I own a 2009 Mercedes ML550 which refused to restart after being warmed up. First I looked online for any hints or a DIY fix...nothing. Then I gave in and thought "ok, the dealer should be able to properly diagnose the car, after all it's the dealer." After spending $170 and three days of my car being at the Mercedes dealer (won't say which one, but it's the in Northern NJ area, is a 7 letter city that starts with P and ends with an S), they called and had my diagnosis, as well as an invoice for close to $2500 for a new computer. I asked them if they were sure if it was the computer, from which they said it indeed was and it was a common fault with these model cars, as they had seen it before.
I looked online to find if the computer could be repaired and indeed found a place which repairs Mercedes (as well as other manufacturer's) computers. I called them, mailed out the computer (rendering my car immobile for 2-3 days) and paid $500 for the repair. Upon receiving the computer, plugging it in, and it had the same problem!
After speaking with the computer technician, he said to try using another computer and programming it with my computer's software, essentially making a clone of my computer. I found an another exact match to my computer online for $250. I purchased it, mailed it to the technician along with my computer (again) for it to be copied. Finally, after a few more days, I received both computers back. I plugged in the new (clone) computer, and still the same problem!!!
At my wit's end, I finally decided to give Hybrid motors a try. I showed up on a Wednesday morning sight unseen, and was greeted by the shop's owner (a very sweet gentleman with A LOT of cool car stories) as well as Lee (a magnificently bearded gentleman that knows his $hit. After explaining what happened, Lee proceeded to perform his voodoo and after 20 minutes he determined there was nothing wrong with the computer at all. The problem was the starter relay plug in the fuse box was loose and when the engine would become warm, the heat from the engine loosened it further. Needless to say, he ordered the part and I was out of there in about an hour! This occurred approximately 6 weeks ago and to date, I have had no more starting issues with my car.
For being able to easily diagnose in 20 minutes, what the dealer couldn't in 3 days, I would highly recommend Hybrid motors. They are knowledgeable, honest, thorough, friendly and very fair in their pricing. I should have gone there all along, but hindsight is always 20/20... My wife and I just moved to New Jersey a few months ago and Hybrid motors is the ONLY place we will trust with our car's care. I couldn't recommend them more. read more
