You ought to get rid of those Mercedes . . . - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Johnson Chan · #46 08-12-2009, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Once a month? How much do you drive, anyway?

Opps, I mean 2-3 months (average)... Sometimes I do have to do it once a month in the summer though (road trips, etc.)

It depends, I go onsite for work, so maybe 200 miles a day. If business is slow, fewer miles obviously... and vice versa...

BodhiBenz1987 · #47 08-12-2009, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnson Chan

Lets put it this way, if I was a "1 car per family household", it would be in a Honda and not a 30 year old Benz. Employers and teachers dont want to hear excuses about why you are tardy in the morning, car broke down and you dont have a ride, etc. LOL...

If I was a one-car household it'd be the 87 300D ... but, my circumstances are different from some other people's (i.e., no kids and not a lot of responsibilities but lots of family around to help me if I need it). Hopefully I'm not jinxing myself, but I've never been late to work or (back in the day) classes due to the 300D. It also will start in any weather ... never used the block heater and it fired up for me at -7 once. That said ... I hear you on the 4WD. I'll take the Jeep on icy roads or snow hands down over a 2WD sedan. It'll chew up pretty much anything. It's also a diesel and starts fine, albeit with newer technology. Like I said, I wouldn't question your preference for the CRV; I just think everyone has their fit, and it isn't always the next guy's fit.

Besides, where I work, we're $^%#ed if one person is missing ... so ... whenever someone gets stranded, they find someone to go pick him/her up. It's happened a few times to various coworkers and there's always a mass e-mail sent out from saying "________ just called; he has a flat ... who can pick him up?" So it's like AAA without the towing, I guess.

amg280 · #48 08-12-2009, 11:18 AM

Camrys are reliable, but not fun to drive. The only one I had a BLAST driving was this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHYKLMj71jo

tankowner · #49 08-12-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnson Chan

Tank- how old are you? or the w123 crowd here in general?

Honestly, I have to agree with your co-worker. I do own TWO w123's and a Rolls Royce. I had to spend my weekends working on them non stop.

vacuum leaks, electrical problems, vacuum pods, seat springs, belts, hoses, oil changes, oil cooler lines, center vacuum pods, alternators, air filter brackets, motor mounts, flex disks, etc. etc. you name it and I have probably done it.

I still own the 2 benzs and rolls royce, BUT my daily driver is a Honda CRV. and I LOVE it. No more working on cars all weekend so I have something to drive on Monday. No more pick and pull weekends, no more of that crap.

No more frozen door locks, carrying around a extension cord for the block heater, sand bags in the trunk, etc.

I just get in the car, turn the key, and go. Once a month, I do oil change, and add windshield washer fluid. I can count the "repairs" done with 1 hand.

Nowadays, I spend my weekends taking skydiving lessons, scuba diving, hanging out, working, rock climbing, going to the gym, going on dates, etc.

The whole working on the car thing was fun, but after many years, it got old. Looking back, it was silly to have wasted so much time on the cars, but hey, it was a "phase" and I did learn a lot from it.

Your only young once, enjoy it while you can...

P.S. I am from Missouri too...

Well, I don't know how old anyone else in here is but, for the record, I'm 34. Also keep in mind that I did originally say this post really has no real merit - more just looking to rant about cars. With that in mind let me just say that my friend was still wrong - at least from my perspective. Even if I sold my two used cars to buy one used car, I would still be crawling around it finding things that need fixed. I mean, it's not like the tie rods on a Camry somehow last longer - they will eventually need replaced too.

Now, when I was younger (high school and undergrad college years) I didn't know jack about cars or how to fix them. One of the first cars I owned was a used Pontiac Sunbird and I eventually had to deal with an engine replacement on that car. 3,000 miles later that replacement engine gave up the ghost with one big cloud of smoke while driving on the thruway. The guy who showed up with a flatbed to haul it away kept trying to convince me to take it to a garage (maybe it wasn't that bad, he said). No, I had had it - I took it to the nearest junkyard, got my $75 and called someone to come pick me up. I decided that day that I was either going to have to buy new cars that would only need the usual PM or I was going to have to learn something about working on cars. I chose the former then, but eventually came around to the latter – I just couldn't stand the idea of paying someone else a bunch of money to do work that I was sure I could do if I only knew how.

I get what you're saying about spending a bunch of time doing repairs, I don't really have time either - with my wife, two little kids (and all of their activities), my regular job, occasional consulting on the side, and working on writing a dissertation - I really have no business going out and buying an old 240D that needs a lot of work. But it honestly doesn't bother me - sometimes it is actually nice to just forget about other things and go out and pull something apart. And, after a month or two of partial weekends spent replacing worn out parts, I'll have another car which will make things easier.

Now, maybe the 240D will turn out to be a bad deal - I haven't even checked the compression on it yet. But even if it was a bad deal - I still only paid about a quarter of what I paid to have that Pontiac engine rebuilt. But, if it turns out to be alright, well, then I have two good cars that I don't make payments on. Incidentally, my 300D has been paid off for about a year and I haven't had to invest much in it since then. Maybe some day I'll buy a new car again, but for now I like these cars.

PS. I don't know where you are in Missouri, but I am centrally located so you can't be more than a couple hours away. You better get over here and help me work on this car . . .

rrgrassi · #50 08-12-2009, 12:26 PM

I'm 44. I actually like to work on the old MB. Some things can be a royal PITA, but it usually works out. I also do my own work to save a few bucks. My back will complain though.

I have always liked the older, non computerized cars. They tell you what is wrong, if you listen to them, instead of relying on a CEL.

Added benefit, my MB is paid for.

derburger · #51 08-12-2009, 03:03 PM

Maybe it's a Missouri thing. I decided to get a 4wd Japanese gas car when I tried to drive my MB in the winter away at school. Big mistake taking the 300cd there... the door lock would freeze shut at the most inopportune times, when I tried the lock the key head would break off in my hand too. My XT will start down to -20f with ease and it will get me where I want to go in winter driving conditions.

At home with no garage space it was not much better because it took a block heater & hairdryer just to get into the 300cd and drive it (when I say drive, I mean slip n' slide over snow and ice).

I like working on my 300cd and XT, I have a "car day" and do all necessary work on them at once so I don't have to work on them for a few more months. It's a pretty good system for me.

My dad's 1999 Subaru has not needed a single repair other than regular maintenance like oil/fluid changes, brake pads and tires. It's not an appliance, it's really a thing of beauty.

tbomachines · #52 08-12-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derburger

Maybe it's a Missouri thing. I decided to get a 4wd Japanese gas car when I tried to drive my MB in the winter away at school. Big mistake taking the 300cd there... the door lock would freeze shut at the most inopportune times, when I tried the lock the key head would break off in my hand too. My XT will start down to -20f with ease and it will get me where I want to go in winter driving conditions.

I am in that situation now...almost scared to bring my SD down to school in the winter untested. I had been driving a Dodge Stealth the last 6 years or so and it never failed me, even on the coldest of days. Snow wasn't good, but acceptable - I'm concerned about the RWD torquey behemoth of these MBs, hopefully a good pair of chains, pocket butane torch for the locks and all will be good....

pawoSD · #53 08-12-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amg280

Camrys are reliable, but not fun to drive. The only one I had a BLAST driving was this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHYKLMj71jo

Ha...that was pretty good.

"Dude, lock it."

panZZer · #54 08-12-2009, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

Well I suppose that I would have to ask you what Toyota you had that gave you so much trouble that causes you to disbelieve the guy. By the same token I would ask this other fellow what kind of MB he owned that gave him so much trouble that he now thinks that MB's are no good.

It is QUITE common for people to think that their favorite brand is the only brand that's worth buying. If I were a young Psychology student working on a graduate degree I would do a paper on this phenomenon.

Toyota's are indeed very good and reliable cars as are MB's. Parts and service for both are expensive if you go to the dealer.

My wife had a 98 Toyota 4 Runner. She drove it 180,000 miles. During that time I replaced the timing belt twice for preventive maintenance reasons and at about 150,000 miles I had to put a starter on it. Other than that, the only other work I did to it was normal maintenance. It was clearly the most trouble free vehicle we've ever owned and I've owned some pretty darn good ones including 240D's that are way at the top of the list.

For it's time period, IMHO the 123 MB, particularly the 240D (and yes I've owned five cylinder versions as well) is the best car ever built. Again, FOR IT'S TIME. That said, the 123 MB DARN SURE SHOULD be a good car given its original price tag.

Don't let this guy get you riled. He is VERY typical of the average persons prejudices and biases.

When people show me such automotive narrow mindedness in the form of "I wouldn't let a Brand X vehicle in my driveway" or something like that, the best defense is to ask in a serious manner "Wow, what year and model Brand X did you own that gave you so much trouble?" In almost every case you will find that they've never owned one of the brand X cars that they are proclaiming to be junk. Once you call them out on that and get them to admit that they've never owned one, just leave it at that and let them figure out that they are a biased brand bigot.

On the other hand ther is a differnt kind of guy who knows by prowling salvage yards and seeing the end result and makes the conclusion that a v6 4runner engine is not a long lasting engine--and also by what I read on pirate 4x4 about how you can pick up the dead bodies all day for $1500$2000 on craigslist---Much more true about the aluminum v8 range rover-i can find 6 at any moments notice of thes "high end" suv's in the local yards.

pj67coll · #55 08-13-2009, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pavka007

Just look here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160354083917&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.shop.ebay.com%3A80%2F__%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm39%26_nkw%3D160354083917%2 6_sacat%3D%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

So what was the Toyota model that can bring this money and look like this after 53 years???

I rest my case

Your case sir, is superbly made

- Peter.

Johnson Chan · #56 08-13-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derburger

Maybe it's a Missouri thing. I decided to get a 4wd Japanese gas car when I tried to drive my MB in the winter away at school. Big mistake taking the 300cd there... the door lock would freeze shut at the most inopportune times, when I tried the lock the key head would break off in my hand too. My XT will start down to -20f with ease and it will get me where I want to go in winter driving conditions.

At home with no garage space it was not much better because it took a block heater & hairdryer just to get into the 300cd and drive it (when I say drive, I mean slip n' slide over snow and ice).

Yeah I think its a regional thing as well. Most of the guys that make fun of Toyotas, Hondas, etc. live in southern california, florida, and other nice temperature areas.

If they move to the midwest and rely on their w123 or w126 diesel as the sole transportation, they may be more forgiving, lol.

I too went through the whole hairdryer and cigarette lighters to unlock your doors, keyhead breaking off in your hand, stuff myself...

How have you been by the way? I havnt seen you in a long time, anything new to the 300CD?

Johnson Chan · #57 08-13-2009, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankowner

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Well, I don't know how old anyone else in here is but, for the record, I'm 34. Also keep in mind that I did originally say this post really has no real merit - more just looking to rant about cars. With that in mind let me just say that my friend was still wrong - at least from my perspective.

PS. I don't know where you are in Missouri, but I am centrally located so you can't be more than a couple hours away. You better get over here and help me work on this car . . .

I am in st.louis missouri, your in columbia, thats only 2-2 1/2 hours away. I had a couple friends that went to college out by you. Yeah if I am ever out that way or vice versa, I dont mind taking a look at the 240d and helping you out on it. But to be honest with you, my specialty is more on the 82-84 300D turbos. The climate control, vacuum, wiring diagram, etc. is a little different on a 240d. But other stuff is pretty similar.

Well, the reason I ask about the age is, because its a "stage of life" thing. If I was retired and didnt have a job, I wouldnt mind working on the cars as a hobby as much.

Also, we are still pretty young and can do "physical stuff", that in 10 years, may not be able to do anymore. While you do NOT have to be athletic, young, overly in shape to skydive, rock climb, scuba dive, kayak, etc. it sure does help! LOL...

I kinda put the cars and restoration stuff on the back burner and drive the Honda as a daily driver and this freed up a lot of time, money, and weekends to do other stuff I have been wanting to do. I figure when I get older, I can always go back to the car stuff. This is just my logic...

I understand you were kind of ranting, and I am too... So I guess in my perspective and geographic location, having a Camry, Toyota, Honda, or whatever is not too bad of a thing, so I can see where your co-worker is coming from.

Send me a PM sometime or let me know when you are going to be in the area...

Hip001 · #58 08-13-2009, 02:14 PM

WOW this topic is still going! There are sooo many cars due to so many different preferences. I have owned alot of cars. I have two Benz partially due to the fact I found then in such great shape! I've always liked the styling and ruggedness they have. But my wife due to back issues loves the Toyota van.
Honestly for me, there is a mindless comfort in driving a Jap car like the Maxima, Camry, Accord. BUT on the other hand I get a deep rooted satisfaction from driving my MB. I'm 45 yrs old and I could be happy driving either if in beautiful shape. At this point in my life I enjoy driving the old Diesel as my daily commuter. If there was no spending limit I'm sure I could think of a few that would be fun to drive, Maybe a new CDI, or a sweet M3, but for now I will drive the MB and put it to the test. I'm growing to love this car as the days go by! I am like some of you like to piddle with my cars so the MB is a hobby and functional daily driver!

pawoSD · #59 08-13-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derburger

Maybe it's a Missouri thing. I decided to get a 4wd Japanese gas car when I tried to drive my MB in the winter away at school. Big mistake taking the 300cd there... the door lock would freeze shut at the most inopportune times, when I tried the lock the key head would break off in my hand too. My XT will start down to -20f with ease and it will get me where I want to go in winter driving conditions.

At home with no garage space it was not much better because it took a block heater & hairdryer just to get into the 300cd and drive it (when I say drive, I mean slip n' slide over snow and ice).

I like working on my 300cd and XT, I have a "car day" and do all necessary work on them at once so I don't have to work on them for a few more months. It's a pretty good system for me.

My dad's 1999 Subaru has not needed a single repair other than regular maintenance like oil/fluid changes, brake pads and tires. It's not an appliance, it's really a thing of beauty.

I've never had an issue starting my 300SD even when it is well below 0....without a block heater. With it plugged in it starts nearly as quick as in the summer.

As for the freezing locks, add a $35 remote locking system, then you don't need the key anymore. I haven't used a key to open or close my car in years!

Pavka007 · #60 08-13-2009, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

..... I'm growing to love this car as the days go by! I am like some of you like to piddle with my cars so the MB is a hobby and functional daily driver!

This is what Mercedes is all about

They grow on you with time. The more you drive one the more you love it