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Turns out the oil leak wasn't a rear main seal (the bellhousing area was totally dry), it was a valve cover. Replaced both valve cover gaskets and resealed the breather covers. Here's hoping she'll stay dry! I think I caught it early enough to prevent oil from getting everywhere underneath the car.
Next item on the list…engine mounts. Looks like one of them has collapsed. Makes the engine sit a little lower than normal. I can see from the records the previous owner gave me that the mounts had last been replaced in 2014. Engine mounts seem to be a maintenance item on this car. Totally worth it though, I do not mind one bit!
I'm going to refrain from driving it until I get the mounts sorted. Won't take me too long to get it handled since this car is so fun to drive.
Hi @xGx THANKS!
Nothing new to share lately except:
COMMAND update - My headunit was suffering from a pretty bad, intermittent, really loud *CHIRP* sound every minute or so. It was kind of a bummer since it was something that started happening recently and not for any particular reason at all. In my goal to keep this car 100% original, I didn't want to go down the rabbit hole of an aftermarket head unit, so I just dealt with it. But after researching a little bit, I discovered that there are software updates available for the COMMAND unit. The trick was finding them. I located part number 211589162200 and ran the update. FIXED! no more loud random *CHIRP*.
Been attending of car meets lately with it and it gets it's fair share of attention. Really fun to meet and chat with other enthusiasts.
Wow, impressive that an update fixed your COMMAND unit. Must have been a nice feeling.
It's cool to see how even 20 years later, this car is still relevant.
While I wait to get my motor mounts squared away, here's a cool picture from a recent car meet I attended recently with the SpeedSled. There were EIGHT E55s all lined up in a row (check out the SpeedSled right about in the middle).
Very weird to have this many E55s in fantastic condition all in the same place. Was a really great time connecting with all the other M113K owners. Eight in a row still seems pretty mind blowing!
Motor mounts done.
Check out one of the old ones…completely obliterated.
I guess that's what they do. Just puke their guts all over the place.
New one for comparison. The hefty white silicon boot on the new factory Mercedes motor mount supposedly helps protect the rubber parts of the mount from the insane heat pouring off of the exhaust manifolds.
Ready for action!
Interestingly, the SpeedSled feels "different" now. Acceleration response feels a little more immediate. It's a strange feeling and a little hard to explain. Kinda like the connection between the accelerator pedal and the motor is a little "tighter" now with a little less hesitation.
Ready to rip!!!
Next hunt on the "list"...new front windshield. Wish me luck!
New windshield.
I should have done this a long time ago. What a HUGE difference!
I was able to locate the original AMG Mercedes blue tinted glass. Kinda pricey, but worth it. Also was lucky enough to connect with a glass installer who loves these cars as much as I do. He did an exceptional job on the install. Even made sure the factory "Mercedes" sticker made it in the proper location on the passenger's side and threw in a new set of factory wiper blades to finish the job off proper!
The original glass was covered in hundreds of tiny pits. When the sun hit the windshield just right, it was impossible to see. But this new one is crystal clear. So great!
New windshield.
I should have done this a long time ago. What a HUGE difference!
I was able to locate the original AMG Mercedes blue tinted glass. Kinda pricey, but worth it. Also was lucky enough to connect with a glass installer who loves these cars as much as I do. He did an exceptional job on the install. Even made sure the factory "Mercedes" sticker made it in the proper location on the passenger's side and threw in a new set of factory wiper blades to finish the job off proper!
The original glass was covered in hundreds of tiny pits. When the sun hit the windshield just right, it was impossible to see. But this new one is crystal clear. So great!
Absolutely NOTHING like a brand new windshield! I got one put in my S63 about 2 months before I got run off the road and totalled. My E55 is in the same, desperate need as yours seemingly was. Been praying to get a crack in it somehow, so insurance would cover it but thats risky because it puts the body in harms way. Lol. Ugh. Anyway, how much did it cost you?
The glass was about $650 (Mercedes part # 211-670-00-00).
The install was $350.
Yeah, I know...that's a lot. But for this car, WORTH IT!
Oh ok. That's actually much cheaper than I was thinking. Insurance covered my S63 replacement so I didn't know then how much. I figured a couple grand but I might get a new one in mine when I get taxes back after the New Year if I can find it at that price. By the way, did they tell you to leave your rain sensing wipers off? They told me it can cause a scratch if the most of the windshield isn't wet when they wipe.
What??? I have rain sensing wipers?
I must go investigate!!!
I have never driven my E55 in the rain. Honestly, it's Southern California, so rain is pretty rare. But when it does rain, I don't drive it. People can't seem to slow down in the rain and end up sliding all over the place since they have very little practice driving in the rain. I drive my truck when the weather is gross...if someone hits it, I wouldn't be as upset as if someone plows into the SpeedSled.
What??? I have rain sensing wipers?
I must go investigate!!!
I have never driven my E55 in the rain. Honestly, it's Southern California, so rain is pretty rare. But when it does rain, I don't drive it. People can't seem to slow down in the rain and end up sliding all over the place since they have very little practice driving in the rain. I drive my truck when the weather is gross...if someone hits it, I wouldn't be as upset as if someone plows into the SpeedSled.
Oh I hear ya there! Lol. I try not to bring mine out in the rain either...makes it dirty! My guess is you DO have it. It's pretty standard for Mercs I think. All you do is turn the wipers on 1 click. They shouldn't move until the windshield gets wet. The sensor is in front of rear view mirror, up high and in the middle.
Motor mounts done.
Check out one of the old ones…completely obliterated.
I guess that's what they do. Just puke their guts all over the place.
New one for comparison. The hefty white silicon boot on the new factory Mercedes motor mount supposedly helps protect the rubber parts of the mount from the insane heat pouring off of the exhaust manifolds.
Ready for action!
Interestingly, the SpeedSled feels "different" now. Acceleration response feels a little more immediate. It's a strange feeling and a little hard to explain. Kinda like the connection between the accelerator pedal and the motor is a little "tighter" now with a little less hesitation.
Ready to rip!!!
Next hunt on the "list"...new front windshield. Wish me luck!
Just noticing this post. Congrats on the new mounts! What kind did you put on? Did you change the trans mount too?
I used the stock factory Mercedes mounts. And yes, I replaced the transmission mount too.
Drives so nice now. Such a great car. Just the right amount of snarl.
I used the stock factory Mercedes mounts. And yes, I replaced the transmission mount too.
Drives so nice now. Such a great car. Just the right amount of snarl.
There's a button on the head unit labeled SAT. It always bugged me that my particular E55 was missing that option. Pushing the button would say "No Satellite Radio". I have it in my other cars, and it's kinda nice. Wonder if I can add it….
After a little research, I discovered that some of these cars are "pre-wired" for Satellite Radio. I took a look at my car after taking the trunk apart and I believe I see the wiring right here:
OK, so is it as easy as finding a factory Mercedes Satellite Radio module and plugging it in? Ebay, here I come!
I found one from a 2006 E class (only 1 year newer) so I figured I'd take a shot. And I lucked out, it came with the bracket too. I picked up an antenna with an adapter so I could plug it in to the Satellite Radio module that I just bought:
The pre-wired part means the power/signal wires (copper) and the communication wires (fiber optic) were already there, terminated in a plug that goes into the Satellite Radio module, but the interesting part about all this is that the fiber optic cables aren’t connected to anything and they have to be added to this big fiber optic loop that's already in the car. The CD Changer, Navigation, and probably some other stuff are already part of this loop and the head unit can see all of them, so if I can get my new Satellite Radio module inserted into this loop, maybe I'll be in business. This was actually pretty fun.
The fiber optic cables are already in the right place to be added to the loop. You just have to undo a couple of fiber optic connectors and add this component to the loop. Very overengineered, but awesome at the same time!
After bolting up the bracket/module it where it belongs behind the air suspension reservoir in the passenger side rear corner of the trunk, it's time to plug it in and see if the car can "see" it. Fired up my STAR system and poked around in the Audio Gateway control module. The car could see that there was now a Satellite Radio component in the loop, so it was just a matter of "adding" the component to the configuration of the "MOST" (no idea what that means) to make it permanent.
I stuffed the antenna into one of the vent holes under the rear tray behind the back seat for now. Now, will it work? I gave Sirius a call and added the Satellite Radio module serial to my account.
HELL YEAH!!!! SUCCESS!!!! Works like a champ.
I swear I love this car.
There's a button on the head unit labeled SAT. It always bugged me that my particular E55 was missing that option. Pushing the button would say "No Satellite Radio". I have it in my other cars, and it's kinda nice. Wonder if I can add it….
After a little research, I discovered that some of these cars are "pre-wired" for Satellite Radio. I took a look at my car after taking the trunk apart and I believe I see the wiring right here:
OK, so is it as easy as finding a factory Mercedes Satellite Radio module and plugging it in? Ebay, here I come!
I found one from a 2006 E class (only 1 year newer) so I figured I'd take a shot. And I lucked out, it came with the bracket too. I picked up an antenna with an adapter so I could plug it in to the Satellite Radio module that I just bought:
The pre-wired part means the power/signal wires (copper) and the communication wires (fiber optic) were already there, terminated in a plug that goes into the Satellite Radio module, but the interesting part about all this is that the fiber optic cables aren’t connected to anything and they have to be added to this big fiber optic loop that's already in the car. The CD Changer, Navigation, and probably some other stuff are already part of this loop and the head unit can see all of them, so if I can get my new Satellite Radio module inserted into this loop, maybe I'll be in business. This was actually pretty fun.
The fiber optic cables are already in the right place to be added to the loop. You just have to undo a couple of fiber optic connectors and add this component to the loop. Very overengineered, but awesome at the same time!
After bolting up the bracket/module it where it belongs behind the air suspension reservoir in the passenger side rear corner of the trunk, it's time to plug it in and see if the car can "see" it. Fired up my STAR system and poked around in the Audio Gateway control module. The car could see that there was now a Satellite Radio component in the loop, so it was just a matter of "adding" the component to the configuration of the "MOST" (no idea what that means) to make it permanent.
I stuffed the antenna into one of the vent holes under the rear tray behind the back seat for now. Now, will it work? I gave Sirius a call and added the Satellite Radio module serial to my account.
HELL YEAH!!!! SUCCESS!!!! Works like a champ.
I swear I love this car.
That's sick, bro! Somebody try telling this guy he can't do something. I dare ya! Lol. And oh by the way, does your screen say "AMG" when you turn it on? Mine didn't when I bought it but there's a way you can change it to the logo in ghe settings. It's pretty cool.
@MercFan4Life Yes it does! I stumbled on the "cheat code' you have to do on the number pad a while ago. The AMG logo is a cool little flex at startup. My only complaint is that I wish it would display a little longer. It's gone after a second, so if you blink, you'll miss it
The SpeedSled has definitely left its mark on PCH with a few rather epic burnouts. The supercars that roll the stretch of PCH between Newport and Corona Del Mar (if you know, you know) have no idea that there's a sleeper lurking among them...
Sometimes they find out
@MercFan4Life Yes it does! I stumbled on the "cheat code' you have to do on the number pad a while ago. The AMG logo is a cool little flex at startup. My only complaint is that I wish it would display a little longer. It's gone after a second, so if you blink, you'll miss it
Niiice. Yeah i figured you'd knew about it. And you're right, it does go off too fast! I kinda wish it could be like a screensaver, and bounce around off the top and bottom, and sides, as I give it hell around the bends and up and overs, lol. Then you could see it more... as a passenger of course. My eyes are on the road! Ha.
The 20 year old one was just not right. The sun probably did it's thing to it over the years and the suspension was completely separating from the basket causing it to buzz and rattle.
Luckily, they're still available at the dealer! New one vs. old one below (part number is visible if you're interested). The new one is on the bottom.
The 20 year old one was just not right. The sun probably did it's thing to it over the years and the suspension was completely separating from the basket causing it to buzz and rattle.
Luckily, they're still available at the dealer! New one vs. old one below (part number is visible if you're interested). The new one is on the bottom.
Nice work man! Oddly enough the speaker just to the left of your ear, when your sitting in the drivers seat gives off an annoying rattle/vibe in mine. Been thinking of replacing it.
I have to admit that I made a mistake. If you look at pictures in prior posts, you'll see that I messed up and continued to run a front license plate after I got a fresh paintjob on my bumpers.
That was dumb.
The front plate started bugging me lately. Even though you're "supposed" to have one here in California, it just doesn't look right on this car (in my opinion). So, time to do something about it.
Bumper off, back to the paint shop. Same place that sprayed them for me originally. Had them fill the holes and re-paint.
SOOO MUCH BETTER!!! I'll risk the ticket!
While I had the bumper off, it was a good time to:
New voltage regulator. Old one is on top. Not desperate yet, but getting there. Easy swap.
Upgraded Bosch 010 intercooler pump. With the bumper off, this is a simple replacement:
Replaced air suspension compressor filter. Another simple one while the bumper is off.
I might have just made myself an easy target for cops, but hopefully the SpeedSled still blends in as "just another old E-class" and doesn't draw a ton of attention with the omitted front plate.
This probably wouldn't go down very well, but "officer, you're pulling me over for no front license plate? Have you seen a Tesla lately?"
Anyway, I think it looks WAY better this way.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
The less flex, the better/more direct the power transfer is to the road,
