The compulsion to "Over Repair" - Page 6 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

87tdwagen · #76 11-17-2005, 12:47 PM

I have a weird sense of looking at vehicle ownership in general. How much fun/pleasure and satisfaction to I get from the car, and what is my cost per mile for the car. This always drives my ownership consideration new or used. Once either of those two variables pass their limit, the car is sold.

Spending and overfixing an older car is not an issue if the two conditions above are met. Do you truely enjoy it, and is your cost of ownership worth it to you? If yes, ya dun gud. If no, whatya dun taint so gud.

In my own experience I have owned fleets of vehicles that my neighbors always swore I was a underground car dealer. But I truely enjoyed each of them while owned. And a smart buyer will be able to find the right car at the right price, fix it right, enjoy it for a while and recoup their investment. My cost of ownership has never exceeded $0.20 per mile with an older car. I have stopped buying new cars, because the cost of ownership is $0.60/mi or 3 times what I pay now for comparable quality.

That asside, I really do enjoy driving something that stands out, and you don't see too many 20-30 year old cars in daily use that look like new, and doesn't screem comformist blob...

#77 11-17-2005, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iNeon

would you own a chrysler 300 crd? i hear its an amazing diesel

not that we'll ever have the choice to buy it and even if we did, it'd be priced as a hemi 8.

Not a chance, I'm done with US based cars. This thing will probably fall apart just as fast as my POS Jeep. Besides, it's selling for £25,750 ($45,700 US at the moment) and the chrysler 300 design is just about the ugliest thing I've ever seen. I'm sure it's fast, but it would be dangerous to drive that fast with a bag over your head.

Hatterasguy · #78 11-17-2005, 12:57 PM

I hope this doesn't overload the thread or forum:

If this doesn't scare someone out of a SDL!!!

Mercedes 300SDL Service Record's

Purchased on January 22, 2004

March 3, 2004
Mileage-233,668

Oil+filter
Replaced all 6 injectors with Bosch rebuilt units.
Replaced all 6 glow plugs with Bosch units.
Replaced delivery valve seals and copper washers.
Replaced secondary and primary fuel filters, Mann units.
Replaced all drip lines.
Replaced broken throttle linkage with Mercedes unit.
Air filter done by previous owner, new at 233,000, Hengst unit.
EGR blocked, intake manifold cleaned, gasket replaced.
Cross over gasket replaced.
Shut off valve replaced, Bosch unit.
Antenna seal replaced, Mercedes unit.
Trunk seal replaced, Mercedes unit.
Oil cap gasket replaced.
Oil filter O-rings, all 3.

March 14, 2004
Mileage-233,668

Power steering filter replaced, Hengst unit.
Power steering fluid replaced, Febi by Bilstein
Drivers inside door handle replaced, Mercedes unit.
Rear left door; inside handle replaced, Mercedes unit.
Rear door widow slide replaced.
Plastic inside doors replaced. (Clear)
Drivers seat, switch cleaned. (Seat back wasn't coming forward)

March 28, 2004
Mileage-233,668

Rear brake disc's replaced, ATE units.
Rear brake hoses replaced.
Rear brake pad's replaced, Textar units.
Mercedes anti-squeal past applied to back of pads.
Rear differential fluid changed, Mobil 1 75w-90
Rear hard fuel and brake lines replaced.
Fuel tank screen cleaned, o-ring replaced.
Soft inlet and outlet lines on bottom of tank replaced.
All rubber fuel lines replaced in engine compartment.
Fuel tank cap seal, replaced.
Parking brake shoes replaced.
Parking brake pedal pad replaced.
Parking brake adjusted.
Rear brakes flushed.
Washer line that goes to hood nozzles replaced.

April 18, 2004
233,888

New front brake discs, ATE power discs
New front brake pads, Textar
Mercedes anti-squeal paste applied to pads.
New front brake lines
Repacked front wheel bearings
Flushed front brakes.
Replaced throttle peddle
New transmission fluid + filter.
New serpentine belt, + idler pulley
New Mercedes Battery.

May 8, 2004
234,025

Oil+Filter
Updated all fuses in fuse box to copper ones.
Power steering return lines replaced.

May 20, 2004
234,380

New oil cooler lines, Mercedes OE
New oil cooler
New rear sway bar links.
New rims + tires
New lug bolts x 20
New spare tire
New Mercedes floor mats.
2 new keys made

June 5, 2004
234,864

New upper radiator hose.
New lower radiator hose.
New expansion tank, OE.
New expansion tank cap.
New oil fill cap, OE.
New thermostat.
New serpentine belt, Gates.
(previous one showed funny wear)
New pre-filter.
(Previous one leaked air)

June 21, 2004
235,355

New radiator, Behr
New fan shroud, OE
New radiator clips.
Clear corners, used.
Trunk matt, used.
Replaced drivers side headlight, used.
Replaced headlight surround on passengers side, used.

June 30, 2004
235,598

Oil+filter, Mobil 1 15W-50/ Hengst filter
New spin on fuel filter, Mann
Air filter, Hengst
New oil pressure sending unit, VDO
Rebuilt Kilma relay.
New Bilstein steering damper.

July 16, 2004
236,000
New Pioneer head unit
4 new Pioneer speakers
New parts tray in center console
New carpet in center console
New passengers side fender well plus gaskets
New pre-filter (They keep leaking)
July 28, 2004
236,701
New power steering filter, Mann filter
New power steering fluid, Bilstein
New power steering cap gasket

July 30, 2004
236,800
New AC condenser
New AC condenser clips + bushings
New O-rings that go between condenser and lines.

August 15, 2004
237,350
New engine shocks
New engine mounts

August 20, 2004
237,500
Changed oil filter because of synthetic oil switch; 2k miles on current change. Also because of quality concerns with the OE/Heignst filters. Apparently wood pieces are being found in the bypass part of all the German filters. I will use Fram CH4536 from now on until the quality of German filters improves, or Wix.
4 new jack pads
2 new glove box spacers

August 22, 2004
237,518
Trans fluid plus filter.

September 3, 2004
238,000
Belt shock, and plastic part above shock, both OE.

September 9, 2004
238,400
Oil Mobil 1 Delvac 5W-40/OE filter

October 1, 2004
239,500
Replaced L/R tie rod assembly's
Replaced center link
Rebuilt Idler arm
Replaced L/R rear sub frame bushings
Alignment done
Replaced the 2 rear muffler doughnuts.

October 15, 2004
240,123
Injectors tested, the pop pressure is ok but the spray pattern is bad on 5. Covered by warranty will try to get good replacements.
Replaced cross over o-ring and gasket

October 23, 2004
240,420
Replaced steering gearbox with used one, out of a 1988 420SEL with 174k. Eliminated some steering play.
Replaced pitman arm seal on above gearbox.
Replaced block heater cord with OE one.

October 27, 2004
240,727
New OE engine vacuum pump
New OE vacuum pump gasket
New OE power steering filter
Flushed with OE power steering fluid
Installed 3 tested good injectors with new seals.

November 10, 2004
241,390
Bilstein comforts shocks front and rear.

November 15, 2004
241,597
Oil Mobil 1 15w-50
Bosch filter
O rings on filter housing shaft
New pan drain plug

December 10, 2004
242,663
New passengers side guide rod mount.
New wiper cages left and right
December 12, 2004
New tail light gaskets

December 19, 2004
242,794
New drivers side guide rod mount
Winter tires installed on car. Firestone all seasons on oe wheels.

December 21, 2004
242,794
Bosch remain alternator.

January 8, 2005
243,111
New water pump, OE
New rear windshield gasket, OE
Used rear window
Rust spots under the window fixed.
Rust spots under rear seat body plugs fixed

January 27, 2005
New windshield, insurance covered it.

February 22, 2005
244,802
Oil+filter
Mobil 1 15w-50
Bosch filter
New battery ground cable
New drivers side sway bar mount
New sway bar bracket and nuts

March 22,23,24, 2005
245,722
New grill assemble
New trunk seal, OE
New sunroof seal; OE
New oil filter stem o rings
New Hengst air filter
New Boost Pressure Sensor
Summer wheels put back on

March 31, 2005
245,962
New Mann spin on and secondary fuel filters.
Shifter boot changed
Three shifter bushings replaced.

April 21, 2005
246,952
New blower motor
New fan shroud

May 12, 2005
247,634
Front tires balanced
Two new fog light bulbs
Brake fluid changed

May 13, 2005
247,712
Oil+filter
Bosch filter
Mobil Delvac 1 5w-40

August 1, 2005
250,721
Air filter, OE
Climate control head unit replaced with used one.
Rear right side window seal replaced.

August 8, 2005
250,897
Oil+filter
Bosch filter
Mobil Delvac 1 5w-40

October 2, 2005
252,571
New differential mount.
Re-built climate control push button head unit.
(used one didn’t last)

October 30-November 6, 2005
253,409
Oil+filter
OE filter+ Mobil Delvac 1 5w-40
New o rings on oil filter shaft
New inline fuel filter
New spin on fuel filter, OE and o rings on bolt
New trans filter, OE and Mobil 1 ATF
New differential oil Mobil 1 75w-90
New front and rear flex discs
New trans mount
New engine shock mount kits
New drive shaft support bearing
New drive shaft support bearing mount/bushing
New drive shaft boot
Universal joint inspected and is tight
Everything lubed and cleaned
Trans front seal replaced
New trans shifter rod clips
Junk tires installed, car stored in garage for winter.

$11,906.74

t walgamuth · #79 11-17-2005, 01:03 PM

maybe we will get some chrysler dodge diesel cars.

tom w

Strife · #80 11-17-2005, 08:42 PM

I have a spreadsheet of things I've repaired/replaced/improved on my car, along with the date and mileage. This is now a very long list. Most of the time, I've not included prices, because I think that I would have a stroke if I ever totaled it up. But, it's gotta be a lot less than a $400/mo car payment on a new car and I don't think my 560sl is depreciating whatsoever at this point, unlike that imaginary new car.

I replaced things BEFORE they went bad, which is a strange concept to most car owners (not to YOU, the reader, of course). I've even bought spares here and there, at the best possible prices, with the thought that they will become more difficult to get/expensive in the future (rubber items not included, of course, although I have considered throwing a set of rubber seals in the freezer). I've also purchased these parts with the thought of getting another 560sl for my wife, this time, getting one at a better price because I now know what can be done and what it costs. I've rebuilt an alternator for a car I don't even have (yet). So, maybe I have the "disease". But I make no apologies for it; there are much less productive and pointless hobbies that are much more expensive.

I read an article stating that if cars were maintained like aircraft, we would still be driving cars made in the 50's and 60's.

bullwinkle · #81 11-17-2005, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

('course, i have my garage about full of essential used benz parts. my wife is getting a little surly about not being able to park inside. but who knows when you might need 2 rf fenders, two complete interiors, eight doors, three trannies, four spare engines, lenses, ps pumps, inj pumps, calipers, etc, etc. i have to keep driving 123s so i can use up these parts!)
so i said that i didn't lose too much, i stand by that. what can you drive 30k cheaper? and i have the peace of mind knowing that me and my family is driving a benz.
wait a minute, did i just prove brians point?

tom w

Man, you must have one big @ss garage!!!

boneheaddoctor · #82 11-17-2005, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bullwinkle

Man, you must have one big @ss garage!!!

I wish I had a big garage....I don't even have room for a car in mine...

t walgamuth · #83 11-17-2005, 11:06 PM

if i took all the benz parts out and the built in cabinets and such i suppose i could double stack about 9 or 10 123s if i werent too picky about making a quick get away.

it is built in the side of a hill and has two levels with access to one from the street and the other from the alley. because of the slope, the lower level was free more or less since the cost of the extra structure for the upper level was equal to the cost of filling under the slab if i built it one level only. and to pay for it all there is a 900 something sf apartment on top of it all.

but....my mother in law lives there. when ever i paint or anything stinky she thumps the floor with her cane. she has the most sensitive nose in the world. can't hear or see worth a hoot but sure can smell.

tom w

RobTheMod · #84 11-18-2005, 01:22 AM

Much number crunching to be had on this topic. But as a side anecdote without hard numbers: I have a customer who is an accountant. He is the sort of thrifty person who quotes their fuel economy to the second decimal place. He drives a 1984 300D since new, 325,000 miles. It's maintained "by the book" and basically gets whatever it needs. Apart from some clearcoat damage, it is spotless. He says that car payments are the dumbest possible use of funds. He intends to keep the 300D either forever, or until he finds a 300SD in better condition, having been spoiled by the charms of the 126 lately.

Frankly, if a 617 turbo passes JB's muster for cost of ownership, it is good enough for me.

Carrameow · #85 11-18-2005, 08:28 AM

which averages out including insurance (full comprehensive) to $800 a month payments.
I own four clunkers, all of which run like a top, and parts for them run
some $220 a month. Just this week I needed a new battery for my SAAB and a slave cylinder hose which ran $150 altogether. I guess I dont have to feel guilty
after all~~

t walgamuth · #86 11-18-2005, 09:32 AM

thing about an older car is that there are a lot of things that can be put off or fixed yourself at minimal cost. a car payment cannot be let to slide!

tom w

ykobayashi · #87 11-18-2005, 11:25 AM

Hi,

I've been unemployed for over a month now. Guess what, I actually fixed my vacuum locks!!!! It took two days to find all the flaws in the system (thread on this forum). Then I started getting all the body trim that had come loose and reattached it.

The previous owner never fixed the locks. It is one of those things we can learn to live without. When I bought the car the previous owner said it had "manual" locks. Hah! Anyway, I have so much time on my hands I ended up fixing them.

Then I installed a really cool backflush valve on my veggie burn system.

I'm having trouble buying parts though. No money no parts.

I know how it is. I used to look at old benzs and laugh when they were really cherry. I'd think some old fart really loved that thing in a sick way. Well I can see one of those idiots everytime I look in my mirror nowadays.

Keep the faith!
Yoko

fj bertrand · #88 11-25-2005, 10:44 PM

This merecedes thing is a disease. I bought my first new to me in 99 and now I've got 7 total.

I just saw a 79 300d and a 74 240d in the weeds of a place I am appraising. Owner is selling the home, so I want to buy the mb's. We are in the negotiaon phase presently. That would make 4 parts cars, and the licensed fleet stays at a steady FIVE. I thank the Lord that the wife likes to drive the manual 240D and we all love the 91 SDL. (just went to Fla and back, 3100 miles and averaged 24 mpg and did 75-80 most of the time... My sister loves the 300D, and I drive the 220D. I am working on the 280s/8--my first gasser. Also I am preparing the family for the final MB: a 280SL either the US or Euro. I hope I can stop then..........

I have a fellow pick up my parts cars and haul them over to his junkyard in an exclusive mercedes area of the yard (mine are the only mbs in the lot), that so the wife doesn't go ballastic seeing all that non-running German Iron decorating the back acre. Before I just had one parts car and that was hidden in a hedgerow, only to be seen in the winter when the leaves go off the trees....

t walgamuth · #89 11-25-2005, 10:54 PM

back in my caddie days i had three stashed at a rv storage place for a couple years til i figured out that the corn syrup plant next door was corroding all the finishes on the cars. my wife did know about them, i think

tom w

vwnate1 · #90 11-26-2005, 01:20 AM

It's good to know I'm not alone !

My '79 300CD is my _newest_ car .

Who wants to drive plastic trash anyway ? .

I gotta admit , this thing is _really_ s l o w ..... my old '53 VW Beetle would have ran rings around it.

it's a nice car tho' (for a POS ex - party car) and I really like how it drives .

Most of my customers spend more on drinking or drugs than I do on all my old clunkers and I don't ever get hangovers

Maybe when I'm 85 I'll buy a Honda as they simply don't break .