Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Donald Snook via Mercedes]

WOW!  That looks like a very nice car!   Low miles for 15 years old.  How much 
did you get it for if you don't mind me asking.  I would love to find one this 
nice for my wife. 

Don Snook 

-Original Message-
From: d...@penoff.com [mailto:d...@penoff.com] 
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 11:34 AM
To: Mercedes List <mercedes@okiebenz.com>
Subject: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

Added a new set of wheels to the collection this past weekend, courtesy of 
Kaleb.

He spotted a nice 2002 E320 in Claremore on Craigslist. I tried several times 
to contact the owner without success. Kaleb swung by one day and got a look at 
the car after which I was finally able to speak to the owner.  After gathering 
more information from the owner, Kaleb was kind enough to go back and check the 
car out in more detail for me.  It passed muster, so I arranged to purchase it 
and fly up to Tulsa to pick it up and drive it home.

I flew up to Tulsa on Friday on Southwest via Houston. Pretty uneventful until 
we were ready to push back and the captain comes on and says there is a 
maintenance issue that will require us to deplane while they repair it.

Three hours later we're finally on our way.

So I blow into Tulsa three hours late. Kaleb picked me up and we headed over to 
the owner's house in Claremore.  Checked out the car, swapped plates, money and 
title and we're done.  Swung by a Chili's and grabbed a burger before hitting 
the road.  Kaleb warned me about the toll roads down to I-40, so of which did 
not have attendants and required exact change, of which I had none. Kaleb was 
kind enough to give me 75 cents to get me started and advised me to "just drive 
through, no one will stop you. After the first one they have attendants that 
can make change."

Got through the first toll booth - 75 cents.  Get to the next one and... no 
attendant, just the bin you toss the money into.  Hmm. This is out in the 
boonies and there's no one around. so I just went on

The rest of the way they had attendants, so I could pay up. I asked the 
attendant at the first toll booth if they had a means for collecting missed 
tolls. She told me not to worry about it.

Made it to Russellville, AR Friday night/Saturday morning. Stopped at a highly 
rated Super 8. Walked in, told the desk clerk, "I can go out to my car and book 
a room for $65 right now. What will you book it for?"

"$50.00"

Done. I got some sleep and then was up at 6:30 and on the road by 7:00.  
Despite bouts of heavy rain and interstate that resembled a parking lot between 
Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, I made it back to Tampa about 12:30 am Sunday 
morning.

Thanks a bunch to Kaleb for helping out on this buy. It's a really nice car and 
well cared for. I was telling the wife that I was surprised at how little it 
needed as I made up my shopping list for the dealer last night.

Being that I was pretty tired on Sunday and the normal weekend stuff I had to 
accomplish, it did not receive the full Martha treatment yet.  It did get an 
oil and filter change, air filter, cabin air filters and a well deserved wash 
yesterday.  I'll probably have at it as the week goes on.

Here's a link to a Flickr album of pictures. Some are from Kaleb's visit, the 
rest are mine taken yesterday after washing the car.

https://flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/sets/72157682855751014

-D

___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

It was in the driveway this morning next to the 040 Black 350SDL.  Clearly 
green.

-D


> On Jul 11, 2017, at 10:51 AM, Craig via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> On Tue, 11 Jul 2017 09:41:23 -0400 Meade Dillon via Mercedes
>  wrote:
> 
>> On my monitor, it is clearly green and not black.  Judging from past
>> comments by Andrew on the colors of car photos online, I suspect either
>> a color calibration problem on his set up, or color-blindness brought
>> on by global warming.
> 
> 
> https://www.flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/35452179670/in/album-72157682855751014/
> 
> does clearly show it is green and not black.
> 
> 
> Craig
> 
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
> 
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> 
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> 
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Craig via Mercedes]

On Tue, 11 Jul 2017 09:41:23 -0400 Meade Dillon via Mercedes
 wrote:

> On my monitor, it is clearly green and not black.  Judging from past
> comments by Andrew on the colors of car photos online, I suspect either
> a color calibration problem on his set up, or color-blindness brought
> on by global warming.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/35452179670/in/album-72157682855751014/

does clearly show it is green and not black.


Craig

___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Meade Dillon via Mercedes]

On my monitor, it is clearly green and not black.  Judging from past
comments by Andrew on the colors of car photos online, I suspect either a
color calibration problem on his set up, or color-blindness brought on by
global warming.

-
Max
Charleston SC

On Tue, Jul 11, 2017 at 9:20 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes <
mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:

> It’s definitely green, but a very dark green.  Since the lighting that I
> took the pictures in was pretty subdued I can see why it might appear to be
> almost black now.
>
> I’ll take more on a sunny day and it will look better, I suspect.
>
> -D
>
>
>
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

It’s definitely green, but a very dark green.  Since the lighting that I took 
the pictures in was pretty subdued I can see why it might appear to be almost 
black now.

I’ll take more on a sunny day and it will look better, I suspect.

-D


> On Jul 11, 2017, at 9:16 AM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> I like that color.  the daughter unit's "new" 124 is spruce green, not quite 
> as dark
> 
> --FT
> 
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Floyd Thursby via Mercedes]

I like that color.  the daughter unit's "new" 124 is spruce green, not 
quite as dark


--FT


On 7/11/17 7:59 AM, Dan Penoff via Mercedes wrote:

Right off the data plate:

257 H - "Dark Turquoise”

It does look kind of dark when you look at a paint chip, but in person it’s 
definitely green.

-D



On Jul 11, 2017, at 7:19 AM, Dan--- via Mercedes  wrote:

It's blue green. I'll get the paint code off of it in a little bit and find out 
the exact name of the color.  I have to order a tube of touch up paint for it 
anyway.

The data card in the EPC says it's maroon. Go figure.

-D



___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com



--
--FT
Winston Churchill:
“Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or 
petty,
never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.
Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the 
enemy.”


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

Right off the data plate:

257 H - "Dark Turquoise”

It does look kind of dark when you look at a paint chip, but in person it’s 
definitely green.

-D


> On Jul 11, 2017, at 7:19 AM, Dan--- via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> It's blue green. I'll get the paint code off of it in a little bit and find 
> out the exact name of the color.  I have to order a tube of touch up paint 
> for it anyway.
> 
> The data card in the EPC says it's maroon. Go figure.
> 
> -D
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan--- via Mercedes]

It's blue green. I'll get the paint code off of it in a little bit and find out 
the exact name of the color.  I have to order a tube of touch up paint for it 
anyway.

The data card in the EPC says it's maroon. Go figure.

-D

> On Jul 11, 2017, at 12:10 AM, Rick Knoble via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> I do believe it is called "Black Opal". One of my favorite colors on those 
> cars. Silver, while cooler in Florida, is so boring.
> 
> Rick
> Who lives in the snow belt.
> I need 4-matic more than I need a light colored car
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
> 
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> 
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> 
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Rick Knoble via Mercedes]

I do believe it is called "Black Opal". One of my favorite colors on those 
cars. Silver, while cooler in Florida, is so boring.

Rick
Who lives in the snow belt.
I need 4-matic more than I need a light colored car
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Andrew Strasfogel via Mercedes]

My eyesight is great.  Photos not so much.

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 11:11 PM, WILTON via Mercedes <mercedes@okiebenz.com
> wrote:

> My first thought, too, 'bout it's blackness, or darkness.  Then I
> realized, "Maybe, it's blue."  Still sorta dark.
>
> Wilt
>
> - Original Message - From: "Andrew Strasfogel via Mercedes" <
> mercedes@okiebenz.com>
> To: "Mercedes Discussion List" <mercedes@okiebenz.com>
> Cc: "Andrew Strasfogel" <astrasfo...@gmail.com>
> Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:36 PM
> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres
>
>
> A black car in Tampa? Or are you pulling up stakes and heading up to Alaska
>> to start your New Life detailing Arctic Cats?
>>
>> On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 3:20 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes <
>> mercedes@okiebenz.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I looked around for diesel W210s but as we discussed I had a hard time
>>> finding the later diesel model. Seems like the non-turbo (97) versions
>>> were
>>> around, but the turbo versions were scarce for the most part.
>>>
>>> I did learn that 1997 was a transitional year for the chassis and had
>>> some
>>> weird things going on that would suggest it was best to avoid this model
>>> year.
>>>
>>> The steering wheel buttons are nice, but take some getting used to. As
>>> with the W220 models of the same vintage, the buttons have issues with
>>> the
>>> coating breaking down on them, rendering the plastic like a LaBrea tar
>>> pit
>>> for one's fingers. The replacements are stupid expensive (+$200 for the
>>> pair) yet finding a way to strip the nasty molasses-like coating on them
>>> is
>>> difficult at best, and often results in the paint and therefore the icons
>>> being damaged or destroyed in the process.
>>>
>>> As this car has minimal needs I may break down and just buy a new set of
>>> buttons for it. Some of the paint is already worn off as well, make me
>>> more
>>> prone to go for replacement.  We'll see.
>>>
>>> -D
>>>
>>> > On Jul 10, 2017, at 3:04 PM, Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes <
>>> mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
>>> >
>>> > I sure wish they offered diesel 210s after 99, but if you have the
>>> chance to get a 98-99 diesel, do it. The bumper, grille, and taillights
>>> are
>>> a little different and it does not have the steering wheel buttons but
>>> otherwise they are the same.
>>> >
>>> > Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
>>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>>>
>>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>>>
>>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>>>
>>>
>>> ___
>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>>
>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>>
>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>>
>>
>
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
>
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>
>
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[WILTON via Mercedes]

My first thought, too, 'bout it's blackness, or darkness.  Then I realized, 
"Maybe, it's blue."  Still sorta dark.


Wilt

- Original Message - 
From: "Andrew Strasfogel via Mercedes" <mercedes@okiebenz.com>

To: "Mercedes Discussion List" <mercedes@okiebenz.com>
Cc: "Andrew Strasfogel" <astrasfo...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 3:36 PM
Subject: Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres



A black car in Tampa? Or are you pulling up stakes and heading up to Alaska
to start your New Life detailing Arctic Cats?

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 3:20 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes 
<mercedes@okiebenz.com>

wrote:


I looked around for diesel W210s but as we discussed I had a hard time
finding the later diesel model. Seems like the non-turbo (97) versions 
were

around, but the turbo versions were scarce for the most part.

I did learn that 1997 was a transitional year for the chassis and had 
some

weird things going on that would suggest it was best to avoid this model
year.

The steering wheel buttons are nice, but take some getting used to. As
with the W220 models of the same vintage, the buttons have issues with 
the
coating breaking down on them, rendering the plastic like a LaBrea tar 
pit

for one's fingers. The replacements are stupid expensive (+$200 for the
pair) yet finding a way to strip the nasty molasses-like coating on them 
is

difficult at best, and often results in the paint and therefore the icons
being damaged or destroyed in the process.

As this car has minimal needs I may break down and just buy a new set of
buttons for it. Some of the paint is already worn off as well, make me 
more

prone to go for replacement.  We'll see.

-D

> On Jul 10, 2017, at 3:04 PM, Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes <
mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
>
> I sure wish they offered diesel 210s after 99, but if you have the
chance to get a 98-99 diesel, do it. The bumper, grille, and taillights 
are

a little different and it does not have the steering wheel buttons but
otherwise they are the same.
>
> Sent from my iPhone


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com



___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com




___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan Penoff via Mercedes]

Methinks you should get your eyesight checked or the color profile on your 
monitor or phone.  The car is blue-green, not black.  Not even close.

-D

 
> On Jul 10, 2017, at 3:36 PM, Andrew Strasfogel  wrote:
> 
> A black car in Tampa? Or are you pulling up stakes and heading up to Alaska 
> to start your New Life detailing Arctic Cats?
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Andrew Strasfogel via Mercedes]

A black car in Tampa? Or are you pulling up stakes and heading up to Alaska
to start your New Life detailing Arctic Cats?

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 3:20 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes 
wrote:

> I looked around for diesel W210s but as we discussed I had a hard time
> finding the later diesel model. Seems like the non-turbo (97) versions were
> around, but the turbo versions were scarce for the most part.
>
> I did learn that 1997 was a transitional year for the chassis and had some
> weird things going on that would suggest it was best to avoid this model
> year.
>
> The steering wheel buttons are nice, but take some getting used to. As
> with the W220 models of the same vintage, the buttons have issues with the
> coating breaking down on them, rendering the plastic like a LaBrea tar pit
> for one's fingers. The replacements are stupid expensive (+$200 for the
> pair) yet finding a way to strip the nasty molasses-like coating on them is
> difficult at best, and often results in the paint and therefore the icons
> being damaged or destroyed in the process.
>
> As this car has minimal needs I may break down and just buy a new set of
> buttons for it. Some of the paint is already worn off as well, make me more
> prone to go for replacement.  We'll see.
>
> -D
>
> > On Jul 10, 2017, at 3:04 PM, Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes <
> mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote:
> >
> > I sure wish they offered diesel 210s after 99, but if you have the
> chance to get a 98-99 diesel, do it. The bumper, grille, and taillights are
> a little different and it does not have the steering wheel buttons but
> otherwise they are the same.
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
>
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>
>
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan--- via Mercedes]

I looked around for diesel W210s but as we discussed I had a hard time finding 
the later diesel model. Seems like the non-turbo (97) versions were around, but 
the turbo versions were scarce for the most part.

I did learn that 1997 was a transitional year for the chassis and had some 
weird things going on that would suggest it was best to avoid this model year.

The steering wheel buttons are nice, but take some getting used to. As with the 
W220 models of the same vintage, the buttons have issues with the coating 
breaking down on them, rendering the plastic like a LaBrea tar pit for one's 
fingers. The replacements are stupid expensive (+$200 for the pair) yet finding 
a way to strip the nasty molasses-like coating on them is difficult at best, 
and often results in the paint and therefore the icons being damaged or 
destroyed in the process.

As this car has minimal needs I may break down and just buy a new set of 
buttons for it. Some of the paint is already worn off as well, make me more 
prone to go for replacement.  We'll see.

-D

> On Jul 10, 2017, at 3:04 PM, Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> I sure wish they offered diesel 210s after 99, but if you have the chance to 
> get a 98-99 diesel, do it. The bumper, grille, and taillights are a little 
> different and it does not have the steering wheel buttons but otherwise they 
> are the same. 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes]

I sure wish they offered diesel 210s after 99, but if you have the chance to 
get a 98-99 diesel, do it. The bumper, grille, and taillights are a little 
different and it does not have the steering wheel buttons but otherwise they 
are the same. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 10, 2017, at 1:30 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> Nothing that approaches the level of the S430.
> 
> I ran the DAS on it yesterday, as I had it out from clearing faults on the 
> SL500 from a couple of failing O2 sensors I replaced. The W210 is the 
> generation of system before the W220, so it still uses the HHT (hand held 
> tester) emulator for diagnostics in the DAS system.  Electronics, for sure, 
> but much simpler and still a fair amount of analog systems that are now just 
> smart enough to be able to talk over the CAN bus.
> 
> While there were a number of faults recorded in the systems, nearly every one 
> was a low or over voltage event, which is almost always due to a battery 
> replacement.  I cleared all the faults after I looked at them and will 
> recheck it next weekend to see if there is anything new.
> 
> In talking to a number of W210 owners whose experience and knowledge I trust, 
> the one thing that came across was how rugged and trouble free the W210 
> models are for the most part. While they did have rust issues, their 
> reliability seemed to be quite high, and they don't seem to be plagued with 
> any major systems Achilles heels like the W140, for example.
> 
> While I still like my W126 diesel, this is a nice car that seems honest and 
> reliable and is economical to maintain and operate.
> 
> -D
> 
>> On Jul 10, 2017, at 2:14 PM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> You covered it!
>> 
>> Does this car have the dreaded electronics that scared you on the S430?
>> 
>> --FT
>> 
>> 
>>> On 7/10/17 2:07 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes wrote:
>>> The car is a 2002 E320, optioned out nicely. 91k on the clock, two owners, 
>>> Okie car, first owner dealer maintained, second owner used a known indie.
>>> 
>>> Ask was $4800, I paid $4200.
>>> 
>>> All engine compartment plastics got nothing more than a good scrubbing or 
>>> wipe down with water and Simple Green. No chemicals or enhancements were 
>>> used.
>>> 
>>> It would have been nice to get a tour of Okie Acres and bragging rights for 
>>> having been one of the few to actually visit there, but time was not on my 
>>> side.  For that matter, I was optimistic as far as how far I could get on 
>>> my way to begin with. That and Kaleb had obligations later that evening as 
>>> well.  We did have a nice chat in the car from the airport and over dinner, 
>>> so it wasn't like I blew out of the place the second I was done.
>>> 
>>> As my first W210 I am pleasantly surprised. It's no S class, but it's a 
>>> solid, well appointed midsize sedan. It doesn't seem as tarted up as the 
>>> W220 in the sense that you're overwhelmed with fake burl and pleather.  It 
>>> ran perfectly over the 1300+ miles I drove it. I believe I got nearly 28 
>>> mpg on the trip.  It has the APS-30 head unit and the high end 
>>> Harmon-Kardon audio system, and it rocks!  My only complaint is that my 
>>> cassette adapter wouldn't work in the head unit as you couldn't close the 
>>> door with the wire that came out of the cassette adapter. That meant a 
>>> couple of audio books I took along on my iPod didn't get listened to. 
>>> Fortunately, most of my trip was over a Saturday, so I got the best fare of 
>>> NPR entertainment to listen to.
>>> 
>>> And what salient point did I miss, Floyd?
>>> 
>>> -D
>>> 
 On Jul 10, 2017, at 1:04 PM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
  wrote:
 
 Sounds nice.  Good writeup but you forgot the most salient point.
 
 --FT
 
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>>> 
>>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>>> 
>>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> --FT
>> Winston Churchill:
>> “Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large 
>> or petty,
>> never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.
>> Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of 
>> the enemy.”
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>> 
>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>> 
>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>> 
>> 
> 
> 
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
> 
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> 
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> 


___

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[WILTON via Mercedes]

Wow!  'Looks good!

Wilt

- Original Message - 
From: "Dan--- via Mercedes" <mercedes@okiebenz.com>

To: "Mercedes List" <mercedes@okiebenz.com>
Cc: "d...@penoff.com" <d...@penoff.com>
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2017 12:34 PM
Subject: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres


Added a new set of wheels to the collection this past weekend, courtesy of 
Kaleb.


He spotted a nice 2002 E320 in Claremore on Craigslist. I tried several 
times to contact the owner without success. Kaleb swung by one day and got 
a look at the car after which I was finally able to speak to the owner. 
After gathering more information from the owner, Kaleb was kind enough to 
go back and check the car out in more detail for me.  It passed muster, so 
I arranged to purchase it and fly up to Tulsa to pick it up and drive it 
home.


I flew up to Tulsa on Friday on Southwest via Houston. Pretty uneventful 
until we were ready to push back and the captain comes on and says there 
is a maintenance issue that will require us to deplane while they repair 
it.


Three hours later we're finally on our way.

So I blow into Tulsa three hours late. Kaleb picked me up and we headed 
over to the owner's house in Claremore.  Checked out the car, swapped 
plates, money and title and we're done.  Swung by a Chili's and grabbed a 
burger before hitting the road.  Kaleb warned me about the toll roads down 
to I-40, so of which did not have attendants and required exact change, of 
which I had none. Kaleb was kind enough to give me 75 cents to get me 
started and advised me to "just drive through, no one will stop you. After 
the first one they have attendants that can make change."


Got through the first toll booth - 75 cents.  Get to the next one and... 
no attendant, just the bin you toss the money into.  Hmm. This is out in 
the boonies and there's no one around. so I just went on


The rest of the way they had attendants, so I could pay up. I asked the 
attendant at the first toll booth if they had a means for collecting 
missed tolls. She told me not to worry about it.


Made it to Russellville, AR Friday night/Saturday morning. Stopped at a 
highly rated Super 8. Walked in, told the desk clerk, "I can go out to my 
car and book a room for $65 right now. What will you book it for?"


"$50.00"

Done. I got some sleep and then was up at 6:30 and on the road by 7:00. 
Despite bouts of heavy rain and interstate that resembled a parking lot 
between Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, I made it back to Tampa about 12:30 
am Sunday morning.


Thanks a bunch to Kaleb for helping out on this buy. It's a really nice 
car and well cared for. I was telling the wife that I was surprised at how 
little it needed as I made up my shopping list for the dealer last night.


Being that I was pretty tired on Sunday and the normal weekend stuff I had 
to accomplish, it did not receive the full Martha treatment yet.  It did 
get an oil and filter change, air filter, cabin air filters and a well 
deserved wash yesterday.  I'll probably have at it as the week goes on.


Here's a link to a Flickr album of pictures. Some are from Kaleb's visit, 
the rest are mine taken yesterday after washing the car.


https://flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/sets/72157682855751014

-D
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com




___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan--- via Mercedes]

Nothing that approaches the level of the S430.

I ran the DAS on it yesterday, as I had it out from clearing faults on the 
SL500 from a couple of failing O2 sensors I replaced. The W210 is the 
generation of system before the W220, so it still uses the HHT (hand held 
tester) emulator for diagnostics in the DAS system.  Electronics, for sure, but 
much simpler and still a fair amount of analog systems that are now just smart 
enough to be able to talk over the CAN bus.

While there were a number of faults recorded in the systems, nearly every one 
was a low or over voltage event, which is almost always due to a battery 
replacement.  I cleared all the faults after I looked at them and will recheck 
it next weekend to see if there is anything new.

In talking to a number of W210 owners whose experience and knowledge I trust, 
the one thing that came across was how rugged and trouble free the W210 models 
are for the most part. While they did have rust issues, their reliability 
seemed to be quite high, and they don't seem to be plagued with any major 
systems Achilles heels like the W140, for example.

While I still like my W126 diesel, this is a nice car that seems honest and 
reliable and is economical to maintain and operate.

-D

> On Jul 10, 2017, at 2:14 PM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> You covered it!
> 
> Does this car have the dreaded electronics that scared you on the S430?
> 
> --FT
> 
> 
>> On 7/10/17 2:07 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes wrote:
>> The car is a 2002 E320, optioned out nicely. 91k on the clock, two owners, 
>> Okie car, first owner dealer maintained, second owner used a known indie.
>> 
>> Ask was $4800, I paid $4200.
>> 
>> All engine compartment plastics got nothing more than a good scrubbing or 
>> wipe down with water and Simple Green. No chemicals or enhancements were 
>> used.
>> 
>> It would have been nice to get a tour of Okie Acres and bragging rights for 
>> having been one of the few to actually visit there, but time was not on my 
>> side.  For that matter, I was optimistic as far as how far I could get on my 
>> way to begin with. That and Kaleb had obligations later that evening as 
>> well.  We did have a nice chat in the car from the airport and over dinner, 
>> so it wasn't like I blew out of the place the second I was done.
>> 
>> As my first W210 I am pleasantly surprised. It's no S class, but it's a 
>> solid, well appointed midsize sedan. It doesn't seem as tarted up as the 
>> W220 in the sense that you're overwhelmed with fake burl and pleather.  It 
>> ran perfectly over the 1300+ miles I drove it. I believe I got nearly 28 mpg 
>> on the trip.  It has the APS-30 head unit and the high end Harmon-Kardon 
>> audio system, and it rocks!  My only complaint is that my cassette adapter 
>> wouldn't work in the head unit as you couldn't close the door with the wire 
>> that came out of the cassette adapter. That meant a couple of audio books I 
>> took along on my iPod didn't get listened to. Fortunately, most of my trip 
>> was over a Saturday, so I got the best fare of NPR entertainment to listen 
>> to.
>> 
>> And what salient point did I miss, Floyd?
>> 
>> -D
>> 
>>> On Jul 10, 2017, at 1:04 PM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Sounds nice.  Good writeup but you forgot the most salient point.
>>> 
>>> --FT
>>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> http://www.okiebenz.com
>> 
>> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>> 
>> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
>> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>> 
> 
> -- 
> --FT
> Winston Churchill:
> “Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large 
> or petty,
> never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.
> Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the 
> enemy.”
> 
> 
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
> 
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> 
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> 
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Floyd Thursby via Mercedes]

You covered it!

Does this car have the dreaded electronics that scared you on the S430?

--FT


On 7/10/17 2:07 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes wrote:

The car is a 2002 E320, optioned out nicely. 91k on the clock, two owners, Okie 
car, first owner dealer maintained, second owner used a known indie.

Ask was $4800, I paid $4200.

All engine compartment plastics got nothing more than a good scrubbing or wipe 
down with water and Simple Green. No chemicals or enhancements were used.

It would have been nice to get a tour of Okie Acres and bragging rights for 
having been one of the few to actually visit there, but time was not on my 
side.  For that matter, I was optimistic as far as how far I could get on my 
way to begin with. That and Kaleb had obligations later that evening as well.  
We did have a nice chat in the car from the airport and over dinner, so it 
wasn't like I blew out of the place the second I was done.

As my first W210 I am pleasantly surprised. It's no S class, but it's a solid, 
well appointed midsize sedan. It doesn't seem as tarted up as the W220 in the 
sense that you're overwhelmed with fake burl and pleather.  It ran perfectly 
over the 1300+ miles I drove it. I believe I got nearly 28 mpg on the trip.  It 
has the APS-30 head unit and the high end Harmon-Kardon audio system, and it 
rocks!  My only complaint is that my cassette adapter wouldn't work in the head 
unit as you couldn't close the door with the wire that came out of the cassette 
adapter. That meant a couple of audio books I took along on my iPod didn't get 
listened to. Fortunately, most of my trip was over a Saturday, so I got the 
best fare of NPR entertainment to listen to.

And what salient point did I miss, Floyd?

-D


On Jul 10, 2017, at 1:04 PM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes  
wrote:

Sounds nice.  Good writeup but you forgot the most salient point.

--FT



___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com



--
--FT
Winston Churchill:
“Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or 
petty,
never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.
Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the 
enemy.”


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan--- via Mercedes]

The car is a 2002 E320, optioned out nicely. 91k on the clock, two owners, Okie 
car, first owner dealer maintained, second owner used a known indie.

Ask was $4800, I paid $4200.

All engine compartment plastics got nothing more than a good scrubbing or wipe 
down with water and Simple Green. No chemicals or enhancements were used.

It would have been nice to get a tour of Okie Acres and bragging rights for 
having been one of the few to actually visit there, but time was not on my 
side.  For that matter, I was optimistic as far as how far I could get on my 
way to begin with. That and Kaleb had obligations later that evening as well.  
We did have a nice chat in the car from the airport and over dinner, so it 
wasn't like I blew out of the place the second I was done.

As my first W210 I am pleasantly surprised. It's no S class, but it's a solid, 
well appointed midsize sedan. It doesn't seem as tarted up as the W220 in the 
sense that you're overwhelmed with fake burl and pleather.  It ran perfectly 
over the 1300+ miles I drove it. I believe I got nearly 28 mpg on the trip.  It 
has the APS-30 head unit and the high end Harmon-Kardon audio system, and it 
rocks!  My only complaint is that my cassette adapter wouldn't work in the head 
unit as you couldn't close the door with the wire that came out of the cassette 
adapter. That meant a couple of audio books I took along on my iPod didn't get 
listened to. Fortunately, most of my trip was over a Saturday, so I got the 
best fare of NPR entertainment to listen to.

And what salient point did I miss, Floyd?

-D

> On Jul 10, 2017, at 1:04 PM, Floyd Thursby via Mercedes 
>  wrote:
> 
> Sounds nice.  Good writeup but you forgot the most salient point.
> 
> --FT
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Floyd Thursby via Mercedes]

Sounds nice.  Good writeup but you forgot the most salient point.

--FT


On 7/10/17 12:34 PM, Dan--- via Mercedes wrote:

Added a new set of wheels to the collection this past weekend, courtesy of 
Kaleb.

He spotted a nice 2002 E320 in Claremore on Craigslist. I tried several times 
to contact the owner without success. Kaleb swung by one day and got a look at 
the car after which I was finally able to speak to the owner.  After gathering 
more information from the owner, Kaleb was kind enough to go back and check the 
car out in more detail for me.  It passed muster, so I arranged to purchase it 
and fly up to Tulsa to pick it up and drive it home.

I flew up to Tulsa on Friday on Southwest via Houston. Pretty uneventful until 
we were ready to push back and the captain comes on and says there is a 
maintenance issue that will require us to deplane while they repair it.

Three hours later we're finally on our way.

So I blow into Tulsa three hours late. Kaleb picked me up and we headed over to the 
owner's house in Claremore.  Checked out the car, swapped plates, money and title and 
we're done.  Swung by a Chili's and grabbed a burger before hitting the road.  Kaleb 
warned me about the toll roads down to I-40, so of which did not have attendants and 
required exact change, of which I had none. Kaleb was kind enough to give me 75 cents to 
get me started and advised me to "just drive through, no one will stop you. After 
the first one they have attendants that can make change."

Got through the first toll booth - 75 cents.  Get to the next one and... no 
attendant, just the bin you toss the money into.  Hmm. This is out in the 
boonies and there's no one around. so I just went on

The rest of the way they had attendants, so I could pay up. I asked the 
attendant at the first toll booth if they had a means for collecting missed 
tolls. She told me not to worry about it.

Made it to Russellville, AR Friday night/Saturday morning. Stopped at a highly rated 
Super 8. Walked in, told the desk clerk, "I can go out to my car and book a room for 
$65 right now. What will you book it for?"

"$50.00"

Done. I got some sleep and then was up at 6:30 and on the road by 7:00.  
Despite bouts of heavy rain and interstate that resembled a parking lot between 
Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, I made it back to Tampa about 12:30 am Sunday 
morning.

Thanks a bunch to Kaleb for helping out on this buy. It's a really nice car and 
well cared for. I was telling the wife that I was surprised at how little it 
needed as I made up my shopping list for the dealer last night.

Being that I was pretty tired on Sunday and the normal weekend stuff I had to 
accomplish, it did not receive the full Martha treatment yet.  It did get an 
oil and filter change, air filter, cabin air filters and a well deserved wash 
yesterday.  I'll probably have at it as the week goes on.

Here's a link to a Flickr album of pictures. Some are from Kaleb's visit, the 
rest are mine taken yesterday after washing the car.

https://flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/sets/72157682855751014

-D
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com



--
--FT
Winston Churchill:
“Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or 
petty,
never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.
Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the 
enemy.”


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Kaleb C. Striplin via Mercedes]

Welcome to the w210 club. Too bad you didn't get in earlier so you could get a 
private tour of Okie Acres Rancho Costa Plenty.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 10, 2017, at 11:34 AM, Dan--- via Mercedes  
> wrote:
> 
> Added a new set of wheels to the collection this past weekend, courtesy of 
> Kaleb.
> 
> He spotted a nice 2002 E320 in Claremore on Craigslist. I tried several times 
> to contact the owner without success. Kaleb swung by one day and got a look 
> at the car after which I was finally able to speak to the owner.  After 
> gathering more information from the owner, Kaleb was kind enough to go back 
> and check the car out in more detail for me.  It passed muster, so I arranged 
> to purchase it and fly up to Tulsa to pick it up and drive it home.
> 
> I flew up to Tulsa on Friday on Southwest via Houston. Pretty uneventful 
> until we were ready to push back and the captain comes on and says there is a 
> maintenance issue that will require us to deplane while they repair it.
> 
> Three hours later we're finally on our way.
> 
> So I blow into Tulsa three hours late. Kaleb picked me up and we headed over 
> to the owner's house in Claremore.  Checked out the car, swapped plates, 
> money and title and we're done.  Swung by a Chili's and grabbed a burger 
> before hitting the road.  Kaleb warned me about the toll roads down to I-40, 
> so of which did not have attendants and required exact change, of which I had 
> none. Kaleb was kind enough to give me 75 cents to get me started and advised 
> me to "just drive through, no one will stop you. After the first one they 
> have attendants that can make change."
> 
> Got through the first toll booth - 75 cents.  Get to the next one and... no 
> attendant, just the bin you toss the money into.  Hmm. This is out in the 
> boonies and there's no one around. so I just went on
> 
> The rest of the way they had attendants, so I could pay up. I asked the 
> attendant at the first toll booth if they had a means for collecting missed 
> tolls. She told me not to worry about it.
> 
> Made it to Russellville, AR Friday night/Saturday morning. Stopped at a 
> highly rated Super 8. Walked in, told the desk clerk, "I can go out to my car 
> and book a room for $65 right now. What will you book it for?"
> 
> "$50.00"
> 
> Done. I got some sleep and then was up at 6:30 and on the road by 7:00.  
> Despite bouts of heavy rain and interstate that resembled a parking lot 
> between Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, I made it back to Tampa about 12:30 am 
> Sunday morning.
> 
> Thanks a bunch to Kaleb for helping out on this buy. It's a really nice car 
> and well cared for. I was telling the wife that I was surprised at how little 
> it needed as I made up my shopping list for the dealer last night.
> 
> Being that I was pretty tired on Sunday and the normal weekend stuff I had to 
> accomplish, it did not receive the full Martha treatment yet.  It did get an 
> oil and filter change, air filter, cabin air filters and a well deserved wash 
> yesterday.  I'll probably have at it as the week goes on.
> 
> Here's a link to a Flickr album of pictures. Some are from Kaleb's visit, the 
> rest are mine taken yesterday after washing the car.
> 
> https://flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/sets/72157682855751014
> 
> -D
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
> 
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
> 
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
> 


___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Craig via Mercedes]

On Mon, 10 Jul 2017 12:34:25 -0400 Dan--- via Mercedes
 wrote:

> Added a new set of wheels to the collection this past weekend, courtesy
> of Kaleb.

Congratulations!

How much was the fellow asking and how much did you pay for it?


Craig

___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

Re: [MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[OK Don via Mercedes]

How did you get the plastic engine covers black again?

On Mon, Jul 10, 2017 at 11:34 AM, Dan--- via Mercedes  wrote:

> Added a new set of wheels to the collection this past weekend, courtesy of
> Kaleb.
>
> He spotted a nice 2002 E320 in Claremore on Craigslist. I tried several
> times to contact the owner without success. Kaleb swung by one day and got
> a look at the car after which I was finally able to speak to the owner.
> After gathering more information from the owner, Kaleb was kind enough to
> go back and check the car out in more detail for me.  It passed muster, so
> I arranged to purchase it and fly up to Tulsa to pick it up and drive it
> home.
>
> I flew up to Tulsa on Friday on Southwest via Houston. Pretty uneventful
> until we were ready to push back and the captain comes on and says there is
> a maintenance issue that will require us to deplane while they repair it.
>
> Three hours later we're finally on our way.
>
> So I blow into Tulsa three hours late. Kaleb picked me up and we headed
> over to the owner's house in Claremore.  Checked out the car, swapped
> plates, money and title and we're done.  Swung by a Chili's and grabbed a
> burger before hitting the road.  Kaleb warned me about the toll roads down
> to I-40, so of which did not have attendants and required exact change, of
> which I had none. Kaleb was kind enough to give me 75 cents to get me
> started and advised me to "just drive through, no one will stop you. After
> the first one they have attendants that can make change."
>
> Got through the first toll booth - 75 cents.  Get to the next one and...
> no attendant, just the bin you toss the money into.  Hmm. This is out in
> the boonies and there's no one around. so I just went on
>
> The rest of the way they had attendants, so I could pay up. I asked the
> attendant at the first toll booth if they had a means for collecting missed
> tolls. She told me not to worry about it.
>
> Made it to Russellville, AR Friday night/Saturday morning. Stopped at a
> highly rated Super 8. Walked in, told the desk clerk, "I can go out to my
> car and book a room for $65 right now. What will you book it for?"
>
> "$50.00"
>
> Done. I got some sleep and then was up at 6:30 and on the road by 7:00.
> Despite bouts of heavy rain and interstate that resembled a parking lot
> between Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, I made it back to Tampa about 12:30
> am Sunday morning.
>
> Thanks a bunch to Kaleb for helping out on this buy. It's a really nice
> car and well cared for. I was telling the wife that I was surprised at how
> little it needed as I made up my shopping list for the dealer last night.
>
> Being that I was pretty tired on Sunday and the normal weekend stuff I had
> to accomplish, it did not receive the full Martha treatment yet.  It did
> get an oil and filter change, air filter, cabin air filters and a well
> deserved wash yesterday.  I'll probably have at it as the week goes on.
>
> Here's a link to a Flickr album of pictures. Some are from Kaleb's visit,
> the rest are mine taken yesterday after washing the car.
>
> https://flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/sets/72157682855751014
>
> -D
> ___
> http://www.okiebenz.com
>
> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/
>
> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
>
>


-- 
OK Don

*“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of
our people need it sorely on these accounts.”* – Mark Twain

"There are three kinds of men: The ones that learns by reading. The few who
learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence
for themselves."

WILL ROGERS, *The Manly Wisdom of Will Rogers*
2013 F150, 18 mpg
2017 Subaru Legacy, 30 mpg
1957 C182A, 12 mpg - but at 150 mph!
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com

[MBZ] Escape From Okie Acres

[Dan--- via Mercedes]

Added a new set of wheels to the collection this past weekend, courtesy of 
Kaleb.

He spotted a nice 2002 E320 in Claremore on Craigslist. I tried several times 
to contact the owner without success. Kaleb swung by one day and got a look at 
the car after which I was finally able to speak to the owner.  After gathering 
more information from the owner, Kaleb was kind enough to go back and check the 
car out in more detail for me.  It passed muster, so I arranged to purchase it 
and fly up to Tulsa to pick it up and drive it home.

I flew up to Tulsa on Friday on Southwest via Houston. Pretty uneventful until 
we were ready to push back and the captain comes on and says there is a 
maintenance issue that will require us to deplane while they repair it.

Three hours later we're finally on our way.

So I blow into Tulsa three hours late. Kaleb picked me up and we headed over to 
the owner's house in Claremore.  Checked out the car, swapped plates, money and 
title and we're done.  Swung by a Chili's and grabbed a burger before hitting 
the road.  Kaleb warned me about the toll roads down to I-40, so of which did 
not have attendants and required exact change, of which I had none. Kaleb was 
kind enough to give me 75 cents to get me started and advised me to "just drive 
through, no one will stop you. After the first one they have attendants that 
can make change."

Got through the first toll booth - 75 cents.  Get to the next one and... no 
attendant, just the bin you toss the money into.  Hmm. This is out in the 
boonies and there's no one around. so I just went on

The rest of the way they had attendants, so I could pay up. I asked the 
attendant at the first toll booth if they had a means for collecting missed 
tolls. She told me not to worry about it.

Made it to Russellville, AR Friday night/Saturday morning. Stopped at a highly 
rated Super 8. Walked in, told the desk clerk, "I can go out to my car and book 
a room for $65 right now. What will you book it for?"

"$50.00"

Done. I got some sleep and then was up at 6:30 and on the road by 7:00.  
Despite bouts of heavy rain and interstate that resembled a parking lot between 
Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, I made it back to Tampa about 12:30 am Sunday 
morning.

Thanks a bunch to Kaleb for helping out on this buy. It's a really nice car and 
well cared for. I was telling the wife that I was surprised at how little it 
needed as I made up my shopping list for the dealer last night.

Being that I was pretty tired on Sunday and the normal weekend stuff I had to 
accomplish, it did not receive the full Martha treatment yet.  It did get an 
oil and filter change, air filter, cabin air filters and a well deserved wash 
yesterday.  I'll probably have at it as the week goes on.

Here's a link to a Flickr album of pictures. Some are from Kaleb's visit, the 
rest are mine taken yesterday after washing the car.

https://flickr.com/photos/31200473@N06/sets/72157682855751014

-D
___
http://www.okiebenz.com

To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/

To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to:
http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com