Well I can't say that I haven't learned something - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#16 06-02-2002, 02:10 PM

What can I do, this one just won't die!! I have another perfect one to drop in when and IF it does. Good to hear from you Steve. Going to buy a pair 0f 93-94 BMW 850 with 6 speed and do away with all this MB nonsense.
Woody

stevebfl · #17 06-02-2002, 02:41 PM

Get a 540, it will run, and last, circles around that 850.

suginami · #18 06-02-2002, 02:51 PM

joe p - to answer you questioin -

I have a W124 1993 300E (M104 3.2)., with 136,000 miles.

It runs great, looks almost brand new, leaks oil terribly bad at the right rear corner of the head, shifts perfectly and smoothly, except that it goes into reverse real slowly, and the a/c is factory R134a and is the coldest a/c I've ever had in any car.

The car has had dealer service exactly according to the maintenance book with oil changes every 3,750 miles since brand new. Even the brake fluid and radiator coolant has been replaced every 2 years and 3 years, respectively.

#19 06-02-2002, 03:04 PM

Steve, I always take your advice about MB because you are the man. But I must respectfully disagree with you about the 540. How can you say the V8 is equal to the V12? The 850 has 50-50 weight distribution, weighs 4450lbs. and is one of the safest cars on the road. It weighs 400lbs more than my 500sel. The engineering on that car from the bullet proof driveline to the state of the art 5 link suspension system not to mention the great looks of that car. To me the 540 is just another car. Not a bad one but nothing special. I have many friends who own these cars and have zero problems with them. Everyone tells me you get about 250,000 from engine and 6 speed. Then you pull them out and put in new. That suits me just fine. Again, I apologize for daring to even question your expertise but I have to tell the truth. I have driven several versions of that car with the V8 and auto trans. and they suck. Seems to me that is what a 540 would be like unless you bought the 5 speed. The 6 speed is a Getrag. The interior is gorgeous, equal to the 98 750il. With 17" M wheels, the car corners fine and rides well. These BMW in AZ don't run hot, which is important to me. As an aside, why would you put a big V8 in that little 5 series car and destroy the balance? Reminds me of my old Eldorado.. Woody

stevebfl · #20 06-02-2002, 03:31 PM

Well I have been working and driving all of them. My lead BMW tech drives a 93 850 and my 97 540 makes it look like a diesel.

If you autocross maybe there is merit to a six speed. Unless you like to look childish I'll take you to the next light every time in my 5HP30. If what you really want to do is drive to Ocala to the Thai restraunt with your daughter and her corvette driving husband at 90mph with a little lite music and conversation while dodging all the rice burners going a hundred or more the 540 has no comparison. And of course if the need for speed erupts (to hit that hole) ain't none of them gonna touch her.

We work on MB to BMWs two to one, as thats our market and my expertise. I guarantee we do more overheating problems on BMWs. Having gone through my senior year of college with a XKE that always overheated and then getting thrown all the overheating Vegas as a dealer chevy tech, I was really glad when I got to MB; a car that has no inherent overheating problems, even in Florida!

But, to each his own.

#21 06-02-2002, 03:50 PM

Ever since I sold my 70 Camaro with a blueprinted 500 Hp 4 bolt main 427 c.i. with TRW forged pistons, etc, etc, which incidentally would run circles around ANY car I EVER came against, I have not been interested in drag racing on the street. After years of beating everyone, I lost interest. What I think the 850 is really is a German Ferrari if the Italians could build one, which they can't. I had a Ferrari Daytona until it was stolen behind my wife's restaurant. That car wasn't bad. I want a car that is HEAVY, the heavier the better. I would have bought one of those slab jobs(500sel) that weigh 5000 lbs, until I found out about all their problems. Recently I saw a one million dollar McLaren being tested here in AZ(That car BTW has a BMWV12 with about 600HP). Why did they choose that engine? Doesn't McClaren have a clue about what goes and works? When I lived in La Jolla CA, the local Rolls dealer wanted to sell me a Rolls with that same engine in it. The reason for the 6 speed is to not have to put up with a German Auto. Also 6 gear is OD. All my friends in Phoenix have to replace either the 740 V8 or auto trans or both at 80K. What does that say about reliability? BTW, why does your head tech drive a 850 if they are so bad? I say he has class!! Woody

stevebfl · #22 06-02-2002, 06:04 PM

Like I said, to each his own.

I personally have no interest in cars I can get into. At 6' 4" 270, I have to leave the Ferraris and McClarens to kids. I sure have no trouble in the Twin Turbo Carrera 4s. But, you can't go out with the kids in one.

joe p · #23 06-02-2002, 08:09 PM

<<>>

Dunno Woody, dumbass luck maybe? LOL

Joe

#24 06-02-2002, 08:18 PM

I rember my mom ran the 500 for months with no fluid and finally figured it out when it started slipping real bad. my dad put some in and just like new

#25 06-02-2002, 10:22 PM

Apparently, even if low but still on the stick is acceptable if not okay. I have driven 20K since this started. This is a daily driver, at least a 100 miles daily.

#26 06-02-2002, 10:24 PM

The 850 is NOT a car for a big guy like you. I am 5'8 and 180 and that is the upper limit of comfort especially headroom. NO backseat to speak of either. See nothing is perfect!!
Woody