jbec.keane

Good News

My car now has 200,000 miles on it. It is almost exactly 6 years old and I have had only minor repair issues over the years. A couple of ball joints, motor mounts and a wiper motor is the extent of the unusual repairs. The car still rides great and starts every morning. Almost everything is still original (knock on wood) including the exhaust, batteries, shocks, etc. I just have it serviced regularly at MB and replace the tires every two years.

Bad News

This morning, the display showed a bright red message saying that my brakes were not working correctly and to start the engine. As soon as I started the engine, the message went away. I'm sure it is related to the SBC pump, but i'll have to see if it shows up again. At least the SBC pump is covered under a warranty.

JK

MondayQB

I hope it will just be a computer issue or no more than minor repair. Drive safe.

gnma

This post is interesting in a few ways. First off, 200K in 6 yrs. is a lot of driving, and is a credit not only to the craftsmanship of MB, but also to you as a responsible owner/driver who has kept the car in impeccable condition.

Secondly, from your signature, you have the 2003 model, which reinforces that some '03-'04's are rock solid, whereas others are not so.

As to your current issue, u're right, the SBC is covered under warranty, and hopefully you will not incurr any out-of-pocket expenses. keep on drivin'!!

gisham

200k impressive-

erifly

I'm assuming you got the SBC recall fix way back at 50k miles. I know I had to get that replaced..but it was free because it was a recall.

gaazmon

I think the pump is covered for 10 years/unlimited mileage so you should be good.

russianczar

You're probably right about the pump, have you replaced brakes recently because I had the same message before shortly after i got my brake pads and rotors replaced, looks like some air got into the brake lines and caused the computer to malfunction. A brake fluid flush solved the problem, never had the same problem again.

unclebenz

WOW, I own a 2003 and I only have 44K miles on my car.

155

And my '03 has 35k kilometers... I feel embarassed!

jbec.keane

The message has not reappeared, so I'll mentioned it to the dealer at the next service. The brakes haven't been replaced in over a year, but I did have the brake fluid flushed at the last service about a month ago. The SBC pump has not been replaced yet, since it is still working.

I love this car and figure to wait a couple of years before buying another one. I'm thinking of European delivery for that one.

As for the mileage on the car, I commute 60 miles each way to work 5 days a week. The longest trip with the Benz is to Massachusetts to visit family and FENWAY Park.

I track the mileage on the car's anniversary date (today). 2007=137K, 2008=162K, 2009=200K

JK

gaazmon

So I'm guessing you have to drive through NY with that plate huh? Must make the trip "interesting". My mom is from mass. so she's a sox fan as well.

jbec.keane

I've had a number of people "wave" at me on the highway. Some go out of their way to pull aside me and yell at me. Up until October 2004, I heard a lot of "1918". After the NY Giants won the Super Bowl, I heard a few "18-1" yells.

The week before the A-Rod news hit, someone pulled up along side me on the highway to yell "Red Sox Suck".

I figure that some where on Route 95 or 128 in Boston, some Red Sox fan is returning the favor to a misplaced Yankee fan.

Go Red Sox.

JK

frogstaple

200K! Did you submit for your high mileage badge?

jbec.keane

I have the first badge, but I decided not to put it on the car. I'm not sure I'll make 310,000 miles for the next badge. That will take 3-4 years and I hope to be driving a new one by then.

JK

dvmak

As a METS fan you won't get any flack from me if I see you on the roads!!!