New member & seeking R230 SL 350 !

[bigfella70]

Good morning folks, just a couple of quick snaps I took yesterday :

Really liking this Tellurium silver colour, particularly in the sunlight earlier which brings the blue tinge out.

She has 56700 miles approx and I'll be planning a good B service in about another 1800 miles, possibly less.

Private plate was put on by the previous owner and was included with the car. It's a nice unobtrusive ageless plate so will be leaving this on the car for now anyway.

Drives extremely well, these R230's really are a work of art when you weigh up what goes into them and the quality of the driving experience. Condition wise she's been extremely well looked after and I'm certainly not having to battle poor maintainence or care issues.

So for now it's a case of drive and enjoy whilst putting a plan together for the servicing and cosmetic jobs that I want to progress.

Cheers !

 

[John Laidlaw]

That is looking mighty fine sir congratulations well purchased!

 

[television]

Certainly looks a clean straight car, well done.

 

[Rotorhead500]

Looks very tidy!

Reference your iPhone connectivity, if you have a cradle in the armrest, is that the removable type? (I think it's listed as "phone preparation" if you have your VIN breakdown).

If so, have a look at COMANDOnline and check out Viseeo units - if available, will give you full Bluetooth call capability using existing controls (steering wheel buttons etc).

 

[bennyboy]

Great looking car

 

[bigfella70]

Thanks for all the positive comments on the new motor !

Took a ride out to Sherburn Aero Club, Nort Yorkshire yesterday. Small classic / sportscar gathering and nice bacon sarnys on offer !

Ready for take-off !

Spotted a really nice R107 at the show.

So impressed with the R230. Roof down, bit of heat on, what a drive ! More than enough power with the 350 for me and just getting used to all the features and gadgets.

I know that Mercs of this era sometimes get slated for lacking build quality of earlier generations. Having spent some time with mine now, have to say that it comes over as a quality product with a solid and quality feel about it.

Grateful to the previous owner for keeping the wheel arches meticulously clean and jet washed out. No corrosion bubbling up and just a small thumb nail size area to touch in on the very inner arch lip where a stone ship has breached the paint and started to go.

Will be speaking to Scott's Autos (Merc Indy) in Leeds very soon to arrange a good B service.

I'm thinking along the following lines :

Engine oil / filter
Air filter
Fuel filter
Pollen/cabin filters x2
Crankcase breather (not sure if they have these)
Spark plugs (not been changed and she's on 56k)
Brake fluid change (again not done and believe it's relevant to protect the SBC)

Any other suggestions ?

Once that's done I'm thinking of booking a seperate appointment for the auto gearbox oil and filter. Mine is the earlier 5 speed. I think these are meant to be sealed for life. Is an oil and filter change a good idea at 56k or is it a case of leave well alone ?

Any hints and tips much appreciated !

Really enjoying this car and know straight away this has been worth waiting for and the right choice !

 

[television]

Spark plugs should have been changed at 6 years or 60k miles
We change the gearbox fluid every 40k miles, and check that pilot bush.
Brake fluid should have been changed every 2 years.

 

[bigfella70]

Spark plugs should have been changed at 6 years or 60k miles
We change the gearbox fluid every 40k miles, and check that pilot bush.
Brake fluid should have been changed every 2 years.

Cheers Malcolm,

I am working on the assumption that none of the above has been done. Or at least it wants re-doing in the off-chance! Sorry to sound ignorant but what's the "pilot bush" !

Learning all the time here

Thanks for the advice !

 

[television]

Mercedes are strict about the sparking plugs and when they are changed so they will have been done.

The Pilot bush is a little seal on the side of the gearbox, it needs to be checked for leaks, it is so often overlooked.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Looks like a nice event! The AMG badge would be a 'no' from me TBH, guess somebody had to say it! (Then I don't particularly like badges anyway!)

 

[JBell]

Looks like a nice event! The AMG badge would be a 'no' from me TBH, guess somebody had to say it! (Then I don't particularly like badges anyway!)

Take all the badges off it, much smoother

 

[television]

Take all the badges off it, much smoother

I knew that you would say that, you made me take mine off, and so much cleaner looking, and that AMG badge was a no no from start as there is nothing AMG about it.

 

[JBell]

I knew that you would say that, you made me take mine off, and so much cleaner looking

Glad to be so predictable Malc lol

 

[television]

Glad to be so predictable Malc lol

It speaks for itself

 

[JBell]

It speaks for itself

It does indeed, looks lovely, the spoiler really finishes it off as well

 

[John Laidlaw]

Equally predictable

 

[television]

It does indeed, looks lovely, the spoiler really finishes it off as well

That spoiler at about £80 all in and painted was a bargain the price has come right down as the model is discontinued

 

[television]

Equally predictable

I bet you will be pleased to get your new garage so that you can park the right way up John

 

[JBell]

I bet you will be pleased to get your new garage so that you can park the right way up John

Could do with some nice Pressed Metal plates as well ;-)

 

[television]

Could do with some nice Pressed Metal plates as well ;-)

Indeed and one of the cheapest upgrades, I was thinking the same on my CL, so I will order today, they are so neat, easy to shape to the mounting plates.