Poll: Who works on your E500E?

[DerFuror]

High Performance often requires high maintenance. Driving a well-maintained E500E is a true pleasure, but it ain't exactly cheap. Drive-ability can often be related to the affordability of your E500E's required parts & the labor to install them.

Doing the work yourself (DIY) is a method which can extend your ability to drive the E500E. This poll seeks to discover how required work is performed upon 500Espot members' cars.



This is a 30 day poll

 

[jhodg5ck]

I perform quite a bit of work to other peoples 500E's as well..;-)

 

[szvook]

I wish I could work on my car, but I only do very minor work at best. I do not have a garage to play in and my hours are always screwed up from work to set aside any time. In fairness to the car and since my automotive knowledge is at a novice level (although I do understand the principals but have not put them to use myself), I have a great service shop and a tuning shop who know our cars inside-and-out and backwards, very reasonable pricing and are honest to keep my typhoon in perfect working condition. Aside from that, I do know what to listen to and my car has never had any major or minor issues since I bought it almost 6 years ago, the worst was gunky leads from the alternator.

The only item I can be proud of in the automotive sector, I can drive and drive well.

 

[bing]

Much like szvook, I don't have the facility to tinker and time coz of work schedules. In fact it's kinda frustrating as I rarely get to use it and would really like to find my way around these cars more. Rightly deserve as they are so rewarding to drive, despite their age.

 

[TerryA]

So far I have done most of my own work.

Exceptions being the motor and trans mounts and the trans services.

I change the oil and filters, plugs, distributor caps. A couple of years back I installed a new starter and also the radiator and thermostat and some of the hoses.

I did remove my front fascia and disassemble it for the painter about a year ago and then reinstalled it my self.

I installed the e-code eurolights and my TV-Y-Pipe back to the stock muffler. I had some help of a muffler shop when I had the RenTech back box installed. I brought them the box and a length of 3" T-304 stainless and the SS flanges. They had to weld it up for me.

I have also replace the front rotors and pads and installed the SS brake lines.

So far in 20K miles / 6 years that is all I can think of. I think that I have saved a bunch of $$$ and I like to work on the car if I can.

Take Care

 

[DerFuror]

I do just about everything myself that doesn't call for special tooling I can't obtain or build, or specific Dealer-only servicing I can't perform (thankfully, the car hasn't had the need for either yet).

(In the USA) I have obtained tremendous benefit by using these online resources for servicing, maintaining and enjoying my 500E:
• The 500Espot forums: for research & information
• The Factory Service Manual (FSM): for work procedures
• Electronic Parts Catalog (EPCnet): for part numbers & diagrams
• Parts.com: for the required OE replacement parts

When not infuriating, I find working on vehicles therapeutic, plus it is a blessing not having to fork out for the co$t of labor unless absolutely necessary.

 

[DerFuror]

So far, 46 (7%) 500Espot members drive an E500E...and only 28 (4%) 500Espot members have required work performed upon their E500E!

Poll ends soon...but deferred maintenance lasts until the car doesn't, or the new owner takes over (the MB PO Maintenance Plan).

 

[Jelmer]

I chose 'none' since I don't think changing a light bulb or popping the hood counts. I wish I did have the space and time to tinker with it, though. Maybe later

 

[Stevester 500E]

Jelmer, Could you have your avatar put the air in my tires . . . I got lost in the visuals, gotta go lay down for a moment . . .

 

[szvook]

Jelmer, Could you have your avatar put the air in my tires . . . I got lost in the visuals, gotta go lay down for a moment . . .