received my estimate today

[RG5384]

The total for all the damage done was $770.63, I will be pounding out the spare tire well myself, and probably just putting in a metal plate with sheet metal screws with caulk to seal up the rip in the metal. I will also be doing the lower oil pan myself, assuming this isn't too hard a job(is it??). the exhaust is perfectly driveable, but does have a couple dents. I'm not completely sure what to do with this, but i think the money would be better spent on the front end and new tires. The adjust told me that my car looked better than a 1995 lexus he had just evaluated. I thought that says alot about the benz vs. lexus debate. All in all i think i'll be able to fix the car for about 100 dollars plus alot of my time. The only concern i have is with regard to the oil pan, and i'm hoping one of you will be able to help. The oil plan has been flattened quite a bit, but there are no bulges or things of that nature, the dip stick is not bent, and my oil pressure is fine. Oil level is also fine. Do you think the oil pan can wait a while(till the car gets home) or should i have it done up at school(and pay for labor, ugh!!!!!) thanks for all your help!
Ryan

[tryan]

that's not to bad.

your oil level will be reading higher than it actualy is untill you get the pan reworked. quart worth of dent?

[RG5384]

oh i'm definately replacing it. The only question is whether i am replacing it or having someone else do it. A friend that lives at an apartment complex said he has some jack stands and stuff, and i can rent a torque wrench i'm sure, so i'll probably just do it myself, assuming i can find something to put the dumped out oil in. if nothing else i'll probably buy a 2 dollar trash can and 50 cent funnel. i figure 45 bucks for the parts, 30 for oil change stuff(has to be done eventually anyway) and then i'm done with all the major things. Pound out the trunk myself, spend 10 bucks on parts etc, and my car will be repaired for 80 bucks. I've decided that the rest of the money will be spent on troubleshooting/fixing/aligning my front end, and getting my car to stop shaking at speed! hopefully have money left for decent tires too. I'm leary of toyo's again, and i really want michelins, but i can't justify 100 bucks per tire!!!

Ryan,
You should be able to find Michelins for less than $100 each. I got the Michelins for my 300CD for about $70 each. Whatever you spend on them, Michelins are definatly worth the money.

I bet the shake at speed is from your tires. I had Michelin X series on my car when I bought it and replaced the fronts with new Bridgstone touring tires last fall. Tire shop guy said that people swore they were as good as M's for 1/2 the money. They SUCK! Have had to have them balanced 4 times in 5 months, over 1/2 the tread gone in 20k miles (70k tire) and they vibrate over 80 no matter what. I am going back to Michelins as soon as I can and plan on getting some money back for the garbage tires I have on the front now. Last balance job the Michelins were fine and have less than 2 ounces of weight on them, rt. front Bridgestone has 7.5oz of lead, left front has 9oz. They also have what I call belt separation in the sidewalls, tire shop calls that "normal" and "all radial tires get them". Can't explain to me why the Michelins don't have this problem.
As far as replacement of the oil pan it looks like a very easy job. Nothing in the way, just drive the car up on some ramps (I hate jacks when I am under a car) and take it off.
It sounds like you made out pretty good. At least the shaft you hit didn't take out a steering component while you were buzzing down the highway. That could have been the end of the car.

[The Warden]

Any specific Michelin type that's recommended? I assume they have multiple tire "types" in a size that'll fit these M-B's...

I am running Michelin Metric X's, they are sort of on the cheap end for Michelin, but still a good tire.

My rears (used to be on the front as well) are Energy MVX4 series. 205/75/14. With close to 55k they still have 1/2 the tread. Will be what I replace with.

[HGV]

The oil pan replacement is a simple DIY job. Make sure you have the right size allen socket with an extension, preferablly 3/8" drive and do not over tighten or you will strip the threads on the aluminum pan. Instead of garbage bags for the oil, use 1 gallon milk cartons with a funnel. I would recommend you change the steering dampner on the car and see if that helps your vibration. I think I have an oil pan for your car and a new steering dampner. I will check when I get home. If you are interested let me know.
After many years of trying tires, I am sold on Michelin MXV. THey are a great ride and wear fairly well. All depends on what type of driving you do.

[RG5384]

good to hear about the oil pan being easy to do. ANyone know what to torque them to? and i presume you work your way around the pan tigtening everything evenly. I Was planning on using a garbage can to hold the oil in, and then putting it from there into the containers from my new oil. The steering dampner has been replaced, but YES! please let me know about the oil pan. What would you want for it BTW? Thanks for everyone's help!
Ryan

[tryan]

locktite on the bolts.

borrow a torque wrench that reads on the in/# scale. the dealer might give you the torque specs and pattern. gilly?

do not overtighten. clean the pick up screen while your in/under there.

driving up on the curb with two tires might give you enough room to work. ( homy stands )

[HGV]

I'll take a look when I get home. I would also use RTV orange sealant on the gaskets after you clean the maiting surface well with carb cleaner. Put some on the bolts as well. I have had small leaks that come from the bolts. Sounds weird but it happens.

Henry

[Peyton300TD]

TIRES!

Michelins are the best in my opinion. The tire shop AND mercedes recommended the Michelin X- Ones for longevity. they have a warranty up to 80,000 miles

Eric