Sensible family daily wagon - Mercedes Benz S211 E500
Discussion
The timeline was a little incorrect with the final image, as I'd fettled the seat a little before re-installing. Firstly, I reclaimed the fabric from the B pillar trim with a little softening of glue in the AGA.
I cut a piece and used it to deaden the rubbing of plastic on leather -- sorry GPM, my fasdititties were so buxom here -- my intention was to get the detailer to make it neater in time. Until then, it's hidden by the centre console so function over form...
Lifted the seat back in, it must weigh about thirty kilos and it's really tough to get it in.
The runner did tarnish the leather whilst placed on it for a re-adjustment. Annoying, but thankfully didn't rip through the leather.
Seat belt back in at 32Nm
Trim fitted
Next up was the driver's seat
Start to undress it
The damage evident here whilst my little helper gets on with it
Popping out the 'courtesy' light which for replacement in the new trim
and evidence that this has been tampered with in the past
We did a better job replacing the fabric on the new trim
Making progress
Look at the difference in colour after almost twenty years, albeit it has been cleaned during my tenure.
Same process again for the pillar vents. This process does highlight how well these cars were put together.
This part was irritating -- this must've been removed in the past and the thin rubber that slots into the groove is warped, making it sit proud
The metal teeth have perforated the rubber and it was too hard to get them to fit in
So back in with the seat
The steering wheel made it harder -- note the runners resting on it
Some further titivation with replacement trim (the other is just missing)
Damage to the wood and leather -- faint but irritating.
some more fabric retrieved
One thing I forgot to mention is that I failed to disconnect the battery the evening before, prior to disconnecting the air bag. When I turned the car back on -- the air bag light was illuminated. Perhaps Stegel will remind me how I resolved this -- as it was he who guided me in the first place.
He'd also sent me a B pillar WIS which was very useful, so much appreciated. After a long and ultimately successful day...
I cut a piece and used it to deaden the rubbing of plastic on leather -- sorry GPM, my fasdititties were so buxom here -- my intention was to get the detailer to make it neater in time. Until then, it's hidden by the centre console so function over form...
Lifted the seat back in, it must weigh about thirty kilos and it's really tough to get it in.
The runner did tarnish the leather whilst placed on it for a re-adjustment. Annoying, but thankfully didn't rip through the leather.
Seat belt back in at 32Nm
Trim fitted
Next up was the driver's seat
Start to undress it
The damage evident here whilst my little helper gets on with it
Popping out the 'courtesy' light which for replacement in the new trim
and evidence that this has been tampered with in the past
We did a better job replacing the fabric on the new trim
Making progress
Look at the difference in colour after almost twenty years, albeit it has been cleaned during my tenure.
Same process again for the pillar vents. This process does highlight how well these cars were put together.
This part was irritating -- this must've been removed in the past and the thin rubber that slots into the groove is warped, making it sit proud
The metal teeth have perforated the rubber and it was too hard to get them to fit in
So back in with the seat
The steering wheel made it harder -- note the runners resting on it
Some further titivation with replacement trim (the other is just missing)
Damage to the wood and leather -- faint but irritating.
some more fabric retrieved
One thing I forgot to mention is that I failed to disconnect the battery the evening before, prior to disconnecting the air bag. When I turned the car back on -- the air bag light was illuminated. Perhaps Stegel will remind me how I resolved this -- as it was he who guided me in the first place.
He'd also sent me a B pillar WIS which was very useful, so much appreciated. After a long and ultimately successful day...
BM - good work there, all those fragile plastic clips are so tricky you did well to get it all back together. Sometimes I think I’d prefer exposed screws to the sleek hidden fixings that are great when building a car on the track but not so good when it needs to come apart. The driver’s side B pillar trim is chafed on my 500 too, but let’s get the rest of it sorted first.
As far as I’m aware the air bag light needs a code re-set, so if I offered you some clever trick to reset it I have since forgotten it!
As far as I’m aware the air bag light needs a code re-set, so if I offered you some clever trick to reset it I have since forgotten it!
Thanks Stegel.
If I may -- copy/paste the PMs that we shared last year, perhaps it might mean something to you:
If I may -- copy/paste the PMs that we shared last year, perhaps it might mean something to you:
Stegel said:
I have only removed wheels with airbags, rather than seats, thus far but I think the rule is don’t turn on the ignition rather than remove the battery per se, although it will have the same effect. I’m not sure if the airbag light is a sign of it not working or simply “I’ve been messed with” warning, so it may wait until you get home
It just so happened that there was an event at Shelsley Walsh hill climb organised by London-based 'lifestyle' dealer 'Duke of London' and they made a splendid effort with the poster:
Adjacent to the paddock, this could be a good venue for an overnighter with the Barge thread crew
There was a great band, an open paddock and a very relaxed atmosphere. I even met Toby Moody erstwhile Eurosport MotoGP co-commentator alongside Julian Ryder during the golden years of Rossi's dominance. A very nice guy indeed.
As we headed back to the car, my son and I had the same thought... we could probably get away with an illicit run up the hill!
After being reprimanded by a man with pork chop sideburns, we descended (inevitably). A great, low key day with an eclectic crowd.
Adjacent to the paddock, this could be a good venue for an overnighter with the Barge thread crew
There was a great band, an open paddock and a very relaxed atmosphere. I even met Toby Moody erstwhile Eurosport MotoGP co-commentator alongside Julian Ryder during the golden years of Rossi's dominance. A very nice guy indeed.
As we headed back to the car, my son and I had the same thought... we could probably get away with an illicit run up the hill!
After being reprimanded by a man with pork chop sideburns, we descended (inevitably). A great, low key day with an eclectic crowd.
The next errand for Magnus was to take our clutch of Islabikes to the factory for a service, since we were local. Firstly, a chance to load the roof racks with more than two bikes for the first time:
En route, we were playing my favourite game of 'fuel light bingo' with the added jeopardy of 'wife in tow':
Eleven miles later, we got to the petrol station!
Bikes dropped off, kids in camp... we headed to Ludlow for a mooch around town. Isn't this a nice image?
Bikes collected:
Insipiration for dinner found:
Just a nice chilled day in the country.
En route, we were playing my favourite game of 'fuel light bingo' with the added jeopardy of 'wife in tow':
Eleven miles later, we got to the petrol station!
Bikes dropped off, kids in camp... we headed to Ludlow for a mooch around town. Isn't this a nice image?
Bikes collected:
Insipiration for dinner found:
Just a nice chilled day in the country.
The next day, kids dropped off in camp once again 
We headed towards Wales via Hay-on-Wye on the loose guidance of a local petrohead in a pub.
There was a food (and general) market on and I found some great local providers such as Hay Charcuterie.
Following the River Wye along the A438, we then headed into some bucolic scenery around Powys.
Many unpronounceable names
and we were delighted to happen across the second characterful bridge of the day -- Erwood Bridge nr Bulith Wells.
Driving across was fun, and I grabbed a final shot before heading off.
We ended up in Crickadarn
The village 'triangle' was interesting from all three angles
Where we stopped for a bite to eat, sat in the generous boot opening amd then drove back in good time to collect the children.
We headed towards Wales via Hay-on-Wye on the loose guidance of a local petrohead in a pub.
There was a food (and general) market on and I found some great local providers such as Hay Charcuterie.
Following the River Wye along the A438, we then headed into some bucolic scenery around Powys.
Many unpronounceable names
and we were delighted to happen across the second characterful bridge of the day -- Erwood Bridge nr Bulith Wells.
Driving across was fun, and I grabbed a final shot before heading off.
We ended up in Crickadarn
The village 'triangle' was interesting from all three angles
Where we stopped for a bite to eat, sat in the generous boot opening amd then drove back in good time to collect the children.
To cap off our visit to Herefordshire -- gratitude for the raised air suspension setting -- don't swap this out if you own one!.
The filth got to me and I was bored enough to find a local "valeter" who was good not great.
Saying goodbye to Eardisland
Departure day
Mandatory family road trip treat
and stats fro the return leg with a lower than usual mpg due to the bikes on the roof -- but higher than usual thanks to a flowing route and less rushing.
The filth got to me and I was bored enough to find a local "valeter" who was good not great.
Saying goodbye to Eardisland
Departure day
Mandatory family road trip treat
and stats fro the return leg with a lower than usual mpg due to the bikes on the roof -- but higher than usual thanks to a flowing route and less rushing.
Even though I haven't got anything Merc-ish I really enjoy the updates.
Eardisland is lovely and off the beaten track a bit, now most of the traffic goes around on the other road.
Do you ever get to Shobdon Cafe? Nice on a sunny day to watch the planes with a coffee.
Apart from Shelsley, other local bits in the area are Clee Hill summit (great views, old mine workings and radar dome!), Witley Court (huge fountain and Whiter Shade of Pale video set. Youtube it), Malverns, Elan Valley etc...
We're near Bromyard, so If you ever take your transport to bits again when you're there and need a hand, drop me a line...
Eardisland is lovely and off the beaten track a bit, now most of the traffic goes around on the other road.
Do you ever get to Shobdon Cafe? Nice on a sunny day to watch the planes with a coffee.
Apart from Shelsley, other local bits in the area are Clee Hill summit (great views, old mine workings and radar dome!), Witley Court (huge fountain and Whiter Shade of Pale video set. Youtube it), Malverns, Elan Valley etc...
We're near Bromyard, so If you ever take your transport to bits again when you're there and need a hand, drop me a line...
daver1184 said:
Even though I haven't got anything Merc-ish I really enjoy the updates.
Eardisland is lovely and off the beaten track a bit, now most of the traffic goes around on the other road.
Do you ever get to Shobdon Cafe? Nice on a sunny day to watch the planes with a coffee.
Apart from Shelsley, other local bits in the area are Clee Hill summit (great views, old mine workings and radar dome!), Witley Court (huge fountain and Whiter Shade of Pale video set. Youtube it), Malverns, Elan Valley etc...
We're near Bromyard, so If you ever take your transport to bits again when you're there and need a hand, drop me a line...
Thank you for the comments -- one of the downsides of waiting a year to post is that I miss all of the timely information!Eardisland is lovely and off the beaten track a bit, now most of the traffic goes around on the other road.
Do you ever get to Shobdon Cafe? Nice on a sunny day to watch the planes with a coffee.
Apart from Shelsley, other local bits in the area are Clee Hill summit (great views, old mine workings and radar dome!), Witley Court (huge fountain and Whiter Shade of Pale video set. Youtube it), Malverns, Elan Valley etc...
We're near Bromyard, so If you ever take your transport to bits again when you're there and need a hand, drop me a line...
We did take a circular walk from The Bell at Yarpole up to the Croft Ambrey Iron Age Hillfort nr Aymestery.
and since we're talking about the area, the Feather's Hotel in Ludlow is rather picturesque
Mrs Bolide and myself intend to visit the Morgan factory for the PH event in July, so if you're attending keep an eye out for me, in either the Merc or the Full Fat Range Rover.
Once returned from Eardisland, Magnus went straight to my chum, Ed, of Divine Detailing. Unfortunately he left the sd card out of his camera so missed all of the 'before' shots!
Why have I repeated this after twelve months? Well, as a daily that I lazily wash and occasionally pay someone with a scratchy sponge, it seems like a great way to start from scratch again. Also, I had the Mercedes Benz concours coming up...
This is where I'd asked him to polish the windscreen as it has degraded over the years -- I don't think that it's original but it may be worth replacing at some point.
Rather satisfyingly, he also restored the HVAC sticker that I'd managed to track down (ofc, it has its own part number!). However, he couldn't polish the cover to deep black in order to eliminate the fade from the bonnet vent.
First, however, he consulted me as to the location of the sticker (via whatsapp), so I issued some guidance as best as I could:
And a lovely, detailed engine bay
Some of you may recall that I spotted some hideous paint overrun whilst the car was on the ramp -- I mentioned this to Ed and he did his best to address it:
Here's something that he did manage to capture -- the fingernails of Mrs Bolide
Detailers love s
t like this, it's their MO, after all
It must be very therapeutic though, look at the sparkle from the obsidian
Why have I repeated this after twelve months? Well, as a daily that I lazily wash and occasionally pay someone with a scratchy sponge, it seems like a great way to start from scratch again. Also, I had the Mercedes Benz concours coming up...
This is where I'd asked him to polish the windscreen as it has degraded over the years -- I don't think that it's original but it may be worth replacing at some point.
Rather satisfyingly, he also restored the HVAC sticker that I'd managed to track down (ofc, it has its own part number!). However, he couldn't polish the cover to deep black in order to eliminate the fade from the bonnet vent.
First, however, he consulted me as to the location of the sticker (via whatsapp), so I issued some guidance as best as I could:
And a lovely, detailed engine bay
Some of you may recall that I spotted some hideous paint overrun whilst the car was on the ramp -- I mentioned this to Ed and he did his best to address it:
Here's something that he did manage to capture -- the fingernails of Mrs Bolide
Detailers love s
t like this, it's their MO, after allIt must be very therapeutic though, look at the sparkle from the obsidian
No sooner than we were back -- we were orf! As the MB concours event was taking place on the grounds of the British Motor Museum at Gaydon on the M40, it made sense to continue our journey to Scotland, thereafter. But first:
and a couple of beady-eyed judges -- one of whom is a bargeiste who like Mercs from salt-free climes.
This is owned by 'SilverRocket' Ian Keers MBE, the ex-Chairperson of the MB Club. What a purposeful beauty:
and an R230 SL600! iirc it sports a panoramic roof, too.
We also stomped around the museum which was great
MGBGT
Back to the car park and one last shot of a lovely S63
We didn't win our Amatuer class and iirc were scored 60-ish of 100 -- whereas the winner scored 80-ish. I haven't actually probed the judges for information, so I'll have to do so at some point. I imagine scored down for rubbers and misalinged bumpers etc, perhaps non-OEM tints. One of the chaps, Clive, took a nice photo of myself and Magnus, so here's a photo of my mug. Hello!
After that, we headed straight to our over-nighter at Tebay services hotel and arrived looking good
Golden hour -- woof!
It was quite a speedy journey considering the miles of avg speed hell 50mph and with quite good MPG!
and a couple of beady-eyed judges -- one of whom is a bargeiste who like Mercs from salt-free climes.
This is owned by 'SilverRocket' Ian Keers MBE, the ex-Chairperson of the MB Club. What a purposeful beauty:
and an R230 SL600! iirc it sports a panoramic roof, too.
We also stomped around the museum which was great
MGBGT
Back to the car park and one last shot of a lovely S63
We didn't win our Amatuer class and iirc were scored 60-ish of 100 -- whereas the winner scored 80-ish. I haven't actually probed the judges for information, so I'll have to do so at some point. I imagine scored down for rubbers and misalinged bumpers etc, perhaps non-OEM tints. One of the chaps, Clive, took a nice photo of myself and Magnus, so here's a photo of my mug. Hello!
After that, we headed straight to our over-nighter at Tebay services hotel and arrived looking good
Golden hour -- woof!
It was quite a speedy journey considering the miles of avg speed hell 50mph and with quite good MPG!
Edited by bolidemichael on Tuesday 17th May 21:22
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