Discussion
Oooo MCP Motorsport in North Norfolk....I've heard good things about that place - although I think i'm obliged to say that as my friend's friend's Dad owns it 
500E is a superb car though! Damn quick and very subtle.
Be aware that general engine work will cost more in labour due to the shoe-horned V8 takes up alot of space in the engine bay!
Hope you find a 500E is right for you!
Please let us know how you get on!
Darren
500E is a superb car though! Damn quick and very subtle.
Be aware that general engine work will cost more in labour due to the shoe-horned V8 takes up alot of space in the engine bay!
Hope you find a 500E is right for you!
Please let us know how you get on!
Darren
Excellent choice there sir!
On the test drive watch out for a few things.
If the rear of the car feels crashy, it could just need new spheres in the rear suspension or it could need new struts, which are very pricey, spheres are only £75 each from Merc and are quite easy to fit.
The front end should feel tight, no understeer at all and watch for juddering through the brake pedal as they are quite heavy going on front brakes. Dealer prices for brakes all round though is less than 400 to do the whole car so these aren't that costly to replace.
The engien should pull strong from about 2000rpm upwards, it should be stable at speed, hit the brakes on a level surface and it should pull up dead straight.
Some cars had issues with the front wiring harness so have a look for damaged wires, cracked insulation etc as it is an arsey job to do, I don't think UK cars are affected as much though.
The car should sit at around 95°C in all conditions, there is a modto drop this to 92 which is worthwhile, they rely heavily on the cooling system so check the antifreeze and look for evidence of ot being changed, they run hot as a general rule and 110°C isn't a problem for them but a stable temp is a good thing.
Check for tapping on a cold start, also do a hot start as the chain can rattle slightly, not a problem and the chain and guides only need doing when it starts to get noisy, you should be fine until 3 or 400,000km as a general rule though.
It needs servicing regularly, especially oil changes, mine has done 201,000km now and still feels strong, I had the oil pan removed from the gearbox and there was no sign of any metal particles, the same with the sump, you do get slight oil leaks round the cam seals though, not a problem aslong as it is just damp.
They are absolutely fantastic cars, stick with genuine merc parts from the dealer as they aren't as pricey as you think and really last.
Enjoy.
Dave!
On the test drive watch out for a few things.
If the rear of the car feels crashy, it could just need new spheres in the rear suspension or it could need new struts, which are very pricey, spheres are only £75 each from Merc and are quite easy to fit.
The front end should feel tight, no understeer at all and watch for juddering through the brake pedal as they are quite heavy going on front brakes. Dealer prices for brakes all round though is less than 400 to do the whole car so these aren't that costly to replace.
The engien should pull strong from about 2000rpm upwards, it should be stable at speed, hit the brakes on a level surface and it should pull up dead straight.
Some cars had issues with the front wiring harness so have a look for damaged wires, cracked insulation etc as it is an arsey job to do, I don't think UK cars are affected as much though.
The car should sit at around 95°C in all conditions, there is a modto drop this to 92 which is worthwhile, they rely heavily on the cooling system so check the antifreeze and look for evidence of ot being changed, they run hot as a general rule and 110°C isn't a problem for them but a stable temp is a good thing.
Check for tapping on a cold start, also do a hot start as the chain can rattle slightly, not a problem and the chain and guides only need doing when it starts to get noisy, you should be fine until 3 or 400,000km as a general rule though.
It needs servicing regularly, especially oil changes, mine has done 201,000km now and still feels strong, I had the oil pan removed from the gearbox and there was no sign of any metal particles, the same with the sump, you do get slight oil leaks round the cam seals though, not a problem aslong as it is just damp.
They are absolutely fantastic cars, stick with genuine merc parts from the dealer as they aren't as pricey as you think and really last.
Enjoy.
Dave!
rubystone said:
MCP.....Martin Pearse?....
Thats the chap
I saw his electric blue Porsche recently....sounds sooooo nice
He sources some bloody nice cars....its tempting to drive for that little insignificant hour to his place in Sheringham and beg him to find me a rare Mercedes
Darren
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