From owner-diesel-benz-digest-at-digest.net Mon May 3 09:58:17 2004 From: diesel-benz-digest diesel-benz-digest Monday, May 3 2004 Volume 01 : Number 1444 Forum for Discussion of Diesel Mercedes Benz Automobiles Derick Amburgey Digest Coordinator Contents: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... [db] 300d parts auction 1 of ? Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Re: [db] 300d parts auction 1 of ? Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... [db] Shadowfax rides again... Re: [db] Shadowfax 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, 2 May 2004 07:40:44 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Costco is a good place to buy anything. You actually might pay more for some items (like my Olympus C-750), but the fact that you can easily return it without a hassle if something goes wrong with it is wonderful. As far as Michelins, I wouldn't run anything less then H rated on your car. I've had good success with Michelns over the years but if you get the wrong size or rating you won't be happy. My '91 came with one size too small... Rather then try MXV4s in the right size, wasn't happy with the ride or traction, I went to the BFG Traction T/A's. They, however, are not available at Costco. I buy my tires at Discount Tire, I think they're down in your neck of the woods as well. I've had excellent support and service from them as well. About 30 years ago I had a set of Michelin's on a BMW in Germany and almost had one blow on a really, really hot day... they were having a heat wave and temps were almost in the 90's. I can see why Robert had trouble runnins S rated in Georgia... In the bay area you wouldn't have the same troubles if you ran the right rating. john On Sun, 2 May 2004, Robert Chase wrote: >-->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? >--> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 07:45:45 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... On Sun, 2 May 2004, Marc Zylka wrote: >-->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. same with the MXV4s - had lots of life out of 'em on my '81 300d, '83 300SD and I have a set of Michelin LTX 31x10.5 on my '87 XJ that has been on at least 4 other Jeeps, some really heavy ones too... no tread wear showing at all... they're kind of muddy right now... ;) superb ride... my wife commented how much nicer the Cherokee rode after riding in that Dodge pickup... ;) >--> >-->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, If you could put a summary of how to read the code up I'll post it to the tech section: http://wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/TECH/ john >--> >-->Marc ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 02 May 2004 12:35:22 -0400 From: Robert Chase Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Hmmm, I have actually had really good luck with them. I have heard that store managers get busted for charging too much for items when they have reduced the store's cost by eliminating waste or being able to RMA returned stock. Costco's return policy is wonderful. The only stipulation they have is computer equipment and they give you 6 months to return the item. Perhaps they had some abuses. You can return an item for ANY reason no questions asked. Robert Chase john wrote: >Costco is a good place to buy anything. You actually might pay >more for some items (like my Olympus C-750), but the fact that >you can easily return it without a hassle if something goes >wrong with it is wonderful. > >As far as Michelins, I wouldn't run anything less then H rated >on your car. I've had good success with Michelns over the years >but if you get the wrong size or rating you won't be happy. > >My '91 came with one size too small... Rather then try MXV4s >in the right size, wasn't happy with the ride or traction, >I went to the BFG Traction T/A's. They, however, are not >available at Costco. > >I buy my tires at Discount Tire, I think they're down in your >neck of the woods as well. I've had excellent support and >service from them as well. > >About 30 years ago I had a set of Michelin's on a BMW in Germany >and almost had one blow on a really, really hot day... they were >having a heat wave and temps were almost in the 90's. I can >see why Robert had trouble runnins S rated in Georgia... In the >bay area you wouldn't have the same troubles if you ran the right >rating. > >john > > >On Sun, 2 May 2004, Robert Chase wrote: > > > >>-->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? >>--> >> >> > > ---- > >------------------------------------------------------------------------- > ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** > Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. >------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 19:24:07 -0700 From: "derick amburgey" Subject: [db] 300d parts auction 1 of ? Hello all, Well the front/rear bumpers, spare tire, front pax fender, front dome light and maybe all the switches are sold. JB has a standing order that I will be working on tomorrow. Which will no doubt create the next pile for auction. Anyhow as I was removing stuff for the locals this week I came up with a pile for this weeks auction: http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&include=0&userid =babatoots&sort=3&rows=25&since=-1&rd=1 If the link doesn't work just go into EBay and look up username babatoots. Everything starts at a dollar or less. Local list subscribers specials this week: (local pickup only) Puget sound area WA state. Driver side fender $50 Complete set of palomino seats (front/rear) $50 Thanks. Derick PS - I have had numerous requests for the front seatbelt receivers, believe me you do not want them, the plastic shells are gone. They work but they UGLY. - --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.675 / Virus Database: 437 - Release Date: 5/2/2004 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 22:37:54 -0400 From: "Marc Zylka" Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... Hey John, I couldn't find the article but I did find this: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/brochure.html Everything you'd ever want to know about a tire and from those that set the rules. From the horses mouth, so to say. Marc. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "john" To: "Marc Zylka" > > Marc, > > If you could put a summary of how to read the code up I'll post it to > the tech section: http://wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/TECH/ > > john ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 19:48:46 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] 300d parts auction 1 of ? go derick go... hope you make a fortune... or at least recover your investment... I wouldn't mind having the engine and trans if you can't find them a home and I can come up with some bucks. I should have my trailer in a few weeks... Maybe you should run over some of the parts with a bigger Benz... seems to be working for our friend in Georgia... ;) I happen to have a large Jeep with big tires if you want to go that route... ;) I can mount the 35's on Rambo... john On Sun, 2 May 2004, derick amburgey wrote: >-->Hello all, >--> >-->Well the front/rear bumpers, spare tire, front pax fender, front dome light >-->and maybe all the switches are sold. JB has a standing order that I will be >-->working on tomorrow. Which will no doubt create the next pile for auction. >--> >-->Anyhow as I was removing stuff for the locals this week I came up with a >-->pile for this weeks auction: >--> >-->http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&include=0&userid >-->=babatoots&sort=3&rows=25&since=-1&rd=1 >--> >-->If the link doesn't work just go into EBay and look up username babatoots. >-->Everything starts at a dollar or less. >--> >-->Local list subscribers specials this week: (local pickup only) Puget sound >-->area WA state. >--> >-->Driver side fender $50 >--> >-->Complete set of palomino seats (front/rear) $50 >--> >--> >-->Thanks. >--> >-->Derick >--> >-->PS - I have had numerous requests for the front seatbelt receivers, believe >-->me you do not want them, the plastic shells are gone. They work but they >-->UGLY. >--> >--> >-->--- >-->Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. >-->Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). >-->Version: 6.0.675 / Virus Database: 437 - Release Date: 5/2/2004 >--> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 19:53:01 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: Re: [db] Longtime lurker jumping in... this is probably a better source then communist reports, I rarely trust their tests or results... :) I don't see the date code info on this page though... otherwize good info... thanx, john On Sun, 2 May 2004, Marc Zylka wrote: >-->Hey John, I couldn't find the article but I did find this: >--> >-->http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/brochure.html >--> >-->Everything you'd ever want to know about a tire and from >-->those that set the rules. From the horses mouth, so to say. >--> >-->Marc. >--> >-->----- Original Message ----- >-->From: "john" >-->To: "Marc Zylka" >-->> >-->> Marc, >-->> >-->> If you could put a summary of how to read the code up I'll post it to >-->> the tech section: http://wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/TECH/ >-->> >-->> john >--> ---- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** http://wagoneers.com ** ** http://freegift.net ** Snohomish, Washington USA - where Jeeps don't rust, they mold. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 2 May 2004 21:22:37 -0700 (PDT) From: john Subject: [db] Shadowfax rides again... Shadowfax is back on the road... turns out both my mechanic friend and I were outfoxed by a bad fuse. We both tested the fuses with a meter and a test light... I did it first when the problem came up, then figured it had to be the relay as we had power on both sides of the fuse. I wiggled, spun and jiggled the fuses... http://www.wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/TECH/Electrical/ But if you look at the pictures you'll see what it had a hairline fracture on the top... I replaced all the fuses this evening... rats, forgot to check the cruise when we went to town... Sure was nice driving the Benz after driving the Dodge Cummins TD and then our aged '87 XJ Cherokee with 249,600 miles on it... :) BTW, if anyone is looking for a nice '96 Dodge Cummins TD with the long bed, 4x4, extended cab in excellent shape... shoot me an email. I'm not buying it... :) john ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 03 May 2004 02:58:22 -0400 From: Robert Chase Subject: Re: [db] Shadowfax rides again... John, You know me as well as anybody on this list and know that I am the biggest cheapskate known to man when it comes to maintaining a car. If I have any electrical gremlins the first step I take is to toss all the fuses and replace them with new ones. Quite honestly the Mercedes Fuse design reminds me of that of an English car. My MG never gave me as many electrical problems as my Mercedes has (probably because it had no power accessories). :) The one fortunate thing with the Mercedes is if you have some kind of electrical weirdness there is always a single point of failure to look into that of course is the fuse box! Robert Chase john wrote: >Shadowfax is back on the road... turns out both my mechanic friend >and I were outfoxed by a bad fuse. We both tested the fuses with >a meter and a test light... I did it first when the problem came up, >then figured it had to be the relay as we had power on both sides >of the fuse. I wiggled, spun and jiggled the fuses... > > http://www.wagoneers.com/DieselBenz/TECH/Electrical/ > >But if you look at the pictures you'll see what it had a hairline >fracture on the top... > >I replaced all the fuses this evening... rats, forgot to check >the cruise when we went to town... > >Sure was nice driving the Benz after driving the Dodge Cummins TD >and then our aged '87 XJ Cherokee with 249,600 miles on it... :) > >BTW, if anyone is looking for a nice '96 Dodge Cummins TD with >the long bed, 4x4, extended cab in excellent shape... shoot me >an email. I'm not buying it... :) > >john ------------------------------ End of diesel-benz-digest V1 #1444 **********************************