1997 Mercedes e55 estate - a bit crashed, but super cheap!
Discussion
New POD said:
In hindsight is there a way you might have checked before starting ?
Well yes, I should have HPI'd it, but is was a thousand pound car and I never even thought to do this. For £3, I will now always HPI any future purchase!New POD said:
That changes my understanding. What does CAT A mean ?
It changed mine! In theory, a cat A car could also be put back on the road, but I think you are pushing it then, as a cat A shouldn't even have any parts removed, it should just be squashed. Cat A might be a fire or fatality or something equally as nasty.
Cat B is usually bent chassis or significant structural damage. Flood damage cars often also get a cat B. My car should be a cat C as it was not structurally damaged.
Small update, as not had much free time the last two days.
However, I finished the air filter, and it fits well around the injectors
Cover to match
Front end complete now
Will get a pic with the complete air filter on tomorrow.
Spent the afternoon running the fuel line to the back of the car and working out where to put the filler.
On my last car, I had one of these sneakily hidden behind the fuel flap:
However, I have since found out these are not CoP-11 compliant (the UK LPG approval body) as you need to always use an adaptor which is frowned upon. You should also mount the filler so that it has more than a 50kg breaking strain in case you forget to detach the filler and drive off (as if!).
So I think I will just mount a conventional one to the tow bar, but set it back under the bumper.
Weather is supposed to nice for the next few days, so hope to make some progress...
However, I finished the air filter, and it fits well around the injectors
Cover to match
Front end complete now
Will get a pic with the complete air filter on tomorrow.
Spent the afternoon running the fuel line to the back of the car and working out where to put the filler.
On my last car, I had one of these sneakily hidden behind the fuel flap:
However, I have since found out these are not CoP-11 compliant (the UK LPG approval body) as you need to always use an adaptor which is frowned upon. You should also mount the filler so that it has more than a 50kg breaking strain in case you forget to detach the filler and drive off (as if!).
So I think I will just mount a conventional one to the tow bar, but set it back under the bumper.
Weather is supposed to nice for the next few days, so hope to make some progress...
Edited by Utterpiffle on Tuesday 17th December 17:19
Trtj said:
IN awe of your confidence and nous tackling this project. Most notably how you justify so much time on the car away from 'er inside. Respect.
You mention the injector brackets on the inlet manifold manifold being novel, how else it normally done? Im not familiar with LPG. I think we need to see a vid of this beast in action!
Cheers all. Previously you would have to drill and tap the inlet manifold to add the second injectors. Not the most efficient of injection methods, especially when there was no room to put them very close to the others, or indeed point them in the right direction.You mention the injector brackets on the inlet manifold manifold being novel, how else it normally done? Im not familiar with LPG. I think we need to see a vid of this beast in action!
There is one potential disadvantage with the adaptors however, in that you are moving the petrol injector up by 8mm, so it will affect the atomisation of the petrol, possibly giving an adverse effect on power/emission when running on petrol. On saying that, I didn't notice any loss of power in the e430 with these adaptors, and it passed the MOT OK, so it will hopefully be the same with this car...
Edited by Utterpiffle on Wednesday 18th December 18:01
Finally got a full day on the car - well, until it got dark at 15:30.
Got a little distracted though. The suspension arm I'd finally got round to ordering turned up. I had been meaning to replace it since the car was on the road. The guy who crashed obviously also hit a curb or something with the rear, as one of the top links was a bit bent. Actually, when I took it off, I saw that it was a lot bent...
Explains the negative camber and twitchy handling under power.
OK, time to don the PH fire retardant suit
Whilst I was there I also noticed the rear spring was broken. Only slightly broken, but of course it needed to be cleaned up. Just to be sure, I cut a whole loop off the spring
Obviously, this would imbalance the car, so I had to also cut the others
I would like to point out before you shoot me down in flames that spring cutting on Mercs is perfectly safe. Two reasons for this. Firstly the ends of the coils are not tapered, so they will still seat correctly. Secondly, the cut coils, even with all four wheels off the ground are still very solidly mounted, and there is absolutely no way they can fall out. Thirdly, (I said two reasons, right?) this is a temporary measure. I do have a set of very nice Lorinser coils on my old car in the barn that I plan to fit to the 55, the only minor issue being that I have lost the locking wheel nut spanner. The Lorinsers will go on the 55 at some point...
However, the car is on axle stands so I can work under it. Will find out later if the spring adjustment was successful...
Ah yes, the fog lights also arrived from Germany this morning, so I removed my temporary bumper and fitted the AMG one (purchased for £50 from a badly worded eBay ad ). I am still missing the towing eye covers, but it looks better than the standard one that was on there as it flows nicely with the rest of the AMG body kit. The towing eye covers are made from unobtanium however, so I will have to make something to go in there. This can wait for now though...
Time was obviously getting on by this point, so I got on with the worstest, s
ttiest job of any LPG install: Running the fuel line. It is always a heinous task! This is two hours lying on ones back, swearing and trying to mould the copper pipe to the contours of the car without kinking it. I am pleased to announce that this is the first time I have ever laid an LPG pipe, and not had to cut it off half way along and put in a joiner. There is one continuous piece from the front solenoid to the hole through the floor at the back. Woo!
Oh, I also welded on the filler.
It is tucked back quite a long way under the bumper, so not too obvious. There are the 4 wires from the tank to connect to the front loom and fit the tank. I think we are then good to start it up and see what happens! Full days work tomorrow to fit the tank though. Probably won't start it up until Friday.
Oh yeah, I couldn't resist taking it off the axle stands to see the effect of the spring cutting. Photos taken in the dark, but... Yay!
It will settle slightly once moved, but far less arch gap, which can only be a good thing. Something I forgot to say which took a little head scratching was that the rear has self levelling hydraulics. As such, I had to work out how to adjust the sensor so it now self levels to the new height. Think this one will be a bit of trial and error, but I made a new bracket which allows me to adjust the levelling sensor.
I should get a full day again tomorrow, weather allowing. More soon...
Got a little distracted though. The suspension arm I'd finally got round to ordering turned up. I had been meaning to replace it since the car was on the road. The guy who crashed obviously also hit a curb or something with the rear, as one of the top links was a bit bent. Actually, when I took it off, I saw that it was a lot bent...
Explains the negative camber and twitchy handling under power.
OK, time to don the PH fire retardant suit
Whilst I was there I also noticed the rear spring was broken. Only slightly broken, but of course it needed to be cleaned up. Just to be sure, I cut a whole loop off the spring
Obviously, this would imbalance the car, so I had to also cut the others
I would like to point out before you shoot me down in flames that spring cutting on Mercs is perfectly safe. Two reasons for this. Firstly the ends of the coils are not tapered, so they will still seat correctly. Secondly, the cut coils, even with all four wheels off the ground are still very solidly mounted, and there is absolutely no way they can fall out. Thirdly, (I said two reasons, right?) this is a temporary measure. I do have a set of very nice Lorinser coils on my old car in the barn that I plan to fit to the 55, the only minor issue being that I have lost the locking wheel nut spanner. The Lorinsers will go on the 55 at some point...
However, the car is on axle stands so I can work under it. Will find out later if the spring adjustment was successful...
Ah yes, the fog lights also arrived from Germany this morning, so I removed my temporary bumper and fitted the AMG one (purchased for £50 from a badly worded eBay ad
). I am still missing the towing eye covers, but it looks better than the standard one that was on there as it flows nicely with the rest of the AMG body kit. The towing eye covers are made from unobtanium however, so I will have to make something to go in there. This can wait for now though...Time was obviously getting on by this point, so I got on with the worstest, s
ttiest job of any LPG install: Running the fuel line. It is always a heinous task! This is two hours lying on ones back, swearing and trying to mould the copper pipe to the contours of the car without kinking it. I am pleased to announce that this is the first time I have ever laid an LPG pipe, and not had to cut it off half way along and put in a joiner. There is one continuous piece from the front solenoid to the hole through the floor at the back. Woo! Oh, I also welded on the filler.
It is tucked back quite a long way under the bumper, so not too obvious. There are the 4 wires from the tank to connect to the front loom and fit the tank. I think we are then good to start it up and see what happens! Full days work tomorrow to fit the tank though. Probably won't start it up until Friday.
Oh yeah, I couldn't resist taking it off the axle stands to see the effect of the spring cutting. Photos taken in the dark, but... Yay!
It will settle slightly once moved, but far less arch gap, which can only be a good thing. Something I forgot to say which took a little head scratching was that the rear has self levelling hydraulics. As such, I had to work out how to adjust the sensor so it now self levels to the new height. Think this one will be a bit of trial and error, but I made a new bracket which allows me to adjust the levelling sensor.
I should get a full day again tomorrow, weather allowing. More soon...
Edited by Utterpiffle on Wednesday 18th December 18:04
B'stard Child said:
Bloody hell it's nowhere near your normal level of lows is it...... Have you finally worn away those fancy titanium blocks........
runs and hides
Ha! I gave those titanium blocks to Bruce. As much as I love silly low aesthetically, I still envisage much European commuting in the new year, so this needs to still drive reasonably well when loaded. See how it settles, but it literally takes 5 mins to whip the coils out with that Merc tool runs and hides
Fancy popping over for a beer before Chrimbo?
Finished off the wiring up front, tidied up a few bits and put the air filter back on etc.
Apart from the bits down to the left, it looks pretty much standard. Now I think about it, I should have housed all those gubbins inside a standard air filter box. It would have all been completely hidden then. Job for the future maybe...
Anyway, engine bay looking reasonably tidy?
I then took it out for a little test drive. It has settled a little at the front. May have to take it down slightly more, but it drives nice, so will see how it goes for a while
OK, last bit - tank. Here is the little beauty. Trouble is, it is almost completely full of gas, so it is bloody heavy!
The tank sits inside the cabin of the car, so it has to be gas tight. If there is a fault with the tank and gas escapes, it must obviously do so to the outside of the car. As such, the two gas pipes (fill and out) and two wires (fuel gauge and solenoid) have to come up through the safety hose.
It is a pig of a job to get the copper pipes up through the tube to the tank, but managed it in the end. Unfortunately, the 8mm adaptor hasn't turned up today, so that stopped play. I literally now need ten minutes to fit this and I can then plug in the computer and get the LPG configured. Hope it turns up tomorrow!
So, the tank is now safely bolted in to the car:
And it tucks away nicely in the boot
Rear seats still work!
As such, I had time to have a little tidy up in my barn. Man space!
So assuming this part turns up, tomorrow is the make or break day. Will the system work? Find out tomorrow!
Apart from the bits down to the left, it looks pretty much standard. Now I think about it, I should have housed all those gubbins inside a standard air filter box. It would have all been completely hidden then. Job for the future maybe...
Anyway, engine bay looking reasonably tidy?
I then took it out for a little test drive. It has settled a little at the front. May have to take it down slightly more, but it drives nice, so will see how it goes for a while
OK, last bit - tank. Here is the little beauty. Trouble is, it is almost completely full of gas, so it is bloody heavy!
The tank sits inside the cabin of the car, so it has to be gas tight. If there is a fault with the tank and gas escapes, it must obviously do so to the outside of the car. As such, the two gas pipes (fill and out) and two wires (fuel gauge and solenoid) have to come up through the safety hose.
It is a pig of a job to get the copper pipes up through the tube to the tank, but managed it in the end. Unfortunately, the 8mm adaptor hasn't turned up today, so that stopped play. I literally now need ten minutes to fit this and I can then plug in the computer and get the LPG configured. Hope it turns up tomorrow!
So, the tank is now safely bolted in to the car:
And it tucks away nicely in the boot
Rear seats still work!
As such, I had time to have a little tidy up in my barn. Man space!
So assuming this part turns up, tomorrow is the make or break day. Will the system work? Find out tomorrow!
Ooooh, it's been a while, better do an update...
So, 12,000 trouble free miles later and probably getting on for 30 ferry trips (I work in Düsseldorf Germany, live in north Suffolk UK and commute most weekends). The odometer will waft over the 100k miles mark next weekend.
Cruise control is set to 120mph in Germany and Belgium, 80mph in NL, France and UK, (and driven like it's stolen around Düsseldorf), my phone app says I am averaging 18.8mpg on LPG. Quite pleased with that considering lead foot + 5.4l v8. LPG is currently less than 45p per litre in Belgium, so running costs are comparable with my old Passat TDi.
So what's new?... Unfortunately, not as much as I would like to report. 60-65 hours at work every week and weekend husbandry/fatherly duties rather restricts play time. The tyres err... ran out. All four needed replacing. I bodge, I make do, I run on a budget. One thing I never do is use ditch finders. Trouble is, a new set of Conti's or Pirelli's for an e55 are almost 4 figures. But luckily there is eBay.de... A really clean set of original staggered e55 wheels with 6mm Conti's appeared for less than a new set of tyres. Nice.
New:
Slightly cleaner than the old:
Photos taken this evening:
![](http://www.utterpiffle.com/Cars/Benz/E55/91.jpg")
The rear needs to come down another inch or so, but the springs are correctly "adjusted" with the grinder, I just need to tweak the self levelling sensor - job for this weekend.
Now, bare in mind that this is a "cat b" car that is worth nothing and is covered in some fairly major dents and scratches from the scrapyard and accident. I plan to have some fun ... this turned up last week:
MTN 94 very matt graffiti paint:
10x Marrakech Brown
7x Ginola Brown
2x Mars Orange
I've been playing on the 'pooter (please excuse my drunken Photoshopping)...
Totally beige (Marrakech Brown)?
Dark brown bonnet, roof, boot (Ginola Brown)?
Or do I whip out the masking tape out and fill in the pillars?
Give me your thoughts, you approval, your disapproval, your PH outrage. Dark brown bonnet, roof and boot looks OK from these Mai Tai filtered eyes, but currently leaning toward also darkening the pillars...
Actually, I have decided already, but your comments will no doubt amuse...
Also. Graffiti paint. I am not an artist. It may not go well.
So, 12,000 trouble free miles later and probably getting on for 30 ferry trips (I work in Düsseldorf Germany, live in north Suffolk UK and commute most weekends). The odometer will waft over the 100k miles mark next weekend.
Cruise control is set to 120mph in Germany and Belgium, 80mph in NL, France and UK, (and driven like it's stolen around Düsseldorf), my phone app says I am averaging 18.8mpg on LPG. Quite pleased with that considering lead foot + 5.4l v8. LPG is currently less than 45p per litre in Belgium, so running costs are comparable with my old Passat TDi.
So what's new?... Unfortunately, not as much as I would like to report. 60-65 hours at work every week and weekend husbandry/fatherly duties rather restricts play time. The tyres err... ran out. All four needed replacing. I bodge, I make do, I run on a budget. One thing I never do is use ditch finders. Trouble is, a new set of Conti's or Pirelli's for an e55 are almost 4 figures. But luckily there is eBay.de... A really clean set of original staggered e55 wheels with 6mm Conti's appeared for less than a new set of tyres. Nice.
New:
Slightly cleaner than the old:
Photos taken this evening:
The rear needs to come down another inch or so, but the springs are correctly "adjusted" with the grinder, I just need to tweak the self levelling sensor - job for this weekend.
Now, bare in mind that this is a "cat b" car that is worth nothing and is covered in some fairly major dents and scratches from the scrapyard and accident. I plan to have some fun ... this turned up last week:
MTN 94 very matt graffiti paint:
10x Marrakech Brown
7x Ginola Brown
2x Mars Orange
I've been playing on the 'pooter (please excuse my drunken Photoshopping)...
Totally beige (Marrakech Brown)?
Dark brown bonnet, roof, boot (Ginola Brown)?
Or do I whip out the masking tape out and fill in the pillars?
Give me your thoughts, you approval, your disapproval, your PH outrage. Dark brown bonnet, roof and boot looks OK from these Mai Tai filtered eyes, but currently leaning toward also darkening the pillars...
Actually, I have decided already, but your comments will no doubt amuse...
Also. Graffiti paint. I am not an artist. It may not go well.
cheddar said:
Looks best in silver and your suspension looks broken - otherwise a very enjoyable read.
Haha, brilliant!But... they are all silver. All of them. Apart from the taxi's here in Germany. They are beige. Beige is good.
I rather like the broken suspension look, although I usually break the suspension far more than that.
example A, one of the previous Utterpiffle fleet
BrownBottle said:
Jesus wept, just how much have you had to drink 
Can still type. Obviously not enough.Edited by Utterpiffle on Friday 27th June 22:50
Thanks for the comments... I was expecting universal flaming!
One of my best mates lives in Eindhoven, so not far from you. He rents a barn in Bladel with a few other lads. Some interesting old tat always being worked on in there. They are always happy for a visit. I gate-crash every other weekend.
So, playing again, taking peoples comments on board. I've also let some paint out, and the lighter colour is not as light as I envisaged. It is more sand colour, less taxi beige. Looks really nice on the small trim bits I painted this evening. So, some updated "artists" views...
This is more realistic colours now. Made the bonnet light. Yeah, makes sense...
Orange wheels
Err, no!
Black wheels
Hmm, quite like that
Damnit, I know it is pretty unpopular, but I do like the darker bonnet...
Comments?
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Brilliant!
If your luck ever runs out and you become stranded in NL, let me know.... I live just below the A67 which I guess is the route you take across NL between Eindhoven and Venlo...?
Cup of tea, a tow car etc if you need it!
(ps. im also a fan of ebay.de - the bargains can be fantastic).... quite surprised you scream across BE at 120ish though. I used to do the same but have had some colleagues attract some huuuge fines lately for doing similar.
Cool username. Thanks for the offer... I've been told I need to slow in Belgium, but generally just keeping up with the traffic. I'm know I'm due a ticket soon though...If your luck ever runs out and you become stranded in NL, let me know.... I live just below the A67 which I guess is the route you take across NL between Eindhoven and Venlo...?
Cup of tea, a tow car etc if you need it!
(ps. im also a fan of ebay.de - the bargains can be fantastic).... quite surprised you scream across BE at 120ish though. I used to do the same but have had some colleagues attract some huuuge fines lately for doing similar.
One of my best mates lives in Eindhoven, so not far from you. He rents a barn in Bladel with a few other lads. Some interesting old tat always being worked on in there. They are always happy for a visit. I gate-crash every other weekend.
brt900 said:
What ecu do you use for the lpg?
It's just an old Romano RISN unit. Had it for years. It's seen 4 cars so far, and never misses a beat. I think the KING is the modern equivalent with better mapping ability, but this suits me fine. B'stard Child said:
I like the pillars and roof - not so much the bonnet
Not thought about the USA station wagon style two tone - dark lower light upper?
A dark bottom crossed my mind (not the first time...) but I've been told dark lower/light upper is a no-no by rMad, and to be fair, he's in the right trade to know. Dark top makes car look lower apparently. I photoshopped it just now, and he's right. It looks wrong, somehow.Not thought about the USA station wagon style two tone - dark lower light upper?
So, playing again, taking peoples comments on board. I've also let some paint out, and the lighter colour is not as light as I envisaged. It is more sand colour, less taxi beige. Looks really nice on the small trim bits I painted this evening. So, some updated "artists" views...
This is more realistic colours now. Made the bonnet light. Yeah, makes sense...
Orange wheels
Err, no!
Black wheels
Hmm, quite like that
Damnit, I know it is pretty unpopular, but I do like the darker bonnet...
Comments?
About time I updated this thread...
When I rebuilt the front of the car it had 87500 miles on the clock, it now has around 112000. 25k totally trouble free miles in just over a year, mostly going back and forth between the UK(home) and Germany(work).
I average around 19 mpg on LPG, which is a little low, but it's still running a flat map (i.e. it squirts the same amount of fuel in whatever the revs/load). Really need to find some time and play with the LPG mapping. Sure I could get as high as mid 20's if I get involved. It's not bothered me particularly, because the car runs so well on the current set-up - and also LPG is currently 39c a litre in Belgium - so the car is cheaper to run than my old Passat TDi.
Other stuff... Well, it now sits a bit lower at the front with Lorinser springs all round, but left the rear in the end as it often gets quite a bit of weight thrown in there
New genuine AMG brake discs all round (that wasn't cheap!), yellow stuff pads and braided hoses made a massive difference!
I had a stainless exhaust made. Turns out that a car running on LPG doesn't need cats to be legal, so all four of those went in the bin! Resonators binned too. Now runs straight pipes from the manifold to the original stainless AMG rear box.
I think it sounds ace! I put some audio on my Instagram feed:
Instagram
Needed winter tyres (legal requirement in Germany), so found a second set of staggered AMG wheels. They were in really good condition and cheap, so they will be the summer wheels next year. This meant I could paint the old ones.
Now fitted with Continental TS830 WinterContact tyres that are amazing in the snow, and even on cold wet mornings make so much difference. They are noisy though!
Haven't got too far with the body yet, but the evenings will start to draw out soon...
My son being useful and scraping the ice off:
Oh yeah, and had an interesting blowout at 70mph on Friday. Not overly impressed as the tyre was only 4 months old. Although the car weaved and slapped across three lanes of M20, it was quite entertaining bringing it to a stop. Quite grateful it happened then, as a few hours earlier I was cruising at 130mph across Germany.
That's about it for now. I know the car looks a bit crap half painted, but bare with me. If it comes out similar to the photoshop renders, I think it should look rather good when finished. Or not.
When I rebuilt the front of the car it had 87500 miles on the clock, it now has around 112000. 25k totally trouble free miles in just over a year, mostly going back and forth between the UK(home) and Germany(work).
I average around 19 mpg on LPG, which is a little low, but it's still running a flat map (i.e. it squirts the same amount of fuel in whatever the revs/load). Really need to find some time and play with the LPG mapping. Sure I could get as high as mid 20's if I get involved. It's not bothered me particularly, because the car runs so well on the current set-up - and also LPG is currently 39c a litre in Belgium - so the car is cheaper to run than my old Passat TDi.
Other stuff... Well, it now sits a bit lower at the front with Lorinser springs all round, but left the rear in the end as it often gets quite a bit of weight thrown in there
New genuine AMG brake discs all round (that wasn't cheap!), yellow stuff pads and braided hoses made a massive difference!
I had a stainless exhaust made. Turns out that a car running on LPG doesn't need cats to be legal, so all four of those went in the bin! Resonators binned too. Now runs straight pipes from the manifold to the original stainless AMG rear box.
I think it sounds ace! I put some audio on my Instagram feed:
Needed winter tyres (legal requirement in Germany), so found a second set of staggered AMG wheels. They were in really good condition and cheap, so they will be the summer wheels next year. This meant I could paint the old ones.
Now fitted with Continental TS830 WinterContact tyres that are amazing in the snow, and even on cold wet mornings make so much difference. They are noisy though!
Haven't got too far with the body yet, but the evenings will start to draw out soon...
My son being useful and scraping the ice off:
Oh yeah, and had an interesting blowout at 70mph on Friday. Not overly impressed as the tyre was only 4 months old. Although the car weaved and slapped across three lanes of M20, it was quite entertaining bringing it to a stop. Quite grateful it happened then, as a few hours earlier I was cruising at 130mph across Germany.
That's about it for now. I know the car looks a bit crap half painted, but bare with me. If it comes out similar to the photoshop renders, I think it should look rather good when finished. Or not.
Edited by Utterpiffle on Thursday 12th February 11:58
Thanks for the comments guys - was expecting the usual PH flaming 
Rears are 265/35/R18 97V
V is 149mph. I hit 140 quite often approaching the Dutch boarder before Venlo and going back the other way, but am aware I can't vmax the car with these tyres (the car restricts go at 160mph indicated anyway, so not much difference really).
19mpg = 15 litre per 100km, so that's 380km per tank = 235 miles. Probably an easier way to work that out, but in reality about 200 miles... Anyway, at 30 pence a litre in Belgium at the moment, it is a pleasure to fill up
Actually, the main petrol tank is only 70 litres, it used to only do about 300 miles/tank on petrol. I had to fill the petrol tank up last week. I'm now looking at the logs on my phone (yes, anal I know!) Time before that was the beginning of September at 101520 miles - Cool, approx 10500 miles between petrol fill ups!
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Max speed rating for the Winter tyres?
I know mine are only around the 120mph mark.
Fronts are 235/40/R18 95VI know mine are only around the 120mph mark.
Rears are 265/35/R18 97V
V is 149mph. I hit 140 quite often approaching the Dutch boarder before Venlo and going back the other way, but am aware I can't vmax the car with these tyres (the car restricts go at 160mph indicated anyway, so not much difference really).
leglessAlex said:
Holy crap that sounds good. Whats the tank range when running on LPG? I always thought that LPG tanks look a bit small and would only get you about 250 miles or so, but I've never actually asked anyone.
I think the beige and brown will look ace!
Thanks! Range is terrible! 71 litre tank, can only fill to 80%, so 57 litres. I think the beige and brown will look ace!
19mpg = 15 litre per 100km, so that's 380km per tank = 235 miles. Probably an easier way to work that out, but in reality about 200 miles... Anyway, at 30 pence a litre in Belgium at the moment, it is a pleasure to fill up
Actually, the main petrol tank is only 70 litres, it used to only do about 300 miles/tank on petrol. I had to fill the petrol tank up last week. I'm now looking at the logs on my phone (yes, anal I know!) Time before that was the beginning of September at 101520 miles - Cool, approx 10500 miles between petrol fill ups!
kapiteinlangzaam said:
Cool, I thought you would have it under control 
The few times I go over the border in the XC I have to remind myself about the speed ratings on the tyres. Officially its only something like 5 mins max. at the rated speed?
ps. Dont be too concerned if someone in a XC90 / Mini / Alfa Spider furiously waves at you during one of your jaunts... itll just be me
Ooo I didn't know the rating was just for a few minutes. Will make mental note, thanks. Traffic rarely allows sustained speediness anyway in that area.The few times I go over the border in the XC I have to remind myself about the speed ratings on the tyres. Officially its only something like 5 mins max. at the rated speed?
ps. Dont be too concerned if someone in a XC90 / Mini / Alfa Spider furiously waves at you during one of your jaunts... itll just be me
Furious wave possibility also noted...
charltjr said:
Yeah, watch out for that OP, the car will pass the emissions tests without cats running on LPG but they recently changed the rules to include a physical inspection of the exhaust system. Unless you have a friendly MoT tester that's going to be a fail next time round unless it at least looks like there are cats in the system.
MOT Test of Exhaust and Emissions
The exhaust system will fail the MOT if:
Part of the system missing or excessively deteriorated
(from February 2014 a missing diesel particulate filter, if originally fitted, will be a Reason for Rejection)
A catalytic converter is missing where one was fitted as standard (on vehicles subject to a full cat test only)
Mounting is missing or damaged so that the exhaust system is insecure
There is a major leak
The system emits appreciably more noise than a similar vehicle fitted with a standard system in good condition.
Class (v): Exhaust tailpipe positioned so that fumes are likely to enter the driver or passenger area.
A conversation that may or may not have happened at my local MOT station:MOT Test of Exhaust and Emissions
The exhaust system will fail the MOT if:
Part of the system missing or excessively deteriorated
(from February 2014 a missing diesel particulate filter, if originally fitted, will be a Reason for Rejection)
A catalytic converter is missing where one was fitted as standard (on vehicles subject to a full cat test only)
Mounting is missing or damaged so that the exhaust system is insecure
There is a major leak
The system emits appreciably more noise than a similar vehicle fitted with a standard system in good condition.
Class (v): Exhaust tailpipe positioned so that fumes are likely to enter the driver or passenger area.
Friendly MOT inspector: When did you have this exhaust fitted sir?
E55 with no cats owner: After this MOT test
Friendly MOT inspector: Correct answer, sir.
Wow, so many positive comments on Piston Heads. I'm flattered and amazed!
No, I think the first comment was more accurate of the colour names...
5potTurbo said:
hornetrider said:
Is it wrong to like a two tone taupe-and-dog-turd battered old Merc?
Caramel & chocolate mousse, sir.militantmandy said:
Absolutely horrendous....I LOVE it!
That's exactly the reaction I was going for. Cheers! kwk said:
Not really sure but, I've followed this since the beginning and always pleased to see updates. Is the car still running well on the euro journeys?
Yeah, as much as can be expected from a 16 year old cat-b nail. Although the wife is getting annoyed with me repairing it every time I'm home. Metal oil cooler line for the gearbox was the last part to just randomly split. Got a nice colourful drive when it rains now though...JakeT said:
I absolutely love that! Plus it means the eventual rust will blend in... 
Eventual? As stated above, it's a 16 year old nail. The rust is very much present already Sir, just as you say, it blends in very well... 
Thanks B'Child...
Yeah, so I basically killed it.
35k miles of bombing up and down autobahns. Been a bloody good bus though. I'm breaking it in the next couple of weeks if anyone needs parts.
Replacement is quite special though
2007 e63 estate, split rims, Designo paint, Designo interior, 7 seats, two of which puff up when you go around corners, toys such as keyless go and distronic (which frankly scares the hell out of me), and of course THAT engine!
I drove to the other side of the country to buy it, and as we drove into the estate, the warehouse doors opened where my new car was parked next to millions of pounds worth of Ferraris and other exotica - an f40, f50, Enzo, a brand new looking Countach, some rare porsches etc. I think mine was the lowest value car in there by a long shot. This was 'just' his daily, and with the thick file it came with, I had no reason to doubt the cars history including a large service at Mercedes last month.
Plans for it..
1. Well, lowering links obviously! I can see a space between the wheels and arches which is utterly unnecessary .
2. LPG - Flame suit on. Yes, most people will say you shouldn't LPG a performance car like this, but why the heck not? The e55 ran absolutely perfectly on it for 35k miles, and at 43c (about 32pence) per litre in Belgium, this to me is a no-brainer. I've just got to work out how the hell I'm going to fit it in, that engine bay is already stuffed full!
3. Paint. Brown. On saying that, the grey is growing on me. I'd like to play with plastidip, but may get it wrapped.
4. Exhaust. Pardon? I said EXHAUST! Resonator and secondary cat delete, xpipe in etc.
5. Dunno.. there are some crazy tuning options out there, but for now, it's quick enough..
Anyway, some pics. Will give it it's own thread at some point, but this is a fitting end to this one...
Yeah, so I basically killed it.
35k miles of bombing up and down autobahns. Been a bloody good bus though. I'm breaking it in the next couple of weeks if anyone needs parts.
Replacement is quite special though
2007 e63 estate, split rims, Designo paint, Designo interior, 7 seats, two of which puff up when you go around corners, toys such as keyless go and distronic (which frankly scares the hell out of me), and of course THAT engine!
I drove to the other side of the country to buy it, and as we drove into the estate, the warehouse doors opened where my new car was parked next to millions of pounds worth of Ferraris and other exotica - an f40, f50, Enzo, a brand new looking Countach, some rare porsches etc. I think mine was the lowest value car in there by a long shot. This was 'just' his daily, and with the thick file it came with, I had no reason to doubt the cars history including a large service at Mercedes last month.
Plans for it..
1. Well, lowering links obviously! I can see a space between the wheels and arches which is utterly unnecessary .
2. LPG - Flame suit on. Yes, most people will say you shouldn't LPG a performance car like this, but why the heck not? The e55 ran absolutely perfectly on it for 35k miles, and at 43c (about 32pence) per litre in Belgium, this to me is a no-brainer. I've just got to work out how the hell I'm going to fit it in, that engine bay is already stuffed full!
3. Paint. Brown. On saying that, the grey is growing on me. I'd like to play with plastidip, but may get it wrapped.
4. Exhaust. Pardon? I said EXHAUST! Resonator and secondary cat delete, xpipe in etc.
5. Dunno.. there are some crazy tuning options out there, but for now, it's quick enough..
Anyway, some pics. Will give it it's own thread at some point, but this is a fitting end to this one...
AyBee said:
Looking forward to the next instalment What killed the old one?
Just use really, and lost interest. The air con went and it was 80 quid I didn't spend. The radiator started leaking - an AMG only part that was €500, so I just topped it up every day. The gearbox started slipping. Bought a new one, but couldn't be arsed to fit it. Then the rear suspension hydraulics failed a few weeks back and I just thought sod it, I want a new car. What killed the old one?As I type this, I just sold the engine to a guy who wants to bolt it to a manual box for his Merc 190. Sounds like a cool project!
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