Re: [MBZ] Undrcover
I have an old Bimmer Z3 Roadster that I have been covering outdoors for most of each year for about 18 years now. My family gave me a Noah (I think I got that name correct) cover that lasted about 10 years before it started to decay. I replaced it with an identical one. The newer one now failed mostly because squirrels and other critters chewed and scratched big holes in it. This cover was a thick, moisture resistant fabric with a very soft car-side surface. All things considered it did an amazingly good job of protecting the paint. It breathed well enough that nothing rusted, corroded or showed any type of water damage. This car still has its original 24 year old rag top. Bird dropping seemed to be the most detrimental element to the cover itself. They stained and rotted it. A few times I laundered the covers in a large horizontal machine at a laundromat, then air dried it. It cleaned up nicely. The Noah’s were expensive, like $300 if I recall correctly. I recently ordered a SealSkin to replace it for about half that Noah price. To be fair, I didn’t even look up how much Noah’s now cost. I just got an offer for a SealSkin and ordered it. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Digest
I use the digest. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Master cylinder
The brake master cylinder seems to be failing on my old toada sienna family truckster. This vehicle is too old to justify the price of an OE one, so I’m considering a rebuilt or aftermarket cylinder. Most parts places and web sites seem to carry the same brands of aftermarket cylinders like - Centric, Dorman, Cardone, Raybestos. Can anybody offer experience/advice about selecting among these brands? Why would you buy a rebuilt one when a new one costs ~$10 more? Thanks Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Why do morons brag about things like this?
When I was an engineering student in the early 70's, I was among a group of students invited to travel to Michigan and visit GM's Technical Center. We parked near the gate of the facility from where our host, a manager at the facility, transported us in a nice new GM car to the entrance. As he was driving us across a large parking lot he suddenly stopped to stare at a parked Chevelle with its rear end jacked up about 3 ft too high. And he exclaimed "Who did that?, Why would he do that? He should understand how much work and money we put into tweaking the suspension design so that car would handle safely and ride well." Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT anyone need a deuce-and-a-half?
Probably a decade or two ago I met a Hummer dealer at a social event in western Pennsylvania. I think his customer base was the strip mining industry. He was amazed that he was starting to get a few suburbanite customers who wanted them for street use. He described the cost to buy, operate and maintain the Hummer of those days as astronomical for highway use. The vehicles were not particularly comfortable or convenient for highway voyages. And the size and capabilities of his Hummers were not appropriate for on-road use. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT I like the idea of this...
I hear you Allen. After driving one of those a week or so, it becomes like an extension of your own body. And I think that one is a particularly coveted model. I've owned a few bimmers. I loved driving them. But hated working on them. Every fastener is impossible to reach. Generally I don't think they are more problematic than Mercedes. It all depends on the particular year and model. The more exotic ones have more expensive problems. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Foggy Headlights
<< I have read about people doing roughly the same thing, but using > > several coats of thinned urethane spar varnish instead of film for the final > > protective coating. IDK if this is any better than the clear coat you > > used though. << The XPEL is like a super saran wrap type plastic film. It is not a varnish or clear coat. The advantage I see is the ability to just snag a corner and peel it off if it eventually goes bad. To install it you wet it and squeegee it onto a polished lens. It adheres tenaciously and does not need a sanded surface with the "tooth" a sprayed or painted clear coat may require. I could not face the prospect of sanding off a varnish or clear coat every year of two. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Foggy Headlights
I remember a recent thread about correcting foggy headlight lenses. I have some recent experience to share. Last spring I had two 2006 model year cars with headlights that had yellowing, becoming brown lenses. One car is a Sienna minivan and the other is an E320 CDI. About 7 months ago I restored the Sienna lenses using a Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit. This kit uses three successive wet sand paper steps followed by hand polishing. The polished lens is finally sealed with a UV block clear coat. The procedure was fairly quick and easy and the results looked very good. But after about 6 months the lenses started fogging and they are now decaying quickly. About 5 months ago I restored the Mercedes lenses using an approach recommended by my brother who used it on his older Lexus about six years ago. My brother reports that his Lexus lenses have remained clear since using this procedure. The procedure involves wet sanding by hand using grits starting at 400 or 800 and then 1000 or 1500 and finally 2000 or 3000. Then, using a small electric drill polishing pad, polish the lenses using rubbing compound. Then using the same drill and pad polish each lens again using “mirror finishing polish” compound. Finally, protect the lenses by covering them with XPEL Protective Film. XPEL makes films already cut to exact size for some headlights like my Mercedes. Otherwise, XPEL can be bought in sheets at various sizes and thicknesses that can be applied and then trimmed with a razor to the exact size of the lens. I was bothered that XPEL does not identify any UV resistance characteristic in their product descriptions. But the product must be UV resistant because my Mercedes headlights have not decayed in 5 months. And my brother has not replaced the film on his headlights in 6 years and his lenses remain clear. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Way OT: Pulls like a freight train
Zero rpm torque? Sounds like a calculated thing based on the maximum force the piston applies to the crankshaft. I assume the crank lever arm is 1/2 the stroke. This Case locomotive only has one cylinder. That makes the zero rpm torque = (1/2bore)squared X pi X steam psig X (1/2 stroke). Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 1995 Mercedes E320 W124 LOW Mileage - $3,750
This car apparently has the underbody panels missing because they are not shown in any of the pictures and not mentioned. I found those panels play an important role in aerodynamics, noise suppression and protection of underbody components. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Mac laptop
In my last job we would get new Lenovo ThinkPads every few years. I can vouch they were very rugged and had nice features for travelling engineering and business use. Except for hard drives, the hardware would never wear out. The operating systems and peripherals would just become obsolete. Of course that was five to ten years ago and I can't vouch for the current ThinkPad products. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Oldest Mercedes with Screen Display
<> So the Sirius/XM in my 2006 E320 CDI is obsolete and wouldn't work anyway? I've owned the car for about 7 years, but have never activated the satellite radio. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Re W211 Headlight Bulbs
I have been buying Orsam-Sylvania H7 (halogen) bulbs from O’Reilly’s. They sell four different price levels of H7 from Basic to XtraVision to SilverStar to SilverStar Ultra. Each successive level represents an increase in lumens, color temperature and projected beam distance. But if you read the small print on the back of the bulb packages, you’ll see as the price (and performance levels) increase, the life expectancies decrease. Last night O’Reilly’s did not have a Basic or SilverStar Ultra available. I picked up a $17 XtraVision that has a life expectancy of 150 hours. I noted the $25 SilverStar is expected to last only about 83 hours. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] W211 Headlight Bulbs
My ’06 E320 CDI has gone through a number of the H7 headlamp bulbs in my 120,000+ miles of use. Each H7 bulb only lasts for some tens or at most a couple hundred hours. I notice there are some LED H7 bulbs now available for reasonable prices. Original H7 halogen bulbs cost $10 to $20 and some of the LED’s cost ~$30 to $60. I wonder what actual experience has been with the LED bulbs. Has anybody tried the LED bulbs and are able to share their experience? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Sunroof recall
I got the letter a month or so ago. It involved two trips to the dealership. In first trip they inspected the sunroof and verified it was one that needed to be replaced. In the second trip they replaced it. Everything worked out well. I'm happy MB stood behind a 15 year old car by replacing a potentially defective part without charge. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Batteries, was: Daimler cheated too?
Hi Andrew, AGM is not a brand of battery. It's a type of battery. AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. I think it uses lead-acid, but the acid is not a free liquid but contained in a glass fabric mat. Ned On Sun, Sep 20, 2020 at 12:17 PM Andrew Strasfogel wrote: > Thanks, Ned. Is the Mercedes branded replacement battery for a Bluetec car > made by AGM or do you have to request it? > > On Sun, Sep 20, 2020, 10:13 AM ned kleinhenz via Mercedes < > mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote: > >> I found AGM batteries are a really good thing. In the winter of 2019 my >> 2006 Mercedes E320CDI needed a new battery. When they checked the serial >> number of the old battery, it was found to be the original battery sold in >> that car when new. That was 13 years and 200,000 miles ago. I had >> the Mercedes dealer replace it with a new $300 AGM battery. >> >> >> >> In 2015, I had to replace the original AGM battery in my 2000 BMW Z3. All >> I could get quickly was a standard wet cell battery at Sears. That >> battery >> never performed well in the infrequent use this car gets. This summer that >> battery would no longer take a charge so I replaced it with a new AGM >> battery. A standard battery at O’Reilly’s would have cost $150. The AGM >> battery cost $200. The difference in life expectancy is ~5 years vs ~10 >> to 15 years. I believe the cost of an AGM battery is well worth it if you >> keep cars as long as I do. >> >> Ned Kleinhenz >> ___ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> >> ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Batteries, was: Daimler cheated too?
I found AGM batteries are a really good thing. In the winter of 2019 my 2006 Mercedes E320CDI needed a new battery. When they checked the serial number of the old battery, it was found to be the original battery sold in that car when new. That was 13 years and 200,000 miles ago. I had the Mercedes dealer replace it with a new $300 AGM battery. In 2015, I had to replace the original AGM battery in my 2000 BMW Z3. All I could get quickly was a standard wet cell battery at Sears. That battery never performed well in the infrequent use this car gets. This summer that battery would no longer take a charge so I replaced it with a new AGM battery. A standard battery at O’Reilly’s would have cost $150. The AGM battery cost $200. The difference in life expectancy is ~5 years vs ~10 to 15 years. I believe the cost of an AGM battery is well worth it if you keep cars as long as I do. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What to Do? Fix and Seel or Just sell as is?
I understand how you feel. I have a 2006 Sienna of very similar description. It has been the family truck for the last 3 or 4 years. But the right sliding door is jammed shut. I had it in for a rare dealer service a few years ago and asked them to open that door. When I retrieved the van, they told me they could not open that door. If I insisted on proceeding, their next step would involve destroying the interior bits of the door to dig into it. We've used it for a long time now without being able to open that door. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What to Do? Fix and Seel or Just sell as is?
For practical reasons, fewer people now experience a tax benefit from donating a car to charity. Your itemized deductions need to exceed the current standard deduction. Recent tax code significantly increased the standard deduction enough that even with my modest retirement income and no mortgage, I never come close to exceeding the standard deduction. The real benefit of donating a car is your gesture of support for the charity. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT - Pipe from ground
<< Did the house ever have a septic system, or water storage tank? >> The house was originally built with a septic tank. It still has a well, but never a cistern or water storage tank. No matter if someone wanted to vent fuel vapors, or septic tank gas, a 1 inch size pipe would make no sense. The community installed a sewer system sometime between 1955 and 1980. The septic tank was located behind the house about 75 feet away from the mystery pipe. The septic tank was closed when the sanitary soil pipes were rerouted under the basement floor out to the front yard to the new sewer. The sewer line invert is deeper than the basement footer. So I assume the footer drains or "leaks" into the sewer. I've never seen evidence of a former sump pump. But before the sewer was installed there must have been a sump pump to drain the footers. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT - Pipe from ground
I appreciate everybody’s input and advice. The mystery pipe actually measures ~1-3/8 inch diameter. That means it is only a 1-inch pipe. I’m certain the pipe is not associated with an underground fuel tank. When I bought it in 1981, the 26 year old house still had the original fuel oil heating system. That system included a 260 gallon storage tank located in the basement with 3 inch or 4 inch fill and vent lines penetrating through the portion of the basement wall that is above the exterior soil surface. When I replaced the fuel oil heating system with a natural gas system in the mid-1980’s, I removed the tank and lines from the basement and closed the fill and vent penetrations with mortar. Furthermore, in the 1990’s I was a certifying engineer for underground storage tank removals and remediations. Nothing around my house indicates any of that stuff is involved. The meters/service entrance for overhead electric lines is more than 10 feet from the mystery pipe. So it is unlikely but possible the pipe was previously an electrical ground. The current service ground is a large rod pounded into the soil right below the meters. I’m starting to think the mystery pipe may be a discharge from some long defunct sump pump. So for now, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT - Pipe from ground
There is a 1-1/2” galvanized pipe sticking vertically out of the ground about 1 foot near a back corner of my house. It is located about 3’ from the house and has an elbow with nipple threaded on the end of it. It has no plug or cap leaving it is open to atmosphere. The pipe obstructs access for machinery into the backyard where I contracted an arborist to do some extensive tree work. The arborist asked me to pull it out or cut it off. I’ve lived in this house almost 40 years, and never figured out what that pipe is. I tried pulling it out, but couldn’t budge it. Before I cut it off it would be nice to know why it is there. Any ideas? Natural gas, water well and sewerage service are located in the front (opposite side) of the house. Years ago there was a heating oil tank located in the basement. The fill and vent lines of that tank were embedded above grade in the stem wall. Electric and telephone lines are, and always have been, above ground near the corner of the house where the mysterious pipe is located. I would welcome any guesses. Ned Kleinhenz 2006 E320 CDI ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] More on sprinter travails
I agree with Greg. After trying several flaring tools, last year, I found that Eastwood tool worked by far the best. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Re ML 722.6 results
Larry: Sounds like the same problem I had a few years ago with my 06 E320CDI with the same model transmission. The conductor plate in the transmission was faulty. It is located where it can be replaced from underneath the car. If you remove the transmission oil pan and filter, the conductor plate is the assembly bolted to the transmission from underneath by a half-dozen or so bolts. When these problems develop, the electrical connector plug to the transmission is usually replaced too. I decided to have an MB dealer make this repair because they have the electronic programming equipment needed to make the new parts function. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT Google "got it" - got what?
What do you agree to when you "get it" in google? In no human lifespan can you mine down into their BS far enough to figure out what you are agreeing to. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT: Winter tires
Here is my experience with Nokian winter tires over the last 20+ years of using them on two different 124’s and one 211 - all rwd Mercedes sedans. All three of these cars were useless on ice and snow when shod with summer or all-season tires. Nokian winter tires made it possible to safely drive these cars anywhere any time in the winter. In the Ohio climate where I drive, Nokian’s studless winter models worked out best. According to my research, and in my experience, performance on snow is always great with any Nokian winter tires. Studs provide a little better traction on icy roads. But studs significantly reduce traction on cold dry or wet roads. The soft compound of Nokian winter tires without studs already provides impressive performance on ice. Ohio’s winter roads are much more frequently dry or just wet or snowy than they are icy. Each set of winter tires wore for 40k to 50k miles provided I would use them only the worse 3 to 4 winter months each year. Tires that provide “W” or “V” rated handling are not very useful in winter months anyway. The soft compound winter tires would wear too quickly in warm weather. And I think winter tires would be too noisy and squirmy for nice summer driving. Mounting the winter tires on a separate set of rims made changing them very convenient and long term more economical. To get the benefits of great winter performance, stick with winter only rated tires. I put a set of Nokian all-season tires on one of my cars for a while. Although they were very good tires, their winter performance was unremarkable. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Another OT question - ball valves
If ball valves don't hold up well and are difficult to repair/replace, try globe valves. Globe valves can almost always be taken apart and rebuilt without removal from the line. Gate valves are typically used in large diameter applications, they have almost no flow resistance when wide open, but don't throttle very well, and usually don't seal tight when closed. Ball valves have very little flow resistance when open, don't hold up well when used for throttling and are practical mostly in smaller diameter applications. Globe valves are intended for throttling but have relatively more flow resistance when wide open. Most older houses I've lived in used globe valve for line isolation. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT: How long have you been here? Csn you remember?
Sometime in the early or mid 90's, MBCA invited me to join their list monitored by Kathy Kennel. And over the years my membership evolved to this list. Mostly I lurk because I use the digest mode and don't have time every day to read and interact with all the information. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Shiftless W211
I need some advice from someone who has special experience with W211’s. My 2006 E320 CDI is having shifting problems. It can get stuck in 2ndor 3rdgear when operating in “Drive”. When that happens, I can stop and shift into “Neutral”, but the stick locks me out of “Reverse” and “Park” until I shut the car down.Sometimes when I start it in “Park” the dash will indicate “R” and the reverse lights will be on. But it’s not actually in “Reverse”. It’s throwing an P0705 code which means the transmission range sensor is malfunctioning. I can’t get any more detail with my very inexpensive HF - OBD II reader (and I’m shopping for a better for a better OBD tool) Going though a recommended diagnose and repair procedure, I have: - Checked the battery and verified voltage - Checked the level and color of transmission fluid. - Checked the brake light switch by removing and bench testing. So far all is OK. The next step is to replace the Shift Module (which contains the range sensor). The shift module is easy enough to remove. And I plan to open it up and try to repair it. But from what I’ve read, few people succeed in repairing a shift module. So I’ll probably have to replace it. Here is what I need to figure out before I can replace it (if necessary). Some Internet sources say the shift module has to be programmed by an MB dealer after it is installed, or the ECU will not allow the starter to engage. Other sources say no programming is necessary, the fault codes just need to be cleared. Does anybody on this list have experience with this issue that they can share? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] 2005 E320 CDI (Larry Turner)
Craig, I have a 2006 copy of the E320 CDI. It is almost identical to the 2005 version. I bought mine about 4 or 5 years ago at 100k miles, It now has 215K miles and I have noticed very little, if any, decay in the time I've owned this car. It has more torque ( and acceleration) than V-8 cars I've previously driven. And that is while getting 35 mpg in town and up to 40 mpg on highway. The pictures of the car you are considering show that car was particularly well cared for because it has all the covers and shields around the engine compartment. I had a hard time finding one that still had all that stuff. I don't know how functionally important those things are, but they indicate to me a level of care and attention to detail someone was giving to its maintenance. I've had no problems with the SBC (brake by wire). And I think I saw somewhere that prices for after market and/or dealer parts for SBC has come down a lot since warranties expired. So I'm not too worried about any eventual repairs SBC may need. I would definitely look that car over. I would want more money than that to sell mine. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Sump pump
Probably just needs a new check valve at the pump end of the discharge line. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Stupid money for a 1980 300TD
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-mercedes-benz-300td-2/ I owned the identical twin to the above listed W123 - 300TD starting in 1986. It was also a white 1980 model with the same reddish brown interior like this one. Mine had carpet faded in the same way in the same places and the same sisal (sp?) floor mats. Seeing the photos in this BAT listing was a great trip down memory lane. It was one of my favorite cars. I personally drove it daily for about 12 years and my kids continued to drive it several more years after that. The NA diesel was slow accelerating, and we nicknamed the car Myrtle as my kids called it Myrtle the Turrtle. But it handled well and could sure cruise comfortably and quickly on the highway. The only upgrades I remember included using "H" rated Michelins and replacing the Becker radio with a Blaupunkt cassette player. In retrospect, maintenance was inexpensive, and except for the Chrysler based HVAC system, nothing ever failed on it. I finally salvaged it when one of the kids broke a front wheel off in an ice storm. At that time the car had well over 300,000, probably approaching 400,000 miles on it. Considering it had around 100,000 miles on it when I bought it, it was really a good value. Thanks for the memories, Ned Kleinhenz 2006 E320 CDI ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Calculators
My "slip stick" from the olden days is a Dietzgen slide rule. It's mahogany and about 13 inches long (is that bragging?). It even has a holster to complete the injunear geek affect. It now lives in a box of memorabilia. When I started a graduate course in the mid-1970's, I carried it to the first class. All my class mates had TI calculators. Felt like the fool who brought a knife to a gun fight. That same week I bought a TI SR-50 which I used for about 10 years. It went through several batteries and chargers. I replaced it with an HP 11C. I still use that same HP every day. It's older than my married children. Never found another calculator with the quality and durability of that vintage HP. It only requires three new button batteries once every 5 years or so. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Rear suspension of a W211
I need to replace the rear coil springs on my 2006 E320 CDI. The lower rings of the coils look badly corroded. I remember that the W124’s and older models do not need a spring compressor to replace rear coils. By disconnecting the shock absorber, you could drop the control arm far enough for the coil spring to just fall out. Is this same situation also true for this W211 that I now drive? This W211 chassis has a 5 arm multi link for the rear suspension. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Rear suspension of a W211
Thanks Dan. It looks like a w211 rear suspension can be worked on in a similar manner to a w123 or w124. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Pushing the Envelope
I don't have the details on how to properly replace the windshield on a 124. But I want to caution you to get it done right by someone who knows how to do it correctly. My 123.131 has a windshield that was replaced by a PO. Whoever put it in did not do it correctly and the results have been disastrous for me. For the first few years I owned the car, everything was fine around the windshield. Then a whistle developed in the upper forward cabin, and then water started leaking in every time it rained or snowed. I couldn't figure out where the leak was until eventually water started dripping from the top of the windshield onto the steering wheel. Very quickly after that the painted windshield frame showed signs of being completely rusted out. I had my neighbor, who works for a windshield replacement company look at it. He said, "Oh... one of those kind... someone did not follow the required procedure when they installed that replacement windshield. Proper installation requires an elaborate process that includes cleaning and refinishing the window frame, and using the correct glue at the right temperature and everything." My old diesel now needs an entire new windshield frame fabricated and installed. Cost of that body work far exceeds the book value of this 1995 machine. This car is still very strong mechanically. So my family continues to use it with three edges of the windshield sealed with Gorilla Tape to the surrounding frame (and rust). Not elegant, but we're getting a little more use out of the jalopy. I still wish whoever put that windshield in would have spent the money to do it right. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT Mini-van dual zone a/c
Curly, The Dodge was an '88 Grand Caravan. It's A/C compressor failed IIRC. Ned ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] OT Mini-van dual zone a/c
Thanks to everybody for the advice and enlightenment. For the most part, you have all reinforced what I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. Actually, the evaporator itself is probably not leaking. The service adviser described the leaks as being in the o-ring joints that connect the several lengths of aluminum tubing connecting the front condenser to the rear evaporator setup. Those joints were all too corroded to separate. Presumably the tubing connections at the rear evaporator were similarly corroded. Of course the dealer's solution is to rip it all out and replace it. And from a dealer's -spare no cost to the customer- perspective this makes some sense. When I googled the problem, I saw some photos that showed the couplings are aluminum, tapped and held together with steel bolts. As you would expect, a little road salt would make the dis-similar metals fuse into an inseparable mass. It would take mucho time, skill and tools to replace just those joints. My wife says she doesn't care about the rear air conditioning, now that the kids left the nest. So I'll probably plug or bypass, as appropriate, the lines to the rear. To keep the records accurate, I can't speak extensively about Toyota, but this Sienna has been remarkably trouble free for the last 175,000 miles. The four Mercedes diesels I've driven over the past 30 years have never had an air conditioner failure. The only significant air conditioner failure we have ever experienced was in a Dodge Caravan my wife previously drove. Thanks again for the advice and help, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] OT Mini-van dual zone a/c
My wife drives a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The air conditioning in that mini-van lost its refrigerant. The Toyota dealer wanted $3,595 to replace the corroded rear evaporator and rear refrigerant lines needed to fix the leak. I told the dealer “Air conditioning is nice, but not worth that much to us.” The dealer refused to block off the rear air conditioner, and only said, “You can’t do that”. I see there are several sources of special tubing plugs used to block off the rear air conditioning of this mini-van model. Does anybody have experience with this? Can the front A/C system of dual evaporator vehicle, work long term, with the back system blocked off? Thanks, Ned Kleinhenz 06 – E320 CDI 95 – E300D ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Subject: Re: another oddball experience with W123 heat
FWIW - whenever the heaters in my 123's behaved that way, I needed to top off the coolant level. NK Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: https://server.secureplusplusfour.net:2083/cpsess595060604/3rdparty/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Batteries
Last weekend, I bought a new group 49 for my w124 diesel Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] Batteries
Last weekend, I bought a new group 49 for my w124 diesel at Sears. Second best model cost more than $180 with tax. Ned Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] headlight brightness, 123 126
I think Ernest probably has it right. But do the '94-95 124 headlights fit the earlier 124's? Those lights on my '95 were the brightest I ever had on any car Ned Sent from my iPhone ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] Fun Comparison
I recently came across an enthusiast's article about the 1970 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3. The numbers in the article sounded really familiar. They were very close to the numbers of my 2006 E320 CDI. So I looked specs of both cars and made this table: Year ~1970~2006 Model 300SEL 6.3 E320 CDI Curb wt4035 lb3835 lb Wheel Base 112.8 in 112.4 in Length 196.9 in 189.7 in Width 71.3 in 71.3 in Height 57.9 in 57.0 in Engine 6.3 liter SI3.2 liter CI Type DOHC V8 DOHC I6 Turbo Fuel Gasoline Diesel Power 250 hp201 hp Torque 369 lb-ft 369 lb-ft Transmission4–spd auto5-spd auto 0 to 60 6.5 sec 6.6 sec ¼ mile 15.1 sec 15.3 sec Top Speed 137 mph 130 mph Fuel Mileage ~ 15.2 mpg 27 city / 37 hwy mpg Hwy Range 410 mi on 27 gal740 mi on 20 gal Base Price $14,500$51,050 To Compare - Cost of a GTO $3,500$30,000 Many specifications of the two cars are strikingly similar. They are a testament to how far automotive technology has advanced in 36 years. The 1970 model was an exotic super car. The 2006 diesel was near the bottom of the E class line, and is used frequently as a taxi. I'm sure most of the performance specs are disputable. But I stuck as much as possible with the manufacturer's claims. To compare values and reduce the affect of inflation, I compared the prices with to those of my favorite muscle car - Pontiac GTO. The 1970 300SEL 6.3 cost 4X the price of a contemporary GTO. The 2006 CDI cost only about 1.7X the price of its contemporary GTO. The comparison may or may not be significant. But it seems reasonable and is fun. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
Re: [MBZ] Jaime! A Poor Widow Needs Help!
I have the original window sticker from my recently acquired 2006 E320 CDI. It shows a Comand system including harmon/kardon Logic7 surround sound with a 6 CD changer and DVD navigation. The Command system along with a glass sun -roof, powered rear window shade, and heated front seats cost the PO $2950. It also has a $500 Sirius Satellite, which I’ve never activated. The sound system is awesome. It puts out something like 430 watts to more speakers than I can find. And the tuner gets great reception in spite of the antenna being embedded in the back window. But the navigation system is lame. My circa 2008 Garmin Nuvi runs rings around it. This Comand unit can only navigate to a street or road. There seems to be no way to key in a house number. Makes it worse than useless in communities where there are multiple roads with the same name but each has different ranges of house numbers. I think the navigation system can be updated by inserting a new DVD in the trunk-mounted unit. But I have never seen an update newer than 2008. And that update costs about 2X or 3X the price of a new Garmin. It’s reassuring to hear the Comand is robust. If it goes bad many readouts on the dash would quit working. Even the analog clock in the dash is controlled by the navigation system. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] 211 to buy?
So the pee tank is where the spare belongs on a W211? Does the 212 have a spare tire? In 2007 the W211 got a face lift. I have a hard time seeing the difference between pre and post face lift 211's. The pee tank (urea solution) showed up sometime in 2007 or later with the V-6 diesels in the post face lift W211's. The 2005 and 2006 (pre-face lift) CDI's came with std 16 tires and a compact spare. I don't know what type of tires came with the post face lift CDI's. The other gas engine W211's had 17 and 18 wheels and probably run-flats. I don't know about the W212's (2010 and later). After seeing what my son and my fellow workers experienced, I avoid run-flats like the plague. They cost a lot, don't wear very long and handle terribly. In exchange for those draw backs, after loosing its air, a run flat will go 50 miles before self destructing. Give me a spare (even a compact spare) any day. Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
[MBZ] 211 to buy?
In my search, last year, for a CDI, I found mostly 2005 model year available, with a few of the almost identical 2006's also around. These straight 6 models were also made in 2004 and probably earlier. But I'm not sure the CDI's were available in North America before 2005. In 2007 through 2009 they went to the Blue-Tech V-6 engine, which are supposed to be very nice, but certainly more expensive. The straight six's of 2005-06 seem bullet-proof and powerful. But this car also has SBC brakes, which is an electronically controlled braking system of controversial reliability. The post 2007's have a more conventional braking system. I remember the Chrysler affiliation ending in 2006. I bought a 2006 CDI, with 100k mi, last October. So far I'm really glad I bought it. It is the nicest and by far the fasted MB diesel I've owned in my 30 years of driving 123 and 124 diesels. I often get better than 40 mpg on highway. And the electronic brakes are amazingly effective. So far, in 25k+ miles, I've had no problems. I've owned Chryslers before, and this MB has done nothing Chrysler like to me yet. I did a fair amount of research before buying one. Found the gasoline versions of the W211 were plagued with engine failures and other problems causing prices noticeably lower than the diesel models. But almost every consumer who reviewed their diesel loved it. I'm sure YMMV. Just my $0.02 worth, Ned Kleinhenz ___ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com All posts are the result of individual contributors and as such, those individuals are responsible for the content of the post. The list owner has no control over the content of the messages of each contributor.
