1998 Mercedes-Benz CL420 (C140)
Discussion
Just back from Star Motor Services. The sunroof frame is saveable but the tubes down the A pillars are also corroded. However, they have a fix with rubber tubing so I am dropping it back in a couple of weeks when they will carry out the work. It requires removal of the headlining so not a job for me by any means
NSR inner parking sensor is faulty so that's ordered (£114!) and will be carried out at the same time. Bumper-off job.
I've also aded to the list and asked them to investigate the non-working HRW. Hopefully it's not the delaminating screen.
After this then the next stage will be bodyshop estimates for rusty wings and rear panel plus sort the lack of colour-matching down both sides.
Other good news, the soft close has starting working again. No idea why.
NSR inner parking sensor is faulty so that's ordered (£114!) and will be carried out at the same time. Bumper-off job.
I've also aded to the list and asked them to investigate the non-working HRW. Hopefully it's not the delaminating screen.
After this then the next stage will be bodyshop estimates for rusty wings and rear panel plus sort the lack of colour-matching down both sides.
Other good news, the soft close has starting working again. No idea why.
Just back after Star had the car a couple of days. All is well after all jobs completed. One extra job was to have the gearshift lever bush replaced as it was slack, now it's much better.
One thing I noticed is how rattly it is on idle due to the missing catalytic converter. Not in keeping with the car so another job to have done.
The diagnosis on the broken HRW is the delamintating glass itself, as I expected. A pretty penny but perhaps one to do at the same time as any bodywork/paint
£403 today, please sir.
One thing I noticed is how rattly it is on idle due to the missing catalytic converter. Not in keeping with the car so another job to have done.
The diagnosis on the broken HRW is the delamintating glass itself, as I expected. A pretty penny but perhaps one to do at the same time as any bodywork/paint
£403 today, please sir.
Yes, I am in touch with a bodyshop and will be popping over for an estimate to have it all sorted. The rust is creeping in more quickly now and needs attending to.
The big jobs outstanding are:
New HRW and mouldings (parts alone from MB are £1,000+ but were still available at last check)
Paint both sides and sort rust in wings and rear panel (My guess £3,000 upwards)
Minor jobs
New centre air vent as parking display bulb has gone, or try to take apart and see if bulb is replaceable.
New bulb for outside temperature in the cluster (I've done this job before so just need the bulb)
Polish the AMG wheels and new tyres - not a pressing requirement as I love the ride on 60 profiles
Air conditioning is still cold but could do with a boost, I don't think I've ever had it re-gassed
Transmission oil and filter replacement
Rattling centre exhaust due to missing LH cat.
Driver's seat cushion nappa leather has a small hole due to wear.
The big jobs outstanding are:
New HRW and mouldings (parts alone from MB are £1,000+ but were still available at last check)
Paint both sides and sort rust in wings and rear panel (My guess £3,000 upwards)
Minor jobs
New centre air vent as parking display bulb has gone, or try to take apart and see if bulb is replaceable.
New bulb for outside temperature in the cluster (I've done this job before so just need the bulb)
Polish the AMG wheels and new tyres - not a pressing requirement as I love the ride on 60 profiles
Air conditioning is still cold but could do with a boost, I don't think I've ever had it re-gassed
Transmission oil and filter replacement
Rattling centre exhaust due to missing LH cat.
Driver's seat cushion nappa leather has a small hole due to wear.
I visited the recommended bodyshop today, and after a decent chat with the owner, he seems on my wavelength. Therefore I have decided to proceed with pretty much the whole car bar the roof, and he'll sort out the rusty bits. It's booked in 20 May for two weeks.
The estimate came in under my expectation, so now I am looking for a decent glass place to remove and replace the HRW.
The estimate came in under my expectation, so now I am looking for a decent glass place to remove and replace the HRW.
Yesterday, I let the Romanians give it £7-worth of love. Today is bodyshop drop-off day. Here's a summary of the worst bits. I tried to capture the bonnet blemishes but they won't show with my phone camera
Below OSR lamp
NS door above handle (not major, would've probably polished out)
NSF wing rust plus scar from an old dear who tried to take me out at a roundabout
Below front grille
OSF wing
Below OSR lamp
NS door above handle (not major, would've probably polished out)
NSF wing rust plus scar from an old dear who tried to take me out at a roundabout
Below front grille
OSF wing
Another thing to add to the list: as I was driving over to the bodyshop it occurred to me that the rear view mirror had not 'lightened' from my last journey in the dark. Gave the sensor a wipe but it made no difference. That said, it's perfectly acceptable in daylight so not a hindrance.
He just called and apologised profusely. Two of his chaps were in a car accident and so he's on his own. One is returning to work next week but the other is in a worse condition with a broken leg. I believe him. My uncle and grandad both recommended him and have dealt with him for many years. He admits it will be 2-3 weeks longer and I am fine with that, given the circumstances.
As the MoT runs out next week and I automatically renew my tax on-line and pay monthly. I think I'll need to SORN it.
As the MoT runs out next week and I automatically renew my tax on-line and pay monthly. I think I'll need to SORN it.
After 5½ months, I have finally collected it and it's done. First impressions are positive. It's a lot shinier and there is no visible rust. All the arches and rear panel are done, and the bonnet has been refreshed. There is no orange peel and it's very smooth. It has a pleasing 'depth'. All the lower mouldings are now the same colour. For the price, it's good.
Really happy to be driving it again. I have missed the wafty comfort, light steering and silence compared against the E39.
In prepartion for the MoT on Monday I called MB Newbury as it will need two springs, front and rear. The usual chocolate MB springs. The rear springs are now no longer serviced so I will have to go for a pair, probably Bilstein B3.
No whole car shots as I was rushed to return to work and the light is fading.
A new rear chrome is needed.
Really happy to be driving it again. I have missed the wafty comfort, light steering and silence compared against the E39.
In prepartion for the MoT on Monday I called MB Newbury as it will need two springs, front and rear. The usual chocolate MB springs. The rear springs are now no longer serviced so I will have to go for a pair, probably Bilstein B3.
No whole car shots as I was rushed to return to work and the light is fading.
A new rear chrome is needed.
Rest assured I will be posting better pictures as soon as the time and weather allows.
After Monday when it fails the MoT I'll be in a better position to take stock
That said I'm booked on the ferry to Santander 26 November so it has to be ship-shape. I've received my hi-vis jacket and AA road atlas today.
One thing that I've noticed today is how spongy are the brakes. Really not good at all with no inspiring bite . I'll take a wheel off this weekend and have a nosey but I think I need decent pads and perhaps discs at the front. Possibly a brake fluid change too.
After Monday when it fails the MoT I'll be in a better position to take stock
That said I'm booked on the ferry to Santander 26 November so it has to be ship-shape. I've received my hi-vis jacket and AA road atlas today.
One thing that I've noticed today is how spongy are the brakes. Really not good at all with no inspiring bite . I'll take a wheel off this weekend and have a nosey but I think I need decent pads and perhaps discs at the front. Possibly a brake fluid change too.
A quick stop on the way to the garage for the dreaded MoT. Pumped up the tyres - they were all at 26 PSI after 5½ months.
Phone picture probably isn't the best but it was very shiny. I have a dicky rear lamp bulb which worked as soon as I opened the flap in the boot. Also the boot lid soft-close has started working which was very pleasing.
Phone picture probably isn't the best but it was very shiny. I have a dicky rear lamp bulb which worked as soon as I opened the flap in the boot. Also the boot lid soft-close has started working which was very pleasing.
It's a fail, unsurpisingly, but not for any broken springs as I expected.
Brake pipes corroded and one flexi-hose, and the annual emissions fail. He says he'll give it a good run and immediately test afterwards. That worked last year so fingers crossed. Lots of labour so it will be over £500. Bugger.
I really want to change the front pads and discs as the pedal is very spongy, in no small part due to the rubbish Lucas pads. I think I will go genuine MB. The weather is not condusive to working outside though.
Brake pipes corroded and one flexi-hose, and the annual emissions fail. He says he'll give it a good run and immediately test afterwards. That worked last year so fingers crossed. Lots of labour so it will be over £500. Bugger.
I really want to change the front pads and discs as the pedal is very spongy, in no small part due to the rubbish Lucas pads. I think I will go genuine MB. The weather is not condusive to working outside though.
At least I'll have the brakes bled as part of the process so that might help with the pedal feel, but new pads definitely required
I have Friday off this week so I am going for an extended shakedown before Spain. I may go and see family in Cambridge for the weekend.
Othewise pre-touring shopping so far:
Hi-Vis jacket
GB sticker
AA Road Atlas Spain/Portugal 10th edition
USB Euro-plug
Topped up euro pre-paid card
In the boot already
Bulb kit
First aid kit
Warning Triangle
I have Friday off this week so I am going for an extended shakedown before Spain. I may go and see family in Cambridge for the weekend.
Othewise pre-touring shopping so far:
Hi-Vis jacket
GB sticker
AA Road Atlas Spain/Portugal 10th edition
USB Euro-plug
Topped up euro pre-paid card
In the boot already
Bulb kit
First aid kit
Warning Triangle
Edited by tobinen on Tuesday 12th November 09:02
interesting that you mention the tolls. They seem to be only on the blue AP motorways as far as I can tell in the atlas, and even then, not all of them.
For example from Santander to Gijon (A8) I can see no toll booths on the map though it's a red road
On the blue AP-66 from Gijon to Leon, I can't see any toll booths
For example from Santander to Gijon (A8) I can see no toll booths on the map though it's a red road
On the blue AP-66 from Gijon to Leon, I can't see any toll booths
I did a test route on the Michelin site and there are tolls not illustrated on my atlas so I have ordered one of those cards. I'm glad I checked.
Car not ready today so hopefully tomorrow
I may have the chance to stay at a friend-of-a-friend's flat in Sevilla so I think I'll have plenty of time to head south.
Car not ready today so hopefully tomorrow
I may have the chance to stay at a friend-of-a-friend's flat in Sevilla so I think I'll have plenty of time to head south.
A pass at last. Took a while to go through the emissions (as every year). I really must sort out the missing catalytic converter (as every year)
The brakes feel a little better, shorter pedal travel but still lacking the bite I want. If the weather is agreeable I'll take a look tomorrow.
Old parts (the garage always keeps them to show the customer)
Crusty brake lines:
Hose (not sure what was wrong with it but I trust them)
The final bill (I managed to flutter my eyelashes and she knocked off £20 - I think she felt sorry for me)
MoT advisories: Rear fuel pipes corroded, rattling catalytic converter, rear springs corroded, OSF lower ball joint play.
All-in-all, not that bad. Some more expense coming up next year though
The brakes feel a little better, shorter pedal travel but still lacking the bite I want. If the weather is agreeable I'll take a look tomorrow.
Old parts (the garage always keeps them to show the customer)
Crusty brake lines:
Hose (not sure what was wrong with it but I trust them)
The final bill (I managed to flutter my eyelashes and she knocked off £20 - I think she felt sorry for me)
MoT advisories: Rear fuel pipes corroded, rattling catalytic converter, rear springs corroded, OSF lower ball joint play.
All-in-all, not that bad. Some more expense coming up next year though
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