Mercedes W140 titivation
Discussion
It didn't take long to finish the spark plugs and now the car runs smoothly without occasionally missing.
I changed the cabin air filter, too, very easy, just lift up a panel under the bonnet and slot it in.
New engine air filters arrive tomorrow.
But what a f
k on I had with the climate control. The auxiliary fans runs constantly. I ascertained that this is because the climate control ECU erroneously thinks the engine is hot so it switches them on to cool it down. It is so minded because it is not receiving any sensor data from the instrument cluster. I worked this out by replacing the engine temperature sensor (to no avail), reading the fault codes (which told me it wasn't talking to the instrument cluster) and then noticing that the climate control had no other sensor data. So I pulled the instrument cluster in order to have a look at the connections. Oops, cracked the binnacle in the process. Thankfully I have a spare but what a pisser. Then I connected up the wiring wrong and nothing worked. After a sleepless night I worked out the problem, all fixed. I swapped the climate control unit for two different ones, but still the same problem. Then my third spare climate control unit, which has broken buttons, works perfectly (apart from the broken buttons). So I think there must be some coding or software issue which is preventing two of the spare climate control units from talking to the instrument cluster. Anyway, the solution is to take the working buttons from a non-working control unit and fit them to the working control unit, a matter of very carefully prising apart plastic clips that were never really intended to come apart:
I took the car for a short drive to ASDA. Filled it up. 88 litres. Ugh. 18.1mpg. Still, it is driving beautifully and the transmission is sorting itself out. Baister will service the transmission next week and I think that will make it perfect again. He's going to change the front upper control arms, clear the sunroof drains and sort a couple of tiny niggles and then I really think it will be back in fine fettle.
I don't really love it, though, unfortunately.
I changed the cabin air filter, too, very easy, just lift up a panel under the bonnet and slot it in.
New engine air filters arrive tomorrow.
But what a f
k on I had with the climate control. The auxiliary fans runs constantly. I ascertained that this is because the climate control ECU erroneously thinks the engine is hot so it switches them on to cool it down. It is so minded because it is not receiving any sensor data from the instrument cluster. I worked this out by replacing the engine temperature sensor (to no avail), reading the fault codes (which told me it wasn't talking to the instrument cluster) and then noticing that the climate control had no other sensor data. So I pulled the instrument cluster in order to have a look at the connections. Oops, cracked the binnacle in the process. Thankfully I have a spare but what a pisser. Then I connected up the wiring wrong and nothing worked. After a sleepless night I worked out the problem, all fixed. I swapped the climate control unit for two different ones, but still the same problem. Then my third spare climate control unit, which has broken buttons, works perfectly (apart from the broken buttons). So I think there must be some coding or software issue which is preventing two of the spare climate control units from talking to the instrument cluster. Anyway, the solution is to take the working buttons from a non-working control unit and fit them to the working control unit, a matter of very carefully prising apart plastic clips that were never really intended to come apart:I took the car for a short drive to ASDA. Filled it up. 88 litres. Ugh. 18.1mpg. Still, it is driving beautifully and the transmission is sorting itself out. Baister will service the transmission next week and I think that will make it perfect again. He's going to change the front upper control arms, clear the sunroof drains and sort a couple of tiny niggles and then I really think it will be back in fine fettle.
I don't really love it, though, unfortunately.
A midnight brainwave stimulated me to google "w140 climate control unit code". Which search lead me to this thread: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w140-s-class/17125... which in turn caused me to get up early, fit the original climate control unit with working buttons, and code it to the car. Result: everything works and there is no need to cobble together a Heath Robinson solution. Why are these cars so damned complicated?
I am feeling on a big high about the 140 today. I have turned a corner with the climate control victory, the successful cabin filter swap and the astonishingly pain-free spark plug change. To compound my wellness, I have bought front upper control arms at an astonishing discount. The upper ball joints are creaking like a galleon rounding the Cape of Good Hope, Captain Bligh at the command. The ball joints are part of the upper control arms, MB part numbers A1403307607 and 7707 and cost from MB just over £250 each. They are made by Lemförder. A bit of chance googling and Lemförder 11004 02 and 11005 02 are available on Amazon for £32.49 and £38.75 each including delivery. Man maths tells me I am £428 up and free to spend that on tat of my choosing, probably including a replacement instrument cluster binnacle for the one I boffed up with my amateur climate control investigations.
The Amazon price didn't last: I notice they're back up to proper money. One of them arrived today, however, and it looks genuine.
I'm definitely getting there with this car. With a transmission service, these upper arms fitted and an air con re-gas (I don't think it's leaking), it should be tip top mechanically at least. There are then a couple of niggly things the parking sensors, rear blind, rear headrests. And a couple of service jobs for me (engine air filters and the cabin recirculating air filter, nothing difficult). But I'm still not sure it's for me: just too big.
I'm definitely getting there with this car. With a transmission service, these upper arms fitted and an air con re-gas (I don't think it's leaking), it should be tip top mechanically at least. There are then a couple of niggly things the parking sensors, rear blind, rear headrests. And a couple of service jobs for me (engine air filters and the cabin recirculating air filter, nothing difficult). But I'm still not sure it's for me: just too big.
bmthnick1981 said:
r129sl said:
I'm sort of hiding from this car at the moment. It is at my mechanic's. I think all of the mechanical stuff has been done. Just the bodywork now. If anyone wants to buy it, I'm open to offers!
Just out of interest you understand, how much? ps - I think you should keep it.
IF you do sell it what replaces it?
What replaces it? This:
I really like the Ferndown car.
I can feel a 108 is on the cards, but there is the small—or, rather, large—matter of money. I'd prefer a 3.5 V8, not least because I expect they are still quite sprightly, but more than anything I'd prefer a solid and sound car that doesn't need another £20k hoying at it. The Ferndown car looks very sensible from that point of view.
Nick: the man reckons the 140 is sound enough. He was talking £2k plus front wings.
I can feel a 108 is on the cards, but there is the small—or, rather, large—matter of money. I'd prefer a 3.5 V8, not least because I expect they are still quite sprightly, but more than anything I'd prefer a solid and sound car that doesn't need another £20k hoying at it. The Ferndown car looks very sensible from that point of view.
Nick: the man reckons the 140 is sound enough. He was talking £2k plus front wings.
Edited by r129sl on Wednesday 11th May 20:29
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361551011313?_trksid=p20...
I might go and have a look tomorrow as I am in Halifax in the morning so it is not a massive detour. Close examination of the pictures suggests the paint job may be a bit shabby and the MOT history suggests the underside may not be good enough.
This thread needs re-naming.
Offers are definitely invited on the 140.
I might go and have a look tomorrow as I am in Halifax in the morning so it is not a massive detour. Close examination of the pictures suggests the paint job may be a bit shabby and the MOT history suggests the underside may not be good enough.
This thread needs re-naming.
Offers are definitely invited on the 140.
jke11y said:
If you could live with LHD (it didnt bother me, especially for an occasion car) you'd get a lot more for your $£ buying from the states. And it's easy.
http://r.ebay.com/twkARV
Jesus, JK, you've got me reading your thread ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ) and itching my fingers. Wife says I am not, absolutely not, to buy any car without her involvement. I must get rid of the 140!http://r.ebay.com/twkARV
A long overdue update.
I brought the beast out of concealment yesterday. First thing that stuck me was an astonishingly bad odour. I was worried it had been leaking but, thankfully, this proved not to be so. Rather I had left some fishing bait in the boot way back at Eastertide. Nice. The smell is subsiding, thankfully. I took it for a drive. It is a good car for driving. The ride is superb. The silence is wonderful. The stereo... have I mentioned the stereo? I also noticed it was getting a bit hot (the cabin, not the motor). Turns out the blower wasn't blowing. The blower motor regulator is kaput. This is easily ascertainable from the onboard diagnostic feature. New one ordered for £15.
After a day which was more than usually rubbish, I took therapy in a bit of car washing. It scrubs up well. Then this morning my boy and I took it for a run on the, er, private test track. It is rock steady at 150 (if I say leptons, here, it doesn't count, right? even if it makes me look more dickish than usual?), better even than my old 126, which was an arrow straight car. Unlike the 126, there is no real increase in noise at those speeds. Boy and I able to converse normally. These are very fast cars because they are so easy at high speed.
And finally I may have sold it. I offered it for free to a madman I know who reads these threads, but he wasn't having it. He came back at £1,000. That deal wasn't right for me, so I have pushed him and I hope we're going to settle on £500. Which is what I gave my friend for it in the end.
On the w108 front, I didn't view the green 108 before it sold. I came very close to buying the ivory car down in Ferndown but thankfully I asked a question about a speaker on the rear shelf. Turns out that whoever fitted the speaker butchered the rear seat belt mounts in the process of doing so, really butchered them, so I said "no". Still looking. A 108 would be nice but I also fancy a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.
I brought the beast out of concealment yesterday. First thing that stuck me was an astonishingly bad odour. I was worried it had been leaking but, thankfully, this proved not to be so. Rather I had left some fishing bait in the boot way back at Eastertide. Nice. The smell is subsiding, thankfully. I took it for a drive. It is a good car for driving. The ride is superb. The silence is wonderful. The stereo... have I mentioned the stereo? I also noticed it was getting a bit hot (the cabin, not the motor). Turns out the blower wasn't blowing. The blower motor regulator is kaput. This is easily ascertainable from the onboard diagnostic feature. New one ordered for £15.
After a day which was more than usually rubbish, I took therapy in a bit of car washing. It scrubs up well. Then this morning my boy and I took it for a run on the, er, private test track. It is rock steady at 150 (if I say leptons, here, it doesn't count, right? even if it makes me look more dickish than usual?), better even than my old 126, which was an arrow straight car. Unlike the 126, there is no real increase in noise at those speeds. Boy and I able to converse normally. These are very fast cars because they are so easy at high speed.
And finally I may have sold it. I offered it for free to a madman I know who reads these threads, but he wasn't having it. He came back at £1,000. That deal wasn't right for me, so I have pushed him and I hope we're going to settle on £500. Which is what I gave my friend for it in the end.
On the w108 front, I didn't view the green 108 before it sold. I came very close to buying the ivory car down in Ferndown but thankfully I asked a question about a speaker on the rear shelf. Turns out that whoever fitted the speaker butchered the rear seat belt mounts in the process of doing so, really butchered them, so I said "no". Still looking. A 108 would be nice but I also fancy a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.
I changed the blower motor regulator this evening. The job was very easy. One of the consequences of their scale is the ease of working on these cars. The quality is also there still: they were assembled with a view to being disassembled and then re-assembled twenty years down the line. If your fan blows weak, this is the easy fix.
I also changed the engine air filters and the cabin recycled air filter. This latter had never been changed by the looks of it. If you have a 140, change it. Ten pound part from the dealer (outrageous for what it is) and one minute upside down in the passenger footwell. The main cabin air filter is a pretty easy change too but I did that a while back now. The engine air filters again are a very easy swap, just a load of easily accessible spring clips: the car is designed to be maintained.
It goes at noon tomorrow. I feel sad and also a traitor to the cause, a coward in the face of duty. It is a fine car to drive. A bit of effort on the niggling defects, a lot of expenditure on the bodywork and it would become the consummate long distance car. But the fact is my other three cars swallow all the available effort and money (and plenty of the unavailable money, too). I just haven't got the capacity for the 140. And yet it was so easy to fix the blower motor regulator: why wouldn't it be just as easy and satisfying to fix all the other bits and bob? Hopefully the next man will take over the campaign.
Edit: thankfully the smell has gone.
I also changed the engine air filters and the cabin recycled air filter. This latter had never been changed by the looks of it. If you have a 140, change it. Ten pound part from the dealer (outrageous for what it is) and one minute upside down in the passenger footwell. The main cabin air filter is a pretty easy change too but I did that a while back now. The engine air filters again are a very easy swap, just a load of easily accessible spring clips: the car is designed to be maintained.
It goes at noon tomorrow. I feel sad and also a traitor to the cause, a coward in the face of duty. It is a fine car to drive. A bit of effort on the niggling defects, a lot of expenditure on the bodywork and it would become the consummate long distance car. But the fact is my other three cars swallow all the available effort and money (and plenty of the unavailable money, too). I just haven't got the capacity for the 140. And yet it was so easy to fix the blower motor regulator: why wouldn't it be just as easy and satisfying to fix all the other bits and bob? Hopefully the next man will take over the campaign.
Edit: thankfully the smell has gone.
Changed the cluster bulbs just now.
The car looks pretty mega all cleaned up (automatic car wash: which tells you all you need to know) and it has been super-satisfying remedying some of the more irritating issues, to the extent that I feel a fool for not tackling them earlier, especially when it was so easy. If the weather is nice in the morning I'll take some pictures before it goes.
The car looks pretty mega all cleaned up (automatic car wash: which tells you all you need to know) and it has been super-satisfying remedying some of the more irritating issues, to the extent that I feel a fool for not tackling them earlier, especially when it was so easy. If the weather is nice in the morning I'll take some pictures before it goes.
Hey BM!
The w140 came to an ugly end. Parked outside Chris's house in the middle of nowhere, some over-enthusiastic Fiesta driver barrel rolled into it. All caught on CCTV. All very spectacular. He replaced it with my E430!
The vid is in the barge thread somewhere.
The car could demolish distance on big trunk roads. Less convincing off the beaten track by reason of bulk (the E430 was rather good at that sort of thing).
The w140 came to an ugly end. Parked outside Chris's house in the middle of nowhere, some over-enthusiastic Fiesta driver barrel rolled into it. All caught on CCTV. All very spectacular. He replaced it with my E430!
The vid is in the barge thread somewhere.
bolidemichael said:
...though the image of you and the mrs holding hands at 100mph+ whilst listening to power ballads (one presumes) on the bose is ever-so-slightly wunderbar...[/url]
From memory it was the Scissor Sisters' cover of "Comfortably Numb" playing very loud. Did I mention the stereo in that car was really rather good?The car could demolish distance on big trunk roads. Less convincing off the beaten track by reason of bulk (the E430 was rather good at that sort of thing).
Edited by r129sl on Monday 8th June 23:56
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