Recently, a 2004 Benz caught my attention, and as a dedicated enthusiast and mechanic specializing in these vehicles, I couldn’t resist taking a closer look. While the car’s history with the previous owner remains somewhat of a mystery, its current condition and intriguing features immediately sparked my interest. Having been stored indoors for a significant period, this 04 Benz presented itself as a promising project, hinting at underlying potential beneath a few minor issues.
My initial drive of this 2004 Benz was surprisingly smooth and pleasant. The engine performed admirably, and the transmission shifted seamlessly. Crucially, the climate control system, both air conditioning and heating, functioned correctly, a welcome sign in any used vehicle. Most of the car’s features operated as expected for a vehicle of this vintage, with a few exceptions that are commonly encountered and generally straightforward to address on this model range.
However, as with any pre-owned vehicle, particularly one of this age, a few quirks emerged during my inspection of this 04 Benz. The DVD-based navigation system, a sophisticated feature for its time, seemed reluctant to engage, suggesting a potential issue with media readability. The map disc, confirmed to be original to the car, might be suffering from a dirty laser lens, weakened laser optics, or simply media degradation. For a quick fix, I considered swapping in a W211 navigation processor from my parts inventory should I proceed with acquiring the car. Similarly, the Alpine 6-disc CD changer appeared jammed, refusing to release its magazine. Visual inspection through the changer door revealed a disc loaded in the first slot, yet the tray mechanism seemed stuck, preventing ejection.
Another issue noted on this 2004 Benz was related to the soft-close doors. While they were operational upon initial pickup, they have since ceased to function. This is a classic symptom of a malfunctioning Pneumatic System Equipment (PSE) pump, often triggered by a blown fuse. While I haven’t yet investigated the fuse box, this is a prime suspect and a common point of failure in these systems. Personally, I find troubleshooting and rectifying these types of issues rewarding, as it allows for the preservation of the vehicle’s original equipment and enhances its overall condition. Replacing the factory head unit with a modern aftermarket alternative is not something I would consider; instead, even the minor pixel discoloration on the existing display prompts thoughts of sourcing an original replacement screen to maintain OEM aesthetics. The simultaneous failure of the door locks and soft-close system strongly points towards a central PSE issue, prompting an initial check of the relevant fuse and a subsequent investigation for potential pneumatic leaks.
Adding to the intrigue, the current owner disclosed that the instrument cluster displayed a persistent “——” for the odometer reading upon their purchase. This anomaly masked the vehicle’s mileage and also disabled access to certain features, including the DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control settings. Furthermore, the telematics system seemed misconfigured, coded to D2B instead of the correct MOST standard. This resulted in the TEL, NAV, and AUDIO displays showing only “—“, indicating a lack of initialization. The previous seller reportedly suggested that the cluster merely needed “programming” by a dealership or specialist. However, the current owner likely encountered difficulties in finding a straightforward solution, leading to the persistent issue. Utilizing my diagnostic tools, I was able to “program” or, more accurately, code the instrument cluster to the Drive Authorization System. As anticipated, this action successfully retrieved the odometer data directly from the Electronic Ignition Switch (EIS) and allowed for the correct coding of Telematics to MOST, DISTRONIC to Present, and Dynamic Seats to Present. Consequently, all menus and functionalities are now correctly displayed and accessible.
Having experience with a W221 S600, where DISTRONIC PLUS was standard, I was initially surprised to find the DISTRONIC controls present in this 2004 Benz alongside the tell-tale absence of the protective grille covering for the radar sensor. A quick CarFax report revealed a past collision with a deer, likely explaining both the DISTRONIC feature and the front-end damage.
Intriguingly, this 04 Benz is fitted with the same size tires on all four wheels, a 245-section width, which deviates from the factory staggered setup. Despite this, the car exhibits no noticeable traction issues, even under spirited acceleration. This unexpected grip, combined with the vehicle’s responsiveness, leads me to suspect a possible ECU tune. However, without the owner’s explicit request and permission, I refrained from reading the ECU to confirm this suspicion. Similarly, while no overt external modifications are apparent, a closer inspection of the exhaust system and rear differential from underneath the car might reveal aftermarket upgrades. The car’s behavior strongly suggests the presence of a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD). Unlike my ESP-dependent S600, which relies on braking individual wheels to manage wheelspin, this 2004 Benz simply puts the power down with remarkable efficiency and a glorious AMG V8 Kompressor soundtrack. The supercharger clutch, according to diagnostic readings, remains engaged constantly, further fueling the possibility of a fixed supercharger pulley modification. Having driven a CLS55 AMG with a fixed pulley, I recall the challenge of managing wheelspin during spirited cornering from a standstill – a characteristic notably absent in this particular 04 Benz. These observations contribute to the overall mystique surrounding this vehicle.
Visually inspecting the bodywork, the rear panels and doors appear to retain their original paint. My experience suggests that repainted panels, particularly those that have had model designation emblems removed and reapplied, often betray subtle inconsistencies in emblem placement. In contrast, the hood and front fenders likely underwent refinishing following the deer collision, yet the “V8 Kompressor” lettering appears either original or meticulously reapplied, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail. Minor discrepancies in the hood-to-fender gaps are present but are easily adjustable. The only current inconvenience, again a minor adjustment issue, is the passenger-side hood latch, which requires manual assistance from outside the vehicle to release fully. Lubrication has proven ineffective, indicating a slight misalignment. However, given that the vehicle is not yet under my ownership, I have not delved deeper into this minor issue.
