OWNER JC220

[JC220]

Can you have too many spare new W140 PSE motors? This is a question I ask myself alot. I have 19x brand new spare perfect fitment w140 replacement DC PSE motors. They fit with zero modifications.

I will post a FS add soon as I will be offering them for £47.50gbp each. (I will spare 6 for others who wish to have a spare)

 

[a777fan]

Super surprised to see solid rotors out back!

 

[JC220]

There has been a lack of MB activity lately as I have been flat out on a bathroom renovation at my house. One of those while your in there type deals has resulted in pretty much nothing left at present



All copper pipes going in, new proper Knauf Aqua board system around the shower and all German Grohe systems going in of course I am DIY fanatic so no tradesmen involved.

Even my ladder is made in Germany - my MB disease runs deep folks



Bear with me for another month or so then there will be some serious MB updates... I have just insured all S classes and 500E again so MOT season is upon me just need to find the time to take into each car post Covid etc. S280 has passed MOT already and drives like a wet dream. That car is practically brand new it is amazing to drive.

S430 engine parts still with powedercoater so will start hounding him to get the stuff back. Then S320 w140 needs some serious fettling to return to the land of the living....

S600 is in rude health but then 900 odd newton metres causes some wear on rear tyres so they need replaced already to keep driving it.... stay tooned for updates soon

 

[gsxr]

S600 is in rude health but then 900 odd newton metres causes some wear on rear tyres so they need replaced [sic] already to keep driving it.... stay tooned for updates soon

LOL. Yeah, I feel your pain... my W210 E60 eats rear tires like crazy, and it "only" has 600Nm...

 

[JC220]

Here is another installment of where was JC220



It is a view from Castle Ward in Northern Ireland looking towards a coastal town - some land marks there for @outrbnks

 

[r44raven]

Is that "Bloodlands" country, aka James Nesbitt in the new BBC crime series?

 

[JC220]

Is that "Bloodlands" country, aka James Nesbitt in the new BBC crime series?

Correct yes and also Game of Thrones was also filmed at Castle Ward it is the "Winterfell Castle" location

 

[JC220]

I have been working on my house for some weeks now and took a couple hours on Saturday to check what was in a MB parts yard some 45 min drive away. Haven’t been for about 3 months+. Lucky for me just a few days prior they took in another 2x w220s. A very basic spec diesel one and a decently highly optioned S430. (ABC, Bose, phone system etc) No-one had touched either car yet.

I wasn’t expecting this and used what little time I have to pull the following spares from the S430:

Pair of memory, heated and cooling door control modules
All 3x SAM modules including one under back seat
Trans and ABC modules
Bose Amp in boot
TV Tuner(?) in boot
All modules under rear seat. (Black ones possibly phone related etc – about 3)
CD Changer
Pair of Xenon bulb ignitors (red boxes)
Drivers door auto dim heated mirror glass great condition
2x tools kits
2x PSE Pumps (One from the diesel too)
1x nice PSE pump foam case
MOT valve (looked new)
2017 019 Yuasa battery – trying to charge but probably been in S430 dead too long!
May have forgot some other small items

£160 total.



Going to try and have a couple hours free and go back next Saturday morning for the following:

Gear Selector, Key & EIS (To make a set with the Engine ECU)
Glove box hinges (one broken in my S600)
Full lock set
Dynamic Seats(?) If so – pumps and switches etc
Interior mirror
Steering wheel squib / angle sensor
Steering column stalk set
Sun sensor on bonnets (Faulty on my S430)
ABC Valve blocks front + rear
Tow Eye covers




Future visit:

Wings if rust / dent free(?)
Fog lamps
Quarter door glasses if good
A full set of 4x window regulators / motors.
Check if any fresh looking ABC or air struts in either car.

Any other parts I should be targeting? In particular since this car had ABC and that’s rare to see in the parts yards here. May not see another one for years.

 

[e500.org]

I have been working on my house for some weeks now and took a couple hours on Saturday to check what was in a MB parts yard some 45 min drive away. Haven’t been for about 3 months+. Lucky for me just a few days prior they took in another 2x w220s. A very basic spec diesel one and a decently highly optioned S430. (ABC, Bose, phone system etc) No-one had touched either car yet.

I wasn’t expecting this and used what little time I have to pull the following spares from the S430:

Pair of memory, heated and cooling door control modules
All 3x SAM modules including one under back seat
Trans and ABC modules
Bose Amp in boot
TV Tuner(?) in boot
All modules under rear seat. (Black ones possibly phone related etc – about 3)
CD Changer
Pair of Xenon bulb ignitors (red boxes)
Drivers door auto dim heated mirror glass great condition
2x tools kits
2x PSE Pumps (One from the diesel too)
1x nice PSE pump foam case
MOT valve (looked new)
2017 019 Yuasa battery – trying to charge but probably been in S430 dead too long!
May have forgot some other small items

£160 total.



Going to try and have a couple hours free and go back next Saturday morning for the following:

Gear Selector, Key & EIS (To make a set with the Engine ECU)
Glove box hinges (one broken in my S600)
Full lock set
Dynamic Seats(?) If so – pumps and switches etc
Interior mirror
Steering wheel squib / angle sensor
Steering column stalk set
Sun sensor on bonnets (Faulty on my S430)
ABC Valve blocks front + rear
Tow Eye covers




Future visit:

Wings if rust / dent free(?)
Fog lamps
Quarter door glasses if good
A full set of 4x window regulators / motors.
Check if any fresh looking ABC or air struts in either car.

Any other parts I should be targeting? In particular since this car had ABC and that’s rare to see in the parts yards here. May not see another one for years.

Joe, tow the cars home whole

 

[JC220]

Joe, tow the cars home whole

Thanks Bill I hear ya!

My projects would suffer though (since I would be executed if another MB arrives at my house especially a non runner)

Also, the parts yards don't want to sell the cars. For parts only. Hey its a win win for me when I can go nab all the best parts for peanuts from them and not have to deal with the shell at my home which is a PITA too

 

[e500.org]

Thanks Bill I hear ya!

My projects would suffer though (since I would be executed if another MB arrives at my house especially a non runner)

Also, the parts yards don't want to sell the cars. For parts only. Hey its a win win for me when I can go nab all the best parts for peanuts from them and not have to deal with the shell at my home which is a PITA too

Excuses......

 

[JC220]

There is a 500E ignition overhaul coming soon...

New cam seals

New insulators

Clean the recent New caps and rotors

Mod the caps with proper ventilation slots

Then my 500E is ready to enjoy a reliable ignition system!

 

[JC220]

My S430 engine parts finally after 6 months cam back from powdercoater

Got the rear crank seal and front timing cover back on as a good start.



Since I very carefully photographed everything whilst coming apart and bagged and tagged every bolt no issues there. The problem is I bought most of the bigger items and cannot remember what sundries are needed for re-assembly. So it will be stop and go as I encounter the odd O ring etc I did not buy the last time I was working on it

 

[JC220]

The S430 engine grew its sump pans tonight



Ordered more seals from dealer

Sneak peak of the powdercoated bits





Valve covers are powdercoated in a gunmetal grey / black Mettalic. Will be a major makeover from the corroded mess that came out

 

[JC220]

The intake manifold on my 145k miles m113 is an interesting piece when disassembled. Previously it was all gummed up with a thick layer of carbon:



This may explain the feeling I had when driving it that it appeared to have very little torque on some hills and yet would pull like a train up others - I believe the variable intake flaps were sticking in there.

Whilst I had as many loose engine parts as I could vapour blasted, the intake manifold inner workings were NOT vapour blasted. As the fine glass media would have remained inside the mechanism and ruined it. Instead it was given to a local machine shop to dunk in their ultrasonic engine bath.

One little arm was bent when I got it back but I fixed that, rinsed it all again with soap and a detail brush and lubricated the bushings. Smooth as silk now



Glad I went ahead and cracked this manifold open as over 20 years of gunk has been purged. Some intake manifold parts like a vacuum hose and brake booster hose connector are not available (never were even listed) so I have some parts to make up. MB want you to buy the whole sealed manifold!

 

[JC220]

Progress-

Custom vacuum hose in place



Adopted brass / viton air line fitting ideal replacement for original unlisted plastic item which was done for



Parts ready for assembly



One complete reman intake PITA that was took HOURS



Front crank seal pressed in using the trusty m119 tool



All oil galleries are clean now



Starting to come together. Mb dealer sold me the wrong intake manifold gaskets so have to wait on those before I can keep going

 

[JC220]

This is something you never see here in N Ireland



We have set a second highest temperature recorded in days. It is quite unbearable really although although must not complain either FFS!!

Thing is our homes and offices generally do not have Air Con and are highly insulated. Hence like ovens at present.

And most people allow their cars AC to break. Not me however, much to the stick poking of you members over the years

I insist on all systems working in my cars and that includes the AC.

More updates coming on probably the only w220 restoration project going....... not sure ifim wise or not but got new radiator, condenser, drier, CV boots, axle hardware you name it.

 

[gsxr]

Heh. We're happy when it cools down to 30°C overnight!!

But we mostly have working AC.

 

[gerryvz]

It’s 5AM here and it’s 21C out. And you see the forecast for the next week. This is actually perhaps a bit cooler than normal. My temps are milder as I’m right on the water. Inland = higher.

 

[JC220]

It’s 5AM here and it’s 21C out. And you see the forecast for the next week. This is actually perhaps a bit cooler than normal. My temps are milder as I’m right on the water. Inland = higher.

View attachment 135346

That's hot early Gerry! I recall the likes of Vegas where the heat does feel instant the sun rises in morning

Here I guess our "Summer" averages 15 - 23c most years. We are in a heat wave with warnings at present



Water trucks are filling reservoirs with millions of litres per day to prevent shutting that off. Grass is dying as no one has irrigation and with the water shortages couldn't water it anyway.

It won't last though, I am clearing out my gutters and drains for the onslaught of storms that will no doubt come soon

 

[JC220]

Recently had a chuckle at the tyre pressure chart on my S600:



I like how there is a sustained 130mph+ rating with 5 passengers and luggage. This is for those runs to Stuttgarte Airport on the autobahn

 

[JC220]

Eventually received the correct intake manifold gaskets so got that buttoned up yesterday. Chased the bellhousing threads out since the Steel bolts had fought on the way out.



And today got the ring gear torqued back on with new bolts. The crank sensor looked new on this engine with Made In Germany written on it but other markings ground off. (Febi or other reboxer) but since I had a new Bosch German made sensor in hand I changed it anyway and applied a thin coating of anti seize to its body to aid future replacement as its a pretty tight casting it sits into.





Got a rebuild kit for its injectors so will also be putting them through my ultrasonic cleaning / test bench.


Next item is to clean and re-seal the transmission externally and get it mated back up. (The transmission was already serviced about 300 miles ago and was perfect)

 

[maw1124]

Recently had a chuckle at the tyre pressure chart on my S600:

View attachment 135380

I like how there is a sustained 130mph+ rating with 5 passengers and luggage. This is for those runs to Stuttgarte Airport on the autobahn

Because it's a Sonderklasse after all.

maw

 

[JC220]

Because it's a Sonderklasse after all.

maw

Yes indeed they are Special! I think the 600 may be my favourite of the fleet now I did also start into changing every fluid on the 600 with trans done along with another oil change.

I was pleasantly surprised at how little debris there was in the transmission pan. Given the punishment it gets behind the m275 it had no metal at all. (There is usually some metal in a 722.6 pan that is normal enough)

I will complete the changing of all fluids in it inside the next few weeks along with re sealing the lower oil pan which is leaking oil. Already picked up a new tube of the genuine MB sealant for that job. It will be both interesting and terrifying to be able to use my endoscope and inspect each of its cylinders from below

 

[JC220]

It has been 2018 the last time my 500E was at a MOT Station. Expired late 2019. Which would have meant spring 2020 next planned MOT then the stations were hit by Covid and closed.

My 500E just sat on the carport not driven. Had the appointment booked a couple months ago. Forgot all about it and realised at 7am on Thursday morning it was up at 8am. Oops so just started it and took it for fresh fuel and drove to MOT Station. It passed flying colours cobwebs and all still attached.

That is a nice thing about a properly sorted classic. Even our modern benzes here would have required brake pipes painting etc to pass each year!

The igntion cap mods recently carried out are working fantastic despite negative comments and assertions by one member.

 

[JC220]

My work has been totally nuts lately but finally got a couple hours back on my S430 tonight.

After tidying my garage I got the transmission up on my workbench and cleaned up then re-placed the output seal.

The original flex disc actually isn't cracked but I replaced it anyway with a SGF OEM part and replaced the transmission mount too. Will replace the converter seal in the morning and finish cleaning the transmission before mating it back to the engine.

 

[JC220]

I have threatend to update my daily driver (w211 E220CDI with 238k miles on it now) to a w221 for some time now..... getting plane in morning to hopefully drvie this one home if all is well:

 

[a777fan]

I have threatend to update my daily driver (w211 E220CDI with 238k miles on it now) to a w221 for some time now..... getting plane in morning to hopefully drvie this one home if all is well:

View attachment 138455

deeetaaaaaiiilllll neeeeeedeeeedddd......

 

[JC220]

deeetaaaaaiiilllll neeeeeedeeeedddd......

Short on time just now in bed before 4am start to airport, will share all info tomorrow

It's a 2007 S320 V6 diesel with 98k miles and lots of service history. Lots of work just done on it too.

The factory AMG kit really drew me to it. It did have AMG wheels too but lost them along the way.....

I will probably man it up a bit with modern black/ diamond cut MB wheels too

 

[a777fan]

 

[JC220]

So I wasn't really looking to change my w211 just yet but then I am quite bored of it by now and she is getting on in miles etc.

I was casually looking at w221s off and on and then spotted this Grey one with the AMG kit. "Low" enough miles at 98k and lots of service history. Plus it's just had a timing chain installed (common on the om642 aparantly even as low as 70k miles!) And new genuine suspension pump etc. Fully serviced Inc transmission.

It is a dealer selling it and they were very good at sending videos etc of the car and photos of all service book and invoices. So it progressed quickly to putting a small deposit on it and booking flights + ferry. Just flew from Belfast to Londoj Heathrow and in Taxi now to dealer in Milton Keynes. Then will head to Liverpool tonight if all is well and get Ferry from there tomorrow

Looking forward to my first V6 and also first 7 speed transmission. It shouldn't use much more fuel than the w211 really its economy on short trips was starting to dip into very low 30s

 

[Bogeyman]

Great looking car but you're right, it badly needs wheels.

 

[JC220]

Will post full story tomorrow but all good car parked at hotel 20 mins from docks about to get much needed kip, it's been a very long day but a good one all the same.

The S320 is a fantastic driving car, has some issues but I knew about most of them in advance. The 7 speed transmission is a seriously good unit

It is pulling better MPG than my E220 today and going by both cars trip readings too.

Was also badly caught up in the English fuel "crisis" that the media created.

Full sorry tomorrow if that's OK there will be plenty of time on Ferry and I'm spent right now

 

[JC220]

OK so the fuel issue that the media generated appeared to only take hold yesterday morning. The dealer had zero diesel in the S class and when I purchased it, it quickly became clear the scale of the media frenzy/ panic buying people were doing at the filling stations.

Remember the toilet roll buying Well this is the same except at fuel pumps

So with no fuel, literally red pump photo in centre of dashboard I tried 4 or 5 filling stations which all had long queues but it became clear none of these places had any diesel. Some of them had super unleaded left hence the queues but that was all.

Cars were broken down with no fuel in the slip roads to filling station and on motorway hard shoulder. Great time to buy a land barge to go cross country

I figured it was futile burning fuel in that same locale so headed for motorway and went a couple of junctions up then onto a smaller road. A couple mile later I spotted a small filling station with a small queue. Pulled up and noted the same story of plastic bags on the pumps. Hopped out and asked attendant was there any diesel- he said yes, go to truck pump off to the side it was the only one left with fuel in tank.

Long story short it took people in front a lifetime to figure this out even though I was out trying to help them and didn't want to skip them. The women were very ignorant for no reason but what do you do! The truck nozzle was too large for their little cars and they stormed off in a huff, must have had enough in tank then after all eh

Eventually got to pump with S on fumes. The truck pump nozzle fitted good enough and mere seconds later looked around and it had just over £100 in it. (Yes you yanks, fuel is expensive as frig here!) All good after that, still lots of people broken down on the roads acrosst England to Ferry ⛴

On ferry now for 8 hour sail to Belfast docks

 

[Stegel]

Good luck with the journey back and i hope the car is a good one.

The fuel situation in England is ridiculous - I live equidistant from four Shell stations, all will sell you coffee and screen wash but are without any fuel. So many petrol stations have closed over the last 20 years that there is nothing else within 4 miles. We have reasonable quantities of fuel across the “fleet” but it’s not necessarily in the correct vehicles!


Another example of the disaster that was, is, and will probably be for some time, Brexit.

 

[JC220]

Great looking car but you're right, it badly needs wheels.

I located a set of 20 inch genuine AMG S Class alloy wheels in Ireland, going to look tomorrow after work. Should update my w221 nicely.

They are silver at present but would get refurbished maybe like this or black with diamond cut (same wheel spec as below, good to see them on a w221 chassis. I also like the idea of dark coloured wheels on my grey w221)

 

[JC220]

Good luck with the journey back and i hope the car is a good one.

The fuel situation in England is ridiculous - I live equidistant from four Shell stations, all will sell you coffee and screen wash but are without any fuel. So many petrol stations have closed over the last 20 years that there is nothing else within 4 miles. We have reasonable quantities of fuel across the “fleet” but it’s not necessarily in the correct vehicles!


Another example of the disaster that was, is, and will probably be for some time, Brexit.

Yes it's definitely not a good situation and the media have again created a storm there

 

[maw1124]

Diamond cut will play better off the windows, mirrors, tailpipes and grille, IMO. Hopefully they work. People rush to put black wheels on these cars only to realized it was “designed for” silver. Suddenly all the shiny accents you never noticed jump out at you.

maw

 

[JC220]

Diamond cut will play better off the windows, mirrors, tailpipes and grille, IMO. Hopefully they work. People rush to put black wheels on these cars only to realized it was “designed for” silver. Suddenly all the shiny accents you never noticed jump out at you.

maw

Appreciate the feedback and that's a good point! I'll likely run them silver for a few months anyway, probably through winter. No point freshly diamond cutting wheels when she will be coming into daily driving in road salt here

 

[JC220]

OK so more on the car itself and its pros and cons:

Pros

• Drives amazingly nice, smooth, powerful and comfortable as heck
• Lots of service records and receipts including recent trans service, full car service and timing chain replacement
• Paint generally pretty decent but I will have some repairs done
• Interior immaculate
• Mileage is definitely correct have all records annually
• Nice original car has not had tacky chrome ebay stuff added or fake AMG decals etc
• Fuel efficiency thus far is BETTER than my high miler E220!! Probably due to better 7 speed transmission etc

Cons:

• AC is not working correctly, it needs a re gas
• Pretty decent oil leak at front right of engine will need to power wash first then locate source
• Rear tyres are worn right down. Had a flat this morning after hotel stay! Had to fit spare wheel to get onto Ferry. So needs rear tyres like - immediately
• Missing its original AMG wheels
• Steering wheel buttons are really sticky and worn - need replaced
• A few dings on the bodywork I'll need to get PDRd next time guy is at my house. One cill has a large scratch on it, I will spray it in myself soon with MB paint as it's on lower edge not really seen
• Some laquer peeling on front bumper Apron
• Parking bulb out at front will replace tonight when home
• Needs a damn good wash, clay and detail

Sorry for no photos on this trip except the one waiting for Ferry



I will get photos this week when I start to get it into my liking

 

[maw1124]

This is the one good thing about MB going haywire with the AMG appearance packages IMO. Wheels are plentiful. Unless of course you want the rarer 2-piece forged ones (W220 or W221), in which case all bets are off.

maw

 

[JC220]

Just bought a set of genuine AMG late w221 20 inch staggered wheels of correct spec ET and widths. 4 tyres are budget but new and fresh at least. Need a refurb but will do for winter. Really glad to have found these! The advert on a free add site only went up yesterday and they were just 10 miles away from me. Such rare wheels what a stroke of luck!!

Rears never repaired. One front has new weld on it which looks decent. The other front has 2x prior welds. All appear true and straight to my eye anyway. £420 for the set inc tyres was an offer I couldn't refuse

 

[JC220]

Got the AMG wheels fitted tonight. The bolts were too short from the 17s so got new bolts correct spec. (Radius seat with 45mm thread)

Totally transformed the car having the correct wheels on it. It drives great, smooth as before so no issues with the wheels at all.


Sorry for crappy photo it is night time now. Will get proper photos of it after a wash on Saturday. Need to paint brake calipers too!

This was my first proper peak at the underbody condition also which was really good very little rust.

 

[maw1124]

Is that Code 368 Flint Grey?

maw

 

[JC220]

Is that Code 368 Flint Grey?

maw

Yes that's correct, appears like a rare enough colour especially for a Diesel. A friend of mine in Ireland has a w221 S600 in the same Flint Grey colour.

 

[JC220]

I have carried out an @gsxr Approved repair method involving the application of RTV externally in a vain attempt to stem an oil leak

This car has just in the past couple of months had a timing chain installed by a small garage in England. The cam cover in these OM642 engines also secures the camshafts in place. There is no gasket this is sealed with RTV.

However, the areas of a strong oil leak I can see on both banks is from item 130 in the photos below. This is a small rubber blank disc and I believe they re-used it and it was probably leaking before and still is now



The Gixer inspired hope and prayer method involves using scotchbrite and brake cleaner to thoroughly prep followed by a generous finger application of MB RTV externally. Then leave overnight before firing up.



Will it hold? Yes I think it will this MB smoo is super stuff. For how long is the question. I just want to stem the oil leak so I can replace the fan belt this Saturday morning which is saturated in engine oil.

 

[maw1124]

Yes that's correct, appears like a rare enough colour especially for a Diesel. A friend of mine in Ireland has a w221 S600 in the same Flint Grey colour.

Yes... same as my W220 S55... all I can say is wait until you put a color correction on it... incredible what that color does... I felt foolish for not doing mine sooner.

maw

 

[JC220]

I have carried out an @gsxr Approved repair method involving the application of RTV externally in a vain attempt to stem an oil leak

This car has just in the past couple of months had a timing chain installed by a small garage in England. The cam cover in these OM642 engines also secures the camshafts in place. There is no gasket this is sealed with RTV.

However, the areas of a strong oil leak I can see on both banks is from item 130 in the photos below. This is a small rubber blank disc and I believe they re-used it and it was probably leaking before and still is now

View attachment 138572

The Gixer inspired hope and prayer method involves using scotchbrite and brake cleaner to thoroughly prep followed by a generous finger application of MB RTV externally. Then leave overnight before firing up.

View attachment 138573

Will it hold? Yes I think it will this MB smoo is super stuff. For how long is the question. I just want to stem the oil leak so I can replace the fan belt this Saturday morning which is saturated in engine oil.

Update on the Gixer inspired bodge. It is working perfectly so far. Dry as a bone. That's with 2 engine heat cycles and 12 miles drive each in between. The MB sealant is tough stuff.

 

[JC220]

W221 fettling continues. Had some electrical weirdness which prompted me to check it's batteries closer. Both still original 2007 items. Front appears healthy rear "systems" battery definitely low.





Whereas rear:





Both batteries are AGM spec. Going to get new rear systems battery from MB dealer in morning. And address more stuff on it.

Will also put it on a lift tomorrow and get photos

 

[JC220]

Got more done on the w221 this weekend as follows:

Got it on a friend's lift. Car looks really good underneath:






Car has no prior repairs and no rust basically. Not withstanding that I do intend to pull all underbody covers and waxoyl it this winter to protect it.

Whilst I had its service book the manual pack was missing. I got a real nice owners pack from a breakers yard so put that back in the car with all the service invoices etc.

Got the front right parking bulb replaced had to go in from fenderwell. Replaced the rear battery with new fresh manufactured dealer AGM battery:




Got the engine oil changed and all filters. Actually the air filters were new in it so kept them on shelf. Pollen filters were also fresh looking but renewed anyway. (Had photo but says its too large to upload)

Also jet washed the engine bay and removed all the oil buildup. Can't see any oil leak yet kind of wondering if the prior garage spilled a load of oil and never cleaned it up but time will tell maybe its a slow leak.



There was always a weird noise from the engine. Like a frog actually I belive this is an idler puller making some noises so going to replace the tensioner and idler pulleys this week and hope it goes away.