Multiple wheel rims (4) have cracked while driving under normal driving conditions.   The last wheel rim crack occurred while on the highway leading to a flat tire upon arriving at destination. The rim was found cracked in two places. 

While driving on expressway alert notification displayed that driver side rear tire pressure was low.  These are MOE tires so there is no spar tire and should be able to drive at low speed.  Car was bought new and had less than 17,000 miles on the tires. Found nearest exit from expressway and drove slowly to nearby service station.  Left driver side tire was flat and would not fill with air at service station.  Began slowly driving to my home which was about 5 miles away when had to stop again because of tire noise.  Pulled off street and found driver side rear tire was significantly damaged.(see photo)   Called tow truck and had car towed about a mile to my home since this  incident occurred on a US holiday. Nail found in tire. (see photo).  Crack also found in passenger side rear tire. ( see photo)

MY SL400 SEEMED TO HAVE A SLOW LEAK SINCE I BOUGHT IT, PARTICULARLY ON ONE TIRE. FINALLY WHILE OUT FOR A DRIVE THE TIRE DRAMATICALLY LOST TIRE PRESSURE AND IT LED ME TO GET SERVICE, WHERE I FOUND THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED. I HAD THE RIM REPLACED FOR OVER USD$1000 IN OCTOBER. THEN IN DECEMBER, SAME SYMPTOM, SLOW LEAK, THEN DRAMATIC LOSS OF PRESSURE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND THEY FOUND THE SAME SYMPTOM, CRACKED RIM, AND INSPECTED THE OTHERS AND FOUND ANOTHER. THREE (3) CRACKED RIMS IN LESS THAN 3 MONTHS. I MAY ADD THAT THE CHANGE FROM SLOW LEAK TO DRASTIC LOSS COMES QUICKLY. I AM UNCOMFORTABLE FOR THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE. THE DEALER KNEW TO INSPECT THE OTHER WHEELS. EACH OF THESE RIMS COSTS MORE THAN USD$1000, AND THE DEALER TRIES TO PUSH A TIRE & RIM WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN LIGHTLY BY ME AND LESS THAN 3000 MILES PER YEAR FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS. TO HAVE SUCH DRAMATIC FAILURES LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING DEFICIENCY, AND CAUSE FOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR THE PUBLIC,

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 Commissioning not possible after replacement of TRANSMISSION 722.9 or of electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS) or of repair kit controller unit (VGS). Cause The wrong older A-code (Generation EHS) is documented in VeDoc for the newly installed transmission or the newly installed electrohydraulic controller unit (EHS)/repair kit controller unit (VGS). Old VGS2 hardware A0335457332 (from quick test) New VGS3 hardware A0034460310 or A0009018008 (from quick test) Remedy Delete the old A-code and redocument the new A-code in VeDoc, then perform commissioning. A. If Diagnosis at the vehicle is possible: To determine the correct EHS item number, the currently installed EHS/VGS hardware should be read out first: In XENTRY Diagnostics via the tab Control unit view - Current quick test - Fully integrated transmission control - EHS part number. Order the new EHS with this read-off item number. DAS: Quick test - EGS - Electronic transmission control serial number. Order the new EHS with this read-off serial number. B. If Diagnosis at the vehicle is no longer possible, The number must be read off directly from the EHS, and the ordering process must be initiated using this number. Exception: For engine 629 with transmission 722.9, EHS A220 270 24 06 must be installed. Read-off part number is A 220 270 12 06 In this case, the following must be observed for making a correct order: Exclusively for model 219.356, 171.456 with transmission 722.906 up to and including model year 2005 (code 805) A 220 270 12 06 is no longer available --> Please install EHS A220 270 27 06 and document A92 in Vedoc If this does not work, please open a TIPS case and provide both the original EHS part number/A code and new EHS part number/A code Read-off part number + old A-code in VeDoc --> EHS item number and new A-code (Generation EHS) J valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A28/A29: A2202701306 + code A28/A29 --> A2202702706, delete code A28/A29 and document A92 in VeDoc A2202701406 + code A28/A29 --> A2202702706, delete code A28/A29 and document A92 in VeDoc A2202701206 + code A28/A29 --> A2202702706 delete code A28/A29 and document A92 in VeDoc O valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A45: A2202701206 + code A45 --> A2202702906, delete code A45 and document A94 in VeDoc A2202701406 + code A45 --> A2202702906, delete code A45 and document A94 in VeDoc A2202702106 + code A45 --> A2202702906, delete code A45 and document A94 in VeDoc P valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A46: A2202701906 + code A46 --> A2202703006, delete code A46 and document A97 in VeDoc A2202702206 + code A46 --> A2202703006, delete code A46 and document A97 in VeDoc N valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A39: A2202701206 + code A39 --> A2202703106, delete code A39 and document A95 in VeDoc A2202701406 + code A39 --> A2202703106, delete code A39 and document A95 in VeDoc A2202701806 + code A39 --> A2202703106, delete code A39 and document A95 in VeDoc M valve body plate with VGS3 old A-code A38: A2202701406 + code A38 --> A2202703206, delete code A38 and document A96 in VeDoc A2202701906 + code A38 --> A2202703206, delete code A38 and document A96 in VeDoc  K valve body plate VGS3 with old A-code A30: Old A-code A30 --> delete code A30 and document A93 in VeDoc N valve body plate VGS3 with old A-code A27: Old A-code A27 --> delete code A27 and document A95 in VeDoc

Complaint Height adjustment of electric steering column adjustment jammed in the top/bottom adjustment position (e.g. with Easy Entry function), noise (breakaway noise) when leaving the limit stops of the height adjustment. Cause Height adjustment moves to the top/bottom limit stop and jams. 1. Driver seat control unit software 2. Steering column height adjustment transmission Remedy There are 2 repair procedures to follow depending on vehicle (differentiated according to model and vehicle manufacturing date) 1. Perform software update of driver's seat control unit 2. Replace repair kit for steering column height adjustment Procedure 1: Perform software update of driver seat control unit. ALL models except 205/253/293/222/217/231/463/213/238/257/290 up to special equipment code 801. • Move out the fore/aft adjustment to the end position. • Release jamming of height adjustment by knocking with palm of hand onto top of steering wheel/at the same time pressing adjustment switch downward • After releasing the jam, perform a software update of the driver's seat control unit If procedure 1 is not effective, there is no new software available for the driver seat control unit, or the chassis is not listed above (167, 223, 294, 206, 294, 295, 296, 297,232,214,254) then use procedure 2. Procedure 2: Replace repair kit for steering column height adjustment. • Move out the fore/aft adjustment to the end position. • Release jamming of height adjustment by knocking with palm of hand onto top of steering wheel/at the same time pressing adjustment switch downward • Remove footwell trim on driver's side. • Determine type version of height adjustment in XENTRY Parts Information and order appropriate replacement part (refer to attachment). 1. Version A: A 231 460 77 00 2. Version B: A 205 460 38 03 • Remove steering column. • Remove height adjustment (adjustment repair kit). • Install repair kit (adjustment repair kit) (observe tightening torque for screws in attachment). • Install steering column. • If possible, flash driver seat control unit to latest software release or code SCN again. • Commission driver seat control unit (normalization of limit stops is deleted and learning process repeated).

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 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 Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky headlamp, physical fogging does not result in a technical impairment of the headlamp. A leak test must be performed to determine if physical fogging exists or if the headlamp is leaky. Remedy Check for external damage: You can identify a damaged headlamp in the following way: For headlamps with a closed system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and check also for correct seating of the Gore-diaphragm/correct latching of the cover caps. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. For headlamps with an open system 1. Check the headlamps for any external damage and seal off the vent, then make sure the cover caps are latched correctly into place. 2. If the headlamp exhibits any external damage, replace the headlamp. Note: External damage to the headlamp does not present a warranty or goodwill case. 1. Clear fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). 7. If the condensation has disappeared, nothing else has to be done. Note: If defrosting has been performed, you can skip the first step. 2. Leak test of headlamp with overpressure: • Connect test adapter to pressure tester. (Figure 1) • Check test adapter for leak tightness. To do so, connect plug and coupling (picture 2) and apply a maximum overpressure of 30 mbar. The pressure must remain constant. If the pressure does not remain constant, use a new adapter. • All vents have to be sealed with sealing compound and the existing diaphragm with the stamp (picture 3 [3]). (Picture 4) Make allowance for the different headlamp variants here (there are different outlet openings). • Check if the headlamp needs to be removed to gain access to the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. • Plug the adapter onto the diagnostic socket on the headlamp housing. (Picture 5). • Apply a maximum of 30 mbar overpressure to the headlamp housing. Note: If the maximum overpressure of 50 mbar is exceeded the headlamp seal will be damaged (picture 6). • If a pressure drop of less than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is tight and there is natural physical condensation. • If a higher pressure drop than 10 mbar is measured within 30 seconds, the headlamp is leaky. Note: The leaky position can be localized with the aid of soap suds. If the pressure test is not passed, the headlamp is leaky. If the cause cannot be rectified, the headlamp must be replaced. Note: If the headlamp is replaced, no dry packs may be installed on the new replacement headlamp. AR82.10-P-5455WT was created for the pressure test. This AR can be used as a reference manual for all closed headlamps. In the event of an open headlamp system, the vent ducts must be sealed before the pressure test.

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. Remedy NOTE: If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a closed system. Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood or trunk. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in the formation of condensation, check the headlamp for damage. (See Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Remedy 2 A damaged headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness in accordance with LI82.10-P-078896 The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions.

Complaint During a phone call, the called party has difficulty understanding/cannot understand the driver, or interference/background noises are audible to the called party during a call. It becomes increasingly difficult to understand as the speed rises. Cause A. Seating of the microphones in the headliner. Side edges are covered by the textile cover (see picture 1) B. Assembly of microphones (B25/20 or B25/21) in the headliner. C. Dirt inside the microphone housing Remedy 1. Press finger on rear of microphone (on adhesive tape) 2. Remove microphone cap from the front 3. Eliminate protruding material residues of the microphone cutout at the headliner, e.g. with a soldering iron. The microphone must be seated in the headliner as shown in picture 2. 4. Push microphone from behind until it is firmly pressed into the headliner 5. Maintain pressure and press/clip cap into microphone from the front. Note: The cover cap must be clearly heard and felt to engage. 6. This procedure must be carried out on both microphones (B25/20 and B25/21) Note: • It is recommended to replace the cover caps. • The non-woven cloth in the cover cap protects the microphone from soiling and must not be removed. NOTE: The information contained in this document is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge to properly and safely perform diagnosis and repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, using Mercedes-Benz approved tools and equipment. It informs service technicians about conditions that could occur in certain vehicles and provides information that could assist in proper vehicle diagnosis, service, or repair. It does not indicate that a defect is present in any vehicle referenced in this document nor does it imply warranty coverage. DO NOT assume that a symptom or condition, or a described cause of a symptom or condition, affects any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles, or that a described repair applies to any particular vehicle or groups of vehicles. There can be multiple causes resulting in the same or similar symptoms or conditions described in this document, and trained professional service technicians must use their diagnostic skills to make evaluations on a case-by-case basis. The information contained in this document does not guarantee warranty coverage nor does it extend the vehicle’s warranty in any way.

Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. 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 cracking of the microweld 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. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 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) with Molykote and leave to dry for one hour in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint Creaking noise, in irregular sequence when driving slowly in combination with slight steering movements. Sound file attached for comparison. NOTE: Steering functionality is not affected. For 192 and 232: Only affects vehicles in the below FIN range. FIN range up to: Model series 192: xxx xxx xx 002 876 Model series 232: xxx xxx xx 022 312 Cause Contact area between wheel bearing and steering knuckle. See also: LI35.30-P-058566 (Axle Half Shaft noise when changing direction - Front) LI33.30-P-056665 (Axle Half Shaft noise when changing direction - Rear) LI40.10-P-059248 (Wheel cracking noise when cornering) Remedy 1. Perform Operation A and evaluate by testing vehicle. 2. If noise is still present, perform Operation A again. 3. If noise is still present after re-testing, perform Operation B. Operation A: 1. Clean contact surfaces of wheel bearing and steering knuckle with brake cleaner (see areas marked blue in pictures 2.jpg and 3.jpg). NOTE: The front area of the wheel bearing and the seals must not come into contact with the cleaner, otherwise, the sealing rings will be damaged. 2. Clean threads of wheel bearing mounting. 3. Thinly coat contact surfaces of wheel bearing, steering knuckle, and axle mating face with Molykote (annular joint grease) (see areas marked blue in pictures 2.jpg and 3.jpg). • NOTE: Axle mating face greasing is also covered in LI35.30-P-058566 and LI33.30-P-056665. Operation B (Only applies to 192 and 232 in listed FIN range above): 1. Replace steering knuckle. 2. Wheel bearings do not need to be replaced.

Mercedes-Benz SL400

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