In the UK - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Thai GI · #1 05-03-2002, 09:50 PM

1. Hi all just got to my new station at RAF Croughton, UK it is located in the middle of Oxford, Milton Keynes and North Hampton.
2. I’ve seen many Mercedes-Benz vehicles not offered in the US like the “A” Class and other chassis that we have in the US but over here with smaller engines.
3. Well we have shipped our 190E and the 260E with us, I wonder if anyone knows of any good shops around this area. Dealers are OK but they have to prove to me their worth. What I had in mind was a shop operated by someone who races these cars for a hobby or even armature/pro status. In other words an enthusiast like we are. I do most of my own maintenance but some times I need a wheel alignment or can’t do something because of the right tools.
4. Also looking for “Mercedes tuners” are what the British calls them. These folks customized and concentrate on performance upgrades. I have heard of Birds are there anyone else?
5. Last the junkyards for Mercedes I think the British calls them “Breakers”, any with self serve pick and pull available?
6. I’m willing to drive to these places since you can go a little faster in this country and everything is within a half days ride.

Thai GI sends…

jjrodger · #2 05-05-2002, 06:27 AM

I've just been referred here from your other post. I'll do my best to answer your questions. I'll say again, I hope you have good time in the UK, British people are a bit funny about Americans (jealous, I suppose), but there is a great friendship between our countries. Oxfordshire has some beautiful country and great pubs, though I don't suppose you'll take to the beer!

1. The A-Class has been a real success for MB (in terms of sales and profits) despite a rather difficult start (the first models would roll in extreme conditions). They are not well-regarded by the motoring press, but the sales figures speak for themselves. I have driven a couple of A140s and they are a very good car to drive, albeit they do not reward being pushed hard. They are very spacious internally, supposedly as big as an E-class. this is because the engine and stuff is under the floor. There is also the Smart car, which you may have seen knocking about, this is even smaller than the A-class and has a MB 600cc three cylinder engine.

2. The UK (and Europe) has always had smaller engined cars than the US. I don't know why. You'll have seen how horrifically expensive petrol is. When I was a boy (about 15 years ago), a 1.6litre was regarded as a big engine. I remember we were all thrilled when my dad got a 1.8! Engines are getting bigger these days but as you've noticed, there are some models here that you don't get in the US. In the W201 and W124 series, for instance, these engines were available in the UK:

W201
190E 1.8
190E 2.0
190E 2.6
190D 2.0
190D 2.5

W124
200 (carb!)
200E
230E
260E
300E
250D
300D

In Europe they even had a 200D, which must have moved at a glacial pace.

3. As for any good shops, you're a long way out of my area (in UK terms). You should try to pick up a copy of Mercedes Enthusiast and have a look at the small adds. There is a chap in Birmingham called Andy Gayle who specialises in MB cars, he was the subject of high praise in a recent feature. His number is 0121 558 4848 and his website is www.mercedesservicing.com . Birmingham isn't too far from where you are based, about 1-2hours depending on traffic, but there isn't much about the city to recommend a visit, it's a bit of a dump!

4. Birds is the only tuner I can think of off the top of my head. Barbus seems to have an office in London. Tuning isn't the big thing here that it is in the US or Germany.

5. You should find a breaker's yard specialising in MB or German marques in every town. Buy a copy of Autotrader and look in the back, where there is a section on breaker's yards. Also, there are several mail order outfits advertised in the back of Mercedes Enthusiast.

6. Finally, look out for speed cameras! Good luck.

Bear · #3 05-05-2002, 07:11 PM

Welcome Thai GI,had a look in this months Gazette the Mercedes-Benz owners club magazine for some contacts for you.

Joseph Joos of Milton Keynes (servicing)
tel 01908 567747 mobile 07831 432186
open seven days a week

Performance Cars
PCS-Milton Keynes
54 Barton Road,Water Eaton,
Milton Keynes

tel 08000 265201
Fax 01908 366088

website www.pcs-mk.co.uk\mercedes

Dismantlers
Mercman Ltd
Manor Industrial Estate
Manor House Avenue,
Millbrook,Southampton
tel 02380 784444 Fax 02380 782444

www.mercman.net
New and used parts 1960-2001

Of course there's lots of little breakers we all use but Mercman might be easier.Enjoy your stay over here and remember we drive on the left-hand side of the road!!

Bear

Thai GI · #4 05-08-2002, 09:06 PM

1. Thanks Gents I forgot to tell you this would be my second time here in the UK I was here early 90’s, but it was a different location (East Anglia at RAF Bentwaters).

2. I only had dealings with the dealer in Ipswich called Lancaster, mostly parts support and some maintenance but not to good of job on that…
3. Now things are a little better with the internet and change in commerce practice, I can order parts from a US dealer and have it posted through our mail systems where it bypass UK customs taxes, big savings!

4. As a world traveler I find that driving on ether side is not that hard for me but if I drive with a right hand steering car is hard because I’m not sure about that left corner of the car…

5. Never had any problems with the British people, I think youall are the nicest people in the world (from my experience) where race is not a big issue. I even married one and also will probably try to retire over here when I’m done.

Thai GI sends…

#5 05-13-2002, 08:17 AM

Nightmare when it comes to going through a drivethrough in a foreign car!!!