OWNER TimL

[TimL]

• Key OFF, Door OPEN, Lights ON --> BUZZ --> You probably want this reminder, but the GraySwitch uprgade may help?
• Key ACC, Door OPEN --> BUZZ --> The GraySwitch™ upgrade cures this scenario.
• Key ON, Door CLOSED --> BUZZ ---> Unplugging the black two-wire connectors address this scenario.

I can't recall if the same buzzer is used for all three. I personally want the lights-on reminder, and don't mind the key-left-on reminder (since I can disable with the switch, if needed). The third one had the highest fingernails-on-chalkboard quotient for me.

If I remember right, the actual buzzer is somewhere behind the lower dashboard cover...is that correct? If so, I’ll just go the route of getting rid of the entire buzzer, since that panel will have to come off anyway to replace it with the slimmer ROW lower dashboard panel.....I don’t want any buzzing in any scenario. Just such a nasty tone

 

[gsxr]

Another option - IIRC, @speedy300dturbo mentioned there are gadgets you can install to play an MP3 file, instead of the nasty buzzer tone. So for your German muscle, it could crank out Rammstein instead.

 

[Jlaa]

If I remember right, the actual buzzer is somewhere behind the lower dashboard cover...is that correct? If so, I’ll just go the route of getting rid of the entire buzzer, since that panel will have to come off anyway to replace it with the slimmer ROW lower dashboard panel.....I don’t want any buzzing in any scenario. Just such a nasty tone

Apparently its behind the gauge cluster (which is easy enough to remove) but then getting to bolts that fasten the buzzer bracket is a ROYAL PITA.

W124 buzzer advice? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

W124 '86 300E What has to be done to silence the seat belt/ign switch buzzer? I want to be able to turn the key w/out hearing that 5sec noise. (I'll

www.peachparts.com

Note that Victor of RestoreYourMercedes swapped out the buzzer 16 years ago, and even @J-Sauce commented on this thread (a little over 10 years ago). And Victor seemed to tacitly agree that getting to the buzzer is a RPITA.

Is there a way to archive this info from fruitboard?

That said, all the comments about getting to the buzzer being a RPITA .... well ...... at least for me, its not worth the anguish. Getting rid of the buzzer for the seatbelt reminder via a 10 second connector disconnection was an easy win. Getting rid of the buzzer for the "headlights on" scenario and "Key in ACC and Door Open" scenario ---- not really worth it.

 

[Jlaa]

Steve also installed several other items that I had in storage for a while:

• New third brake light (as the previous one had some minor areas of molten plastic)

BTW @TimL, that new third brake light lens will melt again if you spend any substantial amount of time sitting in traffic with your foot on the brake pedal. Keep that new third brake light lens/housing looking new! Put in an LED bulb instead of an incandescent.

Of course that means you will then get the bulb-out-warning light on the dashboard. The way to deal with that is:

• Hack - take out the BOW light in the dashboard
• Not-Hack - get the European BOW relay 126.542.03.32 (Stribel version), cut some traces and solder a jumper, and then everything will be good to go. The Euro BOW relay does not check for function of the third brake light.

 

[TimL]

Apparently its behind the gauge cluster (which is easy enough to remove) but then getting to bolts that fasten the buzzer bracket is a ROYAL PITA.

W124 buzzer advice? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

W124 '86 300E What has to be done to silence the seat belt/ign switch buzzer? I want to be able to turn the key w/out hearing that 5sec noise. (I'll

www.peachparts.com

Note that Victor of RestoreYourMercedes swapped out the buzzer 16 years ago, and even @J-Sauce commented on this thread (a little over 10 years ago). And Victor seemed to tacitly agree that getting to the buzzer is a RPITA.

Is there a way to archive this info from fruitboard?

That said, all the comments about getting to the buzzer being a RPITA .... well ...... at least for me, its not worth the anguish. Getting rid of the buzzer for the seatbelt reminder via a 10 second connector disconnection was an easy win. Getting rid of the buzzer for the "headlights on" scenario and "Key in ACC and Door Open" scenario ---- not really worth it.

Trust you, Jlaa, to burst my bubble.....can't one dream?!??
Guess I might have to settle for the gsxr shortcut

 

[TimL]

Just slowly sorting through the parts stash to collect all the stuff I will need for tackling the next items on my laundry list....some of it I had for a while, so trying to remember where I put some items

 

[TimL]

It’s been a while since I drove my car, as it was raining quite a bit recently, so when the sun peaked out a little today, I decided to take my car out for a spin. I’ve only put 1,200 miles on it since October of last year, so the combo of pandemic and poor weather really put a damper on driving more than I realized, especially considering that the 500 E is my daily.

So it was really nice when I drove it again today, as it reminded me just how much I love that the design of the car still has me as hooked as it had me when it first came out 30 years ago. There is just is a certain understated “menace“ to the look of the 036 that I think I will never grow tired of I particularly love the look of that front fender and the way it bulges out from the rest of the front end....

 

[a777fan]

Always surprised I don't see you out and about more Tim! All those photos are very familiar locations! Perhaps more as the pandemic lifts.

Looking great as always.

 

[TimL]

Always surprised I don't see you out and about more Tim! All those photos are very familiar locations! Perhaps more as the pandemic lifts.

Looking great as always.

Thank you Jon! It must be the bland 199 color of the car that just blends in everywhere

Hope things are well with you and that Uter is running nicely

 

[TimL]

Went down a bit of a rabbit hole the other day and ended up getting some car related knickknacks from Germany, some of them more useful than others.

I really love the fact that someone was crazy enough way back when the W124 was new to go to a jeweler and tell him to make them a W124 key chain out of sterling silver . I've seen these for the r129 before, but never for the W124, so I'm happy I came across it

I haven't checked if they are already available somewhere on the forum, but I'm happy to scan either of the shop intro manuals I bought - they are all in German though, so not much use for the non-German speakers here....

In the meantime Steve Geyer has been working on my car for several days now and while I dread to think about the resulting bill, I'm excited that the To Do list on the car keeps getting smaller - slowly but surely.

 

[TimL]

Just got back from Germany on Saturday and picked up my car from Steve Geyer upon my return. Haven’t gotten around to taking decent pictures of all the items that were done on the car, as I was just too excited to have it back and driving the snot out of it (doing ten days of Autobahn after an 18 month hiatus will do that to you, as all the European folks on here will know ).

The stuff that was taken care of was a bit of a mixed bag, as some of my Euro part experiments failed (e.g. lower European dashboard cover -sorry @Jlaa) and as some stuff was diagnosed that I hadn’t planned on (e.g. new brakes, new fuel pumps), and some other stuff got flagged earlier than I had hoped for (reverse clutches, steering box), but all in, several of the originally planned punch list items got done and I am happy with it. Here’s the stuff that was done:

On the outside
-Installed NOS blower motor
- Installed new wiper motor
- Installed new Bosch wiper gear (ridiculous how much quicker and how much smoother the wiper movement is now )
- Installed new wiper motor transistor
- Installed new washer reservoir and associated components
- Installed NOS MB hydraulic suspension reservoir
- Installed ROW headlight vacuum adjustment functionality
- Installed new fuel pumps
- Installed new brake discs and pads on front axle (OEM MB discs and pads)
- Replace bulkhead foam panel

On the inside
- Installed new lock tumbler
- Installed new headlight switch and light knob
- Installed used (but very good condition) plastic panels around steering column lock and headlight switch
- De-installed that infernal North American seat belt buzzer
- Installed NOS multi purpose steering column stalk
- Fixed rear dome light
- Fixed C pillar reading light on passenger side
- Installed new seat controller on driver side
- Installed new radio fader toggle switch

Next up will be somewhat more mechanically urgent stuff like the gearbox and the steering box.

I’m coming up on completing my 3rd year of ownership this week and thinking about it, I realistically wouldn’t have done and keep on doing all these repairs to my car if I wasn’t so totally and idiotically hooked on the 036, as I am unfortunately long, LOONG past the point of commercial return. Accordingly, I decided to just enjoy my idiocy and being very thankful for a very understanding wife and for this forum which has been helping peeps around the world to properly maintain these rather special cars.

Drive your E500Es while you can, because who knows how long there will be spare parts!!

 

[Jlaa]

I’m coming up up on completing my 3rd year of ownership this week and thinking about it, I realistically wouldn’t have done and keep on doing all these repairs to my car if I wasn’t so totally and idiotically hooked on the 036, as I am unfortunately long, LOONG past the point of commercial return. Accordingly, I decided to just enjoy my idiocy and being very thankful for a very understanding wife and for this forum which has been helping peeps around the world to properly maintain these very special cars.

Drive your E500Es while you can, because who knows how long there will be spare parts!!

Geez, has it already been three years?! Of course we feed this addiction without a care in the world for commercial return because the car just makes you FEEL right when looking at it, sitting in it, driving it. The car provides us with the unmatched satisfaction of expertly operating fine machinery. There are so many options on the road that are faster, louder, softer, more cosseting, more sporting, more visually exciting, more vocal ..... but none make us feel as majestic, as regal, as *poised* as we do when operating the E500E, which explains why we are so smitten.

 

[TimL]

Geez, has it already been three years?! Of course we feed this addiction without a care in the world for commercial return because the car just makes you FEEL right when looking at it, sitting in it, driving it. The car provides us with the unmatched satisfaction of expertly operating fine machinery. There are so many options on the road that are faster, louder, softer, more cosseting, more sporting, more visually exciting, more vocal ..... but none make us feel as majestic, as regal, as *poised* as we do when operating the E500E, which explains why we are so smitten.

Eloquently put, as usual, @Jlaa!! Note though that the f$ck!ng lower Euro dashboard still doesn’t fit, so the ride better be as regal as you describe it to make me forget the fact that I shipped this part half across the world only for it to not fit

I guess I need EPC

 

[Jlaa]

Eloquently put, as usual, @Jlaa!! Note though that the f$ck!ng lower Euro dashboard still doesn’t fit, so the ride better be as regal as you describe it to make me forget the fact that I shipped this part half across the world only for it to not fit

I guess I need EPC

Ummmm THANK YOU FOR FINDING THAT OUT SO THAT I DONT HAVE TO WASTE MONEY! . I sent you a PM.

 

[TimL]

Ummmm THANK YOU FOR FINDING THAT OUT SO THAT I DONT HAVE TO WASTE MONEY! . I sent you a PM.

I am determined to make this POS work as I am 100% done with the look of the bulging U.S. lower dashboard. Some sort of support bracket is missing in the back to hold the panel in place, so I need to figure out more about that. Once I do and know the P/N, I will try it and let you know if it works.

 

[speedy300dturbo]

Ummmm THANK YOU FOR FINDING THAT OUT SO THAT I DONT HAVE TO WASTE MONEY! . I sent you a PM.

I assume the goal was to replace the bulky "knee bolster" underdash panel on the driver's side with something less intrusive? The early W124 (MY86-89) panel should be a direct swap and uses the same hood release handle as the stock 500E500 panel (ROTW models had a larger handle)

 

[TimL]

I assume the goal was to replace the bulky "knee bolster" underdash panel on the driver's side with something less intrusive? The early W124 (MY86-89) panel should be a direct swap and uses the same hood release handle as the stock 500E500 panel (ROTW models had a larger handle)

That would be great! I bought the wide hood release handle and lower dashboard cover from Germany and they unfortunately don’t fit without another support bracket/panel. I’ll look around for that support bracket and if I can’t find it I’ll start looking for an early generation cover from a U.S. car. Thanks for the suggestion @speedy300dturbo! You wouldn’t happen to know the P/N of that early model lower dashboard cover, would you?

 

[TimL]

Brought back a used original ROW license plate bracket, a Wuerth MB Customer Center branded License Plate holder and some period correct old style (i.e. non European Union) German license plates from my recent trip to Germany. Anybody recognize the plate?

I guess it will be only a matter of time until I get pulled over here in WA, but maybe I get lucky and I can drive around with it a bit before it happens. That last picture is from a poster that I still have from the time when my dad worked for MB in Africa where they used this poster as promotion material back in the day when the 500 E was new

 

[Jlaa]

Sks8807 from the PR Photos!

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Just got back from Germany on Saturday and picked up my car from Steve Geyer upon my return. Haven’t gotten around to taking decent pictures of all the items that were done on the car, as I was just too excited to have it back and driving the snot out of it (doing ten days of Autobahn after an 18 month hiatus will do that to you, as all the European folks on here will know ).

The stuff that was taken care of was a bit of a mixed bag, as some of my Euro part experiments failed (e.g. lower European dashboard cover -sorry @Jlaa) and as some stuff was diagnosed that I hadn’t planned on (e.g. new brakes, new fuel pumps), and some other stuff got flagged earlier than I had hoped for (reverse clutches, steering box), but all in, several of the originally planned punch list items got done and I am happy with it. Here’s the stuff that was done:

On the outside
-Installed NOS blower motor
- Installed new wiper motor
- Installed new Bosch wiper gear (ridiculous how much quicker and how much smoother the wiper movement is now )
- Installed new wiper motor transistor
- Installed new washer reservoir and associated components
- Installed NOS MB hydraulic suspension reservoir
- Installed ROW headlight vacuum adjustment functionality
- Installed new fuel pumps
- Installed new brake discs and pads on front axle (OEM MB discs and pads)
- Replace bulkhead foam panel

On the inside
- Installed new lock tumbler
- Installed new headlight switch and light knob
- Installed used (but very good condition) plastic panels around steering column lock and headlight switch
- De-installed that infernal North American seat belt buzzer
- Installed NOS multi purpose steering column stalk
- Fixed rear dome light
- Fixed C pillar reading light on passenger side
- Installed new seat controller on driver side
- Installed new radio fader toggle switch

Next up will be somewhat more mechanically urgent stuff like the gearbox and the steering box.

I’m coming up on completing my 3rd year of ownership this week and thinking about it, I realistically wouldn’t have done and keep on doing all these repairs to my car if I wasn’t so totally and idiotically hooked on the 036, as I am unfortunately long, LOONG past the point of commercial return. Accordingly, I decided to just enjoy my idiocy and being very thankful for a very understanding wife and for this forum which has been helping peeps around the world to properly maintain these rather special cars.

Drive your E500Es while you can, because who knows how long there will be spare parts!!

Tim, all those plastic reservoirs are beautiful new white, wow!!! Near impossible to see that in the car of this vintage... "near", just not in your case! wow to your engine compartment!!!

 

[TimL]

Tim, all those plastic reservoirs are beautiful new white, wow!!! Near impossible to see that in the car of this vintage... "near", just not in your case! wow to your engine compartment!!!

Thank you @Duh_Vinci, I appreciate it! All the faded/yellowed tanks bugged me for a long time, so I enjoy the fact that they are done now

 

[TimL]

Been driving my car a bit more recently as Corona restrictions are easing up a bit and two totally unrelated things have been sticking out to me:

1) while I love the comfort of the OEM brake pads and discs over the much more aggressive slotted and ceramic disc italia setup I ran until the most recent service, the dust of the original pads is INSANE. Wheels are starting to get dirty after just a few miles. Peeps have been noting that before on here, but I was still surprised by just how much dirtier the OEM Brembo setup is (first picture is after 50 miles of spirited driving

2) I always have a feeling that the W124 is a comparatively small car in today's world, but walking up to it and seeing it parked right next to a Mazda 6 makes the W124 look almost cartoonishly small, considering that the Mazda 6 is considered a medium sized sedan. Yet, the inside of the W124 is still feeling quite spacious to me, so, yet again, off to Bruno Sacco. He really knew what he was doing

 

[Jlaa]

Been driving my car a bit more recently as Corona restrictions are easing up a bit and two totally unrelated things have been sticking out to me: 1) while I love the comfort of the OEM brake pads and discs over the much more aggressive slotted and ceramic disc italia setup I ran until the most recent service, the dust of the original pads is INSANE. Wheels are starting to get dirty after just a few miles. Peeps have been noting that before on here, but I was still surprised by just how much dirtier the OEM Brembo setup is
2) I always have a feeling that the W124 is a comparatively small car in today's world, but walking up to it and seeing it parked right next to a Mazda 6 makes the W124 look almost cartoonishly small, considering that the Mazda 6 is considered a medium sized sedan. Yet, the inside of the W124 is still feeling quite spacious to me, so, yet again, off to Bruno Sacco. He really knew what he was doing

Dang, I don't know how you can relax, seeing that the rear bumper of that Subaru outback is pointed right at your EUR5000 headlights. But yeah - totally agree w/ that "cartoonishly small" comment.

 

[TimL]

Dang, I don't know how you can relax, seeing that the rear bumper of that Subaru outback is pointed right at your EUR5000 headlights. But yeah - totally agree w/ that "cartoonishly small" comment.

A pint of Bitburger watching the Mannschaft helps

 

[Jlaa]

A pint of Bitburger watching the Mannschaft helps

I have never had Bitburger. I despise most beers, but there is one beer I really enjoy above all beers, and it is this one. I don't know whether the reputation of this is lame or if it is well received in the fatherland, but I like it. I wanted to go to a Weihenstephaner factory tour while visiting the Christmas Market in Munich in 2020 / December, but of course COVID put a stop to that idea.

 

[TimL]

Trust you to like a specialty Bavarian beer of the highest repute! #lugboltshaming

It is one of the oldest German Breweries and with that one of the oldest in the world. Excellent beer and and even better onsite tour. Run by monks and a beautiful outdoor patio with a panoramic view of the mountains.....

 

[dionphaneuf]

Those RIALs are looking great. In my never ending search for wheels I frequently find myself 'settling' back on the OE ones as they do a decent job of filling the wheel wells and look good while offering great ride, although I'm tempted to go to something like those or EVOs.

I switched from OE to Akenbono about a year ago, wish I'd done so earlier. I clean the wheels at the same frequency as the rest of the car and they don't look dusty at all. I have had issues w squeeling tho, not sure how to avoid this.

 

[gsxr]

Those RIALs are looking great. In my never ending search for wheels I frequently find myself 'settling' back on the OE ones as they do a decent job of filling the wheel wells and look good while offering great ride, although I'm tempted to go to something like those or EVOs.

The RIAL's are $$$$. If you like Evos, check out the Maxilite replicas from 5thscaleracer, you can't beat the price. Nearly half the cost of OE/painted which are still available from MBCC for ~$2300/set.

I switched from OE to Akenbono about a year ago, wish I'd done so earlier. I clean the wheels at the same frequency as the rest of the car and they don't look dusty at all. I have had issues w squeeling tho, not sure how to avoid this.

Squealing and (subjectively) wooden feel are the main drawbacks to ceramics. And they're not the best for track or performance use. But if super light-colored dust is high on your list, ceramics are the way to go. Akebono and EBC Reds are the common ceramics, Ate also offers some, and I think there are a few newcomers to the market as well. Gone are the days of cheap Metal Masters with asbestos, low dust, great feel, and bargain price. Real shame those are NLA.

 

[kegmankipp]

I have never had Bitburger. I despise most beers, but there is one beer I really enjoy above all beers, and it is this one. I don't know whether the reputation of this is lame or if it is well received in the fatherland, but I like it. I wanted to go to a Weihenstephaner factory tour while visiting the Christmas Market in Munich in 2020 / December, but of course COVID put a stop to that idea.

View attachment 133520

Jlaa that is one of the greatest beers in the World from the World’s Oldest Brewery. Killing it since 1040!

Also try their Original Premium which is a light Helles Lager that they have brewed since 1040. Once you have, you can taste hints of it every other beer Worldwide.

I’ve had their Hefe Weissbier on tap at home continuously for over 25 years

 

[MB V8]

Get some Akebono pads TimL and you'll have more time to enjoy that Bitburger b/c you won't be cleaning your wheels!

 

[Kyiv]

I'm really disappointed in an overall character softness of those present. When I roamed Munich's Christmas market a few years back with my family, we consumed strictly schnapps. So did all other proper grade, respectable ladies and gentlemen around us

 

[TerryA]

@TimL, Those Rial wheels look great but using the OEM brake pads will shorten their life. Get rid of them that dust is corrosive.

When I first got my 500E it had Porterfield S4S pads on stock smooth rotors. Hardly any dust at all. Very easy to wipe down with Meguires Ultimate Detailer. I still use the Porterfield pads with slotted / dimpled rotors. The dust is a little heavier but still manageable with the Meguires detailer.

Note that the slotted or drilled/dimpled rotors are like a cheese grater and create more dust naturally.

You should try the Porterfields. Also I have never had any squeaking of any kind. Also very good stopping power but I don’t track or race my car except for the occasional “Stop Light Grand Prix”

 

[Jlaa]

Squealing and (subjectively) wooden feel are the main drawbacks to ceramics. And they're not the best for track or performance use. But if super light-colored dust is high on your list, ceramics are the way to go. Akebono and EBC Reds are the common ceramics, Ate also offers some, and I think there are a few newcomers to the market as well. Gone are the days of cheap Metal Masters with asbestos, low dust, great feel, and bargain price. Real shame those are NLA.

I like Akebonos. Somewhat wooden feel, but good street pad, no noise, and low dust.
I hate EBC Reds. See here: Brake Pads - ok to mix compounds front to rear? | Brakes, Suspension and Steering

 

[gsxr]

When I first got my 500E it had Porterfield S4S pads on stock smooth rotors. Hardly any dust at all. ... You should try the Porterfields. Also I have never had any squeaking of any kind. Also very good stopping power...

I really like Porterfield R4-S street compound. The main drawback is they are expensive. And IME, the dust level varies from batch to batch, which is weird. I've had some pads that were almost as low dust as 'Bonos, and others seemingly as dusty as OE. Most are somewhere in the middle though. I've used Porterfields on quite a few of my cars of over the past ~20 years and currently have them on at least 4-5 cars.

I like Akebonos. Somewhat wooden feel, but good street pad, no noise, and low dust.

Forgot to mention - the squealing tends to be in cold temps (near freezing). Or, one time when backing the car up after a cold start. For most people this won't be an issue, especially in southern/western states.

I hate EBC Reds. See here: Brake Pads - ok to mix compounds front to rear? | Brakes, Suspension and Steering

I was really surprised by your EBC experience. I'm curious if that was a fluke, or something specific to the Porch caliper. I don't know anyone who has used the Redstuff on an 034/036. The EBC's ain't cheap, either. I expected better.

 

[TimL]

I came from a very low dust aftermarket setup (disc italia pads and discs), but as the pads were wearing they started clanking in the caliper, rattling every time I drove over rough surfaces/potholes, so I specifically went back to an OEM setup to ensure best possible fit. I take the dust over the noise any day

@TerryA thanks for letting me know about the corrosion issue. Had the RIALs refinished a few months ago because the tire foam I was using was producing cracks in the clear coat. Will watch closely if the dust is causing issues.

 

[Bogeyman]

Just a note that it really helps to keep your wheels waxed, ceramic, graphene or whatever you prefer.

 

[gerryvz]

A pint of Bitburger watching the Mannschaft helps

Bitburger is what I would say in German is "race car beer" ... meaning a mass market product that you would typically find on a race car. In the US, that would be Budweiser or Miller, etc. Yes yes I know Bitburger is supposed to be Rheinheitsgebot-compliant and all that ... but IMHO it's not the same as non race-car beers.

I have never had Bitburger. I despise most beers, but there is one beer I really enjoy above all beers, and it is this one. I don't know whether the reputation of this is lame or if it is well received in the fatherland, but I like it. I wanted to go to a Weihenstephaner factory tour while visiting the Christmas Market in Munich in 2020 / December, but of course COVID put a stop to that idea.

View attachment 133520

You don't want to have Bitburger. Stick with Weihenstephan.

I actually had two of them just last night ... sitting outside in my back yard in the Airondack chairs with my wife, watching the sun sink in the sky, seeing a doe cross the back side of my property 40 yards away, and drinking Weihenstephan out of proper hefeweizen glasses.

We plan to do the same tonight. 7-8 PM EDT.

Jlaa that is one of the greatest beers in the World from the World’s Oldest Brewery. Killing it since 1040!

Also try their Original Premium which is a light Helles Lager that they have brewed since 1040. Once you have, you can taste hints of it every other beer Worldwide.

I’ve had their Hefe Weissbier on tap at home continuously for over 25 years

Weihenstephan is located in Freising, Germany, which is literally the next village over from my long time friend Thomas Grevel (@tgrevel ... who lives in Kranzberg). He has brought me to the restaurant and bierstube many times on the University campus (Weihenstephan brewery is part of the Weihenstephan university, owned by the State of Bavaria). Literally only about 3 kms from Thomas' home. You basically have to drive through the university campus when going from his house to Freising or to the Munich Airport via the "B" roads as they call them in Germany.

If you are interested in other excellent Bavarian Hefeweizens, here are some recommendations of many that I have drank over the years, generally in order of how much I like them:

1. Ayinger (Aying, just southeast of Munich)
2. Schneider Weiße (Kelheim Germany, near Regensburg northeast of Munich)
3. Franziskaner Hefe-Weißbier (Munich)
4. Andechser Weißbier (Kloster Andechs Monastery, southwest of Munich near the Ammersee)
5. Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier (Munich)
6. Erdinger Weißbier - the town of Erding is just a very short drive from Freising/Weihenstephan, but the Erdinger brewery is very large and more of a "mass market" hefeweizen. That said, it is not bad for a mass-market product.

A photo of the inside of my fridge door, right now:

 

[smilecenterlab]

cheers!

 

[Jlaa]

A photo of the inside of my fridge door, right now:
View attachment 133534

This does not look like a Gaggenau, Miele, or Liebherr refrigerator. #Lugboltshaming!

 

[kegmankipp]

Oh, I love the Andechs but kegs are hard to come by in the USA lately

Many kegs of their Weissbier Hell have been on tap over the years next to the Weihenstephan. While the Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier is definitely best in their Hefe Weissbier glass I do prefer the more soft and subtle Andechs Weissbier in a Riedel Cabernet wineglass.

 

[gerryvz]

Happy Hour with my Life Partner (Laura) & dog Chase is coming a bit earlier today than expected ….

 

[TimL]

Been living in Seattle for 11 years now and I've never seen it as hot up here as it was on Monday, so it was a bit of an experiment for me to drive the 500 E in 44.5 degrees celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit) and it did well. Aux fans came on when they were supposed to and aircon was nice and cold.

 

[dionphaneuf]

My AC definitely struggles in that heat, so it may be in need of a refresh...

 

[gsxr]

My AC definitely struggles in that heat, so it may be in need of a refresh...

If the AC isn't making icicles, check both the refrigerant charge & condenser fins, AND also the vacuum pods under the dash. If the main air flap is not closing, the system will be sucking in more hot exterior air than normal and never achieve max coolness. Search the forum for info on the vac pod testing.

 

[Kyiv]

Been living in Seattle for 11 years now and I've never seen it as hot up here as it was on Monday, so it was a bit of an experiment for me to drive the 500 E in 44.5 degrees celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit) and it did well. Aux fans came on when they were supposed to and aircon was nice and cold.

This is the kind of temperature I saw just a few times in 4 years driving my 400E in So Cal. Usually at full throttle, with 4 people, on a freeway (5 north of Los Angeles), going 90 mph, uphill, A/C blasting, ambient in high 90s). That's on a very tired, original fan clutch that was still working. Otherwise, with a non-working fan clutch, usually, it would touch 110C, 112 at the very most (dense traffic, climbing Hollywood hills) before auxillary fans brought it down to 87C.

Do 400Es tend run significantly enough cooler vs 500E? Our Honcho described several times temperatures he is seeing on his 500E and they are several degrees higher vs my 400E driven in the similar (at the time) environment of northern Virginia. Albeit my car has a ACM fan clutch and not a factory unit... With it, I've never seen higher than 105C and that's only after a several mile climb up the mountain in hot and humid Virginia

 

[gsxr]

Do 400Es tend run significantly enough cooler vs 500E? Our Honcho described several times temperatures he is seeing on his 500E and they are several degrees higher vs my 400E driven in the similar (at the time) environment of northern Virginia. Albeit my car has a ACM fan clutch and not a factory unit... With it, I've never seen higher than 105C and that's only after a several mile climb up the mountain in hot and humid Virginia

IME, yes, the 400E's generally run a LITTLE cooler than the 500E. However, I've seen noticeable differences between 500E's despite the cooling systems being in top shape with most all new parts. So there's always some variability. With the cooling systems fully sorted and working normally, I don't think I've ever seen any of our .034's exceed 105C under any conditions. (With a dead fan clutch AND blown fuse, I did see 110-115C once many years ago, that was fun! It was promptly fixed.)

As discussed previously, anywhere between 80-100C is normal and nothing to worry about. Up to ~110C is ok in crazy heat like Tim's 45C (!!) but it's at the top end of what I'd prefer to see, particularly if cruising at 65mph on level ground. This assumes the clutch is engaged and audibly roaring, radiator is recent, and the whole cooling system is in good shape.

 

[Kyiv]

With the cooling systems fully sorted and working normally, I don't think I've ever seen any of our .034's exceed 105C under any conditions.

Exactly my experience after - thanks to you - fixing my fan clutch. Only once I saw 105 C and that's driving up the mountain, for several miles and kinda gunning it. I also distinctly remember, 102F ambient, sun burning, and very humid, spending an hour in bumper to bumper traffic and hitting 103-4C just once. Otherwise, even a 100C is relatively rare sight

 

[TerryA]

Been living in Seattle for 11 years now and I've never seen it as hot up here as it was on Monday, so it was a bit of an experiment for me to drive the 500 E in 44.5 degrees celsius (112 degrees Fahrenheit) and it did well. Aux fans came on when they were supposed to and aircon was nice and cold.

Tim, Your the COOLEST

A little different than the “Fatherland” Now your in SoCal weather territory. Thankfully I live close enough to the ocean to be in the 70s or 80s most of the time. Yesterday I was in Temecula Wine Country for lunch. It hit a 100 out there. Fortunately I was in my White KIA Optima w/ ICE COLD AIR

Take Care

 

[TimL]

Tim, Your the COOLEST

A little different than the “Fatherland” Now your in SoCal weather territory. Thankfully I live close enough to the ocean to be in the 70s or 80s most of the time. Yesterday I was in Temecula Wine Country for lunch. It hit a 100 out there. Fortunately I was in my White KIA Optima w/ ICE COLD AIR

Take Care

Wine country for lunch- you’re living my dream Terry!

 

[TimL]

Hi,

I’m considering selling my car, as it is proving too impractical as my daily driver, now that we are shuttling our 6 month old daughter to the grandparents on a daily basis and I unfortunately don’t have the garage space for an additional car that could replace the 500 E as daily driver.

Bought the car in June 2018 with 87k miles from the daughter of the first owner (making me the third owner after her and her mom) and since then invested about $40k for which I have all the receipts. The car only went to Mercedes Benz and Steve Geyer for any and all maintenance work and all of the parts that went on were OEM, except for the braided stainless steel brake lines. No depo or Uro or such similar- EVER.

Some things that were done include:

springs, shocks, spheres, bushings, steering damper, front LCAs, brake pads, disks, new tandem pump, remanufactured water pump, new caps, rotors and isolators, new camshaft seals, new timing chains and guides, new ETA, new breather hoses, new valve cover gaskets, new wiper motor, wiper arm and wiper gear, new headlight wiper motors, NOS euro wiper arms and blades, new fuel pumps, new shifter bushings, new engine mounts, new wiring harnesses (upper and lower), vacuum headlight functionality, ASR-OFF functionality with switch in center console plus of course all regular maintenance intervals eith whatever was due (spark plugs, oil and filter, sunroof and antenna greasing, fuel filter, etc., etc.

Cosmetic work includes: lower cladding repainted all around, new rear bumper cover, new bumper chrome strips front and rear, NOS chrome grill, insert and emblem, NOS anodized trim all around (except for impossible to find rear door strips- they are shrink wrapped in matte black) NOS hydraulic tank, new MB battery, new washer tank and pumps, new lock tumbler, euro headlights with 500 E lenses and indicator lights, nos rear lenses, new hood pad, new, new fog lights, new front windshield and new (correct) heated back glass, NOS, 3rd brake light, Madeira, refurbished center consoles, NOS door pockets, NOS door card inserts and interior door handles, NOS steering column control stalk, NOS armrest for front doors, refurbished set of rare RIAL Arc M800 with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (less than 2k miles), new OEM 8 hole wheels with Goodrich G-Force summer tires.

Please see my owner’s thread for details, as the above is not including everything that was done over the years.

I have a bunch of difficult to find/NLA NOS parts that I would sell individually unless anyone wants to pay extra and get them with this car. They include new Sportline E420 LCAs, new cruise control switch, NOS sportline E420 steering box, U.S. headlights with new doors and lenses, NOS OEM auto dimming mirror (E500 option in Europe), NOS wood trim for front doors, etc., etc.

the car is 100% rust free (underbody pictures to follow, but see pictures of lower cladding removed to get an idea) and is in really good shape. It will eventually need a transmission refurb, as the reverse clutches take about 2 secs to engage. At that time the steering box should also come out to be resealed (or replaced with the NOS sportline unit), so I would suggest another 5k, according to the GvZ law to make it perfect. The headliner is sagging but I have a NOS sunroof frame with liner, as well as liner material, just haven’t gotten around to having it installed. I would have them installed before

I am really in no rush to sell and am really still on the fence about it, so if it finds a taker at this price, great and if not, then I just keep it and live with the fact that the interior will take a beating from my daughter and miles will pile up.

Note that the pictures up to the NOS steering column control stalk are just some quick snaps from this morning. The pictures with the RIALS and on are up to 18 months (4K miles) old.

OWNER - TimL | Owners and Their Cars

Been on this board for a couple of years now and thought it’s time to start an owner’s thread. A bit of background: I’m originally from Frankfurt but been living in the States for ten years now. After graduating I worked for Mercedes for a couple of years and then I had a chance to work in the...

www.500eboard.co

If you are interested in the car then just PM me and I will get back to you.

Thanks for looking!