Supercharger Pulleys'.

idiotboy_78

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Has anyone upgraded to shorter pulleys at all? Wondering how difficult it might be, & if the benefits balance with the grief & expense??
 

JBell

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Loads on here have done, usually at MSL in Birmingham
 

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Has anyone upgraded to shorter pulleys at all? Wondering how difficult it might be, & if the benefits balance with the grief & expense??
I've heard of it done , but if like me you are an owner of the M271 engine (with its cam chain issues ) I would do some googling of that first to see if the pulley upgrade might shorten the life of the cam chain . I have no idea if it would or not , but reading about the cam chain may make you spend your money in that direction first ?
 

LostKiwi

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I've heard of it done , but if like me you are an owner of the M271 engine (with its cam chain issues ) I would do some googling of that first to see if the pulley upgrade might shorten the life of the cam chain . I have no idea if it would or not , but reading about the cam chain may make you spend your money in that direction first ?
Yep his is an M271.
 
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idiotboy_78

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Ah, well I was going to confirm its a M271,but seeing as that's been done.....It's a fair point, not really looking to do anything that will turn my power plant into shrapnel. That said, I'm at 65k & no issues thus far. Any idea what the life cycle of the chain is??
 

alexanderfoti

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Ah, well I was going to confirm its a M271,but seeing as that's been done.....It's a fair point, not really looking to do anything that will turn my power plant into shrapnel. That said, I'm at 65k & no issues thus far. Any idea what the life cycle of the chain is??

About 75k normally :)

If you have any rattle at startup, it may be an idea to change it preemptively. Much cheaper than doing it after its jumped (if you have symptoms)
 
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idiotboy_78

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No symptoms as yet, but it'll likely be worth getting in touch with German Automotive (Local, well regarded specialist) & sounding out how much it'll sting me for. I'm quite a big fan of proactive, not reactivate, maintainance. Well, that's what I tell my clients, at any rate.
 

Wighty

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My M271 plan is wait until 80k , I'm at 67k at the moment and doing oil and filter changes every 5k . Then I may change the car ? I'm about 2 years from that at my current rate .
 
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idiotboy_78

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My M271 plan is wait until 80k , I'm at 67k at the moment and doing oil and filter changes every 5k . Then I may change the car ? I'm about 2 years from that at my current rate .
I've no wish to change it yet, given I've only had it 8 or so weeks, but I have seen a 500SL on AutoTrader for around 5k....thinking about taking a punt.
 
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idiotboy_78

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What age?
2004. It's a Cat C, which I've never had any dealings with before, but kinda figure no harm can be done by taking a look.
 

LostKiwi

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Ok so an R230 (which is technically not a 500SL but an SL500 - the 500SL being an earlier generation.
A r230 requires deep pockets to run. The 500 is equipped with Active Body Control which can easily throw a £3000 or bigger bill. Each front and rear strut is £1200. Then you have the ABC pump, valve blocks, gas spheres and the ever present risk of corroded pipework.
You also have SBC which at around 100-130k will probably require a new SBC pump. Expect £500-1000 for that too.
Roof leaks into the boot are common. Water in the boot will kill the PSE (central locking) pump - expect £1000 for that too. You'll also struggle to get better.than 25mpg - 15 in town if you're lucky.

Now that all said they are lovely cars and great to drive though personally I prefer the previous shape SL (I have both).

A better option would be the SL350. ABC was an option so it's one less thing to worry about and economy will be better. The 0-60 time isn't hugely worse either.

Personally I think 5k for a Cat C is a bit rich too depending mileage.
 
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idiotboy_78

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Ok so an R230 (which is technically not a 500SL but an SL500 - the 500SL being an earlier generation.
A r230 requires deep pockets to run. The 500 is equipped with Active Body Control which can easily throw a £3000 or bigger bill. Each front and rear strut is £1200. Then you have the ABC pump, valve blocks, gas spheres and the ever present risk of corroded pipework.
You also have SBC which at around 100-130k will probably require a new SBC pump. Expect £500-1000 for that too.
Roof leaks into the boot are common. Water in the boot will kill the PSE (central locking) pump - expect £1000 for that too. You'll also struggle to get better.than 25mpg - 15 in town if you're lucky.

Now that all said they are lovely cars and great to drive though personally I prefer the previous shape SL (I have both).

A better option would be the SL350. ABC was an option so it's one less thing to worry about and economy will be better. The 0-60 time isn't hugely worse either.

Personally I think 5k for a Cat C is a bit rich too depending mileage.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&modal=description Hope that helps, cheers for the advice, you raise some good food for thought.
 

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Does cat c or cat d history have any effect on insurance levels ?
 
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idiotboy_78

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Does cat c or cat d history have any effect on insurance levels ?
A mate had a Cat D something or other. He said it made no odds on the insurance, but you're legally obligated to inform any buyer when selling it on.
 
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idiotboy_78

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But equally, find a insurance company that doesn't play by a vague, arbitrary, and very loaded, set of rules........
 


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