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#31
11-19-2009, 08:04 PM
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Suicidal Tendancys
"Riding a Bicycle/Moped/Motor-Cycle anywhere in/near the Metro Atlanta Area is a Death Wish !"
['Having stated the Obvious...I used to ride a Motorcycle from Kennesaw to The Southern Tech area of "Mayretta" and back Daily in 1986] ('Much younger and STUPIDER.) If youse gotta drive the Diesel ,plug in the block heater @ the house + @ Work. Or Hoof It.
__________________
'84 300SD sold 124.128 
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#32
11-19-2009, 08:06 PM
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Just to reiterate...I do bike and quite often. On the truly freezing days and rainy days (of which we have had quite a few over the last two months, 25 in. in two days in October) I, of course, would need to drive around. The question is whether it would be better to do that in a Mercedes-Benz diesel or just a car.
 I'm now often having to leave work and run errands around town, where I know the car will be adequately exercised. That short jaunt to the office is where I'm getting stumped. And I'm not going to bike to work, realize I need my car, bike back home, most likely need a shower then fire up the car. Which type of vehicle would do better? Any real-life anecdotes?
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#33
11-19-2009, 08:40 PM
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I ran into the same thing. I went from driving one way 75 miles to a mile and a half. I rode the bicycle the other day and the tire blew out before I could ride it back home. It was dry rotted. I've been driving the 1997 Ford F150 (sacrifical car/farm truck). I've got to put some new tires on the bicycle and I'll get back on it. After the blow out I walked/pushed it home and the commute still only took about 20 minutes. I ought to just walk. 1/2 of the trip is through the woods that we own
.The Mercedes just sit in the garage. I'm not as worried about ruining the Ford as much as the MB.
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Jim
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#34
11-19-2009, 09:22 PM
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Quote:
As much fun as a diesel might be it seems like an aluminum block Honda might be a better choice which can be at full operating temperature in 3 minutes or so.
__________________
1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power! 1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k
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#35
11-19-2009, 10:13 PM
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I know a guy who lives less than a mile from his work and still drives his 1978 Firebird. In that use he's been getting a little under 5 mpg.
I've also been dealing with military vehicles that are subjected to infrequent short trips as almost all of their use. We had a 15 ton stake truck in the shop the other day that's 15 years old with 2700 miles on it. No, it's not in good shape. Nor were the pair of sub 3000 mile Hummvees I worked on today. Short trips are rough on vehicles. So, if you're dead set on driving to work with that short of a commute, buy the cheapest running POS you can find and run it until it quits. Repeat as needed.
__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar. 83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles 08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles 88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
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#36
11-20-2009, 06:36 PM
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Quote:
When I drove my gasser 1.5 miles to work, I had all sorts of problems (water in oil, undetected coolant system leak) that were all related to the gasser not warming up on the short commute. A diesel will be worse. Just make sure to take it out on long drives weekly -- long enough to bring the entire cooling system and oil up to operating temperature. My problems started when I started driving the other car for weekend errand runs, leaving my car as a daily driver. Riding my bike instead of driving was a better option I did for many years.
__________________
'83 300DTurbo http://badges.fuelly.com/images/smallsig-us/318559.png Broadband: more lies faster.
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#37
11-20-2009, 11:21 PM
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I wish MARTA had a route near me!! Problem solved.
I would also buy a motorcycle, but my better half has absolutely nixed that idea, no matter what my life insurance policy is worth.  Understand, Atlanta drivers are mostly insane (I can say that, I'm a native). I think a gasser econobox is going to be my best bet. I would love an MB diesel, but maybe a 190 2.3 would fit the bill better.
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#38
11-20-2009, 11:31 PM
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Quote:
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#39
11-20-2009, 11:45 PM
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What about a 50cc scooter?
Nevermind BIKE you fool 
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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.
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#40
11-21-2009, 07:00 AM
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Just take it out for a half hour drive at road speeds once or twice a month and you will be fine. That will burn off the water that has accumulated in the oil.
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual. [SIGPIC]..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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#41
11-21-2009, 08:33 AM
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My Mom had a 1 mile commute for years driving a 1971 Cheyenne pickup with a 350 4 bbl. When I bought the truck from my parents, that low mileage engine was on the end of its life. Maybe synthetic oil would have helped? I fully understand battling vehicles riding a bike - we have coal trucks here. Even though I love my diesels, I would go the pos gasser route.
__________________
Brad 1981 300TD - daily driver 1963 Chevy II 2001 F-250 7.3 Power Stroke
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#42
11-21-2009, 02:02 PM
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Yeah, if you're going to drive (even though it looks like a fine bike ride), block heater, and run it in a low gear (or S/L if you get an auto), synthetic oil. That and the weekend drives. Does not seem ideal, definitely low mileage and extra maintenance. I wouldn't go the POS gasser route, I'm too prejudiced for that.
__________________
1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold  1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition
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#43
11-21-2009, 04:14 PM
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I run my 240D 3.5 miles to work each way, 4 days a week, I work a split shift also . . . if it is colder than 40 in the am I plug in my block heater which brings up the temp to 60C. I also drive it to church 3 times a week 4 mi each way . . . once a week I go to "town" for groceries about 28 mi oneway . . . once ever few months I take a road trip of 200 - 1000 mi . . . I have averaged over 30 mph in the last 5000 mi . . . worst tank was 24, best was over 33 . . . nothing wrong with taking the long way home once in a while, or a Sunday afternoon drive . . .
__________________
82 240D Manual 277K and still rolling! 02 Volvo S60 AWD For Sale
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#44
11-22-2009, 09:46 AM
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Take the scenic route home at night. -CTH
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#45
11-22-2009, 11:19 AM
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Buy a 70"s era subaru 4 cylinder engine 40mpg 12 gal tank fill it once every 5 months. If you can find one , everything comes pre rusted including exhaust. Engines are indestructible. Built by Fuji Heavy Industries (think tonka ). Heat and air are no problem as the size of the cabin makes the newer smart cars seem large!
You can get one cheaper than a bike maintenence cost is about the same and if it breaks who cares it was on its way to the crusher when you bought it. Get your tetnus shot and a "this is not abandoned " sign and have at it ! Save the Benz for dates and weekends.
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