Posted on 09/08/2026 10:23:38 AM PDT by DUMBGRUNT
A short video of the problem. The hood on larger Mercedes EQ models (like the EQE and EQS) is not designed to be opened by owners and is restricted to certified technicians.
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
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There is no oil to check on these models.
Another big part to it is that things are made very, very inexpensively with robots. If I can buy a brand new microwave for $50, what kind of labor rate can a repairmen expect to charge when the alternative is a brand new one, made by robots instead of hand made by people with highly valuable time.
Cars, TVs, lot of other stuff. Once upon a time, young people just grew up learning how to fix things. Nowadays, it’s almost illegal.
My dad built a HeathKit TV, took him about 2 years to do it.
AND THEN, you open the hood of a Honda Odyssey, Lo and Behold: Labeled compartments, fuses, hoses, and so on. You can reach everything without too much effort.
Fair.
Well, they were going the way of the dodo. Euros didn’t typically have them in ‘99 MY cars, at least two I was familiar with.
I asked AI where the brake fluid container is located - under the hood.
Turns out the owner CAN open the hood, as confirmed by JustRetired in Post #40.
Got sucked into another thread that is untrue!
Wow!
Only had 2 bikes, Suzuki GS750 and a KZ 1000 at 64 I’m hesitant to get another since that make body parts for me anymore. In south Florida everyone is on their phones and are trying to kill you.
I’m in Idaho. Riding season is nearly over for this year. In San Diego, the muslim women in hijabs has poor peripheral vision.
I’m in Idaho. Riding season is nearly over for this year. In San Diego, the muslim women in hijabs had poor peripheral vision. Very dangerous to drive next them.
NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS BEYOND THIS POINT.
No, you can’t check or add any trans fluid in newer cars now days. That’s a thing of the past and has been for quite a while now.
I'll be over tomorrow about 10AM.
If there are moving parts, they all need lubrication.
Including electric motors, door hinges, wheel bearings, etc. I am assuming even electric cars have moving parts.
I have a Mercedes. Every small thing that has gone wrong with it in the last 10 years...I look on you tube. After watching a few videos I can fix them myself. Stuff the dealer would charge big money for.
I like the 2003 because, with it's big/wide center console, it's the ideal vehicle for traveling long distance with a dog friend. It also has fewer parts to break.
I would buy a bicycle before buying a modern gas engine with a turbocharger - which from everything I've read in an engine with a 50%-or-less life expectancy. If I had to add to my vehicle collection, I would be looking for a 2021 Tundra - highly reliable, highly maintainable and the last year that didn't have a turbo.
It's odd that I drive the oldest vehicles in the family, but somehow I've been the one who has some extra $$ to help the others out from time to time. Isn't that weird? :)
Still, no need to check levels.
Wheels and door hinges are not under the hood.
—”I’ll be over tomorrow about 10AM.”
That made me laugh.
My wife has a list a mile long, and she has priority.
We enjoyed our Expedition and drove it over most of the USA.
But the plugs were a big negative for me.
Also, the trans has many question marks.
Around 100k miles, we gave it to our #1 son, a thousand miles from home; the trans LOCKED UP in the middle of nowhere.
Could not push or tow it into town...
The flatbed that picked him up recommended a local trans shop... Good work at a fair price for a full replacement.
He drove it to over 200k.
Since many friends have had Ford trans fail not long after 100k. I did a full flush every 30k and never towed.
Our beloved Suburban had the original trans when we sold it at over 200k.
The 2-piece plugs?
Ford F-150, Expedition, and Navigator (5.4L 3V V8 & 6.8L V10): Model years 2004–2008.
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