PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

rwthomas1 · #1 04-08-2003, 07:44 PM

I purchased my car after 2+yrs of looking for exactly the car I wanted. I love the way it drives, the engineering, and just about everything about it. What gets me down is the nickle-and-dime string of repairs I have had to deal with.
Upon purchase: adjust valves, replace 2 glowplugs, rebuild monovalve, change belts, coolant/rad cap, oil, atf, diff lube, brake fluid. Replace master cylinder reservoir seals and get frontend alignment. Clear out all water drains.
Next: Back to alignment shop, car pulls, find sticky front caliper, replace caliper. Wierd intermitant coolant leak. Try 2nd rad cap.
Next: Replace lower balljoint boots, 1 tierod boot. Wierd intermitant coolant leak.
Next: Rebuild badly sagging drivers seat spring box
Next: Rear CV boot starts leaking badly. Replace both axles. One axle blows immediately, replaced again.
Next: Funny occasional groan in frontend while braking. Replace front wheel bearings/races, find other caliper is bad, replace caliper, new brake pads.
Next: Cruise control goes haywire. Diagnose with GDL instructions, try junkyard cruise amp, works for a bit then craps out again. I will be installing an aftermarket system.
Next: Tear cooling system apart looking for leak, replace thermostat.
Next: Auxilliary waterpump stops working. Replace with junkyard piece and modify/update wiring to protect ACC unit. Think I finally fixed the mystery coolant leak.
Today: Rear window decides to start leaking on both sides into trunk. I know she needs rear brakes. Hopefully the calipers will be okay.... Front pinion seal seeping oil now too.
I really love the car but I am tiring of the seemingly endless stream of little issues. I know that I will get to a point where I will have gotten ahead of the problems and fixed/repaired/replaced every item that needs it. Until then it seems like an uphill battle. Ah, the joys of old cars. Sorry just had to vent. RT