVISOR-TUTT) INFORMED ME TO PAY $2100 TO FIX. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ID

11102734

Incident

Jun 7, 2018

Mileage

164,000 mi

ON 8/29/17 AROUND 11:20 - 11:30AM, I WAS DRIVING ON N270 JUST OFF FROM HOV LANE FROM S495 NEAR MONTROSE EXIT(LITTLE BIT BEFORE), SOME METALLIC ROUND WHEEL TYPE WITH SHARP EDGES AROUND FLEW OVER FROM S270. I TRIED TO AVOID IT BY SWERVE MY CAR BUT IT MUST HAVE LANDED BELOW MY CAR AND SCRATCHED UNDERNEATH WHICH CAUSED MY CAR MAKING WEIRD SOUND PLUS BURNING GASOLINE SMELL. I DIDN'T SEE MY TIRE PRESSURE GAZE CHANGE SO I WENT INTO LOCAL LANE FROM FALLS ROAD TO GET TO MY HOME. MY CAR WAS NOT STEERING PROPERLY AND I CAN SMELL GASOLINE EVEN FROM CLOSED WINDOWS. AFTER PARKING MY CAR, I SAW GASOLINE LEAKAGE FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR. IT WAS SUCH SCARY INCIDENT AND I WAS SO LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND NOT HURT WITH GASOLINE LEAKING FROM MY CAR.

NHTSA ID

11020403

Incident

Aug 29, 2017

Mileage

40,000 mi

VEHICLE FAILS TO GO IN PARK AFTER DRIVING ON THE STREET AND ARRIVING AT THE GROCERY STORE.

NHTSA ID

10887556

Incident

Jul 21, 2016

MY S550E TRUNK CAN REMAIN UNLOCKED AND SOMETIMES REFUSE TO LOCK - RESULTING IN COMPROMISING THE SECURITY OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG IN THE STATE MACHINE TO LOCK THE TRUNK. IF THE VEHICLE IS IN A LOCKED STATE AND THE REMOTE IS USED TO LOCK THE TRUCK - IT FAILS TO DO SO.

NHTSA ID

10873520

Incident

Apr 5, 2016

REPLACED ALL TIRES WHEN ALL HAD SEVERE TREAD WEAR AND TWO HAD SIDE WALL BLISTERS AT 23,000 MILES. I RECEIVED AN ADJUSTMENT FOR THE REPLACEMENT. WITH ABOUT 1,000 MILES ON THE NEW TIRES THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE DEVELOPED A LARGE SIDEWALL BLISTER. *JS

NHTSA ID

10608397

Incident

Jul 6, 2014

I WAS ON A SNOW COVERED ROAD IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD DRIVING ABOUT 10-15 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE CAR KEPT GOING STRAIGHT AND SLID OFF THE ROAD. THE ESP STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS FAILED TO OPERATE AT THAT POINT. THIS WAS AFTER A RECENT REPROGRAMMING BY THE DEALER. THIS FUNCTION HAD OPERATED CORRECTLY ALL WINTER PRIOR TO THAT EVENT. THE ESP LIGHT DID NOT FLASH LIKE IT NORMALLY DOES IN THAT SITUATION. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A CAR COMING THE OTHER WAY AND I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM DUE TO THIS FAILURE. NO ERROR LIGHTS WERE DISPLAYED BY THE CAR. THE CAR GOT HUNG UP ON A BIG ROCK THAT WAS IN SOMEONE'S YARD AS A RESULT OF THE INCIDENT. I DID NOT REPORT TO THE POLICE SINCE IT WAS JUST ME AND NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE YARD, ONLY TO MY CAR UNDERNEATH. *TR

NHTSA ID

10327950

Incident

Feb 25, 2010

Mileage

19,800 mi

Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to micromovement in the connection between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened and must be tightened to the specified torque. Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove outboard side shafts (extract outer joint gearing from wheel hub) 2. Clean contact surface A (see picture file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") using Molykote and leave to dry for one hour in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir or shake it well (for at least 1 minute).

Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM or EZS cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy 1) If the battery is discharged, charge the battery. Review WS54.00-P-0037B for minimum charger specifications. • Note the amperage difference between trickle (maintainer) chargers of at least 16A and quick chargers of at least 30A. • Review AP54.10-P-5449U. Note when battery is sufficiently charged the charger current is less 5A. 2) While charging the battery, analyze the vehicle data to determine root cause of discharge using the following data points: • NOTE: For guidance on use of the on-board electrical data please review the AKUBIS video titled "New onboard electrical system diagnosis shown on BR 166". The video can be accessed through WIS by following the path WSM--> content by model series --> passenger cars --> ML-Class --> Model 166 --> group 54 --> New onboard electrical system diagnosis. • Refer to the March 2023 PCTT for the video walkthrough of analysis as well as the attachment of the slides to this Li. • Review GF54.10-P-1012A regarding what can cause deep discharge protection to not end a battery draw. • Review SI54.10-P-0024A for proper maintenance of the vehicle. For Star 2 vehicles: -Review FSAM on-board electrical data conspicuous records • NOTE: This data can be found via FSAM N10/6 -> Actual Values -> On-board electrical system -> On-board electrical system data For Star 3 vehicles: -Review N73/3 EZS on-board electrical data conspicuous records • NOTE: This data can be found via EZS N73/3 -> Actual Values -> On-board electrical system -> On-board electrical system data 3) Determine if root cause is due to: • vehicle technical issue? • customer behavior? NOTE: Recommend using battery analysis sheet found in XiW -> Local Contents -> Diagnostic info -> Battery Discharge Worksheet 4) If battery still does not accept charge AND the vehicle does not fall within the parameters of improper maintenance, then create a TIPS case. *IMPORTANT* - If the improper maintenance/use is found during diagnosis, DO NOT open a TIPS case. If a TIPS case is opened, it will be marked 1 star and directed to your assigned FSE for review. TIPS Case must include with the case: • Amperage setting of charger and time battery was on charger • XENTRY Battery Tester results • Voltage of battery taken with multimeter: Do not connect charger while taking measurements • N10/6 FSAM, (N73 or N73/3) and (N73*1 or N73/3*1) • Workshop analysis of conspicuous data • Root cause analysis for battery discharge based on the above documents (technical, customer, etc.) • NOTE: For expedited results when creating a case write customer complaint as "XENTRY Battery Tester implausible".

Complaint Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 (fully integrated transmission control unit (VGS)) not listed in quick test and/or no communication possible with VGS. Cause Transmission control unit Y3/8n4 Remedy For vehicles with 722.9 transmission: Ensure LI54.15-P-057373 is performed before replacing any component parts. After processing and complying with the above document(s): 1. Perform an ignition reset on Y3/8n4 (VGS) 2. Inspect transmission connector for loose connections, damaged wiring or pins and any other concerns If communication with the VGS cannot be established, the complete valve body ('electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)') must be replaced. Installation of a VGS repair kit is not permitted in this case as it is not possible to transfer the necessary valve characteristics without communication with the original control unit.

Complaint After a software update of HERMES communication module N112/9 has been performed on a gray import vehicle, the message "SOS - Service not activated" is displayed in the instrument cluster. Cause The message "SOS - Service not activated" tells the customer that "over-the-air" registration of the vehicle with the Mercedes Intelligent Cloud is not possible. On a gray import vehicle, this is due to the fact that the SIM card installed in the HERMES communications module cannot dial into the mobile phone network in the importing country. Remedy The only way of avoiding the message in the instrument cluster is to deactivate the HERMES module using the 09o deactivation process after obtaining the customer's consent. After deactivation, the HERMES control unit (N112/9) has the operating status "Inoperative". The message "SOS not ready" appears in the audio/COMAND display (A40/8) and may also appear in the instrument cluster. This display message tells the customer that the emergency call function is not available. In addition, the workshop must attach a label (2 x part number A9078172900 required) to the cover of the emergency call button in the overhead control panel and to the emergency call button itself. Replacing the hardware of the HERMES communication module is not effective.

Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse (and vice versa). Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to micromovement in the connection between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened and must be tightened to the specified torque. Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove outboard side shafts (extract outer joint gearing from wheel hub) 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") using Molykote and leave to dry for one hour in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts

Complaint The result from the XENTRY battery test does not match the current state of the battery. Cause The XENTRY battery tester uses the stored on-board electrical system data in the SAM module to access the health of the 12 volt battery. The XENTRY battery test may not take into account a single discharge event because the SAM or EZS cannot record the data if the battery is discharged. Note: A discharged battery does not necessarily need to be replaced. A discharged battery may be recovered with no permanent damage. Remedy 1) If the battery is discharged, charge the battery. Review WS54.00-P-0037B for minimum charger specifications. • Note the amperage difference between trickle (maintainer) chargers of at least 16A and quick chargers of at least 30A. • Review AP54.10-P-5449U. Note when battery is sufficiently charged the charger current is less 5A. 2) While charging the battery, analyze the vehicle data to determine root cause of discharge using the following data points: • NOTE: For guidance on use of the on-board electrical data please review the AKUBIS video titled "New onboard electrical system diagnosis shown on BR 166". The video can be accessed through WIS by following the path WSM--> content by model series --> passenger cars --> ML-Class --> Model 166 --> group 54 --> New onboard electrical system diagnosis. • Refer to the March 2023 PCTT for the video walkthrough of analysis as well as the attachment of the slides to this Li. For Star 2 vehicles: -Review FSAM on-board electrical data conspicuous records • NOTE: This data can be found via FSAM N10/6 -> Actual Values -> On-board electrical system -> On-board electrical system data For Star 3 vehicles: -Review N73/3 EZS on-board electrical data conspicuous records • NOTE: This data can be found via EZS N73/3 -> Actual Values -> On-board electrical system -> On-board electrical system data 3) Determine if root cause is due to: • vehicle technical issue? • customer behavior? NOTE: Recommend using battery analysis sheet found in XiW -> Local Contents -> Diagnostic info -> Battery Discharge Worksheet 4) If battery still does not accept charge, create a TIPS case. -Must include with the case: • Amperage setting of charger and time battery was on charger • XENTRY Battery Tester results • Voltage of battery taken with multimeter: Do not connect charger while taking measurements • N10/6 FSAM and N73/3 EZS CUL • Workshop analysis of conspicuous data • Root cause analysis for battery discharge based on the above documents (technical, customer, etc.) • NOTE: For expedited results when creating a case write customer complaint as "XENTRY Battery Tester implausible".