[MBZ] Heresy: BMW Performance Driving Day
So I did the Performance Driving Day at the BMW factory today (birthday present from my wife based on a suggestion by a professor at USC who does a lot of work with BMW). Amazing and incredible FUN Yesterday my daughter and I did the factory tour and walk through the Zentrum, which is like a small display museum and gate to the factory tour. The factory is absolutely astounding, HUGE. They are making cars there as fast as they can, and have a $750M expansion going in. 10 month wait in Europe for an X3, factory is running 2x shifts 6d/wk. Anyway, the factory was clean enough to eat off just about any surface, floor or assembly line, whatever. Everything through paint seems to be mostly done by robots (including welding and assembly, except for smaller assemblies that a person throws the small stampings together then a robot welds it and sends it off). Everything is brought together on the assembly line by each vehicle (which is already bought and paid for), and parts are all laid out at each station for direct assembly onto that vehicle. So there can be X3s, X5s, X6s all running along one after the other -- bodies of various colors are pre-made and painted (they run a whole batch of the same color of various models, then put them aside-- they can change the paint colors in the paint shop in 18sec, and robots do it all), then stacked in a big building, retrieved by a robot when a specific car needs to be made. Anyway, it was pretty amazing, there really didn't seem like that many people around working, though I am sure the total staff is fairly large. Robots moving stuff all over, assembling large parts, welding, putting on doors and hatches, picking up bits and taking them here and there. The robots just go about their business, no one monitoring them that I could tell. The Zentrum had some older cars and motorcycles and engines, and newer cars. My fave (and my daughter's) was a 2002tii in showroom condition, beautiful blue color. The blue Z8 was nice too, but I like the old style. I have pics, I'll try to post them somewhere. So, the performance driving class was an absolute blast. It was pretty much raining off and on all day, fog and drizzle in between, so the track was wet. Really wet. 135i's and 335i's, both auto boxes with paddle shifters (which we did not use). I think he said they had 7spd trannies? Maybe 8, I forget. I am tall, thought it would be a tight fit, but the 135 is surprisingly roomy, at least in the front seat. It is an absolute rocket, 300bhp/300lb-ft, twin turbos (no lag), small and fast as hell. Even though the 335 is still a small car (to me anyway), it was noticeably bigger but still lots of grins from it. Both cars can be tossed and thrashed like a rented mule and just keep going. There were 11 people in our group, 6 and 5, 6 cars (3/3) and because I sat in the back and the 12th guy did not show up, I did NOT have to share a car, so got double the wheel time YEA!!! Rich!!! The instructors went out in a car and had radios, and we each had a radio stuck down on the door pocket so he could tell us what to do, and give us critiques. We had the cars and were on our own. Day started in 135s with a slalom ending in an uphill turn, just to get a feel for the cars. Oh yeah! Then off to a course with some good turns, a chicane (up hill and downhill), and a slalom thrown in the straightaway. More of that later. Then we did a lane-change/evasion with full stomp stop, 30-50mph in increments, then swapped to the 335s and did that again, then a skid pad (instructor and 3 of us in a 335, oh wow). Stability control OFF, 4 laps each, holyshitwasthatwildfun. Then stability control ON, foot to the floor, and the stab control kept the speed down to where the car would NOT spin out, though I got a few good departures a coupla times but could steer right out of them, foot still planted on the floor, no brakes allowed. Was weird and amazing to basically have the car controlling itself to a great extent to keep it doing what the driver was trying to make it do. Then off to a parking lot sort of pad about a football field size, 135s with cones set up in an oval, on a slight hill so there was up/down straights and turns. Stability controls OFF!!! 3 practice laps then we lined up mano y mano on opposite sides and rat-raced 6 hot laps in an elimination. Guess who won by at least 1 car length in each race? Das right, I da man!!! That was an absolute blast with the stab control off, totally wet pavement, and just drifting and jamming the cars around, hard braking, hard throttle. If you spun out you were eliminated, but sideways drifts and understeer tail-out, with a bit of oversteer when the back end broke loose and I tried to correct, was OK. (I have driven a lot in snow and ice in the past, this was 10x the experience). Then the last event of the day was back to the course, timed, 335s,
[MBZ] Heresy
This is my birthday present: http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Experience/Events/PDS/ProgramsandCourses/DriversProgram.aspx First available date was Dec21, pray there be no snow. I hope I can fit in a 3. I am also hoping there isn't a subtle message being sent. --R ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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] Heresy
Maybe I'll see you there... I need to take this course also. It's quite good, some of the guys I work with have already taken it. You doing 1 or 2 days? Jaime On Sun, Oct 16, 2011 at 11:48 AM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: This is my birthday present: http://www.bmwusa.com/** Standard/Content/Experience/**Events/PDS/ProgramsandCourses/** DriversProgram.aspxhttp://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Experience/Events/PDS/ProgramsandCourses/DriversProgram.aspx First available date was Dec21, pray there be no snow. I hope I can fit in a 3. I am also hoping there isn't a subtle message being sent. --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.comhttp://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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] Heresy
Just the one day, should be fun. Probably drive up early the day before to see the museum. --R On 10/16/11 1:37 PM, Jaime Kopchinski wrote: Maybe I'll see you there... I need to take this course also. It's quite good, some of the guys I work with have already taken it. You doing 1 or 2 days? Jaime On Sun, Oct 16, 2011 at 11:48 AM, Rich Thomas richthomas79td...@constructivity.net wrote: This is my birthday present: http://www.bmwusa.com/** Standard/Content/Experience/**Events/PDS/ProgramsandCourses/** DriversProgram.aspxhttp://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Experience/Events/PDS/ProgramsandCourses/DriversProgram.aspx First available date was Dec21, pray there be no snow. I hope I can fit in a 3. I am also hoping there isn't a subtle message being sent. --R __**_ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/**archive/http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/**mailman/listinfo/mercedes_**okiebenz.comhttp://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to 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 For new and used parts go to 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] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
Let's see $300 of parts from the dealer later, plus another $180 or so for oil parts I supplied, and add on 7 hours of labor (fill in your dealer's rate here). Wheee 4 digit bill. Note quite done yet, seems I need to evaluate the need for sway bar bushings here/there, plus left/rear control arm bushing, plus weeping transmission cooler hose connection. On May 30, 2007, at 3:30 PM, LarryT wrote: You wrote:Given the car is 15 years old I thought it was wise to check all that piping for issues. That's a very wise decision. Thise kinds of things - where hoses, etc are hidden from view and can leak and you;ll never know its leaking. Then some expensive damage happens. Larry T (67 MGB, 74 911, 78 240D, 91 300D) John 1983 300TDt 386k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1990's 300TDt 194k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1993 500SEL 192k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac)
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
I appreciate all the advice from this august group of Benzers...I didn't make it by to talk to my Indy today, possibly tomorrow. I'll let you know what I find out. Oh, and it is an '89. Royce Engler '85 300 TDt 298K
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
That will have the nice upgraded interior. OR, how about my 92 W140 500SEL with 145K for just a few thousand more? Better mileage and performance than the older 420. http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/car/330043124.html Yes, there is an affiliation to this sale, it's mine! John Freer On 5/30/07, Royce Engler [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I appreciate all the advice from this august group of Benzers...I didn't make it by to talk to my Indy today, possibly tomorrow. I'll let you know what I find out. Oh, and it is an '89. Royce Engler '85 300 TDt 298K ___ 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] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
It could be argued that people who buy Diesel Mercs tend to look after them better than those who buy the petrol versions. Of course there are exceptions to this but in general that is how it tends to be. However if the 420 has been maintained then it should not give much more trouble than a Diesel version and the 420 is the pick of the bunch as far as a balance between power and economy goes. Unfortunatley as most of you would know we never got Diesel S class cars over here. A few Diesel 201's and the rest went into the E classes. - Original Message - From: Bob Rentfro [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 12:15 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] HeresyI'm looking at a gasser. Larry T typed: gas engine will eat you out of house home. They constantly need *something* - no matter how nice or how well maintained. Let them get a little behind on maintanence and thangs can get ugly (financially speaking) pretty fast. I had a few gas MBs and all were the same. $25 for this, $100 for that, $10 for this, $500 for that - constantly needing a little here and a little there. Exactly correct. I had a '68 280SE and an '86 190E. I spent far more in upkeep on those two than all four of the diesels I had combined. Bob R.
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
If you are able to find cheap parts and put them in yourself then yes they can be maintained on the cheap but if you have to pay someone to do the work then the bills soon start to add up. Anyway I got to go back to renovating the house, I'd rather be working on the cars but the missus is on my back so what can I do. - Original Message - From: Kaleb C. Striplin [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 8:18 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] HeresyI'm looking at a gasser. I have not really found that to be the case with the gas engines I have had.
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
listing has been deleted John Freer wrote: That will have the nice upgraded interior. OR, how about my 92 W140 500SEL with 145K for just a few thousand more? Better mileage and performance than the older 420. http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/car/330043124.html Yes, there is an affiliation to this sale, it's mine! John Freer -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 92 250D Turbo, 92 300E 4Matic, (2x) 91 300D 2.5 Turbo, 90 420SEL, 89 560SEL, 89 260E, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE 5.0 Euro, 84 190D 2.2, 81 240D, 81 380SLC, 80 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250 http://www.okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
I drove by my Indy's shop the other day and saw a 420SEL sitting out front with $5500 and Sweet painted on the windshield. Called him today about some work I'm thinking about doing on the 300TD and asked him about the SEL. I thought he said it was an '87, and has about 230K on it. It supposedly is single owner, belonged to the owner of an oilfield tool company in Houston, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the family wants to sell the car. Completely maintained according to the books, and the quick look I got, it was very nice. Price is firm, and according to my Indy, a bargain. I'm going by tomorrow afternoon to take a more detailed look and have him put it up on a rack for me. Anybody have any thoughts about why I shouldn't jump on this one? (other than the fact that it's NOT a diesel...) Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
Go with your heart. Bissell Cove Quahog Auto Salvage Co Dwight E. Giles, Jr. Wickford RI 02852 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Royce Engler Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 9:19 PM To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Subject: [MBZ] HeresyI'm looking at a gasser. I drove by my Indy's shop the other day and saw a 420SEL sitting out front with $5500 and Sweet painted on the windshield. Called him today about some work I'm thinking about doing on the 300TD and asked him about the SEL. I thought he said it was an '87, and has about 230K on it. It supposedly is single owner, belonged to the owner of an oilfield tool company in Houston, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the family wants to sell the car. Completely maintained according to the books, and the quick look I got, it was very nice. Price is firm, and according to my Indy, a bargain. I'm going by tomorrow afternoon to take a more detailed look and have him put it up on a rack for me. Anybody have any thoughts about why I shouldn't jump on this one? (other than the fact that it's NOT a diesel...) Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K ___ 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] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
--- Dwight E. Giles, Jr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Go with your heart. And your wallet, in the event the cams need replacement (a common issue in these engines.) RM Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545469
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
how long do the gasser engines last? if it's a car that you'll look back and say, I -wish- I'd bought that! you've got to buy it. Cars come and go, but regret lasts a looong time. I'm still regretting not buying a particular wagon 1.5 years ago. On 5/29/07, Ralph Morton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: --- Dwight E. Giles, Jr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Go with your heart. And your wallet, in the event the cams need replacement (a common issue in these engines.) RM Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545469 ___ 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 -- Sunil Hari 1992 300D 2.5T - 290Kmi - for sale [EMAIL PROTECTED] 513-205-7474
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
I can come up with 3 items Royce, 1. Timing chain 2. Timing chain 3. Timing chain My apologies to the real estate industry. On 5/29/07, Royce Engler [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I drove by my Indy's shop the other day and saw a 420SEL sitting out front with $5500 and Sweet painted on the windshield. Called him today about some work I'm thinking about doing on the 300TD and asked him about the SEL. I thought he said it was an '87, and has about 230K on it. It supposedly is single owner, belonged to the owner of an oilfield tool company in Houston, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the family wants to sell the car. Completely maintained according to the books, and the quick look I got, it was very nice. Price is firm, and according to my Indy, a bargain. I'm going by tomorrow afternoon to take a more detailed look and have him put it up on a rack for me. Anybody have any thoughts about why I shouldn't jump on this one? (other than the fact that it's NOT a diesel...) Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
Personally I think 230K is a lot of miles for a gasoline engine. I don't know specifically how they compare to the diesels for longevity. of course a lot depends on the maintenance history. Remember it will take premium ga$oline. Royce Engler [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I drove by my Indy's shop the other day and saw a 420SEL sitting out front with $5500 and Sweet painted on the windshield. Called him today about some work I'm thinking about doing on the 300TD and asked him about the SEL. I thought he said it was an '87, and has about 230K on it. It supposedly is single owner, belonged to the owner of an oilfield tool company in Houston, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the family wants to sell the car. Completely maintained according to the books, and the quick look I got, it was very nice. Price is firm, and according to my Indy, a bargain. I'm going by tomorrow afternoon to take a more detailed look and have him put it up on a rack for me. Anybody have any thoughts about why I shouldn't jump on this one? (other than the fact that it's NOT a diesel...) Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- 1983 300D 1966 230
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
--- Allan Streib [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Personally I think 230K is a lot of miles for a gasoline engine. I don't know specifically how they compare to the diesels for longevity. of course a lot depends on the maintenance history. Remember it will take premium ga$oline. The M117 engine in this car has a history of eating cams well before the indicated mileage of this car. Worse than that, the likelihood of head bolt holes stripping out while removing and replacing heads in the process is far more common. I have it on good authority that about 1 in 4 of these require Helicoils due to head bolt holes stripping. And it's not an easy job, as the bolt holes are not perpendicular to the block, meaning you have to get the special MB jig to drill them out. Be very, very careful. RM Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
well, lets see, for the same price, you can buy my '90 with WAY fewer miles on it. It will have the updated interior, updated sound system, updated tranny and so forth. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=222085001dealer_id=60113513car_year=1990search_type=bothnum_records=keywordsfyc=make=MBtransmission=model=420SELdistance=25make2=address=74017default_sort=priceDESCadvanced=certified=max_mileage=max_price=sort_type=priceDESCmin_price=body_code=0end_year=2008keywordsrep=color=start_year=1981drive=engine=fuel=doors=style_flag=1cardist=5 Royce Engler wrote: I drove by my Indy's shop the other day and saw a 420SEL sitting out front with $5500 and Sweet painted on the windshield. Called him today about some work I'm thinking about doing on the 300TD and asked him about the SEL. I thought he said it was an '87, and has about 230K on it. It supposedly is single owner, belonged to the owner of an oilfield tool company in Houston, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the family wants to sell the car. Completely maintained according to the books, and the quick look I got, it was very nice. Price is firm, and according to my Indy, a bargain. I'm going by tomorrow afternoon to take a more detailed look and have him put it up on a rack for me. Anybody have any thoughts about why I shouldn't jump on this one? (other than the fact that it's NOT a diesel...) Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K ___ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 92 250D Turbo, 92 300E 4Matic, (2x) 91 300D 2.5 Turbo, 90 420SEL, 89 560SEL, 89 260E, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE 5.0 Euro, 84 190D 2.2, 81 240D, 81 380SLC, 80 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250 http://www.okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
actually, the 420 has the m116 engine. Ralph Morton wrote: --- Allan Streib [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Personally I think 230K is a lot of miles for a gasoline engine. I don't know specifically how they compare to the diesels for longevity. of course a lot depends on the maintenance history. Remember it will take premium ga$oline. The M117 engine in this car has a history of eating cams well before the indicated mileage of this car. Worse than that, the likelihood of head bolt holes stripping out while removing and replacing heads in the process is far more common. I have it on good authority that about 1 in 4 of these require Helicoils due to head bolt holes stripping. And it's not an easy job, as the bolt holes are not perpendicular to the block, meaning you have to get the special MB jig to drill them out. Be very, very careful. RM Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7 ___ 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 -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 92 250D Turbo, 92 300E 4Matic, (2x) 91 300D 2.5 Turbo, 90 420SEL, 89 560SEL, 89 260E, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE 5.0 Euro, 84 190D 2.2, 81 240D, 81 380SLC, 80 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250 http://www.okiebenz.com
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
Ooops. You are correct. The issues apply to the M116, not M117. RM --- Kaleb C. Striplin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: actually, the 420 has the m116 engine. Ralph Morton wrote: --- Allan Streib [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Personally I think 230K is a lot of miles for a gasoline engine. I don't know specifically how they compare to the diesels for longevity. of course a lot depends on the maintenance history. Remember it will take premium ga$oline. The M117 engine in this car has a history of eating cams well before the indicated mileage of this car. Worse than that, the likelihood of head bolt holes stripping out while removing and replacing heads in the process is far more common. I have it on good authority that about 1 in 4 of these require Helicoils due to head bolt holes stripping. And it's not an easy job, as the bolt holes are not perpendicular to the block, meaning you have to get the special MB jig to drill them out. Be very, very careful. RM Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7 ___ 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 -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 92 250D Turbo, 92 300E 4Matic, (2x) 91 300D 2.5 Turbo, 90 420SEL, 89 560SEL, 89 260E, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE 5.0 Euro, 84 190D 2.2, 81 240D, 81 380SLC, 80 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250 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 Get the Yahoo! toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. http://new.toolbar.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/index.php
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
Yes there was a bad batch of cams that found it's way into the Merc V8's but I am pretty sure given the mileage that it is either not one of the affected ones or has been replaced. - Original Message - From: Ralph Morton [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 11:15 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] HeresyI'm looking at a gasser. --- Dwight E. Giles, Jr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Go with your heart. And your wallet, in the event the cams need replacement (a common issue in these engines.) RM
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
I'd buy Kaleb's car if I were you. Remember, it'll have the lifetime waranty on it! All the free spares you can handle! Jeff Zedic
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
A gas engine will eat you out of house home. They constantly need *something* - no matter how nice or how well maintained. Let them get a little behind on maintanence and thangs can get ugly (financially speaking) pretty fast. I had a few gas MBs and all were the same. $25 for this, $100 for that, $10 for this, $500 for that - constantly needing a little here and a little there. That may not be a problem for you - and a big gas W126 is unequalled in comfort and security on the open road (unless you find a W140) - but just be prepared for a healthy maintanence program, especially with over 200K on the clock. Personally, I would not consider a gas engine with over 150K unless I was getting it cheap enough so I could rebuild it and not be unside-down. I just don;t think I'd feel confident it would always get me home with so many miles on it. But they're awesome cars when you're behind the wheel and you covering interstate at 80mph+ in near silence except for the stereo. But I'd feel better in a diesel. Good luck - Larry T (67 MGB, 74 911, 78 240D, 91 300D) www.youroil.net for Oil Analysis and Weber Parts Test Results http://members.rennlist.com/oil PORSCHE POSTERS! youroil.net Weber Carb Info http://members.rennlist.com/webercarbs Porsche Road Test http://members.rennlist.com/roadtest/ . - Original Message - From: Royce Engler [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 9:19 PM Subject: [MBZ] HeresyI'm looking at a gasser. I drove by my Indy's shop the other day and saw a 420SEL sitting out front with $5500 and Sweet painted on the windshield. Called him today about some work I'm thinking about doing on the 300TD and asked him about the SEL. I thought he said it was an '87, and has about 230K on it. It supposedly is single owner, belonged to the owner of an oilfield tool company in Houston, who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the family wants to sell the car. Completely maintained according to the books, and the quick look I got, it was very nice. Price is firm, and according to my Indy, a bargain. I'm going by tomorrow afternoon to take a more detailed look and have him put it up on a rack for me. Anybody have any thoughts about why I shouldn't jump on this one? (other than the fact that it's NOT a diesel...) Royce Engler '85 300TD 298K ___ 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 Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.1/822 - Release Date: 5/28/2007 11:40 AM From [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wed May 30 13:58:34 2007 Received: from [72.22.69.22] (helo=host337.ipowerweb.com) by server8.arterytc8.net with smtp (Exim 4.63) (envelope-from [EMAIL PROTECTED]) id 1HtOh8-0002Tu-8f for mercedes@okiebenz.com; Wed, 30 May 2007 13:58:34 + Received: (qmail 44855 invoked from network); 30 May 2007 13:53:56 - Received: from unknown (HELO ?127.0.0.1?) (206.109.43.202) by host337.ipowerweb.com with SMTP; 30 May 2007 13:53:56 - Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 08:58:48 -0500 From: Rich Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] User-Agent: Thunderbird 1.5.0.10 (Windows/20070221) MIME-Version: 1.0 To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com References: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] In-Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Subject: Re: [MBZ] HeresyI'm looking at a gasser. X-BeenThere: mercedes@okiebenz.com X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.9.cp2 Precedence: list Reply-To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com List-Id: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes_okiebenz.com.okiebenz.com List-Unsubscribe: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com, mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] List-Archive: http://okiebenz.com/pipermail/mercedes_okiebenz.com List-Post: mailto:mercedes@okiebenz.com List-Help: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] List-Subscribe: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com, mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] X-List-Received-Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 13:58:34 - Buy it. --R
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
Larry T typed: gas engine will eat you out of house home. They constantly need *something* - no matter how nice or how well maintained. Let them get a little behind on maintanence and thangs can get ugly (financially speaking) pretty fast. I had a few gas MBs and all were the same. $25 for this, $100 for that, $10 for this, $500 for that - constantly needing a little here and a little there. Exactly correct. I had a '68 280SE and an '86 190E. I spent far more in upkeep on those two than all four of the diesels I had combined. Bob R.
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
On May 30, 2007, at 6:41 AM, LarryT wrote: That may not be a problem for you - and a big gas W126 is unequalled in comfort and security on the open road (unless you find a W140) - but just be prepared for a healthy maintanence program Oddly enough my w140 is having it's 60K mile/92K km service completed today. I'll let everyone know what the bill comes too. I did pass on replacing the activated charcoal filter at this time which is $362 or so (internet pricing) plus you have to remove the wiper motor assembly to get at the filter housing, 3 hours labour? I'll look at that filter replacement next year after visiting the USA and picking it up somewhere to avoid the duty/taxes I'd normally have to pay in Canada, plus pricing is a bit better. Well that and having it done today likely would have added another $1K to the bill. PS as a maintenance item I replaced the heater manifold pipe distributor, which is a plastic 4 pipe creation that Ts off coolant for the heater cores. It sits on top of the rear engine block and internet experience says they crack over time, dumping your antifreeze all over the engine, and likely toasting it if one is not paying attention. In replacing that part they discovered one of the heater hoses had a bulge in it and needed to be replaced, requiring a two day wait here as the S shaped hose comes from central parts. Given the car is 15 years old I thought it was wise to check all that piping for issues. John 1983 300TDt 368k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1990's 300TDt 172k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1993 500SEL 180k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac)
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
You wrote:Given the car is 15 years old I thought it was wise to check all that piping for issues. That's a very wise decision. Thise kinds of things - where hoses, etc are hidden from view and can leak and you;ll never know its leaking. Then some expensive damage happens. Larry T (67 MGB, 74 911, 78 240D, 91 300D) www.youroil.net for Oil Analysis and Weber Parts Test Results http://members.rennlist.com/oil PORSCHE POSTERS! youroil.net Weber Carb Info http://members.rennlist.com/webercarbs Porsche Road Test http://members.rennlist.com/roadtest/ . - Original Message - From: John M McIntosh [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:39 PM Subject: Re: [MBZ] HeresyI'm looking at a gasser. On May 30, 2007, at 6:41 AM, LarryT wrote: That may not be a problem for you - and a big gas W126 is unequalled in comfort and security on the open road (unless you find a W140) - but just be prepared for a healthy maintanence program Oddly enough my w140 is having it's 60K mile/92K km service completed today. I'll let everyone know what the bill comes too. I did pass on replacing the activated charcoal filter at this time which is $362 or so (internet pricing) plus you have to remove the wiper motor assembly to get at the filter housing, 3 hours labour? I'll look at that filter replacement next year after visiting the USA and picking it up somewhere to avoid the duty/taxes I'd normally have to pay in Canada, plus pricing is a bit better. Well that and having it done today likely would have added another $1K to the bill. PS as a maintenance item I replaced the heater manifold pipe distributor, which is a plastic 4 pipe creation that Ts off coolant for the heater cores. It sits on top of the rear engine block and internet experience says they crack over time, dumping your antifreeze all over the engine, and likely toasting it if one is not paying attention. In replacing that part they discovered one of the heater hoses had a bulge in it and needed to be replaced, requiring a two day wait here as the S shaped hose comes from central parts. Given the car is 15 years old I thought it was wise to check all that piping for issues. John 1983 300TDt 368k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1990's 300TDt 172k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1993 500SEL 180k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) ___ 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 Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.3/824 - Release Date: 5/29/2007 1:01 PM
Re: [MBZ] Heresy....I'm looking at a gasser.
I have not really found that to be the case with the gas engines I have had. LarryT wrote: A gas engine will eat you out of house home. They constantly need *something* - no matter how nice or how well maintained. Let them get a little behind on maintanence and thangs can get ugly (financially speaking) pretty fast. I had a few gas MBs and all were the same. $25 for this, $100 for that, $10 for this, $500 for that - constantly needing a little here and a little there. That may not be a problem for you - and a big gas W126 is unequalled in comfort and security on the open road (unless you find a W140) - but just be prepared for a healthy maintanence program, especially with over 200K on the clock. Personally, I would not consider a gas engine with over 150K unless I was getting it cheap enough so I could rebuild it and not be unside-down. I just don;t think I'd feel confident it would always get me home with so many miles on it. But they're awesome cars when you're behind the wheel and you covering interstate at 80mph+ in near silence except for the stereo. But I'd feel better in a diesel. Good luck - Larry T (67 MGB, 74 911, 78 240D, 91 300D) www.youroil.net for Oil Analysis and Weber Parts Test Results http://members.rennlist.com/oil PORSCHE POSTERS! youroil.net Weber Carb Info http://members.rennlist.com/webercarbs Porsche Road Test http://members.rennlist.com/roadtest/ . -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 92 250D Turbo, 92 300E 4Matic, (2x) 91 300D 2.5 Turbo, 90 420SEL, 89 560SEL, 89 260E, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE 5.0 Euro, 84 190D 2.2, 81 240D, 81 380SLC, 80 240D, 76 240D, 76 300D, 72 250C, 69 250 http://www.okiebenz.com
[MBZ] Heresy
Once again I have to ask, Why are these cars not here? Not that it matters to me anymore as I'm moving to the UK and will soon have my pick of all the wonderful diesels there!! BMW 3-Series By Andrew Frankel of The Sunday Times Who can catch it now? I first drove a car at 150mph exactly 20 years ago. It was a Ferrari. I can remember the anticipation as the toll booth barrier released me onto a deserted French autoroute and I booted it. Its 3 litre V8 engine got me to 135mph fairly quickly but that last 15mph took an age. After howling at me for what seemed like days, the engine finally pushed the speedo needle to the magic ton-and-a-half mark. I did 150mph again last week, but in rather different circumstances. This time I was not in an Italian supercar but a 2 litre diesel saloon. Again it took a long time, and I can’t vouch for the accuracy of its speedo, but what I do know is that, given a sufficiently long stretch of road, the new BMW 320d will comfortably reach 150mph. Twenty years ago you’d have struggled to find a 2 litre diesel that would do 100mph. Such is the pace of change in this industry in general and at BMW in particular that with the new 3-series BMW finds itself in the curious position of replacing a car that’s still the best in its class and selling in massive numbers despite being six years old. Last year in Britain it outsold the likes of the Vauxhall Vectra and Volkswagen Polo. Although the coupé, touring and cabriolet models will continue until they’re gradually superseded over the next two years, the new saloon will be in the showrooms from March. It is slightly larger in every direction, considerably less attractive and even more able than the car it replaces. The showpiece of the new range is clearly the 320d. It will sell as many as all the other 3-series models put together and, for the money, it offers the best value. In SE trim the 320d costs £24,390, or just £1,800 more than a similarly specified 320i. Yet it offers more power (163bhp v 150bhp) and better acceleration (0-62mph in 8.3sec v 9sec). It will also depreciate much more slowly, but the killer is its fuel consumption: this car, which even BMW says will do 140mph, will return around 50mpg. The petrol car can’t get close to 40mpg. These figures are extraordinary. A shame, then, that such a superlative engine is fitted to such a disappointing looking car. It’s not ugly like the 1-series or 7-series. BMW couldn’t afford to risk doing anything radical to a car responsible for 60% of its sales. If anything, it has been too conservative. The car is bland on the outside, drab on the inside and a poor shadow of its sleek looking predecessor. It looks like a committee car. When I tested it in Spain it attracted very little attention, even after a couple of hundred miles in and out of Spanish towns. Once, I got stopped by the police. They had a good look over the car but even after I had won them over and got chatting they seemed unaware they were in the presence of perhaps the most important car to be launched in Europe this year. BMW has worked hard on the interior and has liberated more leg and shoulder room in the back. Then again it has largely negated these advances by reducing headroom. If you’re 6ft or more, the rear of the cabin will be as off-limits as ever. But owners of this, the fifth generation of the 3-series, will never sit in the back and will care rather more about how it drives. And by its class standards it is exceptional. Quicker and dramatically more refined than its closest rival, the noisy Audi A4 2.0TDI, it rides and handles with more aplomb, too. On the motorway the engine remains unobtrusive even at high speeds and when the roads start to curve you’ll find the 3-series a more willing partner than ever. There’s more grip, the steering is sharp and full of feel and, in extremis, its manners are utterly impeccable. The other 3-series I drove, the £28,455 330iSE, was slightly less impressive, not least because BMW had chosen to fit it with its ghastly (and mercifully optional) active steering system. This varies the steering’s gearing according to road speed with the result that you never quite know how far the car is going to turn when you move the wheel. But its new 3 litre 258bhp engine is a masterpiece, hurling this staid-looking saloon to 62mph in 6.3sec. It would go past 155mph, too, were it not for electronic intervention. But the little diesel is the star and the only thing that really depresses me is that it’s soon to become the weapon of choice for all those thousands of neanderthal single males who currently use the 3-series as a guided missile in their quest to get from one end of the motorway to the other faster than anyone else. I can already hear the drooling. BMW is not to be blamed for the excesses of its customers. Unlike its last effort, the deeply disappointing 1-series, BMW has
