Man tries to fix Copart Mercedes-Benz with zero mechanical experience, then disaster strikes on highway

A Copart Mercedes-Benz E220 AMG seemed like the perfect project car for one eager enthusiast with big dreams and little experience.

The car only had a damaged door and a broken headlight, and he thought it was nothing he couldn’t handle.

After some quick fixes, he hit the road to celebrate the car’s revival.

But a single misstep turned the test drive into a mechanical catastrophe.

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From a quick fix Copart Mercedes to highway horror

Whenever you’re facing any car issues, it might be tempting to do it yourself.

Sometimes, all you need is a $20 repair kit to fix a cracked windshield.

And if you know what you’re doing, you may even be able to troubleshoot your issues and fix your car for free with one step.

That did not turn out to be the case for this Mercedes-Benz E220 AMG owner.

After replacing the headlight and repairing the door, he eagerly took the diesel-powered Benz for a test drive.

That’s when the dashboard flashed a low oil warning.

Trying to do the right thing, he pulled over and added five liters of oil, without checking how much was actually needed.

What followed was engine carnage.

Soon after the top-up, the car began overheating, revving erratically, and throwing up every warning light imaginable.

Smoke poured from the exhaust, and the Mercedes came to a dead stop in the middle of the highway.

The engine had seized, and the car had to be towed back to the shop.

DIY fixes don’t always work out

As the owner later admitted, he had no mechanical experience, though it’s not always an obstacle for trying to fix up cars.

What he did have was enthusiasm, which was just enough to get himself into real trouble with this DIY project.

The E220 AMG Line may wear a sporty badge and chrome-studded grille, but under the hood it’s a fairly tame 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, producing 192 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The car was never built for speed, but it was reliable, at least until someone drowned it in oil.

Overfilling an engine can cause the oil to foam, leading to pressure buildup, seal failures, and in worst cases, hydrolock, where oil enters the combustion chamber and prevents pistons from moving.

Judging by the smoke and the engine behavior, the car likely suffered one of the worst-case scenarios.

The car no longer starts, the screens are flickering, and his Copart Mercedez-Benz is now a very expensive paperweight.

The owner is now facing a full engine rebuild and has turned to his followers for help and advice.

He’s draining the oil, hoping to unseize the motor without pulling it entirely.

Whether or not he succeeds, it’s a good reminder that trying to fix your car yourself doesn’t always work.

Sometimes, the process can be so complex and draining that it makes you question your life decisions.

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