From owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Sun May 2 07:46:23 2004 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Sunday, May 2 2004 Volume 01 : Number 1443 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: [db] the Maybach (only 305k!) and Cummins Turbo Diesel update Re: [db] Engine Knock Re: [db] Lincoln Mark VII diesels?? [db] Re: [offtopic] Forwarded message: eBay item 4165900719 (Ends May-08-04 15:09:11 PDT) - Compaq Laptop professionally run over by Mercedes Benz [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Re: [db] Re: [offtopic] Forwarded message: eBay item 4165900719 (Ends May-08-04 15:09:11 PDT) - Compaq Laptop professionally run over by Mercedes Benz Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... 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: Sat, 1 May 2004 21:39:41 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] the Maybach (only 305k!) and Cummins Turbo Diesel update >-->----- Original Message ----- >--> >-->> when in NYC I stopped at Mercedes of Manhattan to check >-->> on the new Diesel... they had a Maybach on the floor, >-->> took pictures... $305,000 was the sticker... 12/17 mpg... ;) >-->> (like you'd bother with that info... ;) >-->> >-->> john On Sat, 1 May 2004, Marc Zylka wrote: >-->Yep, not quite enough mpg for me. : - ) oh yeah... and the actual bottom line price of the Maybach is actually $311,000, forgot they added a few options... (the umbrella in the trunk lid???) Let's see, NYC sales tax is what? 9.0% or so... add $27,990 if it is... of course there might be other add-on's not shown... ;) I did talk to the salesman a bit. Mentioned I hadn't seen one in Seattle and wondered why Bill Gates didn't have one... the salesman said he was too cheap. ;) (Or maybe Bill knows the penguin is coming and is saving his money for an early retirement... ;) >-->Will you be posting the pics? Yep, here ya go: http://www.wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/CARS/MAYBACH/ the one of the window sticker is most interesting... :) http://www.wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/CARS/MAYBACH/maybach-window-sticker.jpg (other NYC pix at: http://www.wagoneers.com/fotos/2004/NY-trip-Apr/ (will post some Boeing ads in Time Square and night shots from the Empire state bldg later...) >-->Were you able to sit in it? (the Maybach) I probably could have, but I had my laptop strapped to my back, didn't even ask. :) I was happy they allowed me to open the doors... should have popped the hood, but I was in a hurry and happy I could touch it. ;) I did get a copy of the Diesel info, seems they can't sell them in NY or CA... the new Diesel is 45 state approved! What other states are so screwed up besides CA?? I didn't expect it of NY... CUMMINS TD ROAD TEST REPORT: Got to test drive the Dodge Cummins TD PU today... 70 miles up I-5 to a nursery, back roads home... Bottom line: A bus is easier to drive then this particular pickup... Ride was ok at first but my wife was getting ill from the bouncing on the freeway... The seat did not work for my back... Felt like I was driving a ship instead of a truck... For some reason I kept making comments about docking the Queen Mary... IT simply did NOT like turning... It LOVED going straight down the road, but off ramps it didn't care for... :) I can see why the front ends have problems, lot of weight up front, you can feel it... and also could feel that transmission suffering it's abuse from all that torque... The thing cruised just dandy on the freeway. My '91 300d is a lot faster, but then again my 300d couldn't begin to haul what that Cummins can. :) Nice view from up in that cab though... wife almost hurt herself getting out of it... just stepped out without looking or realizing how far terra firma really was... good thing she's tall or it could have been bad... :) she sure had a shocked look on her face as she shrunk a couple of feet in a fraction of a second... :) looks like my J10 project is going to be the ultimate solution as planned... I'm glad my neighbor let me give it a long test drive. Looks like we'll still keep the '91 300d for commuting and the wife will get a WJ soon as we can afford one..., or another XJ in the meantime. Our son is buying the '87 XJ. I wish my J10 was together already... would solve a lot of problems... been waiting three years for it, I know it's going to be excellent when done... :) If anyone has a nice used WJ or XJ out West let me know... We're kind of in the market between now and the end of June. Any where in WA, CA, AZ or NV would be fine... we'll be driving our '87 XJ down to Tucson and either flying back or driving back... Any WJ '99 and up... any XJ that's clean and has an AT. thanx. john ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 21:41:28 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Engine Knock I'd pop the valve cover, you may have lucked out and are just experiencing top end problem... either way, at least you have a spare engine. :) john On Sat, 1 May 2004, Chmielewski Family wrote: >-->Hi!, >-->I have a 1981 300D that had a funny kind of knock from the back of the block >-->area. I bought it from a guy in North Carolina who had rebuilt the engine >-->after it had lost oil pressure and wiped out the bearings. It has about >-->120,000 miles, which I consider to still be relatively new. It ran great for a >-->while and then developed the knock. I kept running it because I was short on >-->transportation. My wife, who was driving it, called me at work and I went over >-->to her parking lot because she said the noise had gotten really bad. It >-->sounded like a rod had spun its bearings but the oil pressure was still good. >-->I told her to drive it home, figuring that I would call AAA when it died and >-->she would have gone far enough where the towing would be free. It made it >-->home, which is about 30 miles, and is still hammering badly but still has good >-->oil pressure. My best guess is that there is a bolt on the torque converter >-->that has loosened up and is hitting the bell housing, or something like that. >-->Has anyone run into anything similar to this? My experience is with old Chevy >-->(and American) engines and they would never go that far with a wiped bearing. >-->The car has paid for itself but I intend to do a little autopsy and fix her if >-->I can. If that doesn't work, I'm going to take the engine from the 80 (287,000 >-->miles), which still runs good but the frame has rotted out, and put it into >-->the 81. Any insight on this would be appreciated. >-->Thanks, >-->Ted Chmielewski >-->80 300D >-->81 300D >-->87300 DTurbo >-->81VW Diesel Rabbit (runs like a top) >--> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 21:44:03 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Lincoln Mark VII diesels?? On Sun, 2 May 2004, Renaud (Ron) OLGIATI wrote: >-->My mailbox was recently graced by a missive >-->from john who wrote: >--> >-->> The Peugot Diesel was better, so was the Renault... and they'd be >-->> easier to find parts for and they'd be more affordable then that engine... >--> >-->Peugeot, of course, has been producing diesels from time immemorial, using the >-->Indenor engines, but Renault ? What model are you refering to ? I had the 2.1L All-Aluminum Turbo Diesel - 1985 - wet sleeved 4 cylinder, Bosch injector pump, Garrett Airesearch Turbo, intercooled - it was in a Cherokee, but a German friend of mine said they used them in the Renault mini-vans over there... actually ran into a friend in Belgium that also spoke highy of that motor... It did well by me in my Cherokee. Parts were outrageous here, but not there... john >--> >-->CHeers, >--> >-->Ron. >-->-- >--> A man with a million dollars >--> is as well off as if he were rich. >--> -- J.P. Morgan >--> >--> -- http://www.olgiati-in-paraguay.org -- >--> >--> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 1 May 2004 21:49:08 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] Re: [offtopic] Forwarded message: eBay item 4165900719 (Ends May-08-04 15:09:11 PDT) - Compaq Laptop professionally run over by Mercedes Benz way too much time on his hands... I think the bid is way too high already... have a feeling this auction will get out of control, it could go over 100 cents before long... I'd bid but that optional insurance is just too much for my tastes... It's disappointed when they don't include the Mercedes in auctions like this... but I suppose that's a good thing, postage would be a bit unreasonable for sure... john On Sat, 1 May 2004, Richard Welty wrote: >-->internal evidence on the auction page suggests we know the person >-->responsible for this. >--> >-->richard >--> >-->------ Forwarded message ------ >-->From: Richard Sexton >-->Date: Sat, 01 May 2004 18:29:48 -0400 >-->Subject: eBay item 4165900719 (Ends May-08-04 15:09:11 PDT) - Compaq Laptop professionally run over by Mercedes Benz >--> >-->http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4165900719 >--> >--> >-->-- >-->Richard Welty rwelty-at-averillpark.net >-->Averill Park Networking 518-573-7592 >--> Java, PHP, PostgreSQL, Unix, Linux, IP Network Engineering, Security >-->-- >-->to be removed from offtopic, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi >-->or email "unsubscribe offtopic" to majordomo-at-digest.net >--> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 00:08:39 -0700 From: Dan Ligon Subject: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... All right, I've been following the list for months and finally have a reason to join in...recently I picked up a 300D (non turbo) with only 60K on it. I'm thinking I should get some new tires. I remember a few months ago a discussion about Michelins...but not much more. And since I live in San Francisco, I'm not sure what to get. Thought you all might have some suggestions, Thanks Dan BTW what happened on the subscription topic? ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 02 May 2004 03:13:12 -0400 From: Robert Chase Subject: Re: [db] Re: [offtopic] Forwarded message: eBay item 4165900719 (Ends May-08-04 15:09:11 PDT) - Compaq Laptop professionally run over by Mercedes Benz Heh heh, Told you I was going to list it. Im surprised I got two bids. Bidding is up to .35 already :) Robert Chase john wrote: >way too much time on his hands... > >I think the bid is way too high already... have a feeling this auction >will get out of control, it could go over 100 cents before long... >I'd bid but that optional insurance is just too much for my tastes... > >It's disappointed when they don't include the Mercedes in auctions like this... > >but I suppose that's a good thing, postage would be a bit unreasonable for sure... > >john > > >On Sat, 1 May 2004, Richard Welty wrote: > > > >>-->internal evidence on the auction page suggests we know the person >>-->responsible for this. >>--> >>-->richard >>--> >>-->------ Forwarded message ------ >>-->From: Richard Sexton >>-->Date: Sat, 01 May 2004 18:29:48 -0400 >>-->Subject: eBay item 4165900719 (Ends May-08-04 15:09:11 PDT) - Compaq Laptop professionally run over by Mercedes Benz >>--> >>-->http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4165900719 >>--> >>--> >>-->-- >>-->Richard Welty rwelty-at-averillpark.net >>-->Averill Park Networking 518-573-7592 >>--> Java, PHP, PostgreSQL, Unix, Linux, IP Network Engineering, Security >>-->-- >>-->to be removed from offtopic, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi >>-->or email "unsubscribe offtopic" to majordomo-at-digest.net >>--> >> >> > > ---- > >------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** > Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. >------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 02 May 2004 03:29:49 -0400 From: Robert Chase Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Dan, I can't say I would reccomend Michelins. I had several blowouts with these tires. Although they were S rated tires on a very heavy car they should have been able to take the weight without a sudden catostrophic failure. In addition to my issues I have had several friends that have had premature wear issues with these tires and had to "fight" tooth and nail to get their tires pro rated. There are a lot of other tires on the market that perform better at cheaper prices. If your buying Michelins your just buying brand recognition and not quality. The Sumitomos that replaced the 2nd set of brand new Michelins on my car have been great so far. The car handles better and the ride and road feel is improved. Although I won't say Ill never buy Michelins again I will shop around first and determine what's best for my car. Anybody know where to get Continental tires? One of my long time favorite tires that I can't seem to find anywhere. I would reccomend buying tires from Costco if you have a membership. Costco is the ONLY tire shop that will do a refund or an exchange if you don't like your new tires. They care more about a customer relationship than the markup on a set of tires. My tires came from NTB which used to be owned by Sears and I have had nothing but problems. NTB initially put the wrong speed rating of tire on my car and fought me each time I came in and wanted the whole set replaced due to high speed blowouts. Eventually when I was going to give up and buy new tires at Costco they indicated the car had the wrong speed rating on it and helped me get NTB to honor their warranty. A friend of mine went to get new tires on his BMW and Costco indicated he had another 5k of life left on his current set and should probably wait. I have NEVER heard of a tire shop turning away business like that. With all the dishonesty in the tire business its good to see a company more interested in the customer than their bottom line. Robert Chase Dan Ligon wrote: > All right, > > I've been following the list for months and finally have a reason to > join in...recently I picked up a 300D (non turbo) with only 60K on it. > I'm thinking I should get some new tires. > > I remember a few months ago a discussion about Michelins...but not > much more. > > And since I live in San Francisco, I'm not sure what to get. > > Thought you all might have some suggestions, > > Thanks > > Dan > > BTW what happened on the subscription topic? ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 08:35:14 -0400 From: "Marc Zylka" Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Robert, you can get Continentals at www.tirerack.com . On the Michelins, I've had great luck with them on all of my cars. I have them on my '81 300D, 2000 Chrysler van, and '89 Jeep XJ. I usually get the Michelin "rain" tires. Recently refitted the van with a new model called RainForce. The tread wear rating is excellent. I agree that they're not cheap. I'm open to using any other brand if quality is better and price is good. For any tire, you also need to make sure that they were recently manufactured. A code on the tire can give you this information. Consumer reports ran an article a while back indicating how to read the code. I don't have the info handy. Marc - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Chase" To: "Dan Ligon" Cc: Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2004 3:29 AM Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... > Dan, > > I can't say I would reccomend Michelins. I had several blowouts with > these tires. Although they were S rated tires on a very heavy car they > should have been able to take the weight without a sudden catostrophic > failure. In addition to my issues I have had several friends that have > had premature wear issues with these tires and had to "fight" tooth and > nail to get their tires pro rated. > > There are a lot of other tires on the market that perform better at > cheaper prices. If your buying Michelins your just buying brand > recognition and not quality. The Sumitomos that replaced the 2nd set of > brand new Michelins on my car have been great so far. The car handles > better and the ride and road feel is improved. Although I won't say Ill > never buy Michelins again I will shop around first and determine what's > best for my car. Anybody know where to get Continental tires? One of > my long time favorite tires that I can't seem to find anywhere. > > I would reccomend buying tires from Costco if you have a membership. > Costco is the ONLY tire shop that will do a refund or an exchange if you > don't like your new tires. They care more about a customer relationship > than the markup on a set of tires. My tires came from NTB which used to > be owned by Sears and I have had nothing but problems. NTB initially > put the wrong speed rating of tire on my car and fought me each time I > came in and wanted the whole set replaced due to high speed blowouts. > Eventually when I was going to give up and buy new tires at Costco they > indicated the car had the wrong speed rating on it and helped me get NTB > to honor their warranty. A friend of mine went to get new tires on his > BMW and Costco indicated he had another 5k of life left on his current > set and should probably wait. I have NEVER heard of a tire shop turning > away business like that. With all the dishonesty in the tire business > its good to see a company more interested in the customer than their > bottom line. > > Robert Chase ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 07:35:10 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... On Sun, 2 May 2004, Dan Ligon wrote: >-->All right, >--> >-->I've been following the list for months and finally have a reason to >-->join in...recently I picked up a 300D (non turbo) with only 60K on it. >-->I'm thinking I should get some new tires. >--> >-->I remember a few months ago a discussion about Michelins...but not much >-->more. I've always been a big fan of Michelins. On my '91 300d I put a set of BFG Traction T/A's and love them. Ride is nicer and they do better on wet roads. >-->And since I live in San Francisco, I'm not sure what to get. Either the Michelin MXV4s or the BFG Traction T/A's should work fine there. I'll be down in Salinas most of June teaching Linux courses. Sounds like your 300D is nice with that low of mileage. >-->Thought you all might have some suggestions, >--> >-->Thanks >-->Dan >-->BTW what happened on the subscription topic? ? john ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #1443 **********************************