Whew, 6.3...

[ADP]

I rode in one today.

Oh lordy - I can see why a significant portion of the readership here is entranced.

Scary fast, nifty 4 speed transmission provides a gear where my 3 is seriously missing one, tight ride - now I get the air suspension.

I also imagine fuel economy is an oxymoron. And it appears that stuff is exspensive and hard to get.

But it was very cool, I understand the love now!

Ann

[Emmerich]

Its no more expensive than any 37 year old car. Just don't buy injectors from the dealer.

Originally Posted by ADP

I rode in one today.

Oh lordy - I can see why a significant portion of the readership here is entranced.

Scary fast, nifty 4 speed transmission provides a gear where my 3 is seriously missing one, tight ride - now I get the air suspension.

I also imagine fuel economy is an oxymoron. And it appears that stuff is exspensive and hard to get.

But it was very cool, I understand the love now!

Ann

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Originally Posted by Emmerich

Its no more expensive than any 37 year old car. Just don't buy injectors from the dealer.

Well, on these cars, I understand that items like waterpumps and differential parts will produce sticker-shock!

Happy Motoring, Mark

[Emmerich]

Water pumps can easily be rebuilt, there used to be a web page showing it. Differentials are probably something you need to find used. My 6.9 blew one, no new ones around, not that you would want to pay for it. But it is more unique to the age rather than the model.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Originally Posted by Emmerich

Water pumps can easily be rebuilt, there used to be a web page showing it. Differentials are probably something you need to find used. My 6.9 blew one, no new ones around, not that you would want to pay for it. But it is more unique to the age rather than the model.

Well, perhaps some on this Forum could rebuild a 6.3 waterpump, assuming that wep page can still be found, but for the average person seeking a vintage vehicle, I still don't think the maintenance costs on a 6.3 would be no more than any 37 year old car.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[sjefke]

This certainly gave me sticker shock:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-Big-600-Mercedes-Benz-Engine-M100-Motor-W100-980-12-for-600_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6336QQihZ008QQitemZ180114469664QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

You might be able to custom machine the parts for that price.

There is a guy selling rebuilt 6.3 and 6.9 waterpumps on ebay for about $169. You do need to send in your old one or pay a $200 core deposit.

Bert

[Q45Denver]

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

Well, perhaps some on this Forum could rebuild a 6.3 waterpump, assuming that wep page can still be found, but for the average person seeking a vintage vehicle, I still don't think the maintenance costs on a 6.3 would be no more than any 37 year old car.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Mercedes dealers would joke that the 6.3 was used as a multiplier as to the amount it would cost to fix vs. more common models.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

I prefer to keep my vintage vehicles simple.
Located at the opposite end of the range topped by the 6.3, a 280S, with minimal rust and a manual-shift, would suit me just fine.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[diametricalbenz]

Originally Posted by Emmerich

Water pumps can easily be rebuilt, there used to be a web page showing it. Differentials are probably something you need to find used. My 6.9 blew one, no new ones around, not that you would want to pay for it. But it is more unique to the age rather than the model.

Were there indicators to the rear diff blowing out? How did you approach replacing it?

[Emmerich]

Originally Posted by diametricalbenz

Were there indicators to the rear diff blowing out? How did you approach replacing it?

There was a missing roll pin which caused a hardened steel pin (not sure what it held in place) to slowly creep out to where the end of it was being ground up by the main gears. Opening the case dumped out the gear lube which looked like silver paint. After a high speed run, if you turned left, there was a big grinding sound from the rear end.

I found a used diff with axles for $500.

[Emmerich]

Originally Posted by sjefke

This certainly gave me sticker shock:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-S-Class-Big-600-Mercedes-Benz-Engine-M100-Motor-W100-980-12-for-600_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6336QQihZ008QQitemZ180114469664QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

You might be able to custom machine the parts for that price.

There is a guy selling rebuilt 6.3 and 6.9 waterpumps on ebay for about $169. You do need to send in your old one or pay a $200 core deposit.

Bert

My mechanic in Houston said he would rebuild a 6.9 water pump for $200, I am sure he could do a 6.3. ANY waterpump can be rebuilt, the key is to have a press to pop things in and out. The price of the parts is trivial. If the shaft hole is wallowed out, thats a different story.