The sub £1k Merc S500
Discussion
So on the topic of the passenger side front window I took the door panel off today to see what the problem was.
Everything came off easy enough although I was a bit worried about the airbag being next to my face while doing so!
I found the cause of the problem but couldn't see of an obvious way to resolve it. The window motor works with cables that are covered in a thick plastic cover that almost looks like 4 wiper blades stuck together (hopefully this will make sense in the photo). Two of the cables overlap and when the window goes up they press against the window causing enough friction to stop it going fully up.
A simple fix, in theory! Because of the nature of the door access is extremely limited so seeing exactly where everything goes is quite difficult. I used my iPhone with flash to take a few pictures behind it but again couldn't really see much.
So the good news is it's just a simple cable adjustment, unfortunately it started pelting down with hailstones so I've put it all back together for now. At least I know it's a no cost fix.
Once that's sorted every button on the car will work 100%. Next on the list for the weekend is to change the brake wear sensors, stick in some fresh oil and put a new filter on, steam clean the full interior and detail the engine bay and exterior.
Everything came off easy enough although I was a bit worried about the airbag being next to my face while doing so!
I found the cause of the problem but couldn't see of an obvious way to resolve it. The window motor works with cables that are covered in a thick plastic cover that almost looks like 4 wiper blades stuck together (hopefully this will make sense in the photo). Two of the cables overlap and when the window goes up they press against the window causing enough friction to stop it going fully up.
A simple fix, in theory! Because of the nature of the door access is extremely limited so seeing exactly where everything goes is quite difficult. I used my iPhone with flash to take a few pictures behind it but again couldn't really see much.
So the good news is it's just a simple cable adjustment, unfortunately it started pelting down with hailstones so I've put it all back together for now. At least I know it's a no cost fix.
Once that's sorted every button on the car will work 100%. Next on the list for the weekend is to change the brake wear sensors, stick in some fresh oil and put a new filter on, steam clean the full interior and detail the engine bay and exterior.
R8Steve said:
PM's should be working, I've had plenty! 
I've still not decided what to do with it yet as there has been a fair few offers but if I decide to keep it and have another car available I'm more than happy to let you have it for a few weeks to take to Le Mans if that is all you wanted it for.
A lovely offer which I may well take you up on! I may drop you a message nearer the time. Until then good luck with it and keep us up to date on your progress with it!I've still not decided what to do with it yet as there has been a fair few offers but if I decide to keep it and have another car available I'm more than happy to let you have it for a few weeks to take to Le Mans if that is all you wanted it for.
Sensational car. That underbody looks in great shape, especially since this was the era that Mercs struggled with rust. Perhaps the S-Class had better rust-proofing or assembly methods.
It really goes to show that if you're vaguely handy with the spanners and don't mind getting stuck in there are some incredible motors to be had out there.
Great thread, thanks for starting it. Keep it coming.
It really goes to show that if you're vaguely handy with the spanners and don't mind getting stuck in there are some incredible motors to be had out there.
Great thread, thanks for starting it. Keep it coming.
I have never been as satisfied with a car as my V8 Merc which cost 7 grand, at £900 I dont think there is more motoring satisfaction that can be bought for as little money as this example, by all rights it should be a horror bit it seems to be a nice one, cant find another under three grand anywhere, and they arent as good.
Sometimes as car enthusiasts we get a break, a bargain, a slice of wonder for less than a slightly wider sat nav screen on a new one, make the most of it, pretend its 14 years ago and you are a high roller !
Sometimes as car enthusiasts we get a break, a bargain, a slice of wonder for less than a slightly wider sat nav screen on a new one, make the most of it, pretend its 14 years ago and you are a high roller !
R8Steve said:
velocefica said:
What would the first owner have lost in depreciation in the first year of ownership. Probably enough to buy a decent hatchback new nowadays.
This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No hammerite here thankfully This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No rust either that I can see, jacking points and everything look great if not a bit dirty. A lot easier to clean than weld though for sure!
Wow what a car ! Its comforting to see you taking care of the bits and bobs around the car rather than hammering as others might as it 'was just a cheap car'.
Its exactly what I'm looking for so, in a few months when you need to move it to a new loving home, drop me a line and I'll happily give you £1000.
I'm starting a little enterprise I've been planning for a while now. Low cost Chauffeuring (thats not the name of the company BTW lol).
Using BMW 740iL, Mercedes E and S Class, Jaguar/Daimler and perhaps a 1970 Rover P5B in the mix too.
The cars will be older than usual but very well maintained and in beautiful order throughout.
I've tested the market locally and the feedback has been that the age of car is no real priority at all, but that the appearance and friendliness of the driver and cleanliness and comfort of the cars are a must.
Relatively low outlay and a thoroughly enjoyable hobby business.
So please think of me when you are ready to sell.
Its exactly what I'm looking for so, in a few months when you need to move it to a new loving home, drop me a line and I'll happily give you £1000.
I'm starting a little enterprise I've been planning for a while now. Low cost Chauffeuring (thats not the name of the company BTW lol).
Using BMW 740iL, Mercedes E and S Class, Jaguar/Daimler and perhaps a 1970 Rover P5B in the mix too.
The cars will be older than usual but very well maintained and in beautiful order throughout.
I've tested the market locally and the feedback has been that the age of car is no real priority at all, but that the appearance and friendliness of the driver and cleanliness and comfort of the cars are a must.
Relatively low outlay and a thoroughly enjoyable hobby business.
So please think of me when you are ready to sell.
Watching with interest - I was the mug who paid many times that for my S500 (same colour out; black leather interior - which is a nice place to be) earlier this month.
They really are a helluvalotta car for the money - I think we're just seeing the sweet spot of bargedom at these price points - I am definitely now in Dr Pepper mode as everything should be fixable for a long term ride, but in the medium term there's nothing much to lose.
Plus: (I knew nothing about Mercs, but...) aside from the coupes, I cannot see any Mercs over the last 30 years or so that look as good. Stretching it a bit to say "lithe" maybe. Anything newer looks like obesity on steroids to me!
They really are a helluvalotta car for the money - I think we're just seeing the sweet spot of bargedom at these price points - I am definitely now in Dr Pepper mode as everything should be fixable for a long term ride, but in the medium term there's nothing much to lose.
Plus: (I knew nothing about Mercs, but...) aside from the coupes, I cannot see any Mercs over the last 30 years or so that look as good. Stretching it a bit to say "lithe" maybe. Anything newer looks like obesity on steroids to me!
velocefica said:
R8Steve said:
velocefica said:
What would the first owner have lost in depreciation in the first year of ownership. Probably enough to buy a decent hatchback new nowadays.
This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No hammerite here thankfully This thread feels very deja-vu, wasn't there an S-Class thread before, the owner fixed the sill rust under the drivers door with a dab of hammerite.
No rust either that I can see, jacking points and everything look great if not a bit dirty. A lot easier to clean than weld though for sure!
They do rust under there as the skirts catch all of the water. First you'll notice is when the jack goes through them at the MOT... 
T5XARV said:
Wow what a car ! Its comforting to see you taking care of the bits and bobs around the car rather than hammering as others might as it 'was just a cheap car'.
Its exactly what I'm looking for so, in a few months when you need to move it to a new loving home, drop me a line and I'll happily give you £1000.
I'm starting a little enterprise I've been planning for a while now. Low cost Chauffeuring (thats not the name of the company BTW lol).
Using BMW 740iL, Mercedes E and S Class, Jaguar/Daimler and perhaps a 1970 Rover P5B in the mix too.
The cars will be older than usual but very well maintained and in beautiful order throughout.
I've tested the market locally and the feedback has been that the age of car is no real priority at all, but that the appearance and friendliness of the driver and cleanliness and comfort of the cars are a must.
Relatively low outlay and a thoroughly enjoyable hobby business.
So please think of me when you are ready to sell.
I was under the impression that cars operated under a hire car licence had to be 5 years old or under; this doesn't apply to wedding cars. Would have thought regular chauffeur cars need to be 5 years or under (perhaps its only in London?)Its exactly what I'm looking for so, in a few months when you need to move it to a new loving home, drop me a line and I'll happily give you £1000.
I'm starting a little enterprise I've been planning for a while now. Low cost Chauffeuring (thats not the name of the company BTW lol).
Using BMW 740iL, Mercedes E and S Class, Jaguar/Daimler and perhaps a 1970 Rover P5B in the mix too.
The cars will be older than usual but very well maintained and in beautiful order throughout.
I've tested the market locally and the feedback has been that the age of car is no real priority at all, but that the appearance and friendliness of the driver and cleanliness and comfort of the cars are a must.
Relatively low outlay and a thoroughly enjoyable hobby business.
So please think of me when you are ready to sell.
SydneySE said:
I was under the impression that cars operated under a hire car licence had to be 5 years old or under; this doesn't apply to wedding cars. Would have thought regular chauffeur cars need to be 5 years or under (perhaps its only in London?)
I sold a Vauxhall Omega when it was 12 years old and the new owner got taxi plates for it Mr_Dave said:
Alas, thats just a picture of the plastic sideskirts! You need to take them off (black screws) to have a look at the sills They do rust under there as the skirts catch all of the water. First you'll notice is when the jack goes through them at the MOT...
Yep, Mercs of this vintage are not known for having massive rust issues for nothing! QC was patchy to say the least! They do rust under there as the skirts catch all of the water. First you'll notice is when the jack goes through them at the MOT... Great stuff, what a purchase. Once had a trip in one of these home from Heathrow airport and thought it was great. Cab company my company uses also works for the Beeb and drivers next job was collecting Jeremy Paxman after Newsnight. Was converted to run on LPG as driver covered london but was based in midlands. Always remember it as beats the usual Prius.
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