anyone wrenching on their own cars here?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
2001 S500 Sport "Klaus"
anyone wrenching on their own cars here?
Hello,
as I debate whether to keep this fine auto for the long haul, I'm wondering about where and how to cut some of the inevitable maintenance costs down the line, post-warranty. Is anyone here doing or planning to do their own mechanical/maintenance work on these cars, or are they just flat-out too complicated? I'm talking specifically about brakes and wear/tear items, etc.; much of the computer-controlled stuff seems way over my head.
With the computer braking system and all the sensors, etc. involved, projects like this seem pretty discouraging to a DIY'er, or am I misinformed and it's pretty much the same deal as old-fashioned disc brakes, but with the high-tech untouchable bits confined to the part of the mechanism between the pedal and the master cylinder?
Would love to get you guys' input on what other than cosmetic mods you feel are do it yourself type of repairable items on the E55's. My initial impression is "nothing", but I've not wrenched on a car for a few years and admittedly haven't spent much time looking into the possibilities on this car.
thanks!
vic
as I debate whether to keep this fine auto for the long haul, I'm wondering about where and how to cut some of the inevitable maintenance costs down the line, post-warranty. Is anyone here doing or planning to do their own mechanical/maintenance work on these cars, or are they just flat-out too complicated? I'm talking specifically about brakes and wear/tear items, etc.; much of the computer-controlled stuff seems way over my head.
With the computer braking system and all the sensors, etc. involved, projects like this seem pretty discouraging to a DIY'er, or am I misinformed and it's pretty much the same deal as old-fashioned disc brakes, but with the high-tech untouchable bits confined to the part of the mechanism between the pedal and the master cylinder?
Would love to get you guys' input on what other than cosmetic mods you feel are do it yourself type of repairable items on the E55's. My initial impression is "nothing", but I've not wrenched on a car for a few years and admittedly haven't spent much time looking into the possibilities on this car.
thanks!
vic
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago
04 E55
Vix..I have never brought my cars in to a dealer until now. If it's warranty it goes in. For brakes and wear items...I want to tackle them myself. The unfamiliarity with European cars/engineering is all that holds me back right now. It's the same basic operations with a bit of real engineering. I plan on getting a repair manual and at least looking thru it. If it is something that has critical implications internally in the engine I would probably shy away. The VRUS throttle body comes to mind. If the damn thing wasn't buried I would do it.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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'14 ML BT
When I saw that I thought, no reason not to dig right in there now! It makes the back of the engine accessible and the TB doesn't look daunting.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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'14 ML BT
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
If you own a MB out of warranty, I would never recommend going to the dealer unless they're the only ones that can fix a problem.
Take it to some kind of trusted Mercedes or Euro car independent shop or wrench yourself. For those electrical/computer issues...well, good luck.
Take it to some kind of trusted Mercedes or Euro car independent shop or wrench yourself. For those electrical/computer issues...well, good luck.
