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  #106  
Old 08-24-2007, 03:30 AM
Jim B.'s Avatar
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Location: N. California./ N. Nevada
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Exclamation

Quote:
Originally Posted by CamelotShadow View Post
My heart is pounding
You really packed those words w heartfelt emotion!

I do look back a few times
I have to stop & take it all in
not believing it is mine parked behind my faithful Volvo.

I too have heard the clunk
sort of reminds me of the big heavy TA doors
but its ven better!!!!!


Love the sound of the trunk closing too
mine closes really well
trunk lid stays open too
by itself
Volvos gave out
So I use a golf club to hold it open
lest it come doen & knock me unconscience
It a very hesby trunk
I can hardly lift it
It fell on my arm once
gave me a really bad bruise

Yep the Volvo is not what she once was
Sunroof won't close well
so I don't open it
Cassttte sttick
AC just died
The trunk smasher
oooh but it runs & iotherwise in good shape

Some day I;ll tell you the entire stoty
but there are about a dozen people who will want to hang me
but the car obviously was meant to be mine
No denying it
I hope Enrique doesn't find something major
then I will have to rethink my theory

I should have got an inspection
done a better one myself
but I think deep down insidemy mind was already made up
I just had to take notice of it.

Oil smells a little strong still sweet & not burned
but its probably oil from 2005
bet the ;last smog was the last maintenance
but in all fairness for 200 miles it shouldn't be too bad
I hope

I have an aftermarket alarm
red light blinks on the dash

I like the color
the car looks good in it
I would prefer silver or gray or black
but to tell you the truth
the brown is even richer
has that rolls royce/ bentley color
it looks like no other car

I counted one brwon car today
LOL
Obviously its not a hot color

Starting to think about tomorrow
I don;'t want too
I;ll just get up & try to start it

Hey
I;m reading the manual
says not to charge the battery connected to the car
oooppppsss
I hope I didn't hurt anything
I always do the Volvo that way
Now I;m scared
Heck I may have to have it towed rather than risk burning out any electrical componnents

well cross your fingers for me

Another thing
I don;t have any plastic lens in front of my front bulbs
is that wrong?


Thank you for all your thoughtful & wonderful insite
It is much appreciated

Well better get some sleep

Have a good night
Good night to you also, and all should be fine tomorrow with Enrique

I do so wish you well, you seem to have scored a honey of a car and I hope you do well. With the ultra reliable euro air conditioner on it, and no sunroof problems, you are ahead of the game.

I have jumped or charged mine with the battery hooked up several times with no ill effects, I hope you have none.

Your car should appear to have only the sealed beams on it. No plastic cover I am aware of.

Take care, and I hope the damage to your pocketbook is light, it should be only a bit of preventative maintenance. For the special, deserving owner that you are.

__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)
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  #107  
Old 08-24-2007, 03:59 AM
Ara T.'s Avatar
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Those TA doors really are pretty heavy. I dunno how accurate it was, but we weighed one of them and it was 200+ lbs.
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  #108  
Old 08-24-2007, 05:58 AM
t walgamuth's Avatar
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Location: Lafayette Indiana
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One of the first things I did with my sec was to get a set of flush headlights from a later model. I couldn't stand the recessed ones. There was a place that advertised in Hemmings in Florida that had a lot of secs they were parting out. I also got a rear window from them, the rear glass likes to cloud up on the edges on an sec.

Your car looks very nice.

Did I mention the rear end is probably a limited slip?

Tom W
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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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  #109  
Old 08-24-2007, 11:23 AM
CamelotShadow's Avatar
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Location: Valley Village, CA
Posts: 1,163
Good morning

TA doors are long & heavy
bet you could be right on the wieght
Sound is similar

build says anti slip differ
so guess thats what that massive system is on the right by the rear wheel

Thanks Jim
I do hope it all goes well

Fluids
I noticed the rear belt in the one with 2 belts in front has more slack

I will ask Enrique to take a look at condition of belts to be sure
tune
check spark plugs
you can tell alot from them

I;'d say new sp wires too
they are heavily coated w balc & they used to be blue so maybe otigianl?

The glass on my car has some special laminiate
windshield has this big round decal
Stig whatever with a horse
Window clarity & conditon is amazing
literally that is almost like new

Good Euro AC was better
maybe the electronics were too

My neighbor into cars took a look
couldn;t get over the upolstery

o al in all for the $ I got a exc solid body & running car

some of tyhe rubber gaskets are a bit worse for wear
but thats to be expected

Well
I'll try a start

The manual warns about disconnecting the battery while the engine is running
states this would hurt system

I didn;t do that

I do know charging in car will have some drain
maybe thats what they mean

both + - terminal have a small ground wire from post
neg one was so close to post that I had to cloap over it
it made contact though
the charger was reading

If it starts I may chance a 2nd restart
if it turns over fast & hopefully I have 2 starts or will have to see if AAA will jump me.

I had one tow & one jump this year
I thought it was 2 tows per yr but not sure if a jump counts
seems 4 calls so iI should ahve 2 left
OOOh well...

Kind of exciting & still a bit of trepidatious...

I'd think aerodynamically the flush headlights w cover are more streamlined less drag
but they also could serve to hold the nose down a bit

Well better get all the things ready

Hope to give you all the good news later

Have a great day

Last edited by CamelotShadow; 08-24-2007 at 12:44 PM.
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  #110  
Old 08-24-2007, 03:57 PM
Jim B.'s Avatar
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Location: N. California./ N. Nevada
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Using AAA card, suggestions about when and when not to

Quote:
Originally Posted by CamelotShadow View Post
Good morning


I;'d say new sp wires too
they are heavily coated w balc & they used to be blue so maybe otigianl?


Good Euro AC was better
maybe the electronics were too

My neighbor into cars took a look
couldn;t get over the upolstery

I may chance a 2nd restart
if it turns over fast & hopefully I have 2 starts or will have to see if AAA will jump me.

I had one tow & one jump this year
I thought it was 2 tows per yr but not sure if a jump counts
seems 4 calls so iI should ahve 2 left
OOOh well...



Hope to give you all the good news later

Have a great day
Hello again, big day for the car!!!!!! =fingers crossed=

For the AAA: what happens, depends on the member ship year on your card,
they count from that: ie, for instance if it says 11-21-06- 11-21-07 that would be the "year" you have.....

You get three calls per year on the CSAA card:

For tows, out of gas, battery jump, anything:

So----for save them all for the Volvo. For the Mercedes, You have lifetime free Roadside:

I think I mentioned it to you before (but if not) just call 1-800-FORMERCEDES and they will send out to you (for free) a Mercedes ML or tow truck from the dealer. You get a free jumpstart, tire change, or couple of gallons of gas if you run out. (Once I told them to get me a new battery and they installed one in the rain, for only the cost of the battery - no labor charge, no trip to the dealer or Autozone - great!!!!)

But if you have it towed, it will be to the Mercedes dealer - NOT to a shop like MrMB.. guess why.

Best of all, you are Automatically covered. Just have proof you own the Mercedes. It covers ANY car ...as long as it as a Mercedes.....no matter how old.....I don't think it matters if it is a gray market Euro one....(though for an OLD gray market car, you are not going to be on the top ten on the Mercedes Benz "Dealer's Hit Parade"

And it is a LIFETIME service .....you can call them 100 times a year......
After the first call to them, you are in the computer, so next time they will just verify what is there, before they call

Out in the country, they contract the tow truck. You might even get the SAME ONE the AAA would use. Ask me how I know.....

That's why I say....use 1-800FORMERCEDES instead of AAA

For towing, have it FLATBEDDED every time. Otherwise, if it is on the "hook" from the rear the rear diff. fluid will get overheated and cooked, More in you owners manual about that.


FOR AAA: After THREE calls to them for their Roadside, you will get a letter memorializing when and where you had them, and the date and place where they came, and for what car (but not what they were for) and advising you

1. You had your 3 bites at the apple (for free)

2. You PAY them for fourth one - will be billed to you - but they will still come

3. Four is the limit for a membership year. And for a tow, you pay whatever the tow truck asks for over a 5 mile tow - directly to the driver.

Also - They MIGHT cancel your AAA member ship and probably will, if you get SEVEN bites of the apple off them in ONE membership year, or TWELVE, total, in TWO consecutive membership years.

And the reason I know..........ahem.........is because I got a letter from them like that.........(hides face).......it is right here. I called on the Subaru Outback three times so far this year for service from AAA. Used MB roadside for the Mercedes

And I have to make it all the way to Christmas..............it is so far away.

I haven't used that car for a week. Need to get groceries, will it start?

Save your Apple bites for the Volvo. Use MB roadside for the Mercedes calls.
Unless for a tow - Mr MB and Enrique is better and cheaper than a Mercedes and I think is only place they Mercedes MB ROadside tows you - to the Mercedes dealer - which might not want to fix the car or deal with it well
-----Probably half the Mercedes dealer techs were not even BORN when the car was new in '83. I exaggerate, but you DO get the point....

Hope this isn't too late.........For the Mercedes, bite the Mercedes Roadside apple.... it is free......you get as many free bites as you need.

For the other car, use the AAA, and count the bites.

For the older cars, I would think that the EXTENDED (AAA Plus) towing you can get for higher yearly dues is worth it. I only used it once (When the Mercedes muffler dropped off its hangars - but it was worth it, as it was FAR over 5 miles away from where I needed to go)

Just a thought.

Thanks for the tips about hotels around, maybe there is a car rental place around. It is not like SF where I am from, bus every few mintues and you can walk most places you need. I often walked home from the Volvo shop that I used. Never heard of the town you live in and thought I knew most of them.

Best of luck.

For plug wires, use BERU, they are best. Ask Enrique though what he thinks

From your pictures, and description, it sounds like a VERY powerful, unique car in excellent shape, even with the miles, (which mean little on a battleaxe like a 500SEC) with choice gray market parts on it.

It is amazing it came complete with all those books and some records through an AUCTION to some curbstoner. And has a good pedigree - ONE owner only, the curbstoner and the auction got skipped in the chain of title, so probably you get recorded on DMV records as the second owner - remarkable for an '83. Usually they have been through 4 or 5, at least by now

MORE amazing, the car was right near you a few miles away, and the seller, tried to help. Though of course he lied about the ownership at first, which was mean.

When I first saw your post about it here, I ALMOST thought it looked fishy and was going to tell you to run away, but then I read it again and studied my pink slip and it looked like MAYBE it could work if the papers were signed off legally. Those charities like that are registered dealers too and have to be careful. Otherwise their dealer license gets pulled.

Looks like the car REALLY was meant for you.

I'd definately go to a junkyard this weekend and get the two license plate brackets and screws for them there. As I mentioned above, with a screwdriver crescent wrench and rattle can of WD40 with luck you could maybe find a pair for under $20 if you pull them.
__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

Last edited by Jim B.; 08-24-2007 at 04:17 PM.
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  #111  
Old 08-24-2007, 04:35 PM
Jim B.'s Avatar
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: N. California./ N. Nevada
Posts: 3,611
Mercedes cheeeeeeap!!!!

Holy cr*p!!! They go cheap when cars4causes puts them on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130120842697

I wonder what the curbstoner paid for yours. Probably got it at an Auction or off their lot in Santa Paula, where it was probaby donated by the first owner (near his home in Ventura co.)
__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)
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  #112  
Old 08-24-2007, 11:09 PM
CamelotShadow's Avatar
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Valley Village, CA
Posts: 1,163
Still smiling
So far so good

Day went well
Started right up
purred

That engine sound
Wow
its hypnotic
Maybe it was just because I was so glad it started
but ooooh it ran flawlessly

I then went to the corner to got chevron
gas door opens effortlessly

16 gal $50...ouch

Srarted right up again


Drove to Enriques
man that car drives like a dream
engine is strong & smooth!
quiet but still sounds like a jet turbine

wow....speechless

Drive home the other day was only 2 or 3 miles
so hard to really get a feel
but I drive it instinctively
seems to be alot easier in the benz
it just drives itslef
LOL


Good news she doesn;t scrape bottom when I exited the garage on an angle


Problemduring trip
temp was creapin up then it would go down a bit

Almost there hightemp mayve 100C thats 212 but still not on red
Just got to Enriques
pulled in drioveway noticed her redline
got hot
he pulled it in a bay openbed the hood
We filled out the papers & he said he'd look at it later when it cooled

So it was nervewracking
but least it got there & was safe

I only would tow w flat bed
have to wait forever to get one but its worth it

Thanks for the AAA tips I have plus
got it when the Volvo had a major front end problem
I waited til it expired renewed w plus then called for the tow to my repair shop which is a few blocks from MB
isn;t that crazy!!!!

Thanks for the bez assistance reminder
Vunderba!!!!!



OOOOH'

Really
his car makes me speechless
& we all know thats hard to do



After I keft the car I went to the local goodwill store to pass the time
lol
got to save a dollar when you can & it helps a good charity



I found a $3 putter & a fellows paper shredder that works better than mine
ooooooh
LOL

He called around 3

thermostat was sticking

OMG
doesn't get any better than that!!!



All he found was motor mounts
they were bad
So I said do them $160 plus labor

He said oil was good
no need to change
but I figure that oil is 2 yrs old or maybe 4
May only have 300 miles on it
but let it have fresh oil!

It's still with him
I told him not to rush
he may finish tomorrow or Monday

I asked about transmission fluid
guess he hadn't checked it yet
That can probably stay since its lifetime is more than oil changes
& he quoted me $160 to change transmission filter as it involved a filter
I don;t know but that sound a bit steep.

I got a major service a few years ago for a 4 cyl volvo
they changed 4 plugs, air filter, fuel filter, oil tranny fluuid, coolant brake etc & it was only245 plus materials & parts.
Price may have gone up
but I may go to my shop & just let them do it then after I get a feel for the car.

Anyone know if $160 to change tranny fluid & filter is reasonable?


He says so far everything is OK



He was very busy
I mentioned Alons name & that he came highly recommended
He smiled


He said nothing about plugs
would he pull one
I would
you can tell alot about an engine & its tune by plugs

Is there anything I should ask him to check?

So how did I do

As for the charity Think he got it in Pacoima
He said he knows somebody
Maybe he got it for $500?
He's in Sherman Oaks I am the next town
I wonder if he knew it ran hot
but he did want to wait til night to do a test drive
it was hiot
& no plates...
Well fooey on him
thermo sticking is a blessing!!!

Funny it idled at 80 when it was running in his yard which is spec in C
I am surrounded by Studio City Sherman Oaks Toluca Lake & N Hlwd.

Valley Village is very small
only a few blocks
Don't feel bad
Almost everyone in LA has never heard of it

Last edited by CamelotShadow; 08-25-2007 at 01:28 AM.
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  #113  
Old 08-24-2007, 11:28 PM
CamelotShadow's Avatar
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Location: Valley Village, CA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim B. View Post
Holy cr*p!!! They go cheap when cars4causes puts them on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130120842697

I wonder what the curbstoner paid for yours. Probably got it at an Auction or off their lot in Santa Paula, where it was probaby donated by the first owner (near his home in Ventura co.)
Agoura is right behind to Malibu in the canyons away from the shore
I think its still LA
I also think he stills there
or maybe he died
but the address on the donation was the same as pink slip

The car had been services by Silver Star in Thousand Oaks for the first few years

UI inagiine they still have those records
but the records more important are the last 10 years & it looks like at least 4 of them the car was only drivem a few miles per year

I think also the car was meanat to be
It came at me from the blue
Well I have thought about looking for a car as the Volvo has been costing alot more the last few year

The car has given my life a new spark
I feel different
hard to fathom how a car can get inside you and breathe with you
all I know is has given my life a breath of fresh air

Thanks, I think you are right
Isn;t something when you find something meant for you.
It fills your spirit
gives you wings to soar
or wheels to spin...


The car drives like its part of you
an extenson of your body
I have never driven anythinglike it
but to be fair I have only driven a half dozen cars inmy lifetime

Last edited by CamelotShadow; 08-25-2007 at 02:56 AM.
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  #114  
Old 08-25-2007, 01:08 AM
Jim B.'s Avatar
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Mr. Mb.

Well ---

Great you are back safe. Good that it started right up, and better yet, the gas filler flap issue is figured out. Little by little you will get up to speed on that.

You are so lucky, to have mechanics like this guy. From what you have said, he is obviously not trying to get you to have work done that doesn't need to be done.

What does he charge per hour? The Mercedes dealers around SF are up to about $150 per hour now. I bet even the plumbers notice that, when they go in with their cars. Probably he is a lot less.....

You are lucky you made it there with a sticking thermostat and didn't over heat. Usually there is no warning for things like that. It only happened to me once....by Vacaville in a Skylark I had, there was NO warning at all. Major PITA.

All he said it needed was motor mounts? Sounds like the car was REALLY looked after, to me. The question is only why did it just sit for two years.

Motor mounts DO collapse on these. I don't know why but they do. Depends on each different 560SEC, but they do. I bought my car with 50,000 miles on it, and as a Certified Pre-Owned one where they totally go through the car and fix everything. One thing they found was "Motor Mounts Collapsed" - fixed at 49,865 miles.

Then at about 100,000 miles I had to do them again. They are OK now.

There is a Long debate about oil change frequency.

For this car - and as it has been for me the last two years - the question is are the oil changes better off to be TIME BASED or MILEAGE BASED?

This is like one of the ebay auction cars for sale - a 1987 Mercedes with just 10,000 miles, stored most of its life. If the oil is supposed to be changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months what do you do?

I would change the oil myself at least once a year regardless. I think the last time I changed the oil on the Mercedes the car had just been run 800 miles since the last time, which was, I think 9 months prior.

So I see your point, only 200 miles in two years, the oil would be new in terms of mileage but old in terms of time

Enrique is right, maybe you don't need to change it. But if it were me, and just got the car, like you I would ask him to change it anyway. Shouldn't be more than $75 or so. Easy job. Peace of mind for you also.....


Actually the guy who is kind of my friend is not ALON. (He just got a job at a Mercedes dealer, as a service writer, I think at the dealer in Encino, (Auto Stiegler?) The guy I know is Ernesto, the assistant DA in LA county, user name BENZ-LGB. He is a Cuban American fellow. I am hoping to meet him if I get down there. Said he would take time off and we can go have lunch in the Cuban place right near Enriques.


Sounds like you can feel confident in Enrique's work. If I was in your shoes, I would probably ask him to check the following for condition, and to service or replace as necessary:

Plugs and plug wires. (Beru wires if it needed them)

Check brake pads (although there is a dash warning light that is an orange circle if they are too worn and would light up when it is time - see owners manual) Probably you are ok here

Check condition of hoses (ncluding bypass hose Replace if necessary)

Check drive belts (replace if necessary)

Grease and lube sunroof track rails (suppose to get done every 30k, no one does it & is in the owners manual/service guide) If the sunroof jams it is horrendous and expensive to fix. When you use sunroof, don't use pop up feature unless you have to, they are factory weak and can go, but the sliders are good. Not expensive - maybe $30 but MUST use special Mercedes Benz grease, only sold in $50 tubs, so usually only shops buy them.


Ask him to check transmission fluid,should it be changed: Factory recommends every 15,000 miles for city driving, otherwise 30,000 miles.
Is it pink and not brown/burnt? For this I would go with whatever he says.....


Check flex discs. Car has 196,000 miles. You never know. It might be time.


Ask him what he thinks about the timing chain. Tell him you were told it was done at 150,000 but have no receipt yet. And no rattle at start up.
Should it be done at 196,000 if no proof. Me I would say yes.

But NO, of course, if done at 150,000 with guide rails and tensioner. Would be a waste of money. A perfect example of why you need Repair Records.


Ask him what he thinks in light of that. Maybe he could pull off the left valve cover and look. Checking the guide rails and chain would be easy if he just looked in there if you are worried. I would go with what he thought.

Check the shocks. IF they are ok, leave them alone. If you need them, get Bilstein comforts. TGhey are the best for cars needing comfort AND handling.
Everyone here agrees about this


Maybe, check out the air cleaner. They are kind of expensive, about $50 at Autozone, either have him do it or you can do it yourself if it is dirty.

Ask him about the fuel filter. Nedds one?


Have him check the coolant. That is supposed to get checked each 30,000 miles and changed by then. It might need it. ONLY with Mercedes coolant.
(Chemicals compatible with radiator.) Check condition of radiator? Fan clutch?

If you see wrong color coolant in there, flush it immediately, and replace with correct Mercedes fluid.



Well, that is all I can think of. But it might keep him busy another day if he does find work.

I hope that helped. What will you do now this weekend? Must be disappointed to be without your new car. Unless he will finish on Sat. and you can get it.


Isn't there some Mega Auto wrecking yard called Sun Valley Imports or something up by you in the Valley? Rings a vague bell.

I am thinking you need a coupole of license plate brackets and might be able to get a couple quick and cheap there. There are body shops all over the place and they could mount them to the car for you maybe.

If you want you could ask here for tips. I would be happy to do it for you.

(Lots of diesel discussion people are actual Mercedes mechanics and shops owners, best place to ask)
__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)
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  #115  
Old 08-25-2007, 01:20 AM
Jim B.'s Avatar
Who's flying this thing ?
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: N. California./ N. Nevada
Posts: 3,611
Anothersimilarity/coincidence

Just by-the by-

In the service stamp booklet, MY SEC also, was taken for service the first three times in its life (up to 15,000 miles.) to Silver Star Mercedes in 1000 Oaks, at the auto mall. I went there in my SHerlock Holmes mode to request copies of the service orders, but they told me that they had none, it would have been in 1991.

Mine was sold new to someone I think in Glendale, at CAL STAR. Don;t knowhy it would get service someplace else though, maybe he worked near 1000 Oaks, will never know.....
__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)
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  #116  
Old 08-25-2007, 01:46 AM
CamelotShadow's Avatar
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Valley Village, CA
Posts: 1,163
He really isn't seeing anything that juts out at him

He really didn';t seem to write down what I was asking

I was concerned about the 2 v blets side by side
I told him obe has more flex than the other
It does one moves more
I would think they should be same tension
but then again maybe one is supposed to be looser?


He isn't pushing work
He said well, you don't want to make it all like new?
I told him I want good maintenance & to be safe driving.


As for airfilters I can do that
just a wing nut & some clamps

Can I just put the spark plug wires on?
seems they just slip on with a rubber boot
Of course I;d have to make sure I did them one by one to make sure they went to right spot on the distributor.
Still, I wouldn;t know what type to buy
Beru..still the engine might be a lil different
maybe it has special needs
no sense me wasting $ on wrong parts

I think if all goes well by 2 years esp time come for smog
I should have new plugs & wires

The plugs may have been changed 300 miles ago
so they are fine

Only thing with fluids
is time also degrades them as well as use
Doesn't pay to skip on clean fluids

I learned
you pay nnw or you pay later
but you will pay so best to do it right

LOL




Enrique is great
he doesn't push work at you
if anything he holds it back
Said I didn;t have to do the motor mounts
but if they had collapsed I want them replaced
as long as its not like $1000


Just seems like I got a great deal at my shop
did a major serv main for $245 plus materials & parts.

I may take it to them for ther major service

I wanted Enrique to take a look & see what it needed.
Seems I may be getting better prices from my guy
so for maintenance I may go there

I'll have to talk to him tomorrow
If his prices are rwally higher which I am not sure of I;d rather talk spark plugs & wires with my shop

Good for Enrique though
he caught the sticking thermostat
Thats a biggie
Least I can drive it now without fearing a meltdown

Last edited by CamelotShadow; 10-25-2007 at 04:34 AM.
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  #117  
Old 08-25-2007, 01:54 AM
Jim B.'s Avatar
Who's flying this thing ?
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: N. California./ N. Nevada
Posts: 3,611
Enrique's quote for the Transmission service is in line.

I checked my records: had it performed at Pete's Independent Mercedes in San Francisco. It cost $141.00 (this was in 2002)


Considering inflation, his price is ok at $160, in my opinion.

Jim
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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)
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  #118  
Old 08-25-2007, 01:59 AM
CamelotShadow's Avatar
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Valley Village, CA
Posts: 1,163
OK
Prices could have gone up in my shop too
but in 2004 I got all the fluids changed & plugs & tuning for $245 plus
parts

I just checked bill
there was no lisitng for a tranny filter
but I told them I had the filter changed last tranny fluid change
& the tranny filter had only about 1000 miles on it so it probably was ok

Is it more laborious to change the filter

Also I know some tranny changes are full flushes
and some always leave old fuild in it

Well, I recall soemthing like that
Maybe they gave me a good deal
I'm grateful
So if they do & do good work
I don;t want to cut them loose
Anyway they do Volvos Benz & BMW

Last edited by CamelotShadow; 08-25-2007 at 02:17 AM.
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  #119  
Old 08-25-2007, 02:29 AM
CamelotShadow's Avatar
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Valley Village, CA
Posts: 1,163
OOOH what a day
still winding down

Thanks for all the advice
I think I;ll have to make a list
but think I;ll hold off on some of it & bring it to my guy

Well will see...

Will be nice to drive wo worry
esp to not be concerned about ovverheating

OOOh I panicked seeing the temp
lucily I was there
I was checking it all the way there
but last couple blocks it really crept up
hit the red

Thats another reason why oil should be changed
its been esposed to high heat..

Thank you for all the enchanting conversation!

I really don';t want to leave it over the weekend
esp if it won;t be in a bay
It was in a bay at 5pm so I feel ok tonight
but I don;t want to think of it bakingin the sun for 2 days

I am very emamored with my new car....
Thanks for sharing in my joy!
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  #120  
Old 08-25-2007, 02:31 AM
Jim B.'s Avatar
Who's flying this thing ?
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: N. California./ N. Nevada
Posts: 3,611
Auto Transmission.

The bill didn't breakdown in full, what the was done to the transmission.

But I think, it it usually includes a flush, new fluid, filter and pan gasket normally.

I think what you are talking about is the fluid in the torque converter; That is harder to get to than the fluid they drain in the normal automatic transmission changes. I honestly don't know for sure.

I understand what you are saying, though. You want to know if an automatic transmission filter change that when you got new automatic transmission fluid, would it be then mixing with the dirty fluid from the torque converter?

I don't know. I know I should but I don't . I think that is the question - what do you get for your $160?

It is one of my nightmares that this will be done wrong. In fact it happened once. To a 1979 Coupe de Ville I had just bought. I thought it might be a good idea to have a Transmission service done, and the records had been lost (car from an estate that his sonj was selling)

I had the job done, at about 70,000 miles. 3 days later the car whichran perfect before I brought it to this place in SF, made a horrible howling sound.

I brought it back to them, and they said the entire transmission and torque converter failed. This just three days after they serviced it?

I ask you. Really.

Since 3 days went by after I had the work done by them, they denied there was a connection between their work and the transmission failure. but they would direct me to a transmission shop who would give me a "wholesale" price on a replacement. But I would haved to pay.

Thanks a lot guys.

So I feel your concern, and my suggestion is to have a COMPETENT mechanic do the work on a transmission service.

Is that guy Ernesto? Your shop that you used (who said '83 Mercedes are too old and parts hard to get - they are not, by the way, though they are tougher with gray market euro cars, to get in the USA)

Or maybe your shop? Was your shop mentioned in the "Good California shops" and you like them?

Price isn't everything. Quality work counts too. I would pay a bit more for that.

Everyone around here wants good work, but some people want to save also as much $$$ as possible. There must be a balance somewhere......

I haven't found it here. I have a shop here that does the Subaru Outback wagon and the Mercedes but am not TOTALLY confident with them.

I instructed them to lube the track rails for the sunroof in the process, but they broke the clips in the process, so now I have to leave it closed.

This is one issue I would like Enrique to take a look at. (for example)
And my air conditioning. I think Enriques is a SPECIALIST on the W126 cars which is why I am thinking about going to him.......

I don't know exactly about the plug wires or thebelt tension you mentioned on the V belts. (sorry)

__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)
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