while you were sleeping... I got a PPI
#1
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other than needing tires, the only things written up were:
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/16gapsg.jpg)
so - that's pretty pricey for a head gasket fix, and I saw the "How To" writeup - what's the real cost if I can shade-tree mechanic this one? the How-To also included plugs and the whole cost (back then) was $700 - but that's plugs and head gaskets...
they said it's a minor leak, no runs - just a seep - most likely livable for a while, but would be excluded in the extended warranty if not fixed prior to getting the warranty
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/2w6w0hv.jpg)
so the t-stat code was older, not active and the seats functioned fine during the PPI but they said it could potentially be a slight leak
overall, very clean car... needs a set of tires though
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/16gapsg.jpg)
so - that's pretty pricey for a head gasket fix, and I saw the "How To" writeup - what's the real cost if I can shade-tree mechanic this one? the How-To also included plugs and the whole cost (back then) was $700 - but that's plugs and head gaskets...
they said it's a minor leak, no runs - just a seep - most likely livable for a while, but would be excluded in the extended warranty if not fixed prior to getting the warranty
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/2w6w0hv.jpg)
so the t-stat code was older, not active and the seats functioned fine during the PPI but they said it could potentially be a slight leak
overall, very clean car... needs a set of tires though
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#8
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I’m a bit surprised that’s all a thorough PPI could find askew. Is that shop intending to henceforth service & repair it for you?
Don’t let a few dollars stand between you and a clean AMG. Note some engineers here are also endowed with practical DIY skills though.
Trust you’ve budgeted for replacement Michelin Pilot Super Sports as well.
#11
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yup - Benz dealer did the PPI, it's had all major service done - just needs brakes flushed/filled (LOL they said $280 for that!)
I just got the PPI about 20 minutes before I posted the info... gonna counter the offer on the car, it's a clean ride - but hoping he'll budge for tires and the leak. going for a stretch of 1.5K off
pic of said car...
I just got the PPI about 20 minutes before I posted the info... gonna counter the offer on the car, it's a clean ride - but hoping he'll budge for tires and the leak. going for a stretch of 1.5K off
pic of said car...
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/2dsoi6e.jpg)
#13
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+1
I’m a bit surprised that’s all a thorough PPI could find askew. Is that shop intending to henceforth service & repair it for you?
Don’t let a few dollars stand between you and a clean AMG. Note some engineers here are also endowed with practical DIY skills though.
Trust you’ve budgeted for replacement Michelin Pilot Super Sports as well.
I’m a bit surprised that’s all a thorough PPI could find askew. Is that shop intending to henceforth service & repair it for you?
Don’t let a few dollars stand between you and a clean AMG. Note some engineers here are also endowed with practical DIY skills though.
Trust you’ve budgeted for replacement Michelin Pilot Super Sports as well.
![drive](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif)
The Michelins are nice, but I'll probably will do the Ventus V12 or Conti DWS since I drive year round and want more tread life (Conti) - plus the DWS are only $778 for all 4 tires
I'm not racing my any means, doubt I will track it or put it on the 1/4 mile either...
althoug I may roast the last 2mm off the tires
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(and yes emoving, that's post 200)
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#16
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#18
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2003 porsche 996 turbo
conti dws warrenty is a joke. ANY NEGATIVE CAMBER voids the warrenty even if its oem specs!!
btw if you think head gasket and valve cover gasket are the same you might want to put the wrenches down!
and lastly m/b inspection is only as good as the mech doing it. i had a ppi done by fletcher jones. they missed the broken front bumper were the owner hit a parking curb. i found it simply by running my hand under the bumper. they missed with the car on a lift!
btw if you think head gasket and valve cover gasket are the same you might want to put the wrenches down!
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#19
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2006 s65. Ford Excursion 6.0. Pontiac GTO convertible. Porsche 944 Turbo SCCA car. Wife-E550 and 968
Buy the car, Toadster! But for full disclosure, I'm only saying that because I voted you would and I like being right. I have conti DWS's on my wife's R class, Pilot Super Sports on my S65, and the conti's will last a lot longer! But he is correct above on claims for the warranty. Most companies half the warranty on staggered tires, I budget 12-15k miles on the SS's if You limit burnouts, you'll get 30k out of the DWS's. The DWS's will greatly degrade your handling and traction from a dig, and the tire shop I use says they hate the conti's and have seen a ton come back. I have had no problems with them and in the snow they are fairly competent, not a typical CA prob. I hear great things about the Hankook Ventus V12 tire and it sounds like a better compromise for you.
#20
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Ducati
Toad -
I voted for you too!
Glad to see your finally moving in on a car!
The valve cover gaskets are not too bad of a DIY. Its more time consuming than difficult.
If your going to get new tires, I would put a wider tire on the rear while your at it. The stock 265 just isn't adequate for the amount of power!
I voted for you too!
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
The valve cover gaskets are not too bad of a DIY. Its more time consuming than difficult.
If your going to get new tires, I would put a wider tire on the rear while your at it. The stock 265 just isn't adequate for the amount of power!
#21
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conti dws warrenty is a joke. ANY NEGATIVE CAMBER voids the warrenty even if its oem specs!!
btw if you think head gasket and valve cover gasket are the same you might want to put the wrenches down!
and lastly m/b inspection is only as good as the mech doing it. i had a ppi done by fletcher jones. they missed the broken front bumper were the owner hit a parking curb. i found it simply by running my hand under the bumper. they missed with the car on a lift!
btw if you think head gasket and valve cover gasket are the same you might want to put the wrenches down!
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
LOL - whoops, yes valve cover
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
in talking to the SA, the car created a good buzz in the garage - and about a 1/2 dozen techs looked it over because it was a clean ride...
57K miles and all service
Last edited by Toadster; 01-31-2012 at 01:02 PM.
#25
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