Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
FWD can be more scary when the rear end steps out from behind you substantially... Best vehicle I've driven in snow was a quadratrac equipped full size cherokee. Then again, in california, they haven't quite figured out how to make roads driveable in the winter, so overkill in the capability department is nice to have. On Tue, Sep 09, 2008 at 10:32:30PM -0500, Loren Faeth wrote: FWD can be really scary when the front end breaks loose. I prefer a good MB Diesel with some weight in the trunk and blizzaks. My 110 200D or the old 190Dcs could go anywhere until the belly pan floats on snow, as long as the tires were good and you had some stuff in the trunk, or several passengers. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:39 PM, R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: She is fine so that is the most important thing Glad to hear no injuries involved, here. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. Randy Unfortunately, a car is a fairly personal thing. Without knowing more about you, your wife, your family and the wants, desires and needs of said persons, no crystal ball in the world can really help. So we have to turn the question around a little bit, and ask it from the other direction. In my opinion, I wouldn't own a GM product of any recent vintage. They are uninspired, also rans trying to keep up with other companies without the same soul. The Ford Five Hundred is a decent car, and has ok fit and finish for an American sedan and is available in AWD. Though, I wouldn't want a Focus or an Edge. Chrysler actually has, again in my opinion, the best American sedan right now in the Chrysler 300 / Dodge Charger. The Big Three, as you can see, has way too short a list. One of the many, many reasons they are struggling so hard right now. Turning to Germany we have the obvious in Mercedes-Benz, as well as BMW sedans, but may not be in the proper price point for a recent vehicle to be worth consideration. As well as the drop in build quality of all auto manufacturers due to economic concerns without a drop in the overall prices expected. VW with the Jetta Diesels, awesome modern Diesel cars but not quite in the large sedan category. Asia, and specifically Japan, is where I have been for several years now. Personally, I really prefer the Mitsubishi V6 and that includes the versions that are in the 90's Chrysler's. That little engine is a hard bugger to kill. I had a 7th Generation Galant with a 4 cyl that could easily get into the 100 Mph range, and got high 20's mileage and had 170,000 miles on the clock when I got rid of her. I have a 94 Diamante with the 3.0 V6 that has 250,000+ miles on the ticker and is currently in need of a major overhaul because she's only getting about 15-17 Mph right now. She still starts first hit of the starter, though. Currently, I'm driving the 03 Galant that is arguably My Wife's Car as it was bought for her, but get better mileage right now in the mid 20's that I'm driving it since she isn't working. Your wife had a 98 Toyota, great cars Toyotas. Honda's have to have gold lining in them somewhere, not that I've ever found it, but the prices they ask on even junker ones is astounding to me. Suzuki, nifty little machines. Had an Aerio for a time before an accident totalled it. But my crystal ball, and my opinion, keeps wanting me to nudge you toward a 9th Gen Galant with the MITEC V6 and leather trimmings. Heck, an 8th Gen like the one I'm in right now is a great car, good mileage, seems to have inherited the genes from the other Mitsu's I've owned and are easy to find in the $5000 - $9000 range, dependant upon options, mileage, etc. However, as always, it's just my two cents on the subject and your mileage may vary greatly. EdB -- I'm a Night Elf Mohawk! - Mr. T. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
I've never had an old VW in the snow but would assume the superior traction is at least offset by freezing to death... Of course there was that one time where the heater blower quit on the way to work at -15F... -Curt --- On Tue, 9/9/08, Tom Hargrave [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Tom Hargrave [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: 'R A Bennell' [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], 'Mercedes Discussion List' mercedes@okiebenz.com Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 10:17 PM FWD cars have better drive traction in the snow only because most of the weight is above the drive tires. But they have worse steering traction because some of the steering tires traction is already being used for drive traction. FWD was almost universally adopted by the auto industry, not because its better, but because its cheaper. Then the marketing gurus took over and started the better on ice, snow and rain myth. You'll note that Mercedes never signed up - they know better. Also, the best car on snow was and still is the old VW bug. The engine is over the drive wheels, giving great traction and the steering tires are free to do what they are supposed to do - steer! Tom www.kegkits.com -Original Message- From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: 9/9/08 1:43 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? You might convince me but I tell you, you would not convince my wife. In any event, tires do make a huge difference but I do think front drive does work better in the snow. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Curt Raymond Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 10:50 AM To: Diesel List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Pf! You've swallowed the line on that one. Snowtires and bad power to weight ratio are WAY more important. My 240D is the best snow car I've ever driven bar NONE. Better than my Dodge Dakota in 4wd... Its heavy, low power, and with snow tires has great traction. My 190D is good but the 240D is much better. Last winter I had the summer tires and wheel in the trunk of the 190D, this winter I'm going to try some tubesand to see if I can get better balance. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 11:17:12 -0500 From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Sounds good to me but my wife will not accept anything that is rear wheel drive. In our snowy winters, one does need the traction and front drive is better in those conditions. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1661 - Release Date: 9/9/2008 4:58 AM ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Not a motorcycle rider are you? The books Proficient Motorcycling and More Proficient Motorcycling taught me more about riding and by extension driving than the 15 years I have behind the wheel... Once you lose traction it doesn't matter if the front wheels are pulling or not all they'll do is slip. If you've got good tires you've got more traction. If you're trying to pull and steer you can do one or the other but not both, or rather not both as well as you could do one or the other. Boils down to front wheel drive or rear wheel drive doesn't matter so much as really good snow tires. I don't think I've ever had really good snowtires but even cheapo snowtires are better than all seasons. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 14:01:29 -0500 From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Maybe on braking but my experience would indicate that the weight over the driving wheels helps in other ways. It was similar with the old rear drive VW bugs. They went through snow well. Might have partly been the narrow tires but I believe the weight over the driving wheels helped. Also an issue similar to ABS I think in the sense that one can still steer. The front drive vehicles steer better in snow. The wheels pull the car in the direction one wants to go. Often with rear drive, one would plow straight ahead even if one kept moving with the wheels cranked to the side. That was an issue with my old 2 wheel drive Suburban. Lots of weight so it didn't spin but it was not great at turning. We would get ruts in our back lane and the truck didn't like climbing out of the ruts. Turn the wheel and slide down the rut straight ahead. Had to remember to climb out of the rut at some speed before I got to my garage so that I could turn across the ruts into the garage for parking. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
One time we went to a snowmobile show with both sleds on the trailer, big mistake... On the way home I put one in the bed of the pickup and was so much happier. Moving 400# from dragging weight to over the rear axle made an amazing difference and kept us out of 4wd and thus kept the gas mileage so much better. Loading sleds into the pickup is easy in the winter, back up to a snowbank... In the summer it stinks. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 18:27:08 -0700 From: Jim Cathey [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed my experience would indicate that the weight over the driving wheels helps in other ways. It was similar with the old rear drive VW bugs. They went through snow well. Might have partly been the narrow tires but I believe the weight over the driving wheels helped. Click 'n' Clack tested a FWD Honda (Accura?) against an old RWD land yacht. The yacht kicked the Honda's butt. Their conclusion? Weight. It's all about weight. FWD is only useful because cars that are made lighter need the extra weight over the drive wheels. Very best winter traction is with my pickup truck. Carrying the camper. Some 3000# of weight makes _such_ a difference. We were traveling slip-free on roads where everybody else was spinning and spinning out. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Randy wrote: Well, it is now official, I guess. We need another car. The insurance appraiser stopped looking after he had tallied up over $9K in repair costs. They have offered us $9,095 for the car which I think is probably fair. The car was really nice but also 10 years old. Don't take their first offer. Get up to $9500. It will make you feel better to ding an insurance company for a few hundred dollars. Donald H. Snook 1990 240DL 138k ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Oh yeah! 20 below, scrape the inside of the windshield, roll down the window , scrape the outside of the windshield, while trying to maintain a steady speed and drive within the lane on narrow roads. Oh what fun. I went from that to one of the most stable winter, ice, snow, glop cars, a 1962 190Dc, and the heater will roast you at 20 below if you set it up right. Is it any wonder I still drive Mercedes? At 07:43 AM 9/10/2008, you wrote: I've never had an old VW in the snow but would assume the superior traction is at least offset by freezing to death... Of course there was that one time where the heater blower quit on the way to work at -15F... -Curt --- On Tue, 9/9/08, Tom Hargrave [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Tom Hargrave [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: 'R A Bennell' [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], 'Mercedes Discussion List' mercedes@okiebenz.com Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 10:17 PM FWD cars have better drive traction in the snow only because most of the weight is above the drive tires. But they have worse steering traction because some of the steering tires traction is already being used for drive traction. FWD was almost universally adopted by the auto industry, not because its better, but because its cheaper. Then the marketing gurus took over and started the better on ice, snow and rain myth. You'll note that Mercedes never signed up - they know better. Also, the best car on snow was and still is the old VW bug. The engine is over the drive wheels, giving great traction and the steering tires are free to do what they are supposed to do - steer! Tom www.kegkits.com -Original Message- From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: 9/9/08 1:43 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? You might convince me but I tell you, you would not convince my wife. In any event, tires do make a huge difference but I do think front drive does work better in the snow. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Curt Raymond Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 10:50 AM To: Diesel List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Pf! You've swallowed the line on that one. Snowtires and bad power to weight ratio are WAY more important. My 240D is the best snow car I've ever driven bar NONE. Better than my Dodge Dakota in 4wd... Its heavy, low power, and with snow tires has great traction. My 190D is good but the 240D is much better. Last winter I had the summer tires and wheel in the trunk of the 190D, this winter I'm going to try some tubesand to see if I can get better balance. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 11:17:12 -0500 From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 Sounds good to me but my wife will not accept anything that is rear wheel drive. In our snowy winters, one does need the traction and front drive is better in those conditions. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1661 - Release Date: 9/9/2008 4:58 AM ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com Loren Faeth ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
All true, but I would add, when FWD looses traction on the front end, you are going where ever physics takes you. You have NO control. With Rwd, when the drive axle looses traction, you fishtail, but you can still steer. To me, that is BIG difference, having slid around some in the FWD Dog Caravan. Sliding around in that Caravan is the most scared I have ever been in a vehicle. That is why I like to buy tires in pairs, and put the new tires on the front. As long as the steering axle has traction, you have some control. FWD OR RWD. Doesn't hurt as much ($) to buy pairs rather than 4 at a time. At 08:22 AM 9/10/2008, you wrote: Not a motorcycle rider are you? The books Proficient Motorcycling and More Proficient Motorcycling taught me more about riding and by extension driving than the 15 years I have behind the wheel... Once you lose traction it doesn't matter if the front wheels are pulling or not all they'll do is slip. If you've got good tires you've got more traction. If you're trying to pull and steer you can do one or the other but not both, or rather not both as well as you could do one or the other. Boils down to front wheel drive or rear wheel drive doesn't matter so much as really good snow tires. I don't think I've ever had really good snowtires but even cheapo snowtires are better than all seasons. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 14:01:29 -0500 From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 Maybe on braking but my experience would indicate that the weight over the driving wheels helps in other ways. It was similar with the old rear drive VW bugs. They went through snow well. Might have partly been the narrow tires but I believe the weight over the driving wheels helped. Also an issue similar to ABS I think in the sense that one can still steer. The front drive vehicles steer better in snow. The wheels pull the car in the direction one wants to go. Often with rear drive, one would plow straight ahead even if one kept moving with the wheels cranked to the side. That was an issue with my old 2 wheel drive Suburban. Lots of weight so it didn't spin but it was not great at turning. We would get ruts in our back lane and the truck didn't like climbing out of the ruts. Turn the wheel and slide down the rut straight ahead. Had to remember to climb out of the rut at some speed before I got to my garage so that I could turn across the ruts into the garage for parking. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com Loren Faeth ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Kevin wrote: Best vehicle I've driven in snow was a quadratrac equipped full size cherokee. Then again, in california, they haven't quite figured out how to make roads driveable in the winter, so overkill in the capability department is nice to have. I AGREE! Although mine was a Grand Wagoneer (the big ones with wood paneling and big v8). I had the audratrac and mine had a special granny low. I could go through any amount of snow in that beast. AND it would tow other cars out of the snow. I loved driving that thing. Whenever it would snow really hard I would actually go out looking for suburbans, and trucks that had gone off the road and I could pull them out. I wish I had another one of those old woody's. But, there are so desireable to a odd group of people that the prices has skyrocketed. Donald H. Snook 1990 Volvo 240DL 138K http://www.mtsqh.com/ ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
A guy at work has a Charger which he'd moved up to from a Mazda 626. He says its truely awful in snow and gets poor gas mileage. Taking the best case scenario on both cars the 626 actually averages only 1mpg better. In the worst case its 6mpg with the Charger down at 15mpg (yuck!). I suspect he's running all season tires though. I also hate how new cars open the throttle out of proportion with the amount I push on the loud pedal... -Curt Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:36:27 -0400 From: Ed Booher [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:39 PM, R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Chrysler actually has, again in my opinion, the best American sedan right now in the Chrysler 300 / Dodge Charger. The Big Three, as you can see, has way too short a list. One of the many, many reasons they are struggling so hard right now. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Curt Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: Boils down to front wheel drive or rear wheel drive doesn't matter so much as really good snow tires. I don't think I've ever had really good snowtires but even cheapo snowtires are better than all seasons. Even among all seasons there are vast differences. The first set of tires I had on my 300D were Michelin X1s. There are several hills near my house that I simply could not get over if there was ANY amount of snow on the ground. 200 lbs of sand tubes in the trunk helped somewhat, but it was still touch and go. The next set I bought were some BF Goodrich model that the local tire store was closing out. With those, I NEVER had trouble getting home even if I didn't have sand in the trunk. I never knew how much even similar-looking tires could vary in snow performance until I experienced it firsthand. Allan -- 1983 300D (for sale) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Tread composition and tread pattern both have a huge impact on snow. Nothing but studs works on ice. Thanks, Tom Hargrave www.kegkits.com 256-656-1924 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Allan Streib Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 8:58 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Curt Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] said: Boils down to front wheel drive or rear wheel drive doesn't matter so much as really good snow tires. I don't think I've ever had really good snowtires but even cheapo snowtires are better than all seasons. Even among all seasons there are vast differences. The first set of tires I had on my 300D were Michelin X1s. There are several hills near my house that I simply could not get over if there was ANY amount of snow on the ground. 200 lbs of sand tubes in the trunk helped somewhat, but it was still touch and go. The next set I bought were some BF Goodrich model that the local tire store was closing out. With those, I NEVER had trouble getting home even if I didn't have sand in the trunk. I never knew how much even similar-looking tires could vary in snow performance until I experienced it firsthand. Allan -- 1983 300D (for sale) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1664 - Release Date: 9/10/2008 6:00 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1664 - Release Date: 9/10/2008 6:00 AM ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
98 Toyota Avalon - something failed in the braking systems and my wife clobbered a bollard. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Kaleb C. Striplin Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 7:03 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? I guess I missed it, what car are we talking about, what happened to it? R A Bennell wrote: Well, it is now official, I guess. We need another car. The insurance appraiser stopped looking after he had tallied up over $9K in repair costs. They have offered us $9,095 for the car which I think is probably fair. The car was really nice but also 10 years old. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
The best deal for the money right now appears to be a reasonably late model Chevy Impala or Pontiac Grand Prix or Grand Am or whatever they call it. I see 2005 models advertised with 25K miles on them for $12K or so. Hard to beat for size and price. Would also be similar in size to the Avalon that she had. She only drives something like 600 miles per month and pretty well all of that is in the city. I think the Avalon was as far away as Fargo ND once in the 5 years we had it. Her cars usually rust before the mechanicals wear out. There may be an advantage to the Toyota on that issue as the 98 Avalon showed no signs of rust and was 10 years old. By way of comparison, my 02 F150 shows a bit of rust in the bottom of the doors already. She would be happy enough with an Accord or Camry but they want silly prices for used ones. If we do decide to buy new it will probably be a Civic. Probably won't buy new though. I have had only 2 new cars in my whole life and did not find them any more satisfying that my used cars. We have talked about small SUV's like RAV4 and CRV but again very pricy for what one gets and used market is still very expensive. Not many Ford 500's around here. I don't think many were sold. It is a rare sight on the road. I like the look of the Buick Lucerne but expensive -might as well buy a Cadillac. Seems to be lots of those used. Probably not what we want or need though. Not may Mitsubushi's around here either. I see the odd one but could not tell you if there is a dealer anywhere close. Friends have an Audi that they quite like. Lots of choices out there. She will want to do something quickly though and will not truly care what it is so long as it is reliable. We bought the Avalon after a Taurus and a Sable. The Sable caused a lot of small problems and she complained bitterly about it. We bought the Avalon in an effort to move up but it has caused its share of small problems too. The basic body is very good and we had no major problems with the drive train but there were issues and some were not resolved when it got wrecked. At least I don't have to work on it in the next month. I was wondering how I was going to get it all done and now I won't have to. It was due for a timing belt and the steering rack needed to be repaired or replaced. It leaked in cold weather - fine in the summer but left puddles in the garage all winter. Also was due for a change of the tranny fluid and the antifreeze. Had bought both but hadn't done it yet. Also had issues in the climate control system. Something was not right as it tended to fog the windows in the cold weather - probably related to the door that would cause it to recirculate the interior air not opening. So the silver lining is that I didn't have to work on this stuff. The bad side is that I put $1100 worth of new struts on it about a month ago and new rotors and pads on the back brakes about 2 weeks ago. It had nice clean Mobil 1 in the crankcase so someone out there should get a nice replacement motor to drop into a Camry. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Ed Booher Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 3:36 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:39 PM, R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: She is fine so that is the most important thing Glad to hear no injuries involved, here. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. Randy Unfortunately, a car is a fairly personal thing. Without knowing more about you, your wife, your family and the wants, desires and needs of said persons, no crystal ball in the world can really help. So we have to turn the question around a little bit, and ask it from the other direction. In my opinion, I wouldn't own a GM product of any recent vintage. They are uninspired, also rans trying to keep up with other companies without the same soul. The Ford Five Hundred is a decent car, and has ok fit and finish for an American sedan and is available in AWD. Though, I wouldn't want a Focus or an Edge. Chrysler actually has, again in my opinion, the best American sedan right now in the Chrysler 300 / Dodge Charger. The Big Three, as you can see, has way too short a list. One of the many, many reasons they are struggling so hard right now. Turning to Germany we have the obvious in Mercedes-Benz, as well as BMW sedans, but may not be in the proper price point for a recent vehicle to be worth consideration. As well as the drop in build quality of all auto manufacturers due to economic concerns without a drop
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
I agree but it was her car and she already told them she would take it. They will have a cheque in a couple of days we are told. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Donald Snook Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 7:33 AM To: Mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Randy wrote: Well, it is now official, I guess. We need another car. The insurance appraiser stopped looking after he had tallied up over $9K in repair costs. They have offered us $9,095 for the car which I think is probably fair. The car was really nice but also 10 years old. Don't take their first offer. Get up to $9500. It will make you feel better to ding an insurance company for a few hundred dollars. Donald H. Snook 1990 240DL 138k ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
On Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 7:01 AM, Tom Hargrave [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tread composition and tread pattern both have a huge impact on snow. Nothing but studs works on ice. Nonsense. Bridgestone made studded tires obsolete with the first Blizzak 10 years ago. Michelin copied their design and improved on it, and the best ice (and snow) tire now available is probably the Michelin X-Ice. Alex ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Ah! well then you do know what a VW heater feels like. Manfred Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:43:11 -0700 (PDT) From: Curt Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? I've never had an old VW in the snow but would assume the superior traction is at least offset by freezing to death... Of course there was that one time where the heater blower quit on the way to work at -15F... -Curt ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
My Vanagon does pretty well in the snow. Nearly 50/50 weight distribution on the front/rear tires, fairly narrow tires, rear wheel drive/rear engine, and it's water cooled so it has heat. Allan -- 1983 300D (for sale) MG [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ah! well then you do know what a VW heater feels like. Manfred Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:43:11 -0700 (PDT) From: Curt Raymond [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? I've never had an old VW in the snow but would assume the superior traction is at least offset by freezing to death... Of course there was that one time where the heater blower quit on the way to work at -15F... ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
It sounds like you need to go out and try a ton of cars without any real thought to buying one. Then after you've ridden in 20 or 30 then check out your notes and buy one from that... -Curt --- On Mon, 9/8/08, R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Date: Monday, September 8, 2008, 5:49 PM Well, that sounds a bit like the 1st generation Avalon. Often described as Toyota's Buick given it is made in America and bigger than the other Toyotas. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Curt Raymond Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 1:58 PM To: Diesel List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? I had an Impala as a rental this time last year, that'd have been an '07 or maybe '08. It was an okay car, pretty powerful, reasonably comfortable, reasonably efficient, terminally boring. In June I had a Hyundai Elantra, probably an '08. I was very pleased with it, very comfortable, (I'm 6' 215#) powerful, efficient, sporty. Way more fun that the Impala but a bit smaller (not what I'd consider a small car though). If it were me I'd be sure to not count out Hyundai. -Curt ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Not true, they had the same wiring. Problems may have been less obvious because of the relatively fewer engine sensors and ignition wires that had to run accross the hottest part of the engine, but they were still there. I've heard of a number of new diesel wiring harness installs. Everything I've heard indicated that the biodegradeable wiring was introduced with the M104 in 1993 and the 606 in 1995 (at least here in the US). Gary Thompson 1995 E320 On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 7:56 PM, OK Don [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Seems that the biodegradable wiring was limited to the vergasser 124s -- the Diesels seemed to be spared. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
I talked to my brother in law last evening about the issue. He is a licenced mechanic and has been for maybe 15 years. He says that ABS problems are fairly common, especially on GM products. He says that a bit of rust or a wheel bearing that is a bit loose can trick the ABS into thinking that the vehicle is sliding and result in the computer kicking in the pump which leaves you with a rock hard pedeal and no brakes. All it requires is for the air gap on the sensor to be too big. He says Chevy pickups commonly have the problem. You can be pulling into your garage, hit the brakes, and darned near run into the back wall because it suddenly feels like no brakes. He has less experience with Toyota and therefore cannot say that the design is similar and that they might have similar issues. He suggests looking into the issues carefully if we get the car back to try and avoid a repeat performance. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of R A Bennell Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 5:19 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? I did wonder about that as well but she did not mention any chattering or other indication of ABS malfunction. I suppose it could be related. I wonder how one tests for something like that? Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Frederick W Moir Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 3:06 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Randy, Mis-behaving ABS? My family has had some adventures with ABS weirdness., like sliding out into an intersection at low speed with rock-hard brakes = ripple-y road surface confused ABS. Fred Moir Lynn MA At 02:32 PM 9/8/2008, you wrote: She wouldn't have been going all that fast. She was in a parking lot and just arcing into a spot against the building. The pedal did not go to the floor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?/ABS
Y'all need to come on up north for a bit this winter. I activate the ABS daily around here after about mid November. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Wilton Strickland Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 6:09 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?/ABS l've activated ABS only once on my 91 350SDL - 'worked very nicely. Years ago at night in the rain, a car poulled out in front of me at an intersection where I had a green light. I stomped the brakes and held them; the system pulsed with a rapid DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT, etc., as I came to a smooth, straight ahead stop short of a collision. 'Saved bo'fus. Wilton - Original Message - From: Hendrik Fay [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 7:47 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Far as I understand ABS systems is that it deactivates at slow speed/zero speed, otherwise the system would always try and let the wheels turn. Further ABS systems have a self diagnostic function that switches the systems off if any variation is detected, or in other words it works 100% or not at all. The only way I can think of, with my limited knowledge, for an ABS system to produce rock hard brakes is that the system has opened the brakes and is stuck there. I would expect that this would cause alarm bells to go off in the diagnostic part. I guess the way to determine if ABS is the problem is to deactivate it and see if the problem persists but the wiser thing is to have the system tested by a pro. Hendrik with ABS in the TE, my first ABS car R A Bennell wrote: I did wonder about that as well but she did not mention any chattering or other indication of ABS malfunction. I suppose it could be related. I wonder how one tests for something like that? Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Frederick W Moir Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 3:06 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Randy, Mis-behaving ABS? My family has had some adventures with ABS weirdness., like sliding out into an intersection at low speed with rock-hard brakes = ripple-y road surface confused ABS. Fred Moir Lynn MA ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Sounds good to me but my wife will not accept anything that is rear wheel drive. In our snowy winters, one does need the traction and front drive is better in those conditions. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of OK Don Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 6:32 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? No crystal ball, but I sure do like these later 124 Diesels -- I think Marshall thought the '95 (?) 300D with the 606 engine was about the ultimate. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. Randy -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics. -Benjamin Disraeli, popularized by Mark Twain '90 300D (Rattled), '92 300D (Saber), ' '81 240D (Gramps), '97 Ply Grand Voyager (Vincent van-go) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Pf! You've swallowed the line on that one. Snowtires and bad power to weight ratio are WAY more important. My 240D is the best snow car I've ever driven bar NONE. Better than my Dodge Dakota in 4wd... Its heavy, low power, and with snow tires has great traction. My 190D is good but the 240D is much better. Last winter I had the summer tires and wheel in the trunk of the 190D, this winter I'm going to try some tubesand to see if I can get better balance. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 11:17:12 -0500 From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Sounds good to me but my wife will not accept anything that is rear wheel drive. In our snowy winters, one does need the traction and front drive is better in those conditions. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
On the snowcar thing I should point out I drive 110 miles a day in snowy New England and my commute goes from 1100 feet at home to 600 feet at work. There are lots of times when its snowing at home and raining at work. The space in the middle where its sleeting is always scary watching all the cars slipping off the road. This year for those days I'll be driving the 240D with the studded snows Dwight gave me. -Curt ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
You might convince me but I tell you, you would not convince my wife. In any event, tires do make a huge difference but I do think front drive does work better in the snow. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Curt Raymond Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 10:50 AM To: Diesel List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Pf! You've swallowed the line on that one. Snowtires and bad power to weight ratio are WAY more important. My 240D is the best snow car I've ever driven bar NONE. Better than my Dodge Dakota in 4wd... Its heavy, low power, and with snow tires has great traction. My 190D is good but the 240D is much better. Last winter I had the summer tires and wheel in the trunk of the 190D, this winter I'm going to try some tubesand to see if I can get better balance. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 11:17:12 -0500 From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Sounds good to me but my wife will not accept anything that is rear wheel drive. In our snowy winters, one does need the traction and front drive is better in those conditions. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
On Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:51 AM, R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You might convince me but I tell you, you would not convince my wife. In any event, tires do make a huge difference but I do think front drive does work better in the snow. Like somebody said, the only difference between FWD and RWD is which end goes off the road first. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Maybe on braking but my experience would indicate that the weight over the driving wheels helps in other ways. It was similar with the old rear drive VW bugs. They went through snow well. Might have partly been the narrow tires but I believe the weight over the driving wheels helped. Also an issue similar to ABS I think in the sense that one can still steer. The front drive vehicles steer better in snow. The wheels pull the car in the direction one wants to go. Often with rear drive, one would plow straight ahead even if one kept moving with the wheels cranked to the side. That was an issue with my old 2 wheel drive Suburban. Lots of weight so it didn't spin but it was not great at turning. We would get ruts in our back lane and the truck didn't like climbing out of the ruts. Turn the wheel and slide down the rut straight ahead. Had to remember to climb out of the rut at some speed before I got to my garage so that I could turn across the ruts into the garage for parking. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Alex Chamberlain Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 12:45 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? On Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 11:51 AM, R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You might convince me but I tell you, you would not convince my wife. In any event, tires do make a huge difference but I do think front drive does work better in the snow. Like somebody said, the only difference between FWD and RWD is which end goes off the road first. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Well, it is now official, I guess. We need another car. The insurance appraiser stopped looking after he had tallied up over $9K in repair costs. They have offered us $9,095 for the car which I think is probably fair. The car was really nice but also 10 years old. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
I guess I missed it, what car are we talking about, what happened to it? R A Bennell wrote: Well, it is now official, I guess. We need another car. The insurance appraiser stopped looking after he had tallied up over $9K in repair costs. They have offered us $9,095 for the car which I think is probably fair. The car was really nice but also 10 years old. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1662 - Release Date: 9/9/2008 10:47 AM -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 92 300SD, 92 300E 4Matic, 91 300D, 91 300E, 89 560SEL, 87 300SDL x2, 86 300E, 85 380SE 5.0 Euro, 85 190D, 84 190D, 84 300D euro manny, 81 240D, 80 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250, 66 220SEb http://www.okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
my experience would indicate that the weight over the driving wheels helps in other ways. It was similar with the old rear drive VW bugs. They went through snow well. Might have partly been the narrow tires but I believe the weight over the driving wheels helped. Click 'n' Clack tested a FWD Honda (Accura?) against an old RWD land yacht. The yacht kicked the Honda's butt. Their conclusion? Weight. It's all about weight. FWD is only useful because cars that are made lighter need the extra weight over the drive wheels. Very best winter traction is with my pickup truck. Carrying the camper. Some 3000# of weight makes _such_ a difference. We were traveling slip-free on roads where everybody else was spinning and spinning out. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Kaleb C. Striplin wrote: I guess I missed it, what car are we talking about, what happened to it? I think it was Randy's wife that rammed a curb with her Avalon. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Jim Cathey wrote: Click 'n' Clack tested a FWD Honda (Accura?) against an old RWD land yacht. The yacht kicked the Honda's butt. Their conclusion? Weight. It's all about weight. Too bad 165/80R15 snow tires are hard to find these days. You don't need much weight in a Saab 99 running on 165s. If the tires are wide, it takes a lot of weight to cut through the snow. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
FWD cars have better drive traction in the snow only because most of the weight is above the drive tires. But they have worse steering traction because some of the steering tires traction is already being used for drive traction. FWD was almost universally adopted by the auto industry, not because its better, but because its cheaper. Then the marketing gurus took over and started the better on ice, snow and rain myth. You'll note that Mercedes never signed up - they know better. Also, the best car on snow was and still is the old VW bug. The engine is over the drive wheels, giving great traction and the steering tires are free to do what they are supposed to do - steer! Tom www.kegkits.com -Original Message- From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: 9/9/08 1:43 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? You might convince me but I tell you, you would not convince my wife. In any event, tires do make a huge difference but I do think front drive does work better in the snow. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Curt Raymond Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 10:50 AM To: Diesel List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Pf! You've swallowed the line on that one. Snowtires and bad power to weight ratio are WAY more important. My 240D is the best snow car I've ever driven bar NONE. Better than my Dodge Dakota in 4wd... Its heavy, low power, and with snow tires has great traction. My 190D is good but the 240D is much better. Last winter I had the summer tires and wheel in the trunk of the 190D, this winter I'm going to try some tubesand to see if I can get better balance. -Curt Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2008 11:17:12 -0500 From: R A Bennell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Sounds good to me but my wife will not accept anything that is rear wheel drive. In our snowy winters, one does need the traction and front drive is better in those conditions. Randy ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.6.19/1661 - Release Date: 9/9/2008 4:58 AM ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Also, the best car on snow was and still is the old VW bug. The engine is over the drive wheels, giving great traction and the steering tires are free to do what they are supposed to do - steer! My parents had one, and there's a killer hill to get up to on the way to their house. A 90-degree turn (stop) at the bottom of a steep hill, followed by a long sweeping turn at the top and up another hill. The bug always did about the best. They may have put sand in the rear too. However, its average score as a winter car is lowered, and considerably, by its pathetic excuse for a heater/defroster. I also believe the FWD reputation is largely myth, and I certainly don't like the way it handles. So the butt end of RWD gets a bit squirrely in the snow, so what? Back off the throttle a bit. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
And when did the planned obsolescence end? At 09:28 AM 9/9/2008, you wrote: Not true, they had the same wiring. Problems may have been less obvious because of the relatively fewer engine sensors and ignition wires that had to run accross the hottest part of the engine, but they were still there. I've heard of a number of new diesel wiring harness installs. Everything I've heard indicated that the biodegradeable wiring was introduced with the M104 in 1993 and the 606 in 1995 (at least here in the US). Gary Thompson 1995 E320 On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 7:56 PM, OK Don [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Seems that the biodegradable wiring was limited to the vergasser 124s -- the Diesels seemed to be spared. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com Loren Faeth ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
back when i lived in upstate new york and cars were big and rear drive, you'd just put a couple of hundred pounds of sand or cat litter or rock salt in the trunk On Tue, Sep 9, 2008 at 9:27 PM, Jim Cathey [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: my experience would indicate that the weight over the driving wheels helps in other ways. It was similar with the old rear drive VW bugs. They went through snow well. Might have partly been the narrow tires but I believe the weight over the driving wheels helped. Click 'n' Clack tested a FWD Honda (Accura?) against an old RWD land yacht. The yacht kicked the Honda's butt. Their conclusion? Weight. It's all about weight. FWD is only useful because cars that are made lighter need the extra weight over the drive wheels. Very best winter traction is with my pickup truck. Carrying the camper. Some 3000# of weight makes _such_ a difference. We were traveling slip-free on roads where everybody else was spinning and spinning out. -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
FWD can be really scary when the front end breaks loose. I prefer a good MB Diesel with some weight in the trunk and blizzaks. My 110 200D or the old 190Dcs could go anywhere until the belly pan floats on snow, as long as the tires were good and you had some stuff in the trunk, or several passengers. At 11:17 AM 9/9/2008, you wrote: Sounds good to me but my wife will not accept anything that is rear wheel drive. In our snowy winters, one does need the traction and front drive is better in those conditions. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of OK Don Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 6:32 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? No crystal ball, but I sure do like these later 124 Diesels -- I think Marshall thought the '95 (?) 300D with the 606 engine was about the ultimate. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. Randy -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics. -Benjamin Disraeli, popularized by Mark Twain '90 300D (Rattled), '92 300D (Saber), ' '81 240D (Gramps), '97 Ply Grand Voyager (Vincent van-go) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com Loren Faeth ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
R A Bennell wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. Clean, no rust etc. I just put 4 new strut assemblies and new back brakes on it about a month ago. I was about to put a timing belt in it and to change the anti-freeze. They may fix it but I am not sure we want to keep it if they do. It took a fairly major hit on the front. Bad enough to break things like the radiator. She is fine so that is the most important thing but she is rather upset about her car. I don't think breaking the radiator is that big of a problem. Posting pictures would give you some opinions as to how road worthy it is. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. I recently saw the engine bay of a 2008 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It was cavernous! Would be super easy to work on in the future. Not sure about mileage though. I've also done A/C work on a '92 Civic... was very impressed at how easy it was to work on the car. Removed the evaporator in about 1 hour!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Unfortunately, I don't have any photos to provide. She took one with her camera phone but I don't have access to that at the moment. It was not able to be driven away. Had to be hauled. I was out of town so did not attend the scene and it is now in a compound across town. I could go and look but don't think I will. We gave instructions to take it to a local bodyshop if they don't write it off, so it will be within a block or so within a week if they elect to fix it. Really sad as it was a nice car. She hit a bollard in front of the local Blockbuster movie store. She says she was pulling into the parking spot and stepped on the brake and it did not stop. Not sure what that means. She says it has done that once before but that time there was nothing to hit and it was alright. She wondered about it and says she mentioned it to me but I can't say that I recall it. She thinks that was maybe in April of this year. I had a similar issue with a Honda Civic years ago that turned out to be a sticking one way check valve in the main vacuum hose from the intake to the booster. I guess it would occasionally stick and then it had brakes but not power brakes so it felt like no brakes. A $50 replacement hose from the dealer fixed that problem then. Don't know if we are having a similar issue with this car or not. Good thing it wasn't going up to a red light. She might have gone into the intersection and got hit by who knows what. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of John Robbins Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 10:42 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? R A Bennell wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. Clean, no rust etc. I just put 4 new strut assemblies and new back brakes on it about a month ago. I was about to put a timing belt in it and to change the anti-freeze. They may fix it but I am not sure we want to keep it if they do. It took a fairly major hit on the front. Bad enough to break things like the radiator. She is fine so that is the most important thing but she is rather upset about her car. I don't think breaking the radiator is that big of a problem. Posting pictures would give you some opinions as to how road worthy it is. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. I recently saw the engine bay of a 2008 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It was cavernous! Would be super easy to work on in the future. Not sure about mileage though. I've also done A/C work on a '92 Civic... was very impressed at how easy it was to work on the car. Removed the evaporator in about 1 hour!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
R A Bennell wrote: She hit a bollard in front of the local Blockbuster movie store. How fast was she going? If she was pulling into a parking lot, I don't think you would have 'crumpled' any of the crumple zones. She says she was pulling into the parking spot and stepped on the brake and it did not stop. Not sure what that means. If it went all the way to the floor it is a bad master cylinder. If it was really stiff, I agree with the no power brakes... You sure have to push hard when that goes out!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:42 PM, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: R A Bennell wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. Clean, no rust etc. I just put 4 new strut assemblies and new back brakes on it about a month ago. I was about to put a timing belt in it and to change the anti-freeze. They may fix it but I am not sure we want to keep it if they do. It took a fairly major hit on the front. Bad enough to break things like the radiator. She is fine so that is the most important thing but she is rather upset about her car. I don't think breaking the radiator is that big of a problem. Posting pictures would give you some opinions as to how road worthy it is. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. I recently saw the engine bay of a 2008 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It was cavernous! Would be super easy to work on in the future. Not sure about mileage though. I've also done A/C work on a '92 Civic... was very impressed at how easy it was to work on the car. Removed the evaporator in about 1 hour!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Gary Hurst wrote: i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? A LONG way away... The auto industry as a whole has admitted that was a huge failure. All the RD for *automotive* fuel cells has moved to hybrids. Industry is still actively pursuing fuel cells for other applications, but fuel cells in cars is basically not an option until there is a major breakthrough. John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
You mean ones normal people can afford? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gary Hurst Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 10:30 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:42 PM, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: R A Bennell wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. Clean, no rust etc. I just put 4 new strut assemblies and new back brakes on it about a month ago. I was about to put a timing belt in it and to change the anti-freeze. They may fix it but I am not sure we want to keep it if they do. It took a fairly major hit on the front. Bad enough to break things like the radiator. She is fine so that is the most important thing but she is rather upset about her car. I don't think breaking the radiator is that big of a problem. Posting pictures would give you some opinions as to how road worthy it is. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. I recently saw the engine bay of a 2008 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It was cavernous! Would be super easy to work on in the future. Not sure about mileage though. I've also done A/C work on a '92 Civic... was very impressed at how easy it was to work on the car. Removed the evaporator in about 1 hour!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
that's a shame. a hydrogen hybrid would be great to catch on about now. i'm sort of thinking the internal combustion engine is dead. just a question of how soon. On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 2:05 PM, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Gary Hurst wrote: i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? A LONG way away... The auto industry as a whole has admitted that was a huge failure. All the RD for *automotive* fuel cells has moved to hybrids. Industry is still actively pursuing fuel cells for other applications, but fuel cells in cars is basically not an option until there is a major breakthrough. John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Gary Hurst wrote: i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? Another interesting point... In ChallengeX there was a Canadian university that used fuel cells (only one in the competition). They had all kinds of problems. One interesting point they made was they couldn't test drive their car during the winter. The freezing temperatures would damage the fuel cells. That eliminates quite a bit of the automobile market. John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
right. i'm not sure if it still pays to invest in internal combustion technology, as in it seems to maybe not make sense to buy a new car until the new dominant style will be out there. if it's 20 years away, ok, maybe it pays to buy a 2009 or 2010, but if it is 5 years, then forget about it. On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 2:06 PM, Robert Rentfro [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You mean ones normal people can afford? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gary Hurst Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 10:30 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:42 PM, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: R A Bennell wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. Clean, no rust etc. I just put 4 new strut assemblies and new back brakes on it about a month ago. I was about to put a timing belt in it and to change the anti-freeze. They may fix it but I am not sure we want to keep it if they do. It took a fairly major hit on the front. Bad enough to break things like the radiator. She is fine so that is the most important thing but she is rather upset about her car. I don't think breaking the radiator is that big of a problem. Posting pictures would give you some opinions as to how road worthy it is. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. I recently saw the engine bay of a 2008 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It was cavernous! Would be super easy to work on in the future. Not sure about mileage though. I've also done A/C work on a '92 Civic... was very impressed at how easy it was to work on the car. Removed the evaporator in about 1 hour!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
no doubt. it has be nearly as reliable as the typical current engine to go over. nobody wants a car you can't drive for 1/3 to 1/2 the year in much of the usa. On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 2:08 PM, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Gary Hurst wrote: i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? Another interesting point... In ChallengeX there was a Canadian university that used fuel cells (only one in the competition). They had all kinds of problems. One interesting point they made was they couldn't test drive their car during the winter. The freezing temperatures would damage the fuel cells. That eliminates quite a bit of the automobile market. John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Gary Hurst wrote: right. i'm not sure if it still pays to invest in internal combustion technology, as in it seems to maybe not make sense to buy a new car until the new dominant style will be out there. if it's 20 years away, ok, maybe it pays to buy a 2009 or 2010, but if it is 5 years, then forget about it. It is going to be *at least* 20 years away. ICE's still have a lot of life left in them. They keep coming up with new gadgets and tricks to keep pulling efficiency out of them. The 2-mode hybrid system (a coalition of GM, MB, BMW?, and some others) is a GREAT system IMO. Increases city fuel economy by 50-100% in **SUV's** and that is with the largest engine available for that car. ie, Saturn Vue Greenline 2-mode has a V6, and the Yukon 2-mode has the 6.1L V8. John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
She wouldn't have been going all that fast. She was in a parking lot and just arcing into a spot against the building. The pedal did not go to the floor. She knows that for sure. We are beginning to think the failure was of the power brakes. She does not recall the engine reving up and does not think that she either hit the wrong pedal or slipped off of the brake onto the gas. She is 54 and not quite senile yet. A big sadness for her though. She has not had any sort of accident since she was about 16. She went off the road in a snowstorm back then and broke a tierod end on a Ford Torino but did not dent the sheetmetal. Her car has been bumped in parking lots but she has never been in any sort of accident that was her fault. A matter of some pride I guess. I cannot say the same for myself. I have had my share of fender benders over the years. 4 in total if I don't count the ones where someone hit me from behind when I was stopped or hit me in a parking lot when I was not there, but none for about 10 years. Only 2 where I was truly at fault and those were in my wilder youth - the last of which happened in 1976. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of John Robbins Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 11:26 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? R A Bennell wrote: She hit a bollard in front of the local Blockbuster movie store. How fast was she going? If she was pulling into a parking lot, I don't think you would have 'crumpled' any of the crumple zones. She says she was pulling into the parking spot and stepped on the brake and it did not stop. Not sure what that means. If it went all the way to the floor it is a bad master cylinder. If it was really stiff, I agree with the no power brakes... You sure have to push hard when that goes out!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
it will have to be sooner if the worst case scenarios on oil are true. On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 2:21 PM, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Gary Hurst wrote: right. i'm not sure if it still pays to invest in internal combustion technology, as in it seems to maybe not make sense to buy a new car until the new dominant style will be out there. if it's 20 years away, ok, maybe it pays to buy a 2009 or 2010, but if it is 5 years, then forget about it. It is going to be *at least* 20 years away. ICE's still have a lot of life left in them. They keep coming up with new gadgets and tricks to keep pulling efficiency out of them. The 2-mode hybrid system (a coalition of GM, MB, BMW?, and some others) is a GREAT system IMO. Increases city fuel economy by 50-100% in **SUV's** and that is with the largest engine available for that car. ie, Saturn Vue Greenline 2-mode has a V6, and the Yukon 2-mode has the 6.1L V8. John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Hydrogen is just a intermediate fuel source and it has to come from somewhere. These days, it's electricity. Going direct, with an electric vehicle, is more efficient. Tom www.kegkits.com -Original Message- From: Gary Hurst [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: 9/8/08 12:30 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? i'm wondering how far we are from hydrogen cell cars? On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 12:42 PM, John Robbins [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: R A Bennell wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. Clean, no rust etc. I just put 4 new strut assemblies and new back brakes on it about a month ago. I was about to put a timing belt in it and to change the anti-freeze. They may fix it but I am not sure we want to keep it if they do. It took a fairly major hit on the front. Bad enough to break things like the radiator. She is fine so that is the most important thing but she is rather upset about her car. I don't think breaking the radiator is that big of a problem. Posting pictures would give you some opinions as to how road worthy it is. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. I recently saw the engine bay of a 2008 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It was cavernous! Would be super easy to work on in the future. Not sure about mileage though. I've also done A/C work on a '92 Civic... was very impressed at how easy it was to work on the car. Removed the evaporator in about 1 hour!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.526 / Virus Database: 270.6.18/1658 - Release Date: 9/7/2008 3:30 PM ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Randy wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. . . . Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. If I were you, I would hope they total the car. The 1998 (in particular) Avalon had a real problem with oil sludge building in the engine and causing major damage. It is one of those cars that the 3,000 mile interval should be meticulously observed. (Just google Toyota Avalon and oil and I bet you get a ton of hits and you can read about the problems). Have you thought of the Chevy Impala. It is about the same size as the Avalon. They are really nice cars. If you can get a 2002 or newer the 3800 engine is awesome and by 2002 they had fixed the intake problem. They get surprisingly good mileage. 30 plus on the highway. They are sporty and I think they are good looking cars. Donald H. Snook ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
If the worst case scenarios about oil are true then hydrogen is even farther off. Where you gonna get hydrogen? If the worst comes to pass coal gassification will be important, natural gas powered (assuming it doesn't follow oil's production drop) will also be there. Not to mention electric cars... -Curt Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 14:24:08 -0400 From: Gary Hurst [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 it will have to be sooner if the worst case scenarios on oil are true. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
I had an Impala as a rental this time last year, that'd have been an '07 or maybe '08. It was an okay car, pretty powerful, reasonably comfortable, reasonably efficient, terminally boring. In June I had a Hyundai Elantra, probably an '08. I was very pleased with it, very comfortable, (I'm 6' 215#) powerful, efficient, sporty. Way more fun that the Impala but a bit smaller (not what I'd consider a small car though). If it were me I'd be sure to not count out Hyundai. -Curt Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 13:58:03 -0500 From: Donald Snook [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? To: Mercedes@okiebenz.com Mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Randy wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. . . . Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. If I were you, I would hope they total the car. The 1998 (in particular) Avalon had a real problem with oil sludge building in the engine and causing major damage. It is one of those cars that the 3,000 mile interval should be meticulously observed. (Just google Toyota Avalon and oil and I bet you get a ton of hits and you can read about the problems). Have you thought of the Chevy Impala. It is about the same size as the Avalon. They are really nice cars. If you can get a 2002 or newer the 3800 engine is awesome and by 2002 they had fixed the intake problem. They get surprisingly good mileage. 30 plus on the highway. They are sporty and I think they are good looking cars. Donald H. Snook ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
I was aware of the sludge issues and have been using synthetic oil in it. I am not aware of any problems with it sludging up. However, that was one of the things that I wondered about when this happened. If there is an issue with something like a check valve in the brake booster feed sticking, it might be related to whatever fumes are floating around in the engine. I gather the reason for the sludge is that the PCV is too small and that was in some manner related to their desire to meet emissions standards. I like the previous generation of Impalas. They had a nice style to them and a friend had one with very few problems. Don't know if she would go for that. She seems inclined to move to something smaller and more efficient. I worry about safety and would prefer she were in something a bit bigger. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Donald Snook Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 12:58 PM To: Mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Randy wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. . . . Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. If I were you, I would hope they total the car. The 1998 (in particular) Avalon had a real problem with oil sludge building in the engine and causing major damage. It is one of those cars that the 3,000 mile interval should be meticulously observed. (Just google Toyota Avalon and oil and I bet you get a ton of hits and you can read about the problems). Have you thought of the Chevy Impala. It is about the same size as the Avalon. They are really nice cars. If you can get a 2002 or newer the 3800 engine is awesome and by 2002 they had fixed the intake problem. They get surprisingly good mileage. 30 plus on the highway. They are sporty and I think they are good looking cars. Donald H. Snook ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Well, that sounds a bit like the 1st generation Avalon. Often described as Toyota's Buick given it is made in America and bigger than the other Toyotas. Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Curt Raymond Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 1:58 PM To: Diesel List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? I had an Impala as a rental this time last year, that'd have been an '07 or maybe '08. It was an okay car, pretty powerful, reasonably comfortable, reasonably efficient, terminally boring. In June I had a Hyundai Elantra, probably an '08. I was very pleased with it, very comfortable, (I'm 6' 215#) powerful, efficient, sporty. Way more fun that the Impala but a bit smaller (not what I'd consider a small car though). If it were me I'd be sure to not count out Hyundai. -Curt ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Tom Hargrave wrote: Hydrogen is just a intermediate fuel source and it has to come from somewhere. These days, it's electricity. Going direct, with an electric vehicle, is more efficient. I still say hydrogen is another word for a crappy battery. Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Randy, Mis-behaving ABS? My family has had some adventures with ABS weirdness., like sliding out into an intersection at low speed with rock-hard brakes = ripple-y road surface confused ABS. Fred Moir Lynn MA At 02:32 PM 9/8/2008, you wrote: She wouldn't have been going all that fast. She was in a parking lot and just arcing into a spot against the building. The pedal did not go to the floor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Mitch Haley wrote: Tom Hargrave wrote: Going direct, with an electric vehicle, is more efficient. I still say hydrogen is another word for a crappy battery. That is the only reason we haven't gone to EVs we don't have the batteries. Lithium Ion is a good step forward, but the energy density of fossil fuels is very difficult to match. John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
'Zackly. Wilton - Original Message - From: Mitch Haley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 5:55 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Tom Hargrave wrote: Hydrogen is just a intermediate fuel source and it has to come from somewhere. These days, it's electricity. Going direct, with an electric vehicle, is more efficient. I still say hydrogen is another word for a crappy battery. Mitch. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
I did wonder about that as well but she did not mention any chattering or other indication of ABS malfunction. I suppose it could be related. I wonder how one tests for something like that? Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Frederick W Moir Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 3:06 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Randy, Mis-behaving ABS? My family has had some adventures with ABS weirdness., like sliding out into an intersection at low speed with rock-hard brakes = ripple-y road surface confused ABS. Fred Moir Lynn MA At 02:32 PM 9/8/2008, you wrote: She wouldn't have been going all that fast. She was in a parking lot and just arcing into a spot against the building. The pedal did not go to the floor. ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Far as I understand ABS systems is that it deactivates at slow speed/zero speed, otherwise the system would always try and let the wheels turn. Further ABS systems have a self diagnostic function that switches the systems off if any variation is detected, or in other words it works 100% or not at all. The only way I can think of, with my limited knowledge, for an ABS system to produce rock hard brakes is that the system has opened the brakes and is stuck there. I would expect that this would cause alarm bells to go off in the diagnostic part. I guess the way to determine if ABS is the problem is to deactivate it and see if the problem persists but the wiser thing is to have the system tested by a pro. Hendrik with ABS in the TE, my first ABS car R A Bennell wrote: I did wonder about that as well but she did not mention any chattering or other indication of ABS malfunction. I suppose it could be related. I wonder how one tests for something like that? Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Frederick W Moir Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 3:06 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Randy, Mis-behaving ABS? My family has had some adventures with ABS weirdness., like sliding out into an intersection at low speed with rock-hard brakes = ripple-y road surface confused ABS. Fred Moir Lynn MA ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?/ABS
l've activated ABS only once on my 91 350SDL - 'worked very nicely. Years ago at night in the rain, a car poulled out in front of me at an intersection where I had a green light. I stomped the brakes and held them; the system pulsed with a rapid DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT, etc., as I came to a smooth, straight ahead stop short of a collision. 'Saved bo'fus. Wilton - Original Message - From: Hendrik Fay [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 7:47 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Far as I understand ABS systems is that it deactivates at slow speed/zero speed, otherwise the system would always try and let the wheels turn. Further ABS systems have a self diagnostic function that switches the systems off if any variation is detected, or in other words it works 100% or not at all. The only way I can think of, with my limited knowledge, for an ABS system to produce rock hard brakes is that the system has opened the brakes and is stuck there. I would expect that this would cause alarm bells to go off in the diagnostic part. I guess the way to determine if ABS is the problem is to deactivate it and see if the problem persists but the wiser thing is to have the system tested by a pro. Hendrik with ABS in the TE, my first ABS car R A Bennell wrote: I did wonder about that as well but she did not mention any chattering or other indication of ABS malfunction. I suppose it could be related. I wonder how one tests for something like that? Randy -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Frederick W Moir Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 3:06 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Randy, Mis-behaving ABS? My family has had some adventures with ABS weirdness., like sliding out into an intersection at low speed with rock-hard brakes = ripple-y road surface confused ABS. Fred Moir Lynn MA ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?/ABS
It pays to every now and then test the brakes to make sure that they are working well, the best way is while you are going down a hill. Make sure there ain't no car behind you. A good mechanic will do this as part of scheduled maintenance or after working on the braking system. Hendrik Wilton Strickland wrote: l've activated ABS only once on my 91 350SDL - 'worked very nicely. Years ago at night in the rain, a car poulled out in front of me at an intersection where I had a green light. I stomped the brakes and held them; the system pulsed with a rapid DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT-DRT, etc., as I came to a smooth, straight ahead stop short of a collision. 'Saved bo'fus. Wilton ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
No crystal ball, but I sure do like these later 124 Diesels -- I think Marshall thought the '95 (?) 300D with the 606 engine was about the ultimate. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. Randy -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics. -Benjamin Disraeli, popularized by Mark Twain '90 300D (Rattled), '92 300D (Saber), ' '81 240D (Gramps), '97 Ply Grand Voyager (Vincent van-go) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Me, too, but didn't those have the wiring probs - biodegradable insu, etc? What year(s) was that. Friend had a 94 124 (430E, I think) with bad wiring. Wilton - Original Message - From: OK Don [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 8:32 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? No crystal ball, but I sure do like these later 124 Diesels -- I think Marshall thought the '95 (?) 300D with the 606 engine was about the ultimate. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. Randy -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics. -Benjamin Disraeli, popularized by Mark Twain '90 300D (Rattled), '92 300D (Saber), ' '81 240D (Gramps), '97 Ply Grand Voyager (Vincent van-go) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Seems that the biodegradable wiring was limited to the vergasser 124s -- the Diesels seemed to be spared. On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 7:52 PM, Wilton Strickland [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Me, too, but didn't those have the wiring probs - biodegradable insu, etc? What year(s) was that. Friend had a 94 124 (430E, I think) with bad wiring. Wilton -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics. -Benjamin Disraeli, popularized by Mark Twain '90 300D (Rattled), '92 300D (Saber), ' '81 240D (Gramps), '97 Ply Grand Voyager (Vincent van-go) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Oh, yeah, I think that's right. Thanks for reminder. Wilton - Original Message - From: OK Don [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 8:56 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now? Seems that the biodegradable wiring was limited to the vergasser 124s -- the Diesels seemed to be spared. On Mon, Sep 8, 2008 at 7:52 PM, Wilton Strickland [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Me, too, but didn't those have the wiring probs - biodegradable insu, etc? What year(s) was that. Friend had a 94 124 (430E, I think) with bad wiring. Wilton -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics. -Benjamin Disraeli, popularized by Mark Twain '90 300D (Rattled), '92 300D (Saber), ' '81 240D (Gramps), '97 Ply Grand Voyager (Vincent van-go) ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
batteries. Lithium Ion is a good step forward, but the energy density of fossil fuels is very difficult to match. They're terrible batteries. They lose 20% of capacity every year, use them or not. They're great for a cell phone that won't live that long, or a laptop computer that probably won't live that long, but for capital equipment? Pah! -- Jim ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] What would you buy now?
Hondog is supposed to be bringing a Diesel car to the US in the 09 models. Not sure if that includes CA or not. Might be worth a look, as it is reputed to be quite thrifty. A jetta Dissel is nice. Around here, a pretty decent Dodge caravan can be had for a few thou. Not a mileage winner, but very useful for going to your cottage and a lot of other stuff. Will get way better mileage than you pickup. If she only puts on 5 or 6 k miles/10k kliks, then the cheapness fo the grand caravan will offset the little but of extra fuel. At 11:42 AM 9/8/2008, you wrote: R A Bennell wrote: Unfortunately, my wife had a mishap with her car this weekend that may well be the end of it. Unfortunate as it was a nice car. A 1998 Toyota Avalon with only about 75K miles on it. Clean, no rust etc. I just put 4 new strut assemblies and new back brakes on it about a month ago. I was about to put a timing belt in it and to change the anti-freeze. They may fix it but I am not sure we want to keep it if they do. It took a fairly major hit on the front. Bad enough to break things like the radiator. She is fine so that is the most important thing but she is rather upset about her car. I don't think breaking the radiator is that big of a problem. Posting pictures would give you some opinions as to how road worthy it is. Sort of lost on what to buy as a replacement however. Anyone with a crystal ball out there? Fuel mileage keeps coming to the forefront on our thoughts. A Honda Civic maybe? Don't really like small cars but most of her driving is very close to home so that might be alright. Don't want to spend a fortune but she will not be happy with any sort of a fixer upper so it has to be something relatively new. I recently saw the engine bay of a 2008 4-cylinder Honda Accord. It was cavernous! Would be super easy to work on in the future. Not sure about mileage though. I've also done A/C work on a '92 Civic... was very impressed at how easy it was to work on the car. Removed the evaporator in about 1 hour!! John ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com Loren Faeth ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
