1998 C280, trusted long term daily...

[Duh_Vinci]

My daily, 1998 C280. I've owned it majority of it's life, and it has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. Other than the basic maintenance, only the AC compressor had to be replaced. Otherwise - she really has been a great car!

I've had a chance to clean her up today a little... Snapped a few pictures.













Probably one of the cleanest, best taken care-of "pedestrian" W202 in around.

Regards,
D

 

[MB V8]

M112 engine?

 

[Duh_Vinci]

M112 engine?

Yes Sir it is. It's been bathing in Synthetic from day one, overkill, but I do change the oil every 5K miles. Few years back I was changing valve cover gaskets when my brother stopped by with his friend (a great mechanic) he saw what how clean the heads were at 130K: "If you ever want to let it go, please, call me, I want it..." Nahhh, keeping it!

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

I found a little rust spot on my W202 today, few bubbles at the fender/front bumper line The car is absolutely dry otherwise.

This fender however I've had replaced after a deer ran into the side. This was at least 5-6 years ago. Came from the same year, color and trim from Potomac German Auto, I really wanted no paintwork on the car, never seen anyone able to match individual panel without blending it in. This fender was a perfect match. Now, I guess either I missed the spot, or the body shop introduced somehow managed to scrape the paint at the fender mounting bolt, dunno...

Found this beauty just now... If everything goes well, I driving there after work tomorrow, and by my calculations, I will have 15-20 min to pull the fender out before the final call. Game on!!!

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Sometimes, things just don't go as planned - damaged fender

Another one at the alternate location, but not going to make it in time for the closing - will have my brother take a look at it tomorrow. No photo on their site...

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Strike out 3 times by now, not giving up... New one popped up, but not at a u-pick lot, so will cost me more:



Tomorrow another trip, finger's crossed, really need a good white fender!

Regards,
D

UPDATE: Strike 3... complete rust bucket, had to be a northern car, looked rathe good from far away!!!

Had rather unusual trim package: Non-sport exterior, full leather interior, standard cluster, yet, sport "fake" carbon-look interior trim throughout.