03-28-2016, 07:21 PM
Last edit by: IB Nolan
Table of Contents "S55's Endless Build Thread"
1. Car Forklifted Onto Delivery Truck Because Auction Had No Key
2. Finally Sees Car and Damage In Person on Delivery Truck
3. Videos of S-Class Forklifted Off Delivery Truck And Slid Into Garage
4. Additional Rear-End Damage Photos
5. Cost Breakdown For Vehicle and Parts as of 3/12/16
6. Key Arrives! First Start Up.
7. First Test Drive, Warning Lights Abound
8. Fixed Electrical Issues(?), Replaced Battery and Alternator
9. New Woodgrain Steering Wheel Installed
1. Car Forklifted Onto Delivery Truck Because Auction Had No Key
2. Finally Sees Car and Damage In Person on Delivery Truck
3. Videos of S-Class Forklifted Off Delivery Truck And Slid Into Garage
4. Additional Rear-End Damage Photos
5. Cost Breakdown For Vehicle and Parts as of 3/12/16
6. Key Arrives! First Start Up.
7. First Test Drive, Warning Lights Abound
8. Fixed Electrical Issues(?), Replaced Battery and Alternator
9. New Woodgrain Steering Wheel Installed
I finally bought it Fellas!
03-28-2016, 05:59 PM
#1251
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
For the same price as MBs work I could buy a whole "nother" W221 and chop and weld a clip. Then have all of another car as spare parts(or individual for sale items).
Maaco Estimate:
The other figure of $41.91 is the price of each ignition coil pack.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; 03-28-2016 at 06:09 PM.
03-28-2016, 06:02 PM
#1252
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Huh? Why'd you buy the steering wheel if money was that tight? Honestly if your cash flow is such that you can't find a hundred and fifty bucks for something essential you're not ready for an S Class.
I'm stumped as to the inexplicable resistance to, and excuses against getting a simple STAR scan. Are you afraid of what it will reveal?
I'm stumped as to the inexplicable resistance to, and excuses against getting a simple STAR scan. Are you afraid of what it will reveal?
I'll judge of if I'm ready for a W221 or not, Thanks.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; 03-28-2016 at 06:10 PM.
03-28-2016, 06:03 PM
#1253
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Land of Political Criminals and Urban Shootings
Posts: 4,010
Received 475 Likes
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363 Posts
2015 S550
Where do you get this stuff? Do you just make it up as you go along? A MB certified shop is just any ordinary body shop who has worked on several MB cars in the past and who MB trusts to do the work properly. Their rates should be in line with all of the other body shops in the area. You are an amusing character.
03-28-2016, 06:08 PM
#1254
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by mercedesbenzs55
The MB shops won't do partial repairs. They will want to fix it all to warranty the work. Their hourly labor charge is 3x that of indy shops.
For the same price as MBs work I could buy a whole "nother" W221 and chop and weld a clip. Then have all of another car as spare parts(or individual for sale items).
For the same price as MBs work I could buy a whole "nother" W221 and chop and weld a clip. Then have all of another car as spare parts(or individual for sale items).
When I tore the front bumper off my 2010 and took it to the MB certified shop and told them to zip tie the stupid thing if they had to they didn't report me to MB and make me buy a bumper.
03-28-2016, 06:09 PM
#1255
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by mercedesbenzs55
Its in the works, I need to change my #5 and #6 ignition coils first.
I'll judge of if I'm ready for a W221 or not, Thanks.
I'll judge of if I'm ready for a W221 or not, Thanks.
03-28-2016, 06:13 PM
#1257
Senior Member
The following users liked this post:
mercedesbenzs55 (03-28-2016)
03-28-2016, 06:25 PM
#1258
Super Member
That is sort of the point I was trying to make. MB uses designated indy shops all the time and for good reason. Those same resourceful shops, know aluminum, and have the ability to cut you a good deal that MB could never match. They are worth a visit.
Unfortunately I speak from experience but all turned out perfect.
03-28-2016, 07:00 PM
#1259
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
One shop wanted me to get the 2 aluminum parts and they would put it together, but Vlad can do that. Abra said I could pull it myself. Even brought out a dolly which they called a "cheat stick", showed me how to use it and offered I give it a shot. Eff that, I thanked them and left.
Thanks for clearing that up Mike, I found an MB certified shop in my area.
Autowerks NW
7516 S.W. Macadam Ave.,
Portland, OR 97219
(503) 246-2200
They have an "Elite Aluminum Structural Certification"
Update: OMG this shop charges $52/h body repair - $35/h for paint. I found my new repair place! Maaco was charging that rate, Thanks Fellas!
My 'Cedes is a 2007.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; 03-28-2016 at 07:12 PM.
03-28-2016, 07:14 PM
#1260
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Land of Political Criminals and Urban Shootings
Posts: 4,010
Received 475 Likes
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363 Posts
2015 S550
Make sure you check the Johnson Rods in your engine. Those are very much prone to fail....usually after 7 years or 75k miles. Your CEL and misfire codes could be easily attributed to those rods having a very slight bend in them....and overall not a very expensive fix if you're good with tools. You can probably pick them up after-market for under $300. Figure about 3-5 hours labor for a first time DIY'er....or 2 hours for a professional shop to do the work. While in there, be sure to change out the fire plug as that will usually fail when you're approaching 100k miles. Once that goes, the engine will be getting close to self-destructing. So it's good to be on top of this so you can get many years of service out of your engine.
03-28-2016, 07:23 PM
#1262
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Make sure you check the Johnson Rods in your engine. Those are very much prone to fail....usually after 7 years or 75k miles. Your CEL and misfire codes could be easily attributed to those rods having a very slight bend in them....and overall not a very expensive fix if you're good with tools. You can probably pick them up after-market for under $300. Figure about 3-5 hours labor for a first time DIY'er....or 2 hours for a professional shop to do the work. While in there, be sure to change out the fire plug as that will usually fail when you're approaching 100k miles. Once that goes, the engine will be getting close to self-destructing. So it's good to be on top of this so you can get many years of service out of your engine.
Called up the MB Indy. Will get an estimate Saturday or sooner. I've got peace of mind knowing that someone who knows what they're doing will handle the repair.
Those Russians would of took a hard pipe to it.
03-28-2016, 08:01 PM
#1265
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
So if your looking at your car from the engine bay, the cylinder order is left,front = #1, left,second back #2, ect. so #5 and #6 are right side, closest to you and second one back from that one.
So if your looking at your engine from the front of the car its in the following order:
4 - 8
3 - 7
2 - 6
1 - 5
I'm going to inspect the cylinders to see if anything else is the matter.
So if your looking at your engine from the front of the car its in the following order:
4 - 8
3 - 7
2 - 6
1 - 5
I'm going to inspect the cylinders to see if anything else is the matter.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; 03-28-2016 at 08:08 PM.
03-28-2016, 08:27 PM
#1266
Senior Member
more random thoughts.
RTFM??? not...
did you buy a shop manual yet?
on several occasions you mention we have to think like russian.
So do we drink the bottle of vodka before you buy the car or before you work on it?
Or do you just drink it when you order parts?
or all of the above?
which would certainly seem to be supported by the evidence so far and be consistent with most of the decision making to date as well.
and since you brought up russia during world war II, perhaps you should review just how much financial and military aid the US provided to mother Russia.
In the absence of which, it is most likely it would be referred to as the fatherland.
RTFM??? not...
did you buy a shop manual yet?
on several occasions you mention we have to think like russian.
So do we drink the bottle of vodka before you buy the car or before you work on it?
Or do you just drink it when you order parts?
or all of the above?
which would certainly seem to be supported by the evidence so far and be consistent with most of the decision making to date as well.
and since you brought up russia during world war II, perhaps you should review just how much financial and military aid the US provided to mother Russia.
In the absence of which, it is most likely it would be referred to as the fatherland.
03-28-2016, 08:40 PM
#1267
On one side, I empathize with him.
I grew up in in a culture where recycling is a a big part of the community economy. Hence lots of DiY's or trying to get cheap and top quality (does not go hand in hand).
The fix-it-till-it-explodes, is the common use-by-date for everything. Materialism/pride is higher in priority list. To be able to obtain and maintain what mr and mrs richie rich owns is considered "made-it".
In my naive youthfull nature, I spent much before realising that its ridiculous. I could have saved more by spending more upfront to get the right service or products.
I have moved on from that culture but I now work with and have friends from similar socio economic background.
From the moment a mallet with an S cedes and a 1k budget was mentioned, it is like, "I can't believe this is happening in the USofA". I guess it happens everywhere.
My reason for empatizing with cedeS55 is, I really do understand where you are coming from. I lived in that culture/thoughts.
If I were back in my own country and culture, I will probably do the same thing as you did albeit a bit smarter and logical.
My advice to cedeS55 is, you are not in your home country now. I admire your tenacity. It is a good trait to hold on to. You may get the initial "I told you so" but once its all done and dusted, I do not think this forum criticises another forever just for the sake of it. We will laugh at you but we will also laugh with you.
We are all here because we want to own a Merc. But we do not want to spend all the $ giving it away either. But we also want the best for our Mercs. So we find a balance and everybody helps with experiences.
However, there is naive headbanging as compared to logical headbanging.
That is one good thing that USArians unlike some other countries are "Go for it, but do it right then we come party and drink your wine"
I grew up in in a culture where recycling is a a big part of the community economy. Hence lots of DiY's or trying to get cheap and top quality (does not go hand in hand).
The fix-it-till-it-explodes, is the common use-by-date for everything. Materialism/pride is higher in priority list. To be able to obtain and maintain what mr and mrs richie rich owns is considered "made-it".
In my naive youthfull nature, I spent much before realising that its ridiculous. I could have saved more by spending more upfront to get the right service or products.
I have moved on from that culture but I now work with and have friends from similar socio economic background.
From the moment a mallet with an S cedes and a 1k budget was mentioned, it is like, "I can't believe this is happening in the USofA". I guess it happens everywhere.
My reason for empatizing with cedeS55 is, I really do understand where you are coming from. I lived in that culture/thoughts.
If I were back in my own country and culture, I will probably do the same thing as you did albeit a bit smarter and logical.
My advice to cedeS55 is, you are not in your home country now. I admire your tenacity. It is a good trait to hold on to. You may get the initial "I told you so" but once its all done and dusted, I do not think this forum criticises another forever just for the sake of it. We will laugh at you but we will also laugh with you.
We are all here because we want to own a Merc. But we do not want to spend all the $ giving it away either. But we also want the best for our Mercs. So we find a balance and everybody helps with experiences.
However, there is naive headbanging as compared to logical headbanging.
That is one good thing that USArians unlike some other countries are "Go for it, but do it right then we come party and drink your wine"
03-28-2016, 08:42 PM
#1268
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
more random thoughts.
RTFM??? not...
did you buy a shop manual yet?
on several occasions you mention we have to think like russian.
So do we drink the bottle of vodka before you buy the car or before you work on it?
Or do you just drink it when you order parts?
or all of the above?
which would certainly seem to be supported by the evidence so far and be consistent with most of the decision making to date as well.
and since you brought up russia during world war II, perhaps you should review just how much financial and military aid the US provided to mother Russia.
In the absence of which, it is most likely it would be referred to as the fatherland.
RTFM??? not...
did you buy a shop manual yet?
on several occasions you mention we have to think like russian.
So do we drink the bottle of vodka before you buy the car or before you work on it?
Or do you just drink it when you order parts?
or all of the above?
which would certainly seem to be supported by the evidence so far and be consistent with most of the decision making to date as well.
and since you brought up russia during world war II, perhaps you should review just how much financial and military aid the US provided to mother Russia.
In the absence of which, it is most likely it would be referred to as the fatherland.
Do you have a manual? Perhaps you can help me instead. I figure nor do you, or else you would be doing just that. Or perhaps you do and instead would rather be an ***.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; 03-28-2016 at 08:45 PM.
03-28-2016, 08:50 PM
#1269
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
On one side, I empathize with him.
I grew up in in a culture where recycling is a a big part of the community economy. Hence lots of DiY's or trying to get cheap and top quality (does not go hand in hand).
The fix-it-till-it-explodes, is the common use-by-date for everything. Materialism/pride is higher in priority list. To be able to obtain and maintain what mr and mrs richie rich owns is considered "made-it".
In my naive youthfull nature, I spent much before realising that its ridiculous. I could have saved more by spending more upfront to get the right service or products.
I have moved on from that culture but I now work with and have friends from similar socio economic background.
From the moment a mallet with an S cedes and a 1k budget was mentioned, it is like, "I can't believe this is happening in the USofA". I guess it happens everywhere.
My reason for empatizing with cedeS55 is, I really do understand where you are coming from. I lived in that culture/thoughts.
If I were back in my own country and culture, I will probably do the same thing as you did albeit a bit smarter and logical.
My advice to cedeS55 is, you are not in your home country now. I admire your tenacity. It is a good trait to hold on to. You may get the initial "I told you so" but once its all done and dusted, I do not think this forum criticises another forever just for the sake of it. We will laugh at you but we will also laugh with you.
We are all here because we want to own a Merc. But we do not want to spend all the $ giving it away either. But we also want the best for our Mercs. So we find a balance and everybody helps with experiences.
However, there is naive headbanging as compared to logical headbanging.
That is one good thing that USArians unlike some other countries are "Go for it, but do it right then we come party and drink your wine"
I grew up in in a culture where recycling is a a big part of the community economy. Hence lots of DiY's or trying to get cheap and top quality (does not go hand in hand).
The fix-it-till-it-explodes, is the common use-by-date for everything. Materialism/pride is higher in priority list. To be able to obtain and maintain what mr and mrs richie rich owns is considered "made-it".
In my naive youthfull nature, I spent much before realising that its ridiculous. I could have saved more by spending more upfront to get the right service or products.
I have moved on from that culture but I now work with and have friends from similar socio economic background.
From the moment a mallet with an S cedes and a 1k budget was mentioned, it is like, "I can't believe this is happening in the USofA". I guess it happens everywhere.
My reason for empatizing with cedeS55 is, I really do understand where you are coming from. I lived in that culture/thoughts.
If I were back in my own country and culture, I will probably do the same thing as you did albeit a bit smarter and logical.
My advice to cedeS55 is, you are not in your home country now. I admire your tenacity. It is a good trait to hold on to. You may get the initial "I told you so" but once its all done and dusted, I do not think this forum criticises another forever just for the sake of it. We will laugh at you but we will also laugh with you.
We are all here because we want to own a Merc. But we do not want to spend all the $ giving it away either. But we also want the best for our Mercs. So we find a balance and everybody helps with experiences.
However, there is naive headbanging as compared to logical headbanging.
That is one good thing that USArians unlike some other countries are "Go for it, but do it right then we come party and drink your wine"
The following users liked this post:
jesydney (03-28-2016)
03-28-2016, 09:18 PM
#1270
Member
This has been the best 51 (so far) pages I've read in my life. But it's like watching pro wrestling, it's entertaining for sure, but this can't be real, can it?
03-28-2016, 09:40 PM
#1271
03-28-2016, 10:38 PM
#1274
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
And to think I just Today got an estimate.
I'm going to my MB Indy for an estimate tomorrow.
I'm going to my MB Indy for an estimate tomorrow.
Last edited by mercedesbenzs55; 03-28-2016 at 11:04 PM.
