ML430 Needs some TLC

[Goodo]

Hi everyone,

Im looking for some advice on bringing a 2000 blue ML430 Up to scratch. The car is pretty good for age, with low mileage, but suffering from rust under the arches and side passenger door. Bits and bobs also need replacing; rear wiper, badges, bits of trim etc. The ML430 badge has lost its 3, and the car needs some TLC to bring it back to its former glory.

I’ll be looking for advice about where to go to get these parts, and spares. The engine is very strong, and will outlast the body.

I know these cars are not that common and it would be nice to restore it to something if it’s former glory.

Looking forward to some sound advice from a bunch of Merc enthusiasts

cheers

Goodo

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome - of common at all, any pics ?

 

[Goodo]

Here’s a few, it would look better after a wash, but you get the idea:

Any ideas about where I can find replacements for these parts would be appreciated. Also wing mirrors are darkened, so should be replaced.

 

[John Laidlaw]

yup, quite a task you have there, hope it goes well!
Dronsfields would be a good place to start for the spares, they handle reclaimed and new parts

 

[AnthonyUK]

My C class was in a similar condition when I picked it up. Covered in algae, yellow headlights etc.
After a good decontamination and polish it will look so much better.

Apart from what has already been mentioned, I also find some parts on ebay for good prices from breakers who sell on there.
For new parts there are often offers from Eurocar parts and GSF. I have also ordered from Autodoc.co.uk which is really in Germany.

The C class recently

 

[Goodo]

Good to know that there is a route to recover the situation. The interior needs some attention too. Recommendations for leather repair kits.

I’ve got to be gentle with the pressure washer tho’ with all that rust.

 

[AnthonyUK]

Good to know that there is a route to recover the situation. The interior needs some attention too. Recommendations for leather repair kits.

I’ve got to be gentle with the pressure washer tho’ with all that rust.

You'll need to strip it back at some point. Mine was much worse than that.
I stripped all arch liners out and sill trims etc.

I did this a couple of years back.

To this.

For the interior I would look at replacing the seats if you can.
There are so many spares available as long as it isn't an unusual colour option.

 

[Srdl]

Hi Goodo and welcome. I can’t help with your project but I wish you the best of luck with it!

 

[Goodo]

You'll need to strip it back at some point. Mine was much worse than that.
I stripped all arch liners out and sill trims etc.

I did this a couple of years back.

To this.

For the interior I would look at replacing the seats if you can.
There are so many spares available as long as it isn't an unusual colour option.

Thanks, did you treat with anything once stripped back or just fill prime paint and clear coat?

The interior is that blue grey colour with matching cloth. I think it’s pretty common.

cheers

 

[AnthonyUK]

Thanks, did you treat with anything once stripped back or just fill prime paint and clear coat?

The interior is that blue grey colour with matching cloth. I think it’s pretty common.

cheers

I used some Bilt Hamber products which have kept it at bay such as deox and dynax in the cavities.

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Nice 430 is quite rare, W163 parts are available everywhere (GSF,ECP,Ebay) and can be incredibly cheap, definitely worth restoring, Have a look on auto trader, good low mileage examples of the 163 are fetching higher prices than the W164. PM me if you decide to sell it

 

[Taffy7hfa]

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  Mercedes-Benz M Class 2.7 ML270 CDI 5dr
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