I do'n know what to do!!!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 437
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All Cars Lost To Hurricane Isaac (W124 E420 revived - added 88 Allante 14 S550, 17 S63
RBYCC, I have read your post for years, I have concluded that you stand tall even against your own peers and in many arenas........ please, easy on the kid....his knowledge and maturity appear to be on track as compared to my own youthful mis-speaks............. ummmm mostly a long time ago.........
Last edited by kafklatsch; May 23, 2011 at 05:39 PM. Reason: typo
Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
'91 C124 300CE,'06 ML 500 W164, '00 BMW MCOUPE, '65 COBRA REPL.
Zach should be allowed to post new threads and there are no legal issues here.
The only issue here is that Zach is younger than most here and he is figuring things out about life, cars etc.
Yes he can be "annoying" some times but that is an age issue. There is no way a 16 year old kid can or does think the same as a 30,40 or 50 year old man.
He will find his way and I do hope he becomes a respected young man. It takes time and learning. I was 16 once, and I did live a 16 year old kids life, similar to Zach's.
The above, IMHO.
Zach, all good, just don't question or nudge those with the knowledge as much.
Due to age, responsibilities, life etc, we are not as patient any more and some times we will bite back...just a little.
The only issue here is that Zach is younger than most here and he is figuring things out about life, cars etc.
Yes he can be "annoying" some times but that is an age issue. There is no way a 16 year old kid can or does think the same as a 30,40 or 50 year old man.
He will find his way and I do hope he becomes a respected young man. It takes time and learning. I was 16 once, and I did live a 16 year old kids life, similar to Zach's.
The above, IMHO.
Zach, all good, just don't question or nudge those with the knowledge as much.
Due to age, responsibilities, life etc, we are not as patient any more and some times we will bite back...just a little.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
e400
This thread wasn't heading anywhere bad until RBYCC said that it was a bad decision to fix my car and "let it turn into junk."
Ofcourse i'm going to fight and argue back if someone calls my car "junk"...RBYCC knew it would make me angry, and he KNEW I would fight back. He is in the wrong here for starting this arguement.
Thats my opinion on this.
Ofcourse i'm going to fight and argue back if someone calls my car "junk"...RBYCC knew it would make me angry, and he KNEW I would fight back. He is in the wrong here for starting this arguement.
Thats my opinion on this.
Last edited by zach1328; May 23, 2011 at 07:13 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: vancouver, b.c.
1990 300e24
why keep a 20 year old car when you can have a new m3......there is not a single reason this makes sense. Basically if your dad would give and or buy you a new car....fixing your really old one with issues just doesnt make sense no matter how much you love it. Time and time again you refuse to listen to reason. You make threads asking questions and when you dont like the response you get, you get defensive. Use logic and reasoning in life, you'll get further. Use logic and reason on here and you might not get burned as much. Next time you have a question try just asking it instead of giving a life story with it, that way there wont be so much ammo against you. I understand being young and trying to ask for help in important decisions. But it seems like your family is very well off and if there's not a problem for your dad spending 20 grand on a car for his 16 year old kid......then why on gods green earth are you still driving a 20 year old junker. You think you have respect for what you have but you don't. Like most kids your age you really don't appreciate how privileged you. Take the M3 and say thank you
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,907
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From: So Cal
92 500e, 95 E34 525I Touring
I've tried to say out of your threads for the most part. Not because I don't like you, but because I don't think you really care or listen to what anyone on here has to say, Zach. Honestly, there's not really anything wrong with that. I completely understand your quest for knowledge and misunderstanding of what it takes to maintain a vehicle, and I try not to judge you too harshly on that. We were all sixteen once. I believe that somewhere in there, you're actually a cool, capable kid with a good heart. I mean, you have a love affair with the w124 (and you're not RioZLander), you cant be all bad! I just feel like you need to think more about the things you post man. Honestly, 90% of the time that you post one of your poles or questions on here, you already know what you want to do. So why freakin ask us? Just do what you want and forget about what everyone else thinks. When you do end up posting something, I really do think you need to listen to your elders a bit more. I know they (we) get frustrated and may talk down to you, but you shouldn't be disrespectful in return. It only exacerbates the situation.
Oh and since you did ask for my opinion, ditch your 300E and take the M3 fool! It reminds me of something I've heard my mom tell my sister: "It's just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is a poor man." Why take the 20yr old ~176hp 300E over the 21st century race machine? If you absolutely can't live with your decision in a year, sell it and get a MINT 500E.
Oh and since you did ask for my opinion, ditch your 300E and take the M3 fool! It reminds me of something I've heard my mom tell my sister: "It's just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is a poor man." Why take the 20yr old ~176hp 300E over the 21st century race machine? If you absolutely can't live with your decision in a year, sell it and get a MINT 500E.
Last edited by rivcal4life; May 24, 2011 at 01:44 AM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 462
Likes: 3
From: Boulder, CO
86 W124
Sounds like you would be fanatic car guy like the rest of us.
My opinion. Grab a pair of screw drivers, an 8 10 and 13 mm wrenches and ratchet and go to the junkyard and play. Take things apart, find upgrades for your car, get into it. Most people are afraid to touch their cars as its such a mystery, cut the liability and go destroy some junkers. Time will tell if you are any good at it, if not, your mechanic will still be there. Soon you'll have enough info to not have such silly questions.
Then say yeeeha to the m3 and learn to drive. And voila a life long hobby.
My opinion. Grab a pair of screw drivers, an 8 10 and 13 mm wrenches and ratchet and go to the junkyard and play. Take things apart, find upgrades for your car, get into it. Most people are afraid to touch their cars as its such a mystery, cut the liability and go destroy some junkers. Time will tell if you are any good at it, if not, your mechanic will still be there. Soon you'll have enough info to not have such silly questions.
Then say yeeeha to the m3 and learn to drive. And voila a life long hobby.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 534
Likes: 13
From: Beirut, Lebanon
2006 C55 AMG 6 speed
I'm under the impression that a 16 year old with an M3 will pay more for insurance than I pay for a house. :P
I love Lebanon. 40$ a year for basic coverage.
Zach, you've seen and read most of our opinions. It's time to make your own. If you truly love your car, then start treating her right. Lift up her skirt, and while she'll play hard to get at first, you'll eventually figure her out.
And be honest with yourself. If you like cars for their looks and power, buy an M3. There's no shame in not being a serious enthusiast. To each his own; you'll eventually grow into a hobby or profession alot of us can't do. It's fine.
Or you'll fall in love with cars, convince your well off dad to build you your own garage, and start with project car mayhem!
When I was just a year older than you, I did that. Dad gave me one of the warehouses at our establishment, I converted it to a garage and did most of my WRX to Beetle swap there.
I love Lebanon. 40$ a year for basic coverage.
Zach, you've seen and read most of our opinions. It's time to make your own. If you truly love your car, then start treating her right. Lift up her skirt, and while she'll play hard to get at first, you'll eventually figure her out.
And be honest with yourself. If you like cars for their looks and power, buy an M3. There's no shame in not being a serious enthusiast. To each his own; you'll eventually grow into a hobby or profession alot of us can't do. It's fine.
Or you'll fall in love with cars, convince your well off dad to build you your own garage, and start with project car mayhem!
When I was just a year older than you, I did that. Dad gave me one of the warehouses at our establishment, I converted it to a garage and did most of my WRX to Beetle swap there.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
1996 E320 Sportline Cabriolet x 2
I'd like to see the pictures & I'd like to hear how Zach got on, being it's now past Tuesday - well almost for you guys.........
Maybe Zach is sick and tired of driving around in the flash stuff and prefers to be closer to "normal" than his peers. Maybe an older car is so much simpler to look after given the service/duty a car is going to receive when an owner is young. Try parking a flashee down at the local sports club or the mall and not worrying about it. Try parking an old 124 and the worry goes away - doesn't it!
When I was younger we always bought old cars not only because they were cheaper but because we liked that older slightly rundown look - you'd also get to work on it a little which is something you may not get the opportunity to do on something else. I remember a 1947 Dodge being pressed into "hiking service", God that fun!! Try that in a SL – not.
WE DON'T ALL DRIVE MERCS FOR THE "LOOK AT ME FACTOR" NOW, DO WE?? Looks to me Zach is uncomfortable with that & possibly peer pressure, and that's a good thing.
Now, how's it going since you got it back Zach, is it any better and what did they do to it exactly, do you know??
Maybe Zach is sick and tired of driving around in the flash stuff and prefers to be closer to "normal" than his peers. Maybe an older car is so much simpler to look after given the service/duty a car is going to receive when an owner is young. Try parking a flashee down at the local sports club or the mall and not worrying about it. Try parking an old 124 and the worry goes away - doesn't it!
When I was younger we always bought old cars not only because they were cheaper but because we liked that older slightly rundown look - you'd also get to work on it a little which is something you may not get the opportunity to do on something else. I remember a 1947 Dodge being pressed into "hiking service", God that fun!! Try that in a SL – not.
WE DON'T ALL DRIVE MERCS FOR THE "LOOK AT ME FACTOR" NOW, DO WE?? Looks to me Zach is uncomfortable with that & possibly peer pressure, and that's a good thing.
Now, how's it going since you got it back Zach, is it any better and what did they do to it exactly, do you know??
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
e400
And i know most of the stuff he did..
1) Oil change
2) Transmission fluid change
3) tire rotation
4) tire alignment
5) New front axle and a few other new parts
6) More oil in the steering pump (something like that)
There are a few other things he did, but i cant remember all of them.
I'm pretty excited to pick it up though.
When he called me he said there was a huge difference in the steering, he said its much stiffer.
Also, the front tires used to make loud noises at certain speeds, which he said that is gone now also.
AND: I would have gotten the M3 but I had to make a decision within like 2 hours, and I couldn't find an M3 that i truly loved for a good price.
Also, we just got a new car not too long ago so i think my Dad was happy with just fixing it. I don't think he wants another car payment yet.
Yes, M3's look great, but I also love the way my car looks. On another note, I honestly don't think I'm ready to be behind the wheel of a car that does 0-60 in 4.7/4.8 seconds.
I'd like to live to be in my 30's,40's etc so I can enjoy cars then too.
In addition, I can't stand the interior of BMW's, every M3 I found for a decent price isn't in great condition. My interior looks much newer than most of the M3's i found.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
1996 E320 Sportline Cabriolet x 2
Was the power steering pump making a noise, cavitation maybe due to low fluid??
With the trans see if they drained the torque converter as well as the transmission you might have to ask him. There is oil in there too. And, there should be a line item for a new transmission filter........
If he still has the filter ask him if he will show it too you and see if there is any metal bits in there, have a good look at the filters when they come off a car, they are like a book sometimes.
With the trans see if they drained the torque converter as well as the transmission you might have to ask him. There is oil in there too. And, there should be a line item for a new transmission filter........
If he still has the filter ask him if he will show it too you and see if there is any metal bits in there, have a good look at the filters when they come off a car, they are like a book sometimes.
Last edited by WDB124066; May 24, 2011 at 05:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
e400
Wow!
Too bad I don't know how to do these kinds of repairs on my own...
Cost summary:
Parts: $429.90
Shop supplies: $34.56
Labor: $1,072.50
Well anyways I am pretty pleased with the results, the steering is much more responsive and is also a little bit tighter.
The front end doesn't seem to sway as badly around corners now, but its not much of a difference. Maybe not even a difference at all, it just seemed slightly better around the corners.
Too bad I don't know how to do these kinds of repairs on my own...
Cost summary:
Parts: $429.90
Shop supplies: $34.56
Labor: $1,072.50
Well anyways I am pretty pleased with the results, the steering is much more responsive and is also a little bit tighter.
The front end doesn't seem to sway as badly around corners now, but its not much of a difference. Maybe not even a difference at all, it just seemed slightly better around the corners.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 462
Likes: 3
From: Boulder, CO
86 W124
Do some research on item #5, try to understand what they did, how things work, simply because my car doesn't have a front axle, check if yours does.
A hint...they put air in your tires to do the alignment properly, that's what you noticed...you can call my bluff by checking it, it should be spot on all around.
A hint...they put air in your tires to do the alignment properly, that's what you noticed...you can call my bluff by checking it, it should be spot on all around.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
e400
I check my tire pressure regularly and they are almost always at 35psi all around. As a matter of a fact, I think I filled them all up properly about 2 days before it went into the shop.
I got a new steering dampner which is why it feels much stiffer. He showed me the old one and it was easily compessible and apparently it shouldn't be close to as compressable the old one was.
Huge difference in the steering, there is no more dead spot in the center at low speed. It also feels much stiffer around the corners; noticeable difference for sure.
And here is everything they did:
1) Oil Change
2) Transmission fluid change
3) Idler arm repair kit
4) New left, right, and center tie rods
5) Lower ball joint was replaced
6) Steering Dampner was replaced
7) Wheel alignment and rotation
The Lower Ball Joint was the thing that killed the cost of the repairs.
I wish I had gotten new suspension along with this because he had to remove the front control arms. Could have saved money installing suspension at that time.
I got a new steering dampner which is why it feels much stiffer. He showed me the old one and it was easily compessible and apparently it shouldn't be close to as compressable the old one was.
Huge difference in the steering, there is no more dead spot in the center at low speed. It also feels much stiffer around the corners; noticeable difference for sure.
And here is everything they did:
1) Oil Change
2) Transmission fluid change
3) Idler arm repair kit
4) New left, right, and center tie rods
5) Lower ball joint was replaced
6) Steering Dampner was replaced
7) Wheel alignment and rotation
The Lower Ball Joint was the thing that killed the cost of the repairs.
I wish I had gotten new suspension along with this because he had to remove the front control arms. Could have saved money installing suspension at that time.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
1996 E320 Sportline Cabriolet x 2
Lower Control Arms come off very quickly Zach, in almost no time at all. Did they put new Lower Control Arm Bushes in for you, or were they OK?
Was there any play in the steering box itself at all? In the straight ahead position they are supposed to be preloaded. This is best done by a very experienced Tech, with the MB tools for the job. There is a very low torque reading that needs to be measured at the steering wheel to set the box properly, there is an MB tool for this and it is best if the Tech has access to it. Setting the preload on the steering box makes as much difference as replacing the pitman arm components or worn ball joints (as what you have had done) but is seldom set properly, especially on the older cars. Most non MB techs are too scared to adjust it right up properly and leave it loose.
If your car is still a little vague get this checked at the MB Dealer would be my advice, and get them to read, understand & use MB instruction 46-3230. It should not take more than an hours labor.
Did you check your owner’s manual re checking the trans fluid?? Maybe you'd like to quote it here..........
Was there any play in the steering box itself at all? In the straight ahead position they are supposed to be preloaded. This is best done by a very experienced Tech, with the MB tools for the job. There is a very low torque reading that needs to be measured at the steering wheel to set the box properly, there is an MB tool for this and it is best if the Tech has access to it. Setting the preload on the steering box makes as much difference as replacing the pitman arm components or worn ball joints (as what you have had done) but is seldom set properly, especially on the older cars. Most non MB techs are too scared to adjust it right up properly and leave it loose.
If your car is still a little vague get this checked at the MB Dealer would be my advice, and get them to read, understand & use MB instruction 46-3230. It should not take more than an hours labor.
Did you check your owner’s manual re checking the trans fluid?? Maybe you'd like to quote it here..........
