I can't stop thinking about the R230 SL 500 - and now I want one!

[Srdl]

Well done Conor - looking forward to the ongoing saga of this car.

 

[Conor]

Well done Conor - looking forward to the ongoing saga of this car.

Thanks Steve

I doubt i'll disappoint

 

[Wighty]

Thanks Steve

I doubt i'll disappoint

Yep , great read , really looking forward to detailed work descriptions with pics , especially any ABC diy stuff . Well done for having the "cojones" for buying , I wish I could be so decisive .
I'm still hoping I can have some V8 convertible in my future (next couple of years )

 

[keefysher]

Conor why not give it a run out to the coast on Saturday. 13:30 at Portsdown Hill. See thread in meet ups.

No point it being a car parking space queen

 

[Conor]

Conor why not give it a run out to the coast on Saturday. 13:30 at Portsdown Hill. See thread in meet ups.

No point it being a car parking space queen

I've already looked at the meetups...and can't wait to get out on the road. I am going to Mexico for two weeks on Friday though

I have also subscribed to the meetup forum so hopefully I won't be missing them all the time

 

[flowrider]

The general recommendation on ABC fluid renewal is 2 years but you need to bear in mind your annual mileage. My indi recommended not changing the ABC fluid this year as the mileage was so low since the last change.

 

[LostKiwi]

Would you agree that the work two years ago is a good thing? I was quite relieved to see it but please correct me if I am wrong

It's a 50/50 thing. If the pump failed it can sent metal all through the system (the filter is on the return to the reservoir (which is a bit daft). It has been flushed after the pump replacement but can you be sure all the metal was flushed out? That would be my concern on any car with a pump replacement. That said you have reasonable confidence the pump shouldn't be a future issue.
I'd be less concerned about strut replacement (mine has had at least 4 in its life including one I did last year) or valve blocks as they have less ability to cascade issues through the rest of the system.

 

[Conor]

It's a 50/50 thing. If the pump failed it can sent metal all through the system (the filter is on the return to the reservoir (which is a bit daft). It has been flushed after the pump replacement but can you be sure all the metal was flushed out? That would be my concern on any car with a pump replacement. That said you have reasonable confidence the pump shouldn't be a future issue.
I'd be less concerned about strut replacement (mine has had at least 4 in its life including one I did last year) or valve blocks as they have less ability to cascade issues through the rest of the system.

Ok cool, I might flush the system again this winter and sacrifice a filter (and some fluid).

Would you recommend my taking out the two valve blocks then cleaning and replacing the O-Rings or is that taking preventative maintenance a little too far?..or is it even possible to go too far with ABC :laugh

I don't mind putting in hours to this really and also, while I don't mind dropping required cash, like us all.. I would rather avoid it (and waste on something else..)

 

[Conor]

I also forget to mention.. last night I gave a "tip of the hat" as I passed a sign for DAVENTRY! Need I say any more

 

[LostKiwi]

Ok cool, I might flush the system again this winter and sacrifice a filter (and some fluid).

Would you recommend my taking out the two valve blocks then cleaning and replacing the O-Rings or is that taking preventative maintenance a little too far?..or is it even possible to go too far with ABC :laugh

I don't mind putting in hours to this really and also, while I don't mind dropping required cash, like us all.. I would rather avoid it (and waste on something else..)

Personally I'd leave well enough alone with the valve blocks. If it doesn't sag overnight and the ride is suitably comfortable in C mode dismantling the valve blocks risks adding dirt to the system while it's open to the atmosphere.
I do think a flush will do no harm but you can probably do this with the existing filter before changing it and refilling.

 

[Conor]

Personally I'd leave well enough alone with the valve blocks. If it doesn't sag overnight and the ride is suitably comfortable in C mode dismantling the valve blocks risks adding dirt to the system while it's open to the atmosphere.
I do think a flush will do no harm but you can probably do this with the existing filter before changing it and refilling.

Aye aye!

 

[bembo449]

great stuff Conor , im just catching up here , defo get the bodywork done by a pro , will only add to the value of the car in the long run , pan roof is a bonus

 

[vtaylor78]

Did the seller mention the rust Conor ? I’ve looked back and can’t see it .?

 

[Conor]

Did the seller mention the rust Conor ? I’ve looked back and can’t see it .?

No he didn't, I wasn't really in the mood to argue though if i'm honest. I probably should have, could have gotten a bit off but meh.
The car has two new batteries and decent condition Pirelli P Zeros all around. Dust cover in the boot too.. I'm not sure how normal this is but the the cream mats are there as well as dark ones for winter etc. Is that normal or a bonus? Also the 1600 spent on ABC 10k miles/2 years ago is also a nice to have.

I don't think it's too bad all in all. I think overall I didn't get a bad deal, I am really happy with the blue/beige combo.

 

[JonnyCJ]

No he didn't, I wasn't really in the mood to argue though if i'm honest. I probably should have, could have gotten a bit off but meh.

Typical buyer’s exuberance teehee

That was the £500 I was talking about earlier !

 

[Conor]

Typical buyer’s exuberance teehee

That was the £500 I was talking about earlier !

Yup - first time I have never haggled on a big deal. Haggled and got discount on all previous cars and jobs. Oh well. I better sort my sh1t out..the capitalist in me won't be having that!

 

[John Laidlaw]

Nicely done Conor

 

[Conor]

Nicely done Conor

Thanks John!

 

[AMGeed]

Ok fair enough. I'll be looking at getting this done properly alright.

Just noticed there are Pirelli PZero all around with a lot of tread left

Congrats on the SL Conor. You will love that engine!
P Zero's huh? Look at my thread today about those tyres

 

[Conor]

Congrats on the SL Conor. You will love that engine!
P Zero's huh? Look at my thread today about those tyres

Yea I saw it earlier actually.. Very surprised. I thought they were supposed to be good.

I am still prioritising changing the landsails on my E class ass that will be used more in winter.. (and I should have done it months ago too..)