An act of irresistible folly

[The Rotrex Kid]

Magikarp said:

Interestingly both people who have worked on the car deem it worth continuing with.

People say the same to me money, the clue is that it’s not their money

[Magikarp]

Ha! What is money for; if not for spending?

[bolidemichael]

All of the above, both in advice, maintenance and folly cater to my sensibilities!

[Magikarp]

bolidemichael said:

All of the above, both in advice, maintenance and folly cater to my sensibilities!

As always I take inspiration from your voyage. I seem to recall you had a similar issue? Which route did you take?

[bolidemichael]

Magikarp said:

bolidemichael said:

All of the above, both in advice, maintenance and folly cater to my sensibilities!

As always I take inspiration from your voyage. I seem to recall you had a similar issue? Which route did you take?

Yet to have been recorded on my own record of folly. I took it to Wayne Gates Mercedes who attempted to resolve the issue by addressing corrosion on the outlet of reservoir. This was ground down and a smooth seal created with a mouldable metal 'weld'. The hose was then reapplied. This worked for about two weeks then totally collapsed.

I then took it to my usual indy and bit the bullet with two OEM replacement units replaced at the same time, as it involves dropping the subframe and the items were both original.

Stegel is correct about the rear subframe mounts... additionally removing the wheel arch liners and checking the brake lines for corrosion.

I'll check both invoices later and give you an idea of cost.

[Howitzer]

I have a 2006 ML500 and replaced all the suspension air springs as I had a leak on the rear right and a random leak on the front left. The quality of Arnott was great and also the ride has improved enough where I use Sport far more. It still has full ride height control and I’m guessing the rubber on the old springs had hardened enough to affect the ride. That was at 130,000 miles.

Dave!

[Magikarp]

Morning all,

I'm going to pop into the specialist this morning and have a chat with him. I think I'm going to get him to quote for doing all the work at once. In for a penny, in for lots and lots of pounds.

I'm in too deep now to get out, and I was aware it might have happened but would have preferred not to have to do all of this within two months! There is a matter of pride at stake!

[bolidemichael]

Rear Subframe bushes - A2113511442 - £57.40 +VAT
Bolts - A0029907422 - £9.60 +VAT

Labour - Five hours

Air Bellows - A2113200825/80 - £888 +VAT

Labour Five and a half hours

[Magikarp]

bolidemichael said:

Rear Subframe bushes - A2113511442 - £57.40 +VAT
Bolts - A0029907422 - £9.60 +VAT

Labour - Five hours

Air Bellows - A2113200825/80 - £888 +VAT

Labour Five and a half hours

Thanks for sharing that. I have asked for a quote for pretty much all the outstanding work. I’m going to hope that the quote begins with a “1” and not a “2”, ideally.

I’ve also asked the local main dealer to quote for the same work. It will be interesting to see what the differences are….

[Magikarp]

Nothing much to report apart from the fact that I thought I’d better have a look at the car as it had been stood at work for a couple of weeks without much happening, and lo and behold the battery is flat. At least I guess that what it is - the newly functioning central locking (weirdly it appeared to have fixed itself) - no longer functions and I couldn’t even get the key to turn in the ignition barrel. Most odd. One of techies will have a go tomorrow and then we will have to get it charged up again.

Other than that I’ve been driving about in a borrowed Smart Roadster, causing merriment wherever I’ve been, especially if I’ve been spied getting in or out of it.

The car is due at the specialist on 02/08 for the last (he says) bits - under tray and wheel arch liners, replacement the suspension air bags at the back, and reatttach the front bumper, oh and the NSF tie rod end as it was deemed unadjustble when I took the car in for its tracking. So tracking after that.

I hope the latest issue is simply a flat battery.

[Sheepshanks]

Magikarp said:

Nothing much to report apart from the fact that I thought I’d better have a look at the car as it had been stood at work for a couple of weeks without much happening, and lo and behold the battery is flat. At least I guess that what it is - the newly functioning central locking (weirdly it appeared to have fixed itself) - no longer functions and I couldn’t even get the key to turn in the ignition barrel. Most odd.

If “most odd” relates to the ignition then I imagine it’s an electronic ignition switch (EIS) like my C Class so it won’t do anything if the battery is flat.

[bolidemichael]

Big day tomorrow

[The Rotrex Kid]

Hopefully they sort it, getting into this after the Smart is going to be a shock

[Magikarp]

It is a shock! It’s the steering wheel that causes the most amusement - in the Smart it’s right on your knackers, in the Mercedes it seems peculiarly high. Can’t wait to get it sorted, or as the pessimist in me thinks, one step closer to being sorted!

[Magikarp]

Dropped off at the specialist this morning, and hopefully ready mid afternoon so I can get the tracking sorted. Once that's done it will be on its maiden voyage tomorrow to go to Ivybridge to collect our new Campervan.

[Magikarp]

It’s very nearly done 😂

Having ordered the wrong parts (despite numerous part number checks) I have now ordered the correct part. Who would have dreamed that there could be so many variables for rear air suspension?

The wheelarch liners are fitted; bumper is reattached and we are getting there. Probably.

Christ almighty!

[bolidemichael]

So what's the job list while at the specialist?

[Magikarp]

The last thing is the replacement NSR suspension air bag.

Until something else falls off.

[bolidemichael]

So he's going to drop the subframe on one side and replace a single strut?

[Magikarp]

bolidemichael said:

So he's going to drop the subframe on one side and replace a single strut?

Sorry for the delay in replying. It’s done, the machine lives again; and I must say it drives now like I hoped it would. It is very pliant and unforgiving but is so quiet on the road. A very pleasant place to be.

The tracking is done, and the wheelarch liners, as well as the undertray, and the NSR balloon. He also checked the whole of air suspension system and reported back saying it’s in remarkably good condition, The only issue was the NSR balloon failing. The compressor is free from corrosion as are the connecting pipes and he’s carried out tests on the rest of the balloons, and they’re fine apparently. He also replaced the tie rod ends and then had the car tracked and found it was way out (which I already knew). The novelty of having a steering wheel that is actually straight isn’t going to wear off for a couple of days.

So the summary, so far, is;

Track rod ends replaced.
Tie rod ends replaced.
Five Uniroyal tyres and one indeterminate ditchfinder.
Front discs & pads.
Front brake hoses.
Two replacement keys & programming.
Oil & filter change.
Gearbox oil & seal.
Brake fluid change.
Spark plugs x 16.
Front wheel arch liners - forward section x 2
Undertray
OS front bumper realigned and reattached.

Mystery bonus of remote unlocking suddenly deciding to work after showing no likelihood of it ever working and various investigations about infra-red and radios to be discussed.

As the battery discharged itself altogether after sitting around for the best part of three months, the service indicator has reset itself and needs to be re-reset.

Tomorrow I will start looking at what body work rectification needs to be done and start making enquiries. Actually the first thing tomorrow is a really decent drive, and a KFC for lunch. Then the bodywork.