OWNER RicardoD

[RicardoD]

Hello,

Just picked up a 1994 E500 today with 143k miles. I didn't let the mileage bother me due to the nice pile of documented maintenance on the car and the past 4 years of reading this forum on and off. I first posted to introduce myself in August 2011. So this is the start of my real owner thread. I just picked up the car a few hours ago. Car was local to me which helped a lot. All my other cars I had to get transported across the country via Intercity which is not a nice purchase tax. This one I just drove the 45 minutes back to work. Got the 1994 model too which is what I dreamed to get.

Now I am in the "what the hell did I just do" phase of ownership. Car scares the shit out me in the same way when I bought my first Porsche 964. I am a DIY guy with a lift in my garage and a nice collection of tools. I am not a master mechanic but a mechanical engineer that always wanted a workshop for my cars. I have that now and my small car collection to go with it. You can show me almost any part on a 964 and I know where it goes. On the E500E I am totally lost but its the owner group on this board that gives me the confidence that I too will be able to figure out this car in time where it doesn't frighten me.

My avatar picture is small slice of the original image that captures my imagination. The parking lot a the Porsche Zuffenhausen factory in the early 90s. Well below is photo from this afternoon, in my work parking lot, when I arrived back at work with my E500 parked right next to my red 964. The parking lot buddies are re-united!

 

[Trae]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Congrats Ricardo!

Not too many 94's around.

 

[nocfn]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Welcome to the '94 club!!
Don't be afraid of it, you can do almost everything required if you can Spell C A T!!(and with this forum in your tool belt)

 

[sheward]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Very nice, Ricardo! I recall when you began your search. I share your enthusiasm and look forward to your Owners thread. You'll have no problem managing.

drew

 

[Glasgo_Chris]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Congratulations on your Purchase, Ricardo. If I recall this is the 94 that was on ebay and featured on bring a trailer. A lot of people said the seller was not easy to deal with, glad you got the car you wanted. I'm jealous of your 964 c2!

 

[mbzchip]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Congrats! I see what you mean about the color of my FS '94 not being quite right. But what IS ironic is that my 911 is red also! That's a neat little collection you've got going!

 

[RicardoD]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Thank you everyone. I need to deep dive into the maintenance records this weekend and summarize the key maintenance done on this car. Then figure out where to go next. Cosmetically I want to get EVO II wheels even though I think 18" BBS wheels I have seen on some cars look even cooler. The interior leather is in great condition but it needs a good cleaning. Car also needs an alignment. Other than that I sense nothing else wrong from butt feel. Suspension may be a bit floaty although daily driving a Porsche 964 probably has me used to a much firmer ride. Everything else so far is working

I will start by getting the trouble code reading tools and go from there.

 

[carreraboy911]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Congrats and welcome to the 94 club

 

[Bill Walsh]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Welcome aboard Ricardo. I also have a '94 E500 which has been my daily driver the last 9 years as well as a '94 C2 coupe. I am on Rennlist daily and really enjoy reading your diy threads. I don't have the space or knowledge to work on my cars but admire the folks that do.

You're going to love the E500.

 

[RicardoD]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Thanks Bill. 1994 C2 as well?!? Rare bird that car is. I look forward to unraveling the mystery of the E500 in much the same way I keep diving deeper and deeper in the the 964.

I ordered the blink tester and break out box today. I need to do an interior detail. The interior and leather is in excellent condition but just has a layer of grime that needs to be lifted. I ordered the Leatherique replinisher and cleaner today to give those products a shot.

My silver 964 is permantly on the lift now with the engine in mid teardown so I can't start attacking any mechanicals quite yet on the E500. I may just start out with detailing and upgrading the stereo system to turn the car into a more practical daily driver like my C2 tip is.

 

[gsxr]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

I may just start out with detailing and upgrading the stereo system to turn the car into a more practical daily driver like my C2 tip is.

Be VERY, VERY careful with any stereo system "upgrades". The factory system is actually quite good, and if you're not careful, you can end up making the sound worse. Assuming you are not looking at a competition/IASCA type full-blown conversion with Jehnert doorboards and subs in the trunk, I would highly recommend simply upgrading the head unit to a newer Becker in-dash CD, like one of the TrafficPro variants which are 100% plug+play. You lose the ability to control the factory CD changer, but gain the ability to have an auxiliary input for MP3/iPod player. This only works on the 1994 models since the 91-93 models have different head units.

AFTER the head unit upgrade, if you want the front sound stage brighter, you can try to find a set of Rainbows for the dash (other forum members have recently tried to find Rainbows without success). Don't mess with the door or rear speakers. You can use the TrafficPro's outputs to drive a powered sub for more bass. Just the head unit swap alone makes a pretty big difference, IMO. There are other threads on this topic if you search the forum a bit.

Trae, if you're reading this, feel free to chime in with your recent Becker head unit upgrade in your 94...

 

[TerryA]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Welcome Ricardo,

Your in good company with Earnesto over in the SoBay.

Post more pics when you can.

Good Luck w/ your new ride.

 

[8899]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Congrats on getting a '94. Mind telling us a bit about your purchase experience? A quick read of the FS thread for your car would indicate a difficult transaction...to say the least.

 

[Trae]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

I was absolutely shocked how the sound quality changed (for the positive) with just a head unit swap.

The Conti was like a completely new system. I think one would be wasting time and $$$ to try for something better, but that is just me.

Here is a thought that I don't know would fly until you ask, but why don't you call Becker and ask if you can try the unit out. If you don't like the sound, send it back.

Being electrical, they may say NO, but I always ask because you never "KNOW".

 

[RicardoD]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Crutchfield sells an adapter to plug into the Mercedes harness so no need to cut wires for a new head unit install. That means I can go with any head unit as its not a big deal for me to prepar the harness adapter.

Mind telling us a bit about your purchase experience? A quick read of the FS thread for your car would indicate a difficult transaction...to say the least.

I never had any issue with the previous owner despite the reports from others who struggled. He is a car collector himself and had a nice stable of cars in his garage. There was a good pile of documented maintenance history. Car was very clean inside and out. The first time I went out I was only able to negotiate down to $22k and after thinking about it, it didn't feel right at that price, so I passed. Then the car just sat and sat unsold. Finally the price dropped in the Craigslist ad again, to $19.5k asking, and that's when I knew it was time to make a move on the car. I didn't have the cash and it took me about a week to line that up. I didn't want to contact the owner again until I was ready to immediately strike and close same day. Thankfully nobody else made a move on the car, so when I had the cash in hand, i texted the owner, and said I was ready to close today, had the cash, and to meet me in the afternoon. That worked as I am sure he was tired of having the car listed for so long. Transaction took ten minutes and that was it.

 

[8899]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Thanks....well bought! Please keep us posted on what you decide re BBS vs EVO II wheels.

 

[RicardoD]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Ok, passed California SMOG testing this morning, and activated insurance. Now on to the DMV tomorrow for a fun Saturday morning.

 

[RicardoD]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

In order to familiarize myself with the maintenance history on the car I typed up a complete summary of the documented work done on the car to date. One owner bought the car at around 90k miles with a service contract and then proceeded to perform $16,000 in maintenance under that warranty contract. I think he came out ahead. A thank you to a couple of techs noted some future work that needed to be done which has helped to point out where to focus on next. I may also take the car to my local trusted MB mechanic who takes care of my wife's car to take a look.

Pre-delivery inspection
All maintenance book dealer service complete & stamped
		at proper intervals unti 83k miles, original owner work
	Fog lamp lens
		map holders on front door repair
Front Brake Rotors & Pads
		Rear Brake Rotors & Pads
		Trans oil filter
		Trans pad gasket
		spark plugs
		new battery
	P245/50ZR16 Dunlop Sport 8000
		new tires
engine belt
		power steering gasket
		valve cover gaskets
		removed and resealed power steering pump
		power steering fluid
		power steering hose 119-203-02-82
		transmission cooler line
replaced starter
		replaced ignition switch 202-545-01-04
		replaced water pump unit
		replace thermostat
head gasket set 119-010-50-21
		Antifreeze change
		valve cover gaskets 119-010-13-30
		trans fluid change
		trans o-ring seal 016-997-14-48
		trans seal 126-272-01-92
		rear shade motor 140-820-25-08
oil change
		engine mounts 124-240-26-17
		ignition cap & rotors, both sides
		replace washer fluid level sensor
		replace injector seal for cylinder #4 019-997-13-48
vacuum line to air valve change (to correct CEL)
		replaced left side headlight wiper motor 124-820-09-42
		replace rear sunshade roller blind and retainer clips
		replace A/C control unit to fix button issues
		replace sunroof button switch
		replace upper and lower oil pan gaskets
		oil change 15W/40 Castrol
EZL unit replaced 015-545-61-32
oil & filter change 15W40 castrol
		new battery
oil & filter change
		** 5 YEAR GAP IN RECORDS **
Mobil 1 oil & filter change
Mobil 1 oil & filter change
		Replace right rear suspension link & bolt kit
		210-350-38-06 & 210-350-45-06
		Alignment
replace left rear trailing link
		210-350-38-06 & 210-350-45-06
		replace rear shifter bushing 115-992-03-10
		oil & filter change
		climate control fuse blown and changed
		** Noted by tech:
		** both flex discs are starting to crack **
		** water pump is leaking at freeze plug **
		** coolant sensor is leaking **
Voltage regulator changed on alternator
		** Noted by tech
		** several engine harness brackets and bolts missing from previous repairs
		** belt has cracks and should be replace
		** oil leaking from lower engine area and p/s pumps & hoses
New Interstate Battery
		L/F headlight bulb
		New Front brake rotors & pads & sensors
		Distributor Cap
		Distributor Rotor
		Oil Filter & Synth Oil
		Radiator Cap
		Fan Belt
		New PCV air hoses
		Air Cleaner Mount
Replace Transmission link bushings
		Replace Door Vacuum element, passenger side front door
New Radiator

<colgroup><col style="width: 100px"><col width="72"><col width="513"></colgroup><tbody> [TD="align: right"]11/26/1993[/TD][TD="align: right"]0[/TD] [TD="align: right"]12/28/2000[/TD][TD="align: right"]83,328[/TD] [TD="align: right"]10/4/2001[/TD] [TD="align: right"]10/8/2001[/TD][TD="align: right"]90,823[/TD] [TD="align: right"]10/31/2001[/TD] [TD="align: right"]1/8/2002[/TD][TD="align: right"]91,893[/TD] [TD="align: right"]1/21/2002[/TD][TD="align: right"]92,208[/TD] [TD="align: right"]2/12/2002[/TD][TD="align: right"]92,695[/TD] [TD="align: right"]4/3/2002[/TD][TD="align: right"]93,022[/TD] [TD="align: right"]10/15/2002[/TD][TD="align: right"]94,494[/TD] [TD="align: right"]12/6/2002[/TD][TD="align: right"]94,728[/TD] [TD="align: right"]9/30/2003[/TD][TD="align: right"]96,581[/TD] [TD="align: right"]9/9/2004[/TD][TD="align: right"]98,331[/TD] [TD="align: right"]4/4/2009[/TD][TD="align: right"]110,453[/TD] [TD="align: right"]8/17/2009[/TD][TD="align: right"]115,039[/TD] [TD="align: right"]3/30/2010[/TD][TD="align: right"]119,578[/TD] [TD="align: right"]7/26/2012[/TD][TD="align: right"]138,771[/TD] [TD="align: right"]6/16/2015[/TD][TD="align: right"]142,165[/TD] [TD="align: right"]9/11/2015[/TD][TD="align: right"]142,890[/TD] [TD="align: right"]9/21/2015[/TD][TD="align: right"]142,987[/TD] </tbody>

 

[gsxr]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

Ricardo, you never mentioned where exactly you bought this car from [edit - in this thread, ooops!], but it sounds a lot like one Captruff had at one time where the PO was either a dealer tech, or worked at the dealer, or had some connection to the dealer... and had a crazy amount of work done under "warranty". Definitely nice when you have records of a bunch of items taken care of, that hopefully you won't have to worry about for a while!

 

[RicardoD]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

I bought this car: http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8052 San Francisco area car.

Remember, the one where the previous owner was called out as a douche for flip flopping on some people. So I own the douche-mobile now!

 

[gsxr]

Re: Owner - RicardoD

D'OH!

That's right - I forgot you bought that car. Thanks for the link & reminder! Has to be a different car, but funny that someone else pulled the same stunt on the warranty work. From memory, the other one was also a pearl black 94 too!

 

[RicardoD]

I tend to post in individual threads on specific repair topics as I feel it adds more value to the board that way and usual contribute a new picture when I do so. If the specific topic does not exist I will start a new thread with a clear title that is easily searchable. However, I like the owner thread as running maintenance log.

Here is what I have done so far. Car is used as my daily driver now covering about 50 miles a day.

12/24/2015 changed headlight wipers

01/16/2016 changed engine Air Filter Mahle

changed air cabin filter: http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7560
​

​

01/23/2016 installed Cocomats http://www.cocomats.com

02/06/2016 changed oil to Redline 10W40 and oil filter Mahle , going to 10k intervals with this

purchased Mityvac 7300 (hooks up to shop air, very nice!)
​

03/09/2016 changed out spark plugs with MB ones from Gerry (and killed my original brittle spark plug wires in the process)

changed out ignition wires with Bosch ones
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1313
​

03/26/2016 Replaced Becker head unit with Alpine CDE-HD149BT

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9439
​

04/02/2016 Installed keyless entry system http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9489

05/05/2016 EGR valve rubber elbow change to fix CEL code 5

http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9622
​

05/23/2016 fix dead HVAC blower with 75 cent 30A fuse change http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4792

replaced all bullet fuses with new copper ones http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4890
​

next on to do list:
- parts on order for SLS reservoir change
- new cooling overflow tank & tank hose (parts on Kitchen table)
- I think my right front dash speaker cross over is flaky
- previous mechanic noted flex disc is due for a change
- keep reading Gerry's How-to's

trying to stay ahead of the next problem...

​

​

 

[RicardoD]

05/30/2017 SLS reservoir change completed http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7516&p=125744#post125744

148,700 miles​

 

[nocfn]

here is your datacard...

 

[RicardoD]

6/05/2016 replaced coolant tank, coolant sensor, and coolant overflow hose

~ 149,000 miles
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2686
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4764

​

 

[RicardoD]

6/06/2016 continuing the deferred maintenance plan recovery

149,033 miles
Trans fluid & filter & gasket change at Circle Star Motors in Santa Cruz (great shop)
8 qts Total NA H3 fluid

Tech noted:
replace tires in 5k miles
needs front new strut mounts to tighten up front end
engine motor mounts on the way out, time to replace

Fluids left to refresh:
brake fluid
diff oil

​

 

[RicardoD]

I need to get my other project car off the lift and so ordered a set of these wheel dollys:

http://www.car-dolly.com/standard

Its killing me I can't get under my car and check out the front suspension bits, change diff oil, and radiator fluid change (its the wrong color!!).

 

[RicardoD]

7/23/2016 continuing the deferred maintenance plan recovery150k miles
- replaced transmission mount and engine mounts (old ones were 14 years old and 60k miles but what a difference upon changing them) $500 for labor, I bought parts myself. Used Lemforder (BOGE) mounts for $95 each
- replaced antifreeze with genuine MB type


What's next:
new Michelin tires & alignment
brake fluid change
diff oil change
power steering flush
replace windshield washer reservoir

 

[gsxr]

Ricardo, FYI... the replacement washer reservoir has the bottom plastic piece shaped differently, and it will not seat properly in the bracket. There's no easy fix, if you install it as-is, just don't crank down on the retaining nut too hard as it will deform the upper plastic area where the nut resides. I think this has been documented on the forum previously. The correct fix is to remove the steel bracket and re-shape it so it's lower and will match the new, incorrect tank.

BTW - if your washer pumps are original, consider replacing both proactively. They tend to leak after 20+ years. If you end up with any leak on old pumps with new grommets, it's likely the pumps themselves. Oh, and only use OE grommets. Don't forget to replace the top lid, grommets, etc while it's apart... and the internal heater t-stat & O-rings too... all proactive stuff.

 

[lowman]

Yes..GSXR is right on this one..and it annoyed me quite alot when i fitted mine
But i came up with a solution.
You remove the rubber grommet on that bottom bracket.
You split the bracket in two..so you can widen up the hole that the reservoar seats down into..then the reservoar will fit.

i dont know if i have pics of this..but i would not mount it without makin any modification..cause it makes the reservoar sit in a weird uptilted angle,and just does not look right..or even does not sit right either.

hope you understand my description

 

[lowman]

i found a picture..but i did not have a picture of the "mod" itself
but i drew abit on the pic.to explain what i did
Take the plug out..and split the bracket like you see with the red line marked up..then you can widen the hole..and make shure you bend the edges down abit..so they do not stick upwards and into the bottom of the reservoar..you have to make shure it does not Hurt the plastic

cheers

 

[RicardoD]

7/30/2016 continuing the deferred maintenance plan recovery 150k miles

- flushed power steering fluid, 2 liters worth, then topped off fluid & put in new Mann filter (thanks to Lowman for the youtube procedure)
- replaced windshield washer reservoir and wrote up a HOW-TO for it:
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10072&p=129237#post129237

- next up:
brake fluid
new tires & alignment
and get shop to change out to genuine MB coolant, my stuff is the wrong color I think
diff fluid ​

 

[RicardoD]

8/05/2016

150,566 miles

- replaced all 4 tires with Michelin Primacy HP 225/55R-16

wow, wow, wow, first time I ever changed tires on a car and noticed the difference. Probably because I live in California now and this is the first summer rated tire I have ever mounted on a car. Much better turn-in steering feel.

 

[RicardoD]

8/13/2016

- replaced little rubber trim pieces on front outer edge of edge bay

 

[RicardoD]

5/05/2017

I missed an oil change somewhere at 155,000 miles (now at 161k miles)

changed oil to Redline 10W40 and oil filter Mahle , going to 10k intervals with this
- love my Mityvac, its made oil changes a breeze, and have used in in other fluid extract application several times

Absolutely loving this car and its used as my daily driver. So solid, so well engineered

 

[RicardoD]

6/03/2017

162k miles
- MAF and MAF rubber duct change to resolve Check Engine Light
- climate control sensing fan behind passenger side airbag changed to improve CCU performance

Car still running so strong.

 

[RicardoD]

8/12/2017

Finally got my 964 project off the lift and put the E500 on there to diagnose my fast coolant leak. About a reservoir full every 50 miles. Turns out it my water pump is leaking internally. The over-engineers at Mercedes even design a fail safe tube and reservoir for this leak point. Thanks to Lowman's videos for educating me on this topic and the mountain climb it is to change the water pump yourself. This one is definitely for my local independent. Any other "while you are in there" items to take care of.


My records indicate my water pump was changed at 92k miles in 2002 along with the thermostat.

Go to the 13:00 minute mark in Lowman's video where he points out the failure drain tube.

[video=youtube_share;N5IUBk3fWdQ]https://youtu.be/N5IUBk3fWdQ?t=13m[/video]

 

[nocfn]

Big job on c126 but diy, not fun. Front main seal comes to mind. Since you need to take out so much to get to the water pump, you will have unique access to fan clutch too. Fresh coolant, perhaps block drain plugs. Not versed enough on this job, but its tediously bringing back memories...

 

[gsxr]

While you're in there... new t-stat is recommended, a new 90° hose if not recent, and definitely the front crank seal if it's not recent.

I'd also pay them an extra hour or two labor to properly clean the front of the timing cover and top of oil pan while it's apart, mechanics are famous for NOT cleaning a damn thing because they generally don't give a rat's patoot about cosmetics. But it's 1000x harder to locate future leaks if everything is gunked up with 20 years of grime. Pics attached before / after on my red '93. Ignore the orange stuff, that's my "failsafe" external bead in case there is any minor weeping from the timing cover flanges.

 

[nocfn]

Yes i should have written that stuff. While i was there i did the radiator, all the hoses, cleaned everything....dont forget the small hose off the intake to the water pump. If you get bulk, cut it square and a mm longer to allow for shrinkage.

 

[gerryvz]

Ignore the orange stuff, that's my "failsafe" external bead in case there is any minor weeping from the timing cover flanges.

Wimp!!

 

[gsxr]

Wimp!!

It's been leak-free for a couple years now, and saved me eleventy billion hours of labor. I call that a win-win!

 

[nocfn]

You look good in Orange

 

[RicardoD]

8/17/2017 @ 163,490 miles, Circle Star Motors in Santa Cruz

- 119 200 15 01 water pump removed and replaces
- 119 203 03 82 bypass hose R&R
- 116 200 03 15 thermostat R&R

Mechanic (Max) noted power steering fluid leak in Tandem Pump or Reservoir leaks. I think that's a job I can tackle myself.


​

 

[gerryvz]

Most likely that PS fluid leak is just the short hose. Easy repair. Check the HOW TO thread. No need to remove & reseal the entire tandem pump.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RicardoD]

Gerry, your How-to in this area is very good. So it's getting added to the project list. Thx!

 

[RicardoD]

Captains log stardate: 95278.69

9/4/2017 @ 163,953 miles

126-460-02-04 Ignition lock tumbler replaced with a new one. Thanks Classic Center!

old one not broken, but it was the original stamped 03 93​

95278.69


​

 

[RicardoD]

Captains log stardate: 47634.44

9/24/2017 at 164,336 miles

serviced the power steering reservoir, o-ring, hose, and crush washer per the HOW-To here:
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11772

- 15mm ID hose 006-997-09-82 (used equivalent 15mm ID hose from Pelican parts, Cohline) - aluminum crush washer 005-997-45-90


- gasket at base or reservoir tank 1294660180


- reservoir return line O-ring: 1199970045




​

 

[RicardoD]

9/30/2017 @ 164,430 miles

• Oxygen sensor changed Bosch 13429 see this thread for details

10/1/2017 @ 164,430 miles

Oil pan contents inspected (found plastic guide rail bits in there, stay tuned for next steps)

Oil sender & pickup replaced replaced per Gerry's HOW-TO: Replacing M119 Oil Level Sensor

• Lower oilpan gasket (MB OEM, Elring or Victor Reinz recommended), MB part number 119 014 08 22
• Oil level sensor, MB part number 126 542 08 17
• Rubber oil pickup snout, MB part number 110 186 00 07
• Oil pickup screen, MB part number 601 180 01 55
• new Mahle oil filter

Waiting to fill oil after consulting my local independent MB mechanic. Car parked in garage for now. If I have to change oil again after guide rail repair, I will put cheapie oil in, all I have now is my Redline pricey stuff which will go in for next 10k miles.

 

[RicardoD]

Its been a while since I've updated this thing. Can't believe I didn't document the big engine out job that Circle Star Motors did for me back in November 2017.


11/17/2017 @ 164442 miles

Max & Nick at Circle Star in Sequel, CA
- removed engine and transmission assembly
- installed new timing chain and rails
- replaced oil pump chain , new gaskets
- replace upper valve covers and seals
- put in metal cam oiler tubes
- lower harness rebuild by Circle Star and installed

- cancel Christmas due to repair bill, but the guys were great, and very reasonable with their shop time charges. Plus I got photos of the job at various stages and got to review the engine with it out and get a tour of the work by Max & Nick prior to putting it back into the car.
- impossible to get to power steering hoses changed when engine out