1998 Mercedes-Benz CL420 (C140)
Discussion
If anyone else has a 140 coupé, the wiper is not 700mm (28" in old money) for the left side, despite what I thought I'd seen on the Bosch site.
600mm is correct for the right side and looks to be correct for the left side, or at least will fit.
Edit: Finally found a complete Bosch catalogue. I need AR65N x 2 (650mm) - these are the retrofit Aerotwins
600mm is correct for the right side and looks to be correct for the left side, or at least will fit.
Edit: Finally found a complete Bosch catalogue. I need AR65N x 2 (650mm) - these are the retrofit Aerotwins
Edited by tobinen on Saturday 16th March 15:40
Just back from Star Motor Services. The sunroof frame is saveable but the tubes down the A pillars are also corroded. However, they have a fix with rubber tubing so I am dropping it back in a couple of weeks when they will carry out the work. It requires removal of the headlining so not a job for me by any means
NSR inner parking sensor is faulty so that's ordered (£114!) and will be carried out at the same time. Bumper-off job.
I've also aded to the list and asked them to investigate the non-working HRW. Hopefully it's not the delaminating screen.
After this then the next stage will be bodyshop estimates for rusty wings and rear panel plus sort the lack of colour-matching down both sides.
Other good news, the soft close has starting working again. No idea why.
NSR inner parking sensor is faulty so that's ordered (£114!) and will be carried out at the same time. Bumper-off job.
I've also aded to the list and asked them to investigate the non-working HRW. Hopefully it's not the delaminating screen.
After this then the next stage will be bodyshop estimates for rusty wings and rear panel plus sort the lack of colour-matching down both sides.
Other good news, the soft close has starting working again. No idea why.
Just back after Star had the car a couple of days. All is well after all jobs completed. One extra job was to have the gearshift lever bush replaced as it was slack, now it's much better.
One thing I noticed is how rattly it is on idle due to the missing catalytic converter. Not in keeping with the car so another job to have done.
The diagnosis on the broken HRW is the delamintating glass itself, as I expected. A pretty penny but perhaps one to do at the same time as any bodywork/paint
£403 today, please sir.
One thing I noticed is how rattly it is on idle due to the missing catalytic converter. Not in keeping with the car so another job to have done.
The diagnosis on the broken HRW is the delamintating glass itself, as I expected. A pretty penny but perhaps one to do at the same time as any bodywork/paint
£403 today, please sir.
I have just come across your thread and caught up with it now. I'm astounded at the cost of keeping it upkept and running, though I shouldn't be, given my own Mercedes outlay!
My observation is that you really must attend to the colour mismatched panels on the nearside. Other than that, happy motoring and it is a wonderful motor... I love the idea of a 600 V12 version, personally. I was watching one a while back on car and classic in a beautiful maroon.
My observation is that you really must attend to the colour mismatched panels on the nearside. Other than that, happy motoring and it is a wonderful motor... I love the idea of a 600 V12 version, personally. I was watching one a while back on car and classic in a beautiful maroon.
Yes, I am in touch with a bodyshop and will be popping over for an estimate to have it all sorted. The rust is creeping in more quickly now and needs attending to.
The big jobs outstanding are:
New HRW and mouldings (parts alone from MB are £1,000+ but were still available at last check)
Paint both sides and sort rust in wings and rear panel (My guess £3,000 upwards)
Minor jobs
New centre air vent as parking display bulb has gone, or try to take apart and see if bulb is replaceable.
New bulb for outside temperature in the cluster (I've done this job before so just need the bulb)
Polish the AMG wheels and new tyres - not a pressing requirement as I love the ride on 60 profiles
Air conditioning is still cold but could do with a boost, I don't think I've ever had it re-gassed
Transmission oil and filter replacement
Rattling centre exhaust due to missing LH cat.
Driver's seat cushion nappa leather has a small hole due to wear.
The big jobs outstanding are:
New HRW and mouldings (parts alone from MB are £1,000+ but were still available at last check)
Paint both sides and sort rust in wings and rear panel (My guess £3,000 upwards)
Minor jobs
New centre air vent as parking display bulb has gone, or try to take apart and see if bulb is replaceable.
New bulb for outside temperature in the cluster (I've done this job before so just need the bulb)
Polish the AMG wheels and new tyres - not a pressing requirement as I love the ride on 60 profiles
Air conditioning is still cold but could do with a boost, I don't think I've ever had it re-gassed
Transmission oil and filter replacement
Rattling centre exhaust due to missing LH cat.
Driver's seat cushion nappa leather has a small hole due to wear.
I visited the recommended bodyshop today, and after a decent chat with the owner, he seems on my wavelength. Therefore I have decided to proceed with pretty much the whole car bar the roof, and he'll sort out the rusty bits. It's booked in 20 May for two weeks.
The estimate came in under my expectation, so now I am looking for a decent glass place to remove and replace the HRW.
The estimate came in under my expectation, so now I am looking for a decent glass place to remove and replace the HRW.
Yesterday, I let the Romanians give it £7-worth of love. Today is bodyshop drop-off day. Here's a summary of the worst bits. I tried to capture the bonnet blemishes but they won't show with my phone camera
Below OSR lamp
NS door above handle (not major, would've probably polished out)
NSF wing rust plus scar from an old dear who tried to take me out at a roundabout
Below front grille
OSF wing
Below OSR lamp
NS door above handle (not major, would've probably polished out)
NSF wing rust plus scar from an old dear who tried to take me out at a roundabout
Below front grille
OSF wing
Another thing to add to the list: as I was driving over to the bodyshop it occurred to me that the rear view mirror had not 'lightened' from my last journey in the dark. Gave the sensor a wipe but it made no difference. That said, it's perfectly acceptable in daylight so not a hindrance.
He just called and apologised profusely. Two of his chaps were in a car accident and so he's on his own. One is returning to work next week but the other is in a worse condition with a broken leg. I believe him. My uncle and grandad both recommended him and have dealt with him for many years. He admits it will be 2-3 weeks longer and I am fine with that, given the circumstances.
As the MoT runs out next week and I automatically renew my tax on-line and pay monthly. I think I'll need to SORN it.
As the MoT runs out next week and I automatically renew my tax on-line and pay monthly. I think I'll need to SORN it.
That's a shame, but understandable. Better he does a good job in a longer time than a rushed job.
I had similar with my mechanic recently - when I went to collect my car, he had both ramps full and another on the floor, and was working all three himself while his nephew was off.
I did get frustrated with the time they had the car, but equally he billed me half the worked hours, so I got over it pretty quickly.
I bet you're looking forward to having it back. I very much like this era of MB design; if I hadn't fallen for the W124 estate I'm sitting in, I'd have been very happy with a coupe. Not sure I'm brave enough for a W140!
I had similar with my mechanic recently - when I went to collect my car, he had both ramps full and another on the floor, and was working all three himself while his nephew was off.
I did get frustrated with the time they had the car, but equally he billed me half the worked hours, so I got over it pretty quickly.
I bet you're looking forward to having it back. I very much like this era of MB design; if I hadn't fallen for the W124 estate I'm sitting in, I'd have been very happy with a coupe. Not sure I'm brave enough for a W140!
After 5½ months, I have finally collected it and it's done. First impressions are positive. It's a lot shinier and there is no visible rust. All the arches and rear panel are done, and the bonnet has been refreshed. There is no orange peel and it's very smooth. It has a pleasing 'depth'. All the lower mouldings are now the same colour. For the price, it's good.
Really happy to be driving it again. I have missed the wafty comfort, light steering and silence compared against the E39.
In prepartion for the MoT on Monday I called MB Newbury as it will need two springs, front and rear. The usual chocolate MB springs. The rear springs are now no longer serviced so I will have to go for a pair, probably Bilstein B3.
No whole car shots as I was rushed to return to work and the light is fading.
A new rear chrome is needed.
Really happy to be driving it again. I have missed the wafty comfort, light steering and silence compared against the E39.
In prepartion for the MoT on Monday I called MB Newbury as it will need two springs, front and rear. The usual chocolate MB springs. The rear springs are now no longer serviced so I will have to go for a pair, probably Bilstein B3.
No whole car shots as I was rushed to return to work and the light is fading.
A new rear chrome is needed.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff