It's my First Post so excuse my ignorance. I just bought a 1997 e320.
I've been a long time BMW owner Who Has restored and Collected Classic BMWs since I was 16. So there are certain quarks I have come to expect when getting a new one. I assume owning a Merc or Mercedes (what ever you guys wanna call em) comes with it's own baggage.
>Back Story
I did dabble in the dark arts when I was 18 when my dad bought me an 82 300d when I was recovering from a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately I did not care to appreciate how good it at the time. This week I took the red pill and found myself with a 1997 e320 and have no idea where to start.
>What I think I know:
*My 82 300d's fuse-box had a gremlin in it. Eventually I would remedy the problems by carrying extra fuses and a coat hanger I would use as a jump between fuses.
*The car was bought for $400 because a U clip located in the pumpkin was not installed and it was not able to drive the rear end was disassembled and installed in the most tedious manor possible.
*The Power Steering Seemed to fluid would need to be replaced every week to avoid the squeal.
*As the engine's turbo kicked on around 35-45 mph the transmission would change gear causing a noticeable jerk forward.
* When Selling it There was a strong market for them.
>MY Questions:
*What Is the first thing I replace Immediately.
*Where are The Mercedes Specialty websites that sell quality parts to maintain and upgrade Mercedes? An example BMW website would be BAVAUTO
*What are The Problems to look for and their clues?
* Where are the places that I should go for regarding detailed repair information. Example: I just learned about holding the reset key for 3+ seconds and it displays a number and value. I know 24 is the battery volts but I have no idea what the other numbers represent.
*Finally Mercedes Cultural niches within the community. Where are the typical trends to avoid or attach myself to?
>Example of what I would do:
*When I first Got it:
If I had just bought a BMW it would be an E30 325i or a classic pre 1974 2002 that I would start with flushing the radiator, oil and filter change to get 20-50w in to avoid oil leaks and checking the fusebox. Making sure to monitor Engine tempature and any exhaust smoke.
*Later On:
Eventually rebuild the engine. Making sure to check the ports and engine head for any stress or damage that comes from running hot (most likely having the head completely redone.) Not swap it for a 3 series strait 6 in the 2002 or 5 series s55 in the E30 because I am not an idiot that cares more about power and a bigger engine. Install a new larger radiator and thermostat because It's assumed they are garbage and need to be replaced anyway. Brake upgrade to steel and braided lines and slotted and drilled rotors.
When Everything is in order:
Lower it a tasteful 1-2 inches with bilstein coil-overs. Swap the 4 speed for a 1982 320i's 5 Speed. Black Paint and euro bumpers to replace the american running boards. 15 inch ronals with some p-zero rubber. And Finally full Remus Exhaust to insure people know I have wasted a lotta moneys and no girlfriend.
Any Info Helps I wanna get it registered and off my parents property.
Known Problems:
Keyfob needed to be fixed -Done. Re-soldered and macgyverd button replacement
Dead Battery - Replaced Battery, Afraid it is just the symptom of a larger problem
Power Steering squeal -Fixed? Added more Fluid because it was empty.
Radio code-Fixed, registered with Mercedes dealership and given Code according to VIN
Broken lower Windshield Plastic.
Dashboard Warning light saying Display (Coolant reservoir ICON) Pic Related
Dashboard Warning light saying Lamp (lightbulb) Defective. I am missing the right foglamp
Dashboard Warning light with ! Inside a triangle After Driving 8 miles. But has disappeared after a night.
Hydraulic Hood will not stay up and left side mount is broken. Currently Using Wooden Posts. Pic Related
I've been a long time BMW owner Who Has restored and Collected Classic BMWs since I was 16. So there are certain quarks I have come to expect when getting a new one. I assume owning a Merc or Mercedes (what ever you guys wanna call em) comes with it's own baggage.
>Back Story
I did dabble in the dark arts when I was 18 when my dad bought me an 82 300d when I was recovering from a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately I did not care to appreciate how good it at the time. This week I took the red pill and found myself with a 1997 e320 and have no idea where to start.
>What I think I know:
*My 82 300d's fuse-box had a gremlin in it. Eventually I would remedy the problems by carrying extra fuses and a coat hanger I would use as a jump between fuses.
*The car was bought for $400 because a U clip located in the pumpkin was not installed and it was not able to drive the rear end was disassembled and installed in the most tedious manor possible.
*The Power Steering Seemed to fluid would need to be replaced every week to avoid the squeal.
*As the engine's turbo kicked on around 35-45 mph the transmission would change gear causing a noticeable jerk forward.
* When Selling it There was a strong market for them.
>MY Questions:
*What Is the first thing I replace Immediately.
*Where are The Mercedes Specialty websites that sell quality parts to maintain and upgrade Mercedes? An example BMW website would be BAVAUTO
*What are The Problems to look for and their clues?
* Where are the places that I should go for regarding detailed repair information. Example: I just learned about holding the reset key for 3+ seconds and it displays a number and value. I know 24 is the battery volts but I have no idea what the other numbers represent.
*Finally Mercedes Cultural niches within the community. Where are the typical trends to avoid or attach myself to?
>Example of what I would do:
*When I first Got it:
If I had just bought a BMW it would be an E30 325i or a classic pre 1974 2002 that I would start with flushing the radiator, oil and filter change to get 20-50w in to avoid oil leaks and checking the fusebox. Making sure to monitor Engine tempature and any exhaust smoke.
*Later On:
Eventually rebuild the engine. Making sure to check the ports and engine head for any stress or damage that comes from running hot (most likely having the head completely redone.) Not swap it for a 3 series strait 6 in the 2002 or 5 series s55 in the E30 because I am not an idiot that cares more about power and a bigger engine. Install a new larger radiator and thermostat because It's assumed they are garbage and need to be replaced anyway. Brake upgrade to steel and braided lines and slotted and drilled rotors.
When Everything is in order:
Lower it a tasteful 1-2 inches with bilstein coil-overs. Swap the 4 speed for a 1982 320i's 5 Speed. Black Paint and euro bumpers to replace the american running boards. 15 inch ronals with some p-zero rubber. And Finally full Remus Exhaust to insure people know I have wasted a lotta moneys and no girlfriend.
Any Info Helps I wanna get it registered and off my parents property.
Known Problems:
Keyfob needed to be fixed -Done. Re-soldered and macgyverd button replacement
Dead Battery - Replaced Battery, Afraid it is just the symptom of a larger problem
Power Steering squeal -Fixed? Added more Fluid because it was empty.
Radio code-Fixed, registered with Mercedes dealership and given Code according to VIN
Broken lower Windshield Plastic.
Dashboard Warning light saying Display (Coolant reservoir ICON) Pic Related
Dashboard Warning light saying Lamp (lightbulb) Defective. I am missing the right foglamp
Dashboard Warning light with ! Inside a triangle After Driving 8 miles. But has disappeared after a night.
Hydraulic Hood will not stay up and left side mount is broken. Currently Using Wooden Posts. Pic Related