An act of irresistible folly
Discussion
Magikarp said:
Thanks, yes I’m pretty chuffed with that, and I inch ever closer to being able to enjoy the car, although this summer in Cornwall is going to be hell on Earth traffic wise I suspect.
The technician who worked on the car owns the E55 variant and is apparently very fussy about things being done correctly so I think with some care and proper attention at the right time this is a car which will see me through to the electric era.
I hope, (and have everything crossed that can be crossed) that ECP delivery the correct parts this morning, and my friend at work can fit the discs pads, and remaining brake hose this evening.
Waxoyl will be the next major thing after the keys I think, not that there is any mention of underbody corrosion on the MOT history (brake lines aside but they’re being changed anyway) but the brine in the air in Cornwall isn’t healthy so I’d rather be cautious.
I am pleased and look forward to a fellow owner recording their travails on here. It'd be great for you to record the journey of waxoiling, as it is something in which I'm interested too, for similar reasons - I'd like this car to last me another ten years at least. There was a PH review of a company that underseals, based in Wiltshire iirc. The technician who worked on the car owns the E55 variant and is apparently very fussy about things being done correctly so I think with some care and proper attention at the right time this is a car which will see me through to the electric era.
I hope, (and have everything crossed that can be crossed) that ECP delivery the correct parts this morning, and my friend at work can fit the discs pads, and remaining brake hose this evening.
Waxoyl will be the next major thing after the keys I think, not that there is any mention of underbody corrosion on the MOT history (brake lines aside but they’re being changed anyway) but the brine in the air in Cornwall isn’t healthy so I’d rather be cautious.
ECP have done it again. One quarter of my order arrived (the track rod end that isn’t critical, naturally), and the rest “it will be here tomorrow”, followed by “hold on, I’ll just check they’ve been ordered”. I felt a bit sorry for the lad behind the desk because clearly he’s clearing up some else’s messes.
I don’t ever do feedback, but I might in this instance.
I don’t ever do feedback, but I might in this instance.
Magikarp said:
By and large because there is a technician at work who’s doing the fitting and he’s advising me what to get. I know markup in Parts Departments and I’d hate to think what MB would be charging!
Don't you have trusted parts suppliers to the garage you work at?My 2005 Merc estate is in the garage today - sadly it's a C270CDi, rather than an E500! I got the now usual phone call that the job (ABS ring replacement) had turned out to be somewhat more involved than anticipated and rather than collect today he'll give me a call in a few days.
I noted he drives an E55 saloon now too. I guess they're great cars to have - if you own a Merc indie!
It’s an excellent parts department (as far as I can tell) but they deal primarily with Dacia and Renault and would probably end up going with ECP anyway.
My colleague used to work for a Mercedes main dealer so had a head start on what’s needed.
Perhaps I should have gone to Mercedes in the first place, but I’d begrudge paying main dealer prices for a 16 year old, 196000 mile barge.
My colleague used to work for a Mercedes main dealer so had a head start on what’s needed.
Perhaps I should have gone to Mercedes in the first place, but I’d begrudge paying main dealer prices for a 16 year old, 196000 mile barge.
My motor is built on MB replacement parts. I just like the consistency that they offer and generally when I have tried to scrimp, I've not had the best experience. However, the indy did recommend Febi spring links iirc, as the cost was significantly less than OEM, so perhaps that makes me a hypocrite, or flawed, but my logic is that it is preferable to have MB parts across the board and any issues can be isolated when using other pattern parts.
There are other notables across PH that use a variety of pattern parts with confidence, but they generally have a few cars and this is my daily, so I prioritise reliability above all else. I like to keep it as it left the factory, so to speak. Delusions of grandeur, captain of industry etc and likely all part and parcel of my decision making.
There are other notables across PH that use a variety of pattern parts with confidence, but they generally have a few cars and this is my daily, so I prioritise reliability above all else. I like to keep it as it left the factory, so to speak. Delusions of grandeur, captain of industry etc and likely all part and parcel of my decision making.
Edited by bolidemichael on Tuesday 8th June 22:04
I appreciate that and I assume that it isn't taken as a criticism, more of a preference, that any less than original parts gradually diminishes the overall character of the vehicle.
Once we fitted new brembo pads to partially worn MB discs and they had warped the discs within 100 miles. When I eventually got them changed at MB Barcelona (who were very good), they explained that the pads had created hotspots. That made me wary of mixing and matching parts; they may fit but not be manufactured to the same tolerances in all instances.
I know that sometimes, pattern parts are received with the MB badge ground off and that they are much cheaper, but it seems to be a bit of a lottery. Particularly in relation to the brakes, I wonder whether the SBC system which simulates the feel of the brakes on the pedal, is programmed to the wear of the MB oem pad material, therefore may not be so progressive as intended. With a heavy, fast vehicle, this seems of paramount importance to me; or even the tactile control when coming to a stop at low speeds.
When mine were replaced last August, the costs were:
Front pads £60.59+vat
Pad sensors £6.19+vat
Front discs £117.82+vat
If I were purchasing them myself, I'd be able to save up to 10% to 15% with the MB club owners discount available from various dealers. Or MB Edinburgh are quite competitive, apparently.
Once we fitted new brembo pads to partially worn MB discs and they had warped the discs within 100 miles. When I eventually got them changed at MB Barcelona (who were very good), they explained that the pads had created hotspots. That made me wary of mixing and matching parts; they may fit but not be manufactured to the same tolerances in all instances.
I know that sometimes, pattern parts are received with the MB badge ground off and that they are much cheaper, but it seems to be a bit of a lottery. Particularly in relation to the brakes, I wonder whether the SBC system which simulates the feel of the brakes on the pedal, is programmed to the wear of the MB oem pad material, therefore may not be so progressive as intended. With a heavy, fast vehicle, this seems of paramount importance to me; or even the tactile control when coming to a stop at low speeds.
When mine were replaced last August, the costs were:
Front pads £60.59+vat
Pad sensors £6.19+vat
Front discs £117.82+vat
If I were purchasing them myself, I'd be able to save up to 10% to 15% with the MB club owners discount available from various dealers. Or MB Edinburgh are quite competitive, apparently.
Edited by bolidemichael on Wednesday 9th June 09:36
Thanks for the reply. No, I’d not taken it as a criticism. I thought that as people almost always upgrade standard brakes to Brembo or Pagid this would be an improvement.
I’ll give MB Edinburgh an email, because the local MB dealer doesn’t have the greatest of reputations, and also because I’ve just become a MB member it would be good to take advantage of the discounts.
I’m not worried about keeping the car standard; it’s probably heretical to say this but it’s got to see me through the next five years or so, and then it will be a electric wagon of some description.
I’ll give MB Edinburgh an email, because the local MB dealer doesn’t have the greatest of reputations, and also because I’ve just become a MB member it would be good to take advantage of the discounts.
I’m not worried about keeping the car standard; it’s probably heretical to say this but it’s got to see me through the next five years or so, and then it will be a electric wagon of some description.
Magikarp said:
Thanks for the reply. No, I’d not taken it as a criticism. I thought that as people almost always upgrade standard brakes to Brembo or Pagid this would be an improvement.
I’ll give MB Edinburgh an email, because the local MB dealer doesn’t have the greatest of reputations, and also because I’ve just become a MB member it would be good to take advantage of the discounts.
I’m not worried about keeping the car standard; it’s probably heretical to say this but it’s got to see me through the next five years or so, and then it will be a electric wagon of some description.
So why not enjoy the best incarnation of it? I’ll give MB Edinburgh an email, because the local MB dealer doesn’t have the greatest of reputations, and also because I’ve just become a MB member it would be good to take advantage of the discounts.
I’m not worried about keeping the car standard; it’s probably heretical to say this but it’s got to see me through the next five years or so, and then it will be a electric wagon of some description.
As it happens the parts have now arrived and I dealt with a most excellent sales assistant. Now that palaver is done with, let’s get the things on, and move towards the next mission, namely that of the keys.
Bearing in mind there is a difference of 14mm (diameter) between the two types of discs, the new ones must weigh half as much again. Either that or all of my admittedly limited physical strength has atrophied in the meantime.
Bearing in mind there is a difference of 14mm (diameter) between the two types of discs, the new ones must weigh half as much again. Either that or all of my admittedly limited physical strength has atrophied in the meantime.
Adventures on the way home….
It transpires that it was the front undertray. It happened to have sustained damaged previously and wasn’t attached correctly so on my way out of Blackwater, giving it some beans up the hill, the remaining link broke and pulled the wheel arch liner out. Luckily the mechanic who did the work on the car was only ten minutes away and came along and took the undertray off and secured the middle one. I’ll be ordering a replacement front tray on Monday.
Fun and games!
It transpires that it was the front undertray. It happened to have sustained damaged previously and wasn’t attached correctly so on my way out of Blackwater, giving it some beans up the hill, the remaining link broke and pulled the wheel arch liner out. Luckily the mechanic who did the work on the car was only ten minutes away and came along and took the undertray off and secured the middle one. I’ll be ordering a replacement front tray on Monday.
Fun and games!
Edited by Magikarp on Saturday 12th June 21:21
Nice car OP - now I have another E500 thread to follow other than BM's one
Mind you the pollen filter for the SLK at £80 was probably a bit extravagant - but then I've tried aftermarket ones for other cars and they are half the weight and much more flimsy and with Mrs BC's hayfever issues it can be "justified"
bolidemichael said:
My motor is built on MB replacement parts. I just like the consistency that they offer and generally when I have tried to scrimp, I've not had the best experience.
I'm the same - where possible I prefer main dealer sourced parts - mainly because I know they will fit first time and provide long service.Mind you the pollen filter for the SLK at £80 was probably a bit extravagant - but then I've tried aftermarket ones for other cars and they are half the weight and much more flimsy and with Mrs BC's hayfever issues it can be "justified"
Edited by B'stard Child on Sunday 13th June 10:47
Drive to Falmouth to have an early morning lounge on the beach and the car is driving wonderfully, now the brakes and track rod ends have been sorted. Supple, pliant ride and very quiet.
Only one incident today to report - engine management light came on on the way back. There is no malfunction indicated so I’m curious as to what this may be. No change to driving other than a sympathetic rattle from the wheel arch after yesterday’s undertray misadventure.
Only one incident today to report - engine management light came on on the way back. There is no malfunction indicated so I’m curious as to what this may be. No change to driving other than a sympathetic rattle from the wheel arch after yesterday’s undertray misadventure.
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