Sensible family daily wagon - Mercedes Benz S211 E500

[bolidemichael]

Blimey, FB. I'm both impressed and humbled. How long has it taken you to catch up with the thread?(!)

[Alfred Pina]

Such a cool daily wagon. After reading through your journey with this car, I immediately took to the classifieds, only to find out you need circa £7k to get into a car with similar mileage to yours! That's too close to the E55 for me, but great news for you

I miss having a huge estate car, I shouldn't have read this

[bolidemichael]

I'm aware that an example of a pre-facelift 5.5L (quite rare) with 30,000 miles that was briefly advertised prior to selling for £17k!

There is another that is for sale with 75,000 miles for £9k.

I'm not sure how accurate these prices are, as prior to lockdown some examples were being shifted for around £3k. However, I understand that COVID has changed the used car market as less people register new vehicles. Perhaps the threat of no pure ICE vehicles from 2030 is making buyers keep to experience a proper motor soon, too.

As for mine, I'm currently facing another big bill and seem fully committed to a 'sunk cost fallacy', though my justification is that all these new parts I'm adding will be used by me. So long as the car isn't written off, I'll own it for long enough to realise the value. Gulp.

With regards to the E55, I've never driven one, nor hankered for one. Perhaps as a biker, having a fast family car/daily would never be fast or sporty enough. In reality and I'm sure that you've seen some of my avg speeds if you've read this thread, this car can cover ground with comfort (airmatic) and discretion (it looks like a diesel), as fast as one dare on a public road. Holding 100mph at 2,750rpm, whilst fully loaded and calm in the cabin, allows real long distance capability. The extra two hundred horses would rarely be used, but I wouldn't say no.

Having said that, I bought an E500 as I couldn't afford an E55. It was an achievable goal for me. Had the funds been available, investing in a newer low mileage example would have perhaps saved me a great deal of maintenance expenditure. Drop in and keep me updated on which path you take!

Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 8th January 19:44

[bolidemichael]

So the end of Jan 2020 brought me more expenditure. I was in Surrey doing a three point turn and the gearbox wouldn't engage. I had to switch off the engine and remove the key in order to reset the system, before engaging the gears again. I booked it straight in with my indy...
they diagnosed a failed transmission plate. The rub was that it had to be replaced along with the valve body, as it was an early version of the 7G-Tronic gearbox and not available separately, unlike later iterations. In order to purchase the parts, MB require the personal details of the registered owner, as with ordering a new key!

I fished out my email to my indy.

Hi Star-Tec,

Attached is my driving licence and a copy of a utility bill registered to my home address. I’ll leave the car document folder in the car tomorrow.

Also, I have been maintaining a wish list:

- o/s/r arch liner. It has been warped over time since I bashed the rear, would a replacement fit without a gap, or can we temporarily secure the liner in order to close the gap? My concern is that dirt and salt will lead to premature corrosion.

- The primary CD player located above the COMAND sat nav has stopped working; I tried spraying an electrical contact cleaner in the slot but this didn’t improve anything – please advise

- The wipers do not function when I am indicating left with the same stalk – this is an issue as I cannot see when I need to do so!

- More lubricant for the squeaky ARB? I have an ideal product in mind which his Bilt Hamber Ferrosol, but I hadn’t sourced it in time as I didn’t expect to be seeing you so soon!

- Sump pan – I have been advised by a friendly MB Club member that these become porous and would be worthwhile replacing as a preventative measure, since this work is being done. Please advise.

- I had air mass sensor issues just once in January (worryingly upon departure to Glasgow on new years day!) and the symptoms disappeared never to return. However, a mate with a diagnostic checked for error codes and it threw up an error code. It has been reset and I haven’t had any symptoms since.



- Upon reviewing some photos from July, when the engine cover dropped off at speed, the front air con bracket for pipes – it seems very corroded and perhaps this should be replaced in order to avoid secondary damage to the pipes?



Regards,

bolidemichael

Edited by bolidemichael on Thursday 13th April 11:47

[Alfred Pina]

bolidemichael said:

I'm aware that an example of a pre-facelift 5.5L (quite rare) with 30,000 miles that was briefly advertised prior to selling for £17k!

There is another that is for sale with 75,000 miles for £9k.

I'm not sure how accurate these prices are, as prior to lockdown some examples were being shifted for around £3k. However, I understand that COVID has changed the used car market as less people register new vehicles. Perhaps the threat of no pure ICE vehicles from 2030 is making buyers keep to experience a proper motor soon, too.

As for mine, I'm currently facing another big bill and seem fully committed to a 'sunk cost fallacy', though my justification is that all these new parts I'm adding will be used by me. So long as the car isn't written off, I'll own it for long enough to realise the value. Gulp.

With regards to the E55, I've never driven one, nor hankered for one. Perhaps as a biker, having a fast family car/daily would never be fast or sporty enough. In reality and I'm sure that you've seen some of my avg speeds if you've read this thread, this car can cover ground with comfort (airmatic) and discretion (it looks like a diesel), as fast as one dare on a public road. Holding 100mph at 2,750rpm, whilst fully loaded and calm in the cabin, allows real long distance capability. The extra two hundred horses would rarely be used, but I wouldn't say no.

Having said that, I bought an E500 as I couldn't afford an E55. It was an achievable goal for me. Had the funds been available, investing in a newer low mileage example would have perhaps saved me a great deal of maintenance expenditure. Drop in and keep me updated on which path you take!

Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 8th January 19:44

There’s no doubt about the sheer capability of the more humble e500. But, if prices were within a couple of grand of an e55 (yet to be proven - only had a quick look) then the extra 160hp and SC whine would be enough to stretch myself that bit further - without telling Mrs Pinacolada obviously.

[bolidemichael]

Alfred Pina said:

bolidemichael said:

I'm aware that an example of a pre-facelift 5.5L (quite rare) with 30,000 miles that was briefly advertised prior to selling for £17k!

There is another that is for sale with 75,000 miles for £9k.

I'm not sure how accurate these prices are, as prior to lockdown some examples were being shifted for around £3k. However, I understand that COVID has changed the used car market as less people register new vehicles. Perhaps the threat of no pure ICE vehicles from 2030 is making buyers keep to experience a proper motor soon, too.

As for mine, I'm currently facing another big bill and seem fully committed to a 'sunk cost fallacy', though my justification is that all these new parts I'm adding will be used by me. So long as the car isn't written off, I'll own it for long enough to realise the value. Gulp.

With regards to the E55, I've never driven one, nor hankered for one. Perhaps as a biker, having a fast family car/daily would never be fast or sporty enough. In reality and I'm sure that you've seen some of my avg speeds if you've read this thread, this car can cover ground with comfort (airmatic) and discretion (it looks like a diesel), as fast as one dare on a public road. Holding 100mph at 2,750rpm, whilst fully loaded and calm in the cabin, allows real long distance capability. The extra two hundred horses would rarely be used, but I wouldn't say no.

Having said that, I bought an E500 as I couldn't afford an E55. It was an achievable goal for me. Had the funds been available, investing in a newer low mileage example would have perhaps saved me a great deal of maintenance expenditure. Drop in and keep me updated on which path you take!

Edited by bolidemichael on Friday 8th January 19:44

There’s no doubt about the sheer capability of the more humble e500. But, if prices were within a couple of grand of an e55 (yet to be proven - only had a quick look) then the extra 160hp and SC whine would be enough to stretch myself that bit further - without telling Mrs Pinacolada obviously.

From what I understand, the running costs are nigh on identical, so it would be a straightforward choice. Nevertheless, I seldom encounter faster vehicles on the road... or drivers that are willing to go faster. There was an SVR Range Rover that kept me honest on the M74, that thing is fast.

[bolidemichael]

Another thing that I did in January, was to source genuine MB wipers in order to replace my perished Bosch items. I've got to say that they're a pretty hefty price front x2 and rear x1 at £50 in MB Club member discount. Nevertheless, they seem high quality:

















They also have loads of MB symbols everywhere, including one that's visible when sat in the driver's seat

[bolidemichael]

Further to the work at the indy, as detailed above... this is the upshot:

- o/s/r arch liner - I chose to procrastinate

- CD Player... requires a new COMAND as I seldom use the CD player

- wipers issue - required a replacement stalk for about £200inc labour and VAT! I must admit, that a new stalk felt nice and tactile:



- the lubricant used was Bilt Hamber Ferrosol, which creeps into very tight gaps. Squeak resolved:



- Sump pan... concerns dismissed - nuff said!

- mass air flow issue... this was weird as the car really hiccupped at the traffic lights as we were fully loaded and about one mile from home, en route to Glasgow! The issue didn't appear on the Star and the symptoms haven't re-appeared since, save for a suspicious fluctuation on the revs at idle which only occurs periodically.

- corroded air con pipes - well, this issue was brought to my attn by a PHer on the Barges thread... it'll cost a lot to replace, but I gave them some Bilt Hamber S50 in order to keep the rust at bay (see note on invoice).

So 2020 welcomed me with a big bill, though gearbox plate should fail again for another few miles/years and neither should the wiper stalk!

[B'stard Child]

Wow that’s a big bill

I think I’d still blank out a few specific details if sharing on a public forum - chassis number for sure but then I am now a bit paranoid about what I share

[bolidemichael]

B'stard Child said:

Wow that’s a big bill

I think I’d still blank out a few specific details if sharing on a public forum - chassis number for sure but then I am now a bit paranoid about what I share

You're going to be saying that quite often with this thread, BC! If only I had the wherewithal and a mate with a pit and the time etc...

What's the risk in sharing the chassis number on this old barge? Genuinely curious.

[B'stard Child]

bolidemichael said:

B'stard Child said:

Wow that’s a big bill

I think I’d still blank out a few specific details if sharing on a public forum - chassis number for sure but then I am now a bit paranoid about what I share

You're going to be saying that quite often with this thread, BC! What's the risk in sharing the chassis number on this old barge? Genuinely curious.

Oh I don't know - I just view it as just another piece of the puzzle to assist someone to get a new coded key for the car from Mercedes - like I said my paranoia is at a higher level than most

bolidemichael said:

If only I had the wherewithal and a mate with a pit and the time etc...

I understand and I do appreciate the fact that a few of us in the NMRC pool facilities and tools that enable us to do some jobs that save a bloody fortune in labour charges - I know I would struggle paying indy rates let alone dealer rates for all of the cars I have

[bolidemichael]

I'm sort of committed really now, I've given this car a second lease of life, so I intend that it sees me good until the children have gone to uni. It does everything.

A difference is that I can claim mileage expenditure to cover a lot of, in not all of the costs. If I had to be paying this after PAYE, I'd be royally screwed.

[Biglips]

There is no doubt that these are expensive to maintain properly. My E500 cost me a small fortune to run, and my replacement E320cdi is trying to emulate its big brother! However they are wonderful cars when running well.

[fastbikes76]

bolidemichael said:

Blimey, FB. I'm both impressed and humbled. How long has it taken you to catch up with the thread?(!)

Haha, I wouldn’t be overly impressed. I quite often miss stuff and then when randomly browsing find stuff that interests me... this thread is one of them

[B'stard Child]

fastbikes76 said:

bolidemichael said:

Blimey, FB. I'm both impressed and humbled. How long has it taken you to catch up with the thread?(!)

Haha, I wouldn’t be overly impressed. I quite often miss stuff and then when randomly browsing find stuff that interests me... this thread is one of them

I find that stuff that doesn't interest me is often more interesting in terms of being on a journey with the OP

I don't think I've ever bookmarked a thread involving a Lotus Carlton for instance..........

On the other hand one of my favorite threads on PH right now is a Citroen C6 - I really don't want to own one - I really don't even like them let alone love one - I'm sure it's a pleasure pain thing

[bolidemichael]

I almost purchased one of two C6 UK registered petrol V6 versions before I bought my E63 645Ci in 2015. The whole thing is quirky.

[B'stard Child]

bolidemichael said:

I almost purchased one of two C6 UK registered petrol V6 versions before I bought my E63 645Ci in 2015. The whole thing is quirky.

You've got way closer than I would ever have done - I'd run a mile

[bolidemichael]

B'stard Child said:

bolidemichael said:

I almost purchased one of two C6 UK registered petrol V6 versions before I bought my E63 645Ci in 2015. The whole thing is quirky.

You've got way closer than I would ever have done - I'd run a mile

I thought that the 645Ci was a poetic replacement for my E30 325i, being a manual and a couple in schwarz black metallic, but it was thankfully eligible for the most cost effective BMW Mondial warranty. With £100 excess I saved a packet on that leaky V8.

[bolidemichael]

Feb 2020 and I hit another milestone:



and shortly thereafter, it was oop Norf to Scotland for the anti-sun on offer in the February half term. I had never seen a Tesla charging bay so busy!



We were actually travelling North during the weather warning that was Storm Dennis, which was engulfing swathes of the UK, as indicated here by the graphic with a dubious graphic.



Somehow, we missed the majority of the bad weather, though the faster we went, the happier Magnus seemed to go. Combined with the fact that the roads were largely empty, we made it in mega time, with a high avg speed.

[bolidemichael]

From Glasgow, we departed the next day for our brief sojourn to Dundee. I had been very keen to visit this swiftly changing city, in particular I wanted to visit the recently opened V&A (adopted as Dundee & A).

It was a nice drive, on largely avg speed controlled roads (!); what sods - though the upside was that I could chill and cruise through increasingly lovely scenery including a pass by my university town of Stirling.

Dundee was home town of the Dandy and the Beano; that was memory lane for me - I recall every Friday evening when my parents would go shopping at the massive Tesco, they'd leave my brother and myself in the mag section and I'd always read the Dandy.









and there is lots of cheeky character in the City.









Additionally, some of you may have enjoyed whiling away the hours on a computer game named 'Lemmings'. It was a veritable classic and so addictive. I recall that it earned a score above 95% in C&VG mag.

It was created by DMA Design, based in Dundee and they went on to become Rockstar and to create Grand Theft Auto.





Dundee's recent development was detailed in this outstanding price on the BBC, revolving around the predominantly female skilled workforce from Timex, then onto build the ZX Spectrum. It was this article, in combination with the launch of the V&A, that had captured my imagination in visiting.

The V&A has acted as a catalyst for urban regeneration on a large scale.




The interior is as interesting as the exterior





and I was delighted to find some traditional Cypriot design showcased:



back outside it was typically four seasons in one day



and then back to the hotel for a nice Dundonian Pilsner