300CE-24

[Paul L]

I have had my 300 for about 8 months now and am looking to do a few of the annoying jobs that really do dig....
The first is the head-gasket to cure the oil leak. Is there an uprated gasket to prevent this happening again?
The next job is to try to cure the slightly sagging drivers seat cushion. It looks OK but after sitting in the passenger side, it is pretty obvious! Is there a new cushion available from Mercedes for this which can then be sewn in??
The final annoyance is a degredation of the rear screen - slight lamination separation and also several of the elements are U/S. I called my local glass replacement company and got quoted 850 quid! Is this a realistic price?
I just had a new set of tyres fitted at Micheldever on the way back from France - Michelin Pilot Premacy 195/65 15V - for a total of £275. Excellent service and cheap!

Thanks for any help on the above and help me get my car back in my good books again!

 

[Andy]

Hi

No there isn't a uprated head gasket. You may well have to carry out the same repair after 40-50k.

You need to replace the seat frame to cure the sagging.

£850 sounds steep to me.

Hope this helps


Regards

Andy@ www.mercedeservicing.com

 

[Paul L]

Thanks Andy, I got another quote today for the rear screen from my old agent on the Wirral for £456. Seems a little more realistic but I think I will stick with the old one for the moment....! I don't need the heated rear screen in France and I can probably live with a little discolouration of the edge of the glass.
Is the seat frame a DIY job or will it have to go to an upholsterer? I have to drive another 1000 miles tomorrow so may well be ready to do do this sooner rather than later!

 

[Spike]

No windscreen cover with your insurance.... if you have, it wouldnt be such a big problem if something accidently broke it.

The oil leak on the head gasket, How much is it leaking? Most of them tend to seap a little.

In terms of the seat frame, I happen to have W124CE seats in my loft.... what colour are you after?

 

[Paul L]

Hi Spike,
Made the trip back to France today - 1250km in a day and an average of 31.4mpg! Great roads and no aches and pains..
Hadn't thought of the old insurance trick - and I come from Merseyside!!
The seating is black leather with blue black paint, however, I think I have a line on a black on black E500 down here with only 75000km... I think I will be checking to see how many pennies are left after the Xmas break, thanks for the offer anyway. If it doesn't come off and I keep the 300, I will be home again later in the year so might give you a mail then.

 

[Spike]

E500 huh..... Mmmmmmm good ol left hooker.

Absolute dream of a car but probably not a daily driver though due to "one off" components that can take a while to order. 3 months for an ECU type time frame.

If you do get the E500 however, & you ever near London, you must drop by and take me for a spin to show me what it can do.