WTB: 300e Sedan, early-mid 90's; low mileage; well maintained

[stevenstevensteven]

What is the benefit of this locking version? (photo below)
https://www.amazon.com/85-51-250-AF-retainer/dp/B00V3B82L4/


Also, I searched for Click Clamps, and this was all that I could find
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-10-BMW-Clic-Clamp-85-Hose-Clamps-16-13-1-379-229/372230120356

Have you been able to successfully source an assortment of click clamp sizes? If so, do tell. Thanks.

 

[gsxr]

What is the benefit of this locking version?
https://www.amazon.com/85-51-250-AF-retainer/dp/B00V3B82L4/

Those pliers are for spring clamps, not click clamps. Totally different clamps, totally different jaws in the pliers. I don't think MB uses many of these clamps?

Also, I searched for Click Clamps, and this was all that I could find
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-10-BMW-Clic-Clamp-85-Hose-Clamps-16-13-1-379-229/372230120356

Have you been able to successfully source an assortment of click clamp sizes? If so, do tell. Thanks.

Assortments, no, but I have never looked. Unless corroded or damaged on removal, click clamps should be re-usable. I'd buy OE MB clamps just to know you're getting the correct size. Otherwise you'd need to find a size marking on the old one and verify the aftermarket replacement is identical.

 

[nocfn]

Wurms

 

[stevenstevensteven]

So, I ultimately had to replace all the fuel lines and most of the hose clamps. When replacing the hose from the filter to the hard line I notices these fluid patches above the passenger side of the differential. Do you think I've got a seal problem on the diff? This is an area of the vehicle I have yet to DIY. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Maui]

Based on the spray pattern and where oil is it appears to coming from the differential end of boot. The axle end is dry but the flange end is wet. Not an easy job to replace.

 

[gsxr]

I can't quite tell from the photos, but it looks like this MIGHT be the CV joint boot leaking grease/oil, not the differential side seal. If there is a strong odor of sulfur indicating gear oil, then it's probably the diff... if there isn't a strong odor, it's probably the axle boot. Regardless of which it is... Maui is correct, it's not a fun job. If it's the axle, do not replace with an off-brand rebuilt axle... only OE/OEM. Rebooting may work but that's not easy with OE-type, non-split boots.

BTW - this is not a very common failure.

 

[stevenstevensteven]

I can't quite tell from the photos, but it looks like this MIGHT be the CV joint boot leaking grease/oil, not the differential side seal. If there is a strong odor of sulfur indicating gear oil, then it's probably the diff... if there isn't a strong odor, it's probably the axle boot. Regardless of which it is... Maui is correct, it's not a fun job. If it's the axle, do not replace with an off-brand rebuilt axle... only OE/OEM. Rebooting may work but that's not easy with OE-type, non-split boots.

BTW - this is not a very common failure.

Yes, particularly bizarre on a car with such low mileage.

And I did not notice an odor of sulfur.

I sent Collie Autoworks an email. Not sure I have time to take on this project right now.

 

[stevenstevensteven]

FYI, Collie Autoworks rebuilt the differential, replaced the mounts, and put in new rear shocks (unbelievable, but they were the originals) while back there. Haven't seen the car since this round of repairs, as I had to travel to Houston and wife picked-up for me. I'm $2,500 in to the car now since delivery (having also replaced fuel pump, filter and some lines), and probably need to do the front struts and brakes when I get home.

All in all, not surprised by any of this given the period of time this car must have sat over the years. When I'm done, I should have a mint vehicle.

Oh, and the car has a new serpentine belt as well. Lots of cracks in the old one.