Werner,
I've owned 15 Mercedes to date and over half have been diesel powered. I
hardly have my head in the sand, or my a** for that matter. Of the gassers
I've owned, 2 were 300E's and both got 21 MPG on the highway 18 MPG in
town. I also understand that the same body will get 25% better
Purchased Zerex G-5 this afternoon from my local NAPA and the guy gave me a
$1/gal discount...$9.99/gal :) Seems he owns '72 and '73 450SL's and LOVED my
CD. Nice.
--
Luther KB5QHUAlma, Ark
'87 300SDL (270,491 mi) head case?
'83 300SD (241 kmi)
'82 300CD (162 kmi)
'82 300D (74 kmi)
Great restoration story! I was told once that when a Pebble Beach type
resto is done, when ever the car is taken off the trailer for a show, the
restoration process must start again. Naturally, not as detailed but (I'm
just guessing here) the tires, brakes, perhaps parts of the engine if it's
Tom - first, please don't think I was referring to you when I mentioned the
American apparent lack of love or interest in Diesel vehicles. That comment
of mine is the result of over 30 years of seeing at best lip service from US
governmental and auto manufacturers in support of the technology.
The doctor's wife saw the puddle of fuel under the car. He knew nothing
about the injector bypass lines -- 'didn't even look under the hood. He may
be an outstanding doctor, but he knows nothing about mechanics. 'He had no
idea what I was talking about when I tried to tell him where the bypass
Bill, a fellow listor sent me this version of Dragon (#4.01) a year and a
half or so ago. I did see version 9 packaged separately at Staples
yesterday. 'Don't know how else it may be packaged.
Wilton
Subject car is not an MB, but I know that gray market MBs are not
uncommon and probably not unfamiliar to some folks here.
Car was originally imported in Canada. It's my understanding that
Canada pretty much has the same standards as the US DOT, excepting the
metric speedo and some other minor
Thanks,
Tom Hargrave
www.kegkits.com
256-656-1924
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 3:12 PM
To: Weekly Highway Diesel Prices
Subject: Today's Diesel Prices
** ** **
Tom - I'm curious about your statement that oil changes cost more for
a 300E than a 300D. Is it due to the quantity of oil per change or the
oil change frequency?
I've been getting my oil analyzed in my Diesels lately, but haven't
been doing them for the vergassers. Since I'm extending the change
And an MGB is a relatively simple car! I just spent three years on the
engine in the 450SLC - and that was just to mechanical sound-ness and
nice to look at, not anywhere near to like new. The ACC and interior
is starting to appear a bit daunting!
While I did completely disassemble my '67 MGB
Don - I agree with your analysis. In my case, I was driving a 380SL on a
similar commute, and when I switched over to using the wife's 300D 2.5, I
found it to be much less expensive. Both cars use about 8 qts for an oil
change. Filter costs were similar, too. The 380SL had an advantage of
On Mon, 8 Jan 2007 11:38:16 -0800 Redghost [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
There are a number of Lister motors available at this upcoming auction.
That and a few 200-300amp gen sets. You can even bid live online.
For those trapped at a desk.
I am going to preview the site Tuesday. A two
Craig McCluskey wrote:
Not sure what you mean by this phrase ...
If this were the banned list I'd spell it out for you.
didn't see this one coming. gators crush buckeyes
i go to sleep now
On Mon, 08 Jan 2007 23:33:19 -0500 Mitch Haley [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Craig McCluskey wrote:
Not sure what you mean by this phrase ...
If this were the banned list I'd spell it out for you.
Oh.
on 1/8/07 9:52 AM, Trampas at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Nope the electronics were to control the EGR and boost bypass.
Trampas
He-LO on the second point. Exactly what would boost bypass be doing and
when?
This car has ZERO boost until pretty much fully warmed up, and has awful
turbo lag
Part of that stuff causes a valve to open to vent boost back into the
turbo intake. This does a couple things, one is to keep from frying
the trap oxidizer (which should be replaced with a trap catalyst by now
-- if not, it's a warrenty recall thing) AND to help prevent turbo lag
by allowing
Thanks! this is just the information I needed to make the decision. will
check the other items mentioned before I order.
regards
mak
- Original Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: mercedes@okiebenz.com
Sent: Monday, January 08, 2007 7:20 PM
Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT GM crate engines
Bad turbo -- the oil is from leakage out of the turbo, goes down the
intake and make smoke, also burns in the exhaust.
My Volvo did this, absolutely positively SLUGGISH until the turbo
finally spun up.
Check the turbo -- the oil down the intake isn't good for the engine.
The setup should be
There was evidence of steam cleaning/ pitting in cambers though.
Thanks
PEter
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: 08 January 2007 03:59 PM
To: mercedes@okiebenz.com
Subject: Re: [MBZ] Cracked OM 617.91 head
In a message dated 1/8/2007 12:55:09
I thought we had this list set so that attachments, such as pictures
or PDF's, etc., would be squirreled off to the side and replaced with
a link. My mail reader was just choked for five minutes downloading
Clay's auction catalog. It may be interesting, but I would rather
have had the choice to
PacindustrialCat.pdf
That _is_ full of woody goodness! Maybe that's mourning wood,
since I ain't-a gonna get to go.
-- Jim
Now if you factor in total cost to operate, starting with the purchase
of a
new vehicle, especially heavier vehicles like 3/4T trucks, then the
initial
premium of about $6k for the Diesel option can add a lot, unless you
drive a
lot of miles, like perhaps 30k-50k miles per year.
To properly
Don,
I'm a high mileage driver (50K+ / year) and I've always had more
maintenance issues with Mercedes diesels. I've replaced more starters
(6), alternators (8) motor mounts (5 sets) in the diesels. I've also
had to replace glow plugs more often that I've had to replace spark
plugs in the
Harry -
OK I don't buy that the MAS will be affected for the reason you gave, but
I'm not sure why the cats would be affected by a lower octane either.
Neither grade has any lead, and the only other thing that I've heard that
would poison the cats is too much hydrocarbon. Why would the computer
As for the SDL getting that low mileage, I
would suggest looking into that as my SD gets 29 on the highway,
my SD with the less efficient 617.951 engine also gets around 29 MPG
highway. Maybe it has something to do with the head gasket problem? A
friend of mine on another list has a 1986
I remember someone posting something a while back about how some Mercedes'
have aluminum hoods. I noticed that my 300SD has both an aluminum hood and
trunk lid since my trusty magnet doesn't stick to them. Is this also true
for other Mercedes models?
Kevin in Hillsboro, OR
1983 300SD 265K
What version of Dragon do you have? What kind of speaker do you use or does
it matter?\
I have a copy of Dragon that was given to me when I bought Win98 so you know
how old my version is - but I never installed it or tried it out.
Good to know it;s working well for you -- I may have to give
The w116 and w126 turbodiesels had aluminum hoods and trunklids to reduce
weight a bit.
mac
on 1/9/07 3:52 AM, kevin kraly at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I remember someone posting something a while back about how some Mercedes'
have aluminum hoods. I noticed that my 300SD has both an aluminum
The boost bypass valve also reduces NOx emissions. When decelerating it
dumps the boost pressure reducing thus reducing pressure in cylinders and
thus less NOx.
Note my 1985 federal 300SD has all this, but they are disconnect. The bypass
valve got disconnected as it would cause a loud whistle
The w107 line changed from steel to aluminum hoods and trunk lids in
the middle of '81 with the introduction of the 380SL and SLC in the US
- both the lighter parts and the smaller engine were to improve fuel
economy.
I remember someone posting something a while back about how some Mercedes'
That's quite a history. Do you buy new cars, or pre-owned ones? All of
mine have been well used, and I've expected to have to catch up the
maintenance. I've only owned one gas MB - the SLC, and it has been an
education, though the engine technology has little to do with the
problems I've had with
Kevin,
My 300SDL mileage has been a very consistent 25 - 26 MPG and it's actually
higher than what's reported by the Federal Government for that model year.
They rate the car at 24 MPG / highway.
I don't know your driving habits but two Mercedes owners I know are getting
(or claiming) mileage
Don,
All pre-owned - I won't touch one until it has crossed 130K or so. Also,
I'll look at more than 30 before buying one I usually pay what most list
members would consider too much. But I'll but a Mercedes in good shape
ready to put on the road. In the long run, it's cheaper to buy an over
I agree 100% on the value of Dodge diesels. The used one are high dollar
items around here.
Thanks,
Tom Hargrave
www.kegkits.com
256-656-1924
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of Jim Cathey
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 12:16 AM
To:
In a message dated 1/8/2007 10:43:35 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Uh, here it starts to get interesting.
The motor in question is from an '85 Cali car and still has its original
injection pump but the 'black boxes' are GONE.
Not to steal Peter's thread, but
There are good Mercedes and bad ones. I have a 420SEL that is an absolute
lemon. I have replaced every moving part on the car, and most of the non
moving ones too. My Diesel however is a worn out work horse that will not
die.
My wife is now saying she wants a Honda mini-van as that the Mercedes
kevin kraly wrote:
30mpg hauling a** down the highway at 75MPH.
Another reason for the low mileage is that some people consider 75mph
slow... ;)
I've gotten 28mpg *once* when I went 55/60mph the entire tank. I
normally get 19-21 in town and 23-24 on the highway. I normally do
about
John,
I know your car and 28 MPG sounds about right for 60 MPH. Also, 23 - 24 MPG
sounds about right for what I'd consider normal highway speeds. I usually
run about 80 MPH myself. I'd go faster but the stops discussions with the
local establishment get too expensive. ;)
Thanks,
Tom Hargrave
Trampas,
I'd be looking for an intake air leak.
Thanks,
Tom Hargrave
www.kegkits.com
256-656-1924
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of Trampas
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 8:38 AM
To: 'Mercedes Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [MBZ]
Is Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 9 so much better than version 4 that I
should get it? How does Preferred differ from Standard?
Wilton
I have looked for intake leaks, I have also replaced injectors, adjusted
mixture, new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc. Tried known good idle air
control valve and computer. I did find a bad throttle switch and replaced
that.
Things which I have yet to do include:
Check valve adjustments.
Change
Is this a high mileage engine?
Thanks,
Tom Hargrave
www.kegkits.com
256-656-1924
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of Trampas
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 9:01 AM
To: 'Mercedes Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vergasser vs. Diesel, was
Nope only 130k but I am not the first or second owner...
Trampas
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of Tom Hargrave
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 10:04 AM
To: 'Mercedes Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [MBZ] Vergasser vs. Diesel, was 87 TD for
I don't believe Alpine made changers for Becker, but they do make the
later changers with MB's logo on them.
I've got an Alpine 631 hooked up to the original Becker head unit in
my '95. Near as I could tell, the only difference between the Alpine
and the MB-labeled changer was the pinout of the
Trampas wrote:
My wife is now saying she wants a Honda mini-van as that the Mercedes
are not reliable cars, note the 420SEL has been towed at least 10 times
in last 5 years. I am very picky about the cars, in that I do all the
repairs and will spare no expense to make it perfect, just ask
You should be immune, your name is Gary.
--R
Gary Thompson wrote:
I
really hate it when they do stupid stuff like that just to force the
average Joe to spend 3 times more for the same thing just because they
can.
Well I am not saying all the gas Mercedes are bad, my mother had a 420SEL
with 320K miles when it was totaled. The car never had any major problems,
but she also got it with under 100k on it from original owner and all the
service records.
Basically I have found that a bad mechanic can really
Too funny Chuck, but not while it was happening I am sure!
Rhonald
1985 300D
297,000 miles
Original Message Follows
From: Chuck Landenberger [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com
To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com
Subject: Re: [MBZ]
A cheap Mercedes has nothing to do with it. A bad mechanic can destroy an
otherwise nice car. A bad mechanic at Mercedes Benz of Bedford screwed up
our V12 not once but twice AND it still isn't right. Have to pull the intake
off to replace the broken Intermediate Flange ya'd think they'd notice a
Our SDL turns in an extremely reliable 27 MPG. Sometimes a bit
less, but sometimes a bit more. Peak was 31, I think. That was
slower back roads.
-- Jim
My '76 450SL has an aluminum hood, but steel trunk lid.
G. M. Brown
Rochester, NY
If any M-B Diesel car gets less than 25 mpg, there is probably something
wrong with the engine. Of course, it could be driving in 1st gear in the
city and idling a lot, but in normal use, I would do some serious looking at
the engine!
And as for repair costs, F.I. components in gasoline
There are a lot of 116 and 126 cars in use today that have steelhoods and
trunk lids, after body repairs, as most shops use steel replacements for the
original aluminum hoods. That's a good check to see if the car has been in
a wreck!
Werner
- Original Message -
From: Glenn M.
Didn't get Tom's original email for some reason - anyway - with that kind of
history, and with the number of MB diesels involved, I wonder if Tom's
experience is indicitive that MB Diesels are inferior to MB Gassers when
receiving what I assume is equal care?
And to make one more stretch of
Kevin,
The W116 300SD also had aluminum hood and trunk lid. No replacement
aluminum hoods/trunk lids were/are available in US AFAIK. All
gasser versions had steel.
Purpose was to reduce overall weight inasmuch as the 617.95x engines
were heavier than gas 450SE's.
Take care,
Chuck
James wrote:A bad mechanic at Mercedes Benz of Bedford screwed up
our V12
Amazing, you take the MB to the dealer expecting trained technicians to
have been provided with lengthy training along with experience to be able to
work on a car and ctuallt *fix* it without making things worse. I
Werner Fehlauer wrote:
If any M-B Diesel car gets less than 25 mpg, there is probably something
wrong with the engine. Of course, it could be driving in 1st gear in the
city and idling a lot, but in normal use, I would do some serious looking at
the engine!
I do not think you can make
Of the disels I've owned only the 72 and 75 models got over 25 mpg and
this was on the highway. Every other one got mileage that matched or was
close to the published Federal mileage standards (23 to 25 highway mpg)
for the car.
-Original Message-
From: Werner Fehlauer [EMAIL PROTECTED]
John - Yes, there are always exceptions to any general statement, but I have
not met anyone who, in what would be considered normal driving, did not
get at least 25 mpg in a M-B Diesel car. Usually, the claim is for much
higher numbers.
I keep pretty detailed records of fuel consumption for
Good article about all the motor museums and displays in the area. You
can stop in on them when you go pick up your new SLR to drive around the
Continent on spring holiday.
What is that Benz racer in the front in the picture? That thing is
beautiful.
--R
LarryT, right now I'm using Dragon version 4; I started with version 1
couple of years ago that a friend gave me, but I did not use it much. You
don't really need a speaker. A headset with mike came with my version, but
the headset went bad several months ago, and I purchased a cheap headset
normal varies quite a bit.
we typically see something around 20MPG in our '85 300D.
of course, our idea of normal includes B100, and usage consists of
a mix of around-town low-speed (25-30MPH) surface streets with frequent
stop signs and lights, the Kombat Kommute into the Sillycon
Rich - that Times article only hit the highlights. Not far from
Stuttgart, another candy factory is the AMG plant at Affalterbach, where
they do strange and wonderful things, much at customer's special orders, to
products that started in Stuttgart area D-C facilities.
You can also see the
By way of an initial update:
Now that I've begun driving my routine commute once again (with the
Mobil 1 0W30 now installed) I've noticed: (and it's early on, but I'm
just so excited)
Less drag when engine braking,
Easier than expected starting in chilly temps,
And - here's a confusing one -
does the background need to be quiet? I generally have TV or radio playing
in the background - I guess the volumn makes all the difference.
I can see how it would become addictive once the puter learned your voice
patterns. I can type pretty fast but speaking - even slowly and precisely
Those are the Grand Prix cars of 54/55/56 IIRC. Back then, they would
run a F1 car in sports car events (and vise versa) by putting a streamlined
body on it - which is shown in the photo -- there were several - W154, W196
and some others - not sure how the numbers break down.
Amazing
Use a noise canceling microphone (headset) then TV noise will not make a
difference.
A noise canceling microphone is basically a microphone that has a sound
opening on both sides of the diaphragm. Thus with the microphone close to
the mouth, 1-2 inches the difference in pressure between the
LarryT wrote:
And to make one more stretch of the assumption - and say *all* gassers are
better than *all* diesels - and if this change in the longevity
maintanence of gas and diesel engines is industry wide, will we see big 18
wheelers changing to big gas engines? Or will they be staying
Good article about all the motor museums and displays in the area. You
can stop in on them when you go pick up your new SLR to drive around the
Continent on spring holiday.
What is that Benz racer in the front in the picture? That thing is
beautiful.
--R
Original Message
Subject:The Motor Stadt in Stuttgart, Germany
Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2007 11:27:18 -0600
From: Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com
Good article about all the motor museums and displays in the area. You
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