1997 Mercedes e55 estate - a bit crashed, but super cheap!
Discussion
So it is beginning to look like a working car again!
I have had to borrow the front bumper from my old E430. It is not the correct one, but will have to do for now, as even second hand e55 bumpers seem to sell for about a third of what I paid for the whole car. Something will no doubt turn up one day. But in the mean time, this will have to do. I must confess I am half tempted to go for the sleeper look and lose the AMG body kit completely/remove the badges - make it look like a standard e200 or similar. Anyway, need to get it road legal first!
I thought all the welding was complete, but found this little hole behind the rear wheel by the fuel filler this morning, so welded that up.
I've had a good look around it and fixed all the problems I can see ready for MOT. Connected up an old laptop to clear the SRS fault.
Update:
So, bad news - failed MOT. Good news, only failed on a small patch of welding behind the wheel on the other side and headlight alignment was out - a long way out on the crashed side, and we couldn't adjust it in.
However, bloody hell it drives well! Not quite as quick off the mark as I was expecting, but put foot to the floor at 50 and it feels good! Alignment is definitely out though as it was pulling slightly - will get that sorted next week.
I have done the welding this afternoon, and "hard-adjusted" the headlight. I could see how far out is was on the testing machine, so drew up in front of my barn door then drew a line in chalk on the door where the pattern cutoff was. I then adjusted it down as required. It might still be a little out, but nothing that we can't tune out at the garage.
At 8am tomorrow, I should have a fresh MOT, and then just the VIC check to get through at midday - although from what I can make out, this is just a formality.
Tow bar tomorrow afternoon I think...
I have had to borrow the front bumper from my old E430. It is not the correct one, but will have to do for now, as even second hand e55 bumpers seem to sell for about a third of what I paid for the whole car. Something will no doubt turn up one day. But in the mean time, this will have to do. I must confess I am half tempted to go for the sleeper look and lose the AMG body kit completely/remove the badges - make it look like a standard e200 or similar. Anyway, need to get it road legal first!
I thought all the welding was complete, but found this little hole behind the rear wheel by the fuel filler this morning, so welded that up.
I've had a good look around it and fixed all the problems I can see ready for MOT. Connected up an old laptop to clear the SRS fault.
Update:
So, bad news - failed MOT. Good news, only failed on a small patch of welding behind the wheel on the other side and headlight alignment was out - a long way out on the crashed side, and we couldn't adjust it in.
However, bloody hell it drives well! Not quite as quick off the mark as I was expecting, but put foot to the floor at 50 and it feels good! Alignment is definitely out though as it was pulling slightly - will get that sorted next week.
I have done the welding this afternoon, and "hard-adjusted" the headlight. I could see how far out is was on the testing machine, so drew up in front of my barn door then drew a line in chalk on the door where the pattern cutoff was. I then adjusted it down as required. It might still be a little out, but nothing that we can't tune out at the garage.
At 8am tomorrow, I should have a fresh MOT, and then just the VIC check to get through at midday - although from what I can make out, this is just a formality.
aspirated said:
Great progress, wet sand your headlights though 
Yes sir! I put a mop on the drill this evening and give the headlights a good polish (using t-cut). Wow, what a difference! They were yellow, now they look shiny clear like new. Amazing difference for 15 mins with the drill. Didn't get a photo as it was getting dark, but I am sure you all know what the headlights look like! I will have to do my wifes CLK tomorrow.Tow bar tomorrow afternoon I think...
Lee540 said:
What the hell!!
Reshell with a lower spec car?
It is all a bit strange... I have asked for some advice with the full story on the general forum. Hope to get some useful info. hread link here:Reshell with a lower spec car?
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
That's not good news at all, sorry to hear that Really enjoyed the whole thread. I've got an E320 CDI Estate that I'm currently using as a work hack and about to spend money putting bits right the previous idiot couldn't be arsed to maintain.
I hope you find a solution, I say find an E200 Classic Estate and re Shell it.
Failing that, what bits you selling
Edited to say Better still, strip the interior, fit a roll cage and turn it into a track-day weapon of mass destruction.
Really enjoyed the whole thread. I've got an E320 CDI Estate that I'm currently using as a work hack and about to spend money putting bits right the previous idiot couldn't be arsed to maintain.I hope you find a solution, I say find an E200 Classic Estate and re Shell it.
Failing that, what bits you selling
Edited to say Better still, strip the interior, fit a roll cage and turn it into a track-day weapon of mass destruction.
Edited by Evo on Friday 11th October 16:40
Utterpiffle said:
Evo said:
Edited to say Better still, strip the interior, fit a roll cage and turn it into a track-day weapon of mass destruction.
Hahah, been there, done that!Edited by Evo on Friday 11th October 16:40
Added nearly 500kg of lightness from it. Absolute hoot of a car!
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