From: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net (diesel-benz-digest) To: diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Subject: diesel-benz-digest V1 #422 Reply-To: diesel-benz-at-digest.net Sender: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Errors-To: owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Precedence: bulk diesel-benz-digest Monday, October 30 2000 Volume 01 : Number 422 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles John Meister Digest Coordinator Contents: interesting tidbit about how MB allocates cars to dealers Mercedes Benz Newby Seeks Nuts And Bolts Assistance Re: Mercedes Benz Newby Seeks Nuts And Bolts Assistance Re: Mercedes Benz Newby Seeks Nuts And Bolts Assistance nice looking 300D on ebay, east coast Re: IPF, Bosch, ??? Headlights! Superdawg rides again... Re: Superdawg rides again... Re: Superdawg rides again... Diesel Benz Digest Home Page: http://www.digest.net/diesel-benz/ Send submissions to diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Send administrative requests to diesel-benz-digest-request-at-digest.net To unsubscribe, include the word unsubscribe by itself in the body of the message, unless you are sending the request from a different address than the one that appears on the list. Include the word help in a message to stag-digest-request to get a list of other majordomo commands. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 06:41:28 -0600 From: "Alec Cordova" Subject: interesting tidbit about how MB allocates cars to dealers In our quest to replace the recently departed Z3, we ended up at Star Motors in Houston, who claim to be the second oldest MB dealer in the US. They described how they get additional new vehicles from MB. Apparently, all Mercedes models currently offered in the US are on allocation. For each new MB that a dealership sells, they are allowed to receive one new vehicle for their inventory. No room for sales growth there. But for every two pre-owned MB's a dealership sells, they get one more NEW MB added to their allocation. Between that and the fact that this is the end of the month, (and the fact that we had another 95 C280 lined up at another MB dealer in Houston, although it wasn't in quite as good shape) we got a 95 C280, with moonroof, leather, CD, and about 65,000 miles, for $18,750. They were asking an even $21,000. Still a heck of a lot more car than we could get from anyone's new car inventory for that price. Don't know if the allocation formula is true, but I found it interesting. Alec "Benzaholic" Cordova Taylor, Texas 85 300DT 89 300CE 95 C280 (the 5th MB we have owned, all purchased used) ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 09:53:16 -0600 From: "Vernon Tuck" Subject: Mercedes Benz Newby Seeks Nuts And Bolts Assistance Hi, Only this morning, I acquired the second MB I've ever owned. This one is a '79 200D with 123 body style. Apparently this model was marketed only in the UK. Therefore, I presume it's a gray market car... I bought the thing for $400. It looks pretty rough. But it runs. And I'm hoping the engine's in decent shape. I wonder if any of you are up to speed on cross-compatibility between these cars and the 240D models which were officially imported into the US. Being a sucker for simplicity I really like the fuel efficient 4 cylinder engine and standard transmission in this car. Nevertheless, it has already crossed my mind to find a 240D with a blown motor and do an engine transplant. Anybody have a sagacious word of wisdom to share? Regards, Vernon ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 08:09:06 -0800 From: Richard Barnaby Subject: Re: Mercedes Benz Newby Seeks Nuts And Bolts Assistance Hi Vernon. I assume you are in the USA. I don't have any knowledge about the 240 Grey market cars, but for a brief time I was toying with bringing in a 6.9 from Italy. During that "mental exercise", I discovered that the major issues with grey market cars had to do with stuff like bumpers, headlights. There were quite a few "issues" that would have to be corrected to get the car "on the road" in the USA. I'm sure others here have much more knowledge about the grey market, and might be able to respond to your particulars. Where are you located? What is the history of the car? Anyway to find out? VIN Number at a dealer? Has the car been registered in USA? What state? As to redoing the engine, if my memory serves me, on the 6.9 engine was not a major consideration, but I'd be interested to know if you'd keep posting your experience here. Sounds like an interesting project. And Grey market cars in general are probably an interesting thread. I'm very new here (to this list), and can imagine that there might be some back threads on this issue that are on topic for you. Cheers! ********************************************************** *Richard L. Barnaby email: barnaby-at-barnaby.net * *Boulder City, NV 89005 1979 300SD Yellow * ********************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 10:30:24 -0600 From: "Vernon Tuck" Subject: Re: Mercedes Benz Newby Seeks Nuts And Bolts Assistance Hi Richard, Pleased to hear from you. It hadn't occurred to me that this list might have worldwide distribution Indeed, I'm in the USA, specifically, Texas. The car is registered in Texas. Therefore, presumably, all of the grey market issues were resolved by someone long ago. My concern is more as to parts availability and cross-compatibility with the 240D cars. Since the 240D was officially marketed in the USA you can go into an auto parts store and their computers will catalog parts for the 240D as well as all the other MBs officially imported here. Not so with the 200D however. In fact, my initial contact with a MB dealer - and I hope these will be few - makes me believe they are - at best minimally, and at worst not at all - prepared (willing?) to provide information on these cars. Keep in mind, the above is just an initial impression based on a short conversation with a parts employee. I will soon commence to dispense some TLC to the car's mechanicals. I bought it never having heard it run and I haven't heard it yet! Nevertheless, I am confident that it does run - and so I'm told - rather well. Since I keep a fleet of diesel volksies up and running and do all my own maintenance, I would rate myself moderately competent to deal with all mechanical issues - diesel and otherwise - of this car as well. Nevertheless, paint and body work is not my cup of tea. Therefore, if the engine turns out to be strong I'd be inclined to simply find a 240D body and transplant the innards from this car to it. And this is where I'm hoping somebody out there has some experience or even reasoned opinions. Of course the 240D was not famous for blazing power. And the 200D has even less of it. But that doesn't bother me. I just want to go from point A to point B in fuel efficient fashion yet more closely match the weight and mass of all those SUVs out there than I'm currently doing in my volksie diesel rabbits and jetta. I am hopeful that among the members of this list there will be a die-hard do-it-yourselfer or two. If so, you're the ones I'm most eager to talk to although I'll appreciate hearing from any of you who drive older diesel MBs. Best wishes! Vernon - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Barnaby" To: Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2000 10:09 AM Subject: Re: Mercedes Benz Newby Seeks Nuts And Bolts Assistance > Hi Vernon. > I assume you are in the USA. > I don't have any knowledge about the 240 Grey market cars, but for a brief > time I was toying with bringing in a 6.9 from Italy. During that "mental > exercise", I discovered that the major issues with grey market cars had to > do with stuff like bumpers, headlights. There were quite a few "issues" > that would have to be corrected to get the car "on the road" in the > USA. I'm sure others here have much more knowledge about the grey market, > and might be able to respond to your particulars. > > Where are you located? > What is the history of the car? Anyway to find out? > VIN Number at a dealer? > Has the car been registered in USA? What state? > > As to redoing the engine, if my memory serves me, on the 6.9 engine was not > a major consideration, but > I'd be interested to know if you'd keep posting your experience here. > Sounds like an interesting project. > And Grey market cars in general are probably an interesting thread. > I'm very new here (to this list), and can imagine that there might be some > back threads on this issue that are on topic for you. > Cheers! > > ********************************************************** > *Richard L. Barnaby email: barnaby-at-barnaby.net * > *Boulder City, NV 89005 1979 300SD Yellow * > ********************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 09:41:05 -0700 From: john Subject: nice looking 300D on ebay, east coast http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=482250836&r=0&t=0 - ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ "The truth which makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear." ---Herbert Sebastian Agar Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 17:18:38 -0800 From: john Subject: Re: IPF, Bosch, ??? Headlights! At 05:40 PM 10/29/00 -0600, Jim & Barb Hoffman wrote: >Thanks John, > > Any local distributors in Wisconsin would be great! >About those fog lights. My 240d has the two "middle" >lights. Are those what you are refering to as fog lights? >Mine are clear not yellow. I've seen both. Why? Also >mine don't seem to work. I guess I never thought that >they might both be burnt out too ;) Should they come >on when you pull the headlight switch out? Never could >figure out how they work..... > >Jim/ fritz had clear fog lamps too... wish they had been yellow because too many folks thought they were high beams. :) should come on when you have the headlights on and pull the switch out. I don't recall what bulb they use, would guess H1s. easy enough to check. :) don't know of any distr's in WI. I know of a guy in Illinois who is an ARB distr, but that won't do you much good. :) john >john wrote: > > > The IPF replacement lights are awesome. I love mine. I > > haven't converted the benz because I figured I'd have to sell it. :( > > > > The IPF lights can be found at Central 4wd here in Washington, > > but they're nationwide via toll free, I can get the number if > > you'd like. Also there are a few other 4x4 shops that advertise > > them. I don't know where you get them locally. > > > > you can call ARB in Seattle, I'll cc one of the guys in > > the office in Seattle to see if he can help you find a distributer near > > you. > > > > The fog lights I have on the little wagoneer are the combination > driving/fog > > lights, J-01's. I'd recommend getting the single purpose equivalent, nice > > light pattern and doesn't offend oncoming traffic. I don't know the > number of > > it off hand... but if you have a 240d, doesn't it already have fog lights? > > Maybe you can get an IPF bulb to replace the one it uses. > > > > The Magic Green bulbs are very nice. I've got the Marine Blue or Magic > Blue's > > on the little wagoneer and I'm pretty sure the bulbs on my J10 are brighter > > and more intense than the ones on the little wagoneer. > > > > The IPF lenses are much better than the Hella, Bosch and Candellas I've > seen. > > I've had several guys over that had the other brands and it was plainly > > visible that the optics quality was better on the IPF. > > > > I've been meaning to get a list together of IPF distributers... haven't > > had the time... I get this question a lot, and then folks find them on > their > > own. :) > > > > I noticed in my latest IMPCO/Performance Products catalog for Jeeps that > > they have the ARB-USA TJ pictured for the ARB goodies, but they whited out > > the big IPF covers on the front of it. :) Then I noticed later in their > > catalog that they sell PIAA. ;) > > > > ttyl, > > john > > > > At 03:56 PM 10/29/00 -0600, Jim & Barb Hoffman wrote: > > >Hi John, > > > > > > I haven't payed much attention to all the IPF lighting thing > > >on list because I've never been interested in accessory fog > > >lights. But now I've lost both low beams on my '83 240d! > > >Last night I had to drive home from Taco Hell (I mean Bell) > > >with the emergency flashers! Only about 2 miles but a thrill > > >none the less. > > > A little history... I went to Wal-Mart and bought a headlight > > >when the first light failed over a week ago. Got home and > > >found that the connector pins were all bent over. Took it > > >back for exchange just to find out that they were all out! > > >I'm still waiting for them to have some! Only reason I keep > > >going there is because my wife works there so I get a little > > >discount ;) > > > What have you used on your MB's?? I know you use > > >those IPF's on your Jeeps but aren't those fog lights? What > > >about regular headlights? Where can I get them? I need to > > >do something QUICK! ;) > > > I've also seen a replacement kit that allows you to use the > > >late model 1004 style replacement filiments. Are you > > >farmiliar with them? > > > > > >Thanks, > > > > > >Jim/ > > >'83 240d > > > > ------------------------------------------------------ > > http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ > > "The truth which makes men free is for the most part > > the truth which men prefer not to hear." > > ---Herbert Sebastian Agar > > Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... > > jesus, don't leave life without him, please! > > ------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------ http://www.WAGONEERS.com/ "The truth which makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear." ---Herbert Sebastian Agar Snohomish, WA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold... jesus, don't leave life without him, please! - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2000 21:41:20 -0800 From: john Subject: Superdawg rides again... I finally took SuperDawg off of the jacks and drove him around the yard today... Felt great... new tach, bumper, auxillary tank, more lights (IPF backup)... better speakers, sunroof leak fixed, headliner redone... new hitch... 2" lift blocks in the rear, coil overload springs and rancho 9000s, even washed him. :) http://wagoneers.com/JEEPS/tech/2inBlocks-N-overloads/ Since I bought the 300SD I haven't driven him more than once... The only thing I don't like about the 300SD is you can't see over other cars. :) I listed the 300SD back on ebay and figure it'll sell this time, have two folks mildly interested. It's probably the best car I've ever owned. Hate to part with it, but sheesh... how many cars does one car nut need to have? :) I drove the little wagoneer around today too... it rides better than my friends new XJ. That Old Man Emu lift really is better than stock. :) I'm looking forward to driving SuperDawg to work tomorrow... even though the stupid heater control cable is jammed... arggghhh... One thing I've learned about owning FSJ's and Mercedes... they HAVE to be used. In other news, microsoft has been hacked... again... http://www.internetweek.com/story/INW20001027S0007 (I'm planning on getting a Palm Vx and syncing it with my HP-UX system, anyone done that before??? I guess I'll try it with Linux first. Only need to get a driver for my FlashPath Disk for my digital camera and setup the USB twain driver for my scanner... oh yeah, and a video card...) found out friday that my company isn't planning on replacing the guy that's leaving... budgets are frozen... yikes... we needed three guys to do what we were doing... so I'll be taking care of over 70 systems, and almost a dozen applications all by myself... HP-UX, Solaris and Linux... My boss says he's working the budget issue... we'll see how it goes... if it doesn't, I might... ;) later, john - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HP-UX, Solaris, Linux http://www.wagoneers.com/UNIX/ http://wagoneers.com/UNIX/Courses.html http://wagoneers.com/pages/ComputerSurvival-101.html http://www.wagoneers.com/UNIX/LINUX/year-of-the-penguin.html UNIX is user-friendly; it's just picky about who its friends are. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2000 06:34:14 -0600 From: Jim & Barb Hoffman Subject: Re: Superdawg rides again... john wrote: > Hate to part with it, but sheesh... how many cars does one car nut need > to have? :) Well... Let's see.... 1. '97 Dodge Caravan 2. '87 Dodge Caravan 3. '87 Ford Escort Diesel 4. '83 MB 240d 5. '80 Mercury Colony Park wagon 6. '71 Mustang Grande' (351c 4bbl) 7. '64 1/2 Mustang (289 4bbl) 8. '64 1/2 Mustang (260 V8) 9, 10, 11. 3 - '52 Willy's Wagons 12. '49 International pickup Toss in a couple of antique tractors... '39 Allis Chalmers Model B, '53 Ford Golden Jubilee... So I guess the answer to your question, John is.... A car nut needs 12 cars.... ;) (did I mention a partridge in a pear tree???) Jim/ Oconomowoc WI ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2000 09:17:15 -0800 (PST) From: john Subject: Re: Superdawg rides again... On Mon, 30 Oct 2000, Jim & Barb Hoffman wrote: >-->john wrote: >-->> Hate to part with it, but sheesh... how many cars does one car nut need >-->> to have? :) >-->Well... Let's see.... >-->1. '97 Dodge Caravan >-->12. '49 International pickup >-->So I guess the answer to your question, John is.... A car nut >-->needs 12 cars.... ;) (did I mention a partridge in a pear tree???) >-->Jim/ >-->Oconomowoc WI here's the list. :) http://wagoneers.com/johns-vehicles.html sure, only have the '83 J10, '83 300SD, '77 Wag, '67 J3000, '88 Buick and the '88 wagoneer right now... plus a utility trailer, an '82 yahama and enough pieces to build another FSJ.... ;) john ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- john-at-wagoneers.com **** http://wagoneers.com don't leave life without Jesus, please... Snohomish, Washington USA - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #422 *********************************