You're making a great channel! I basically agree with you and would add to your list: 1. Find a _real_ Mercedes mechanic. (Too bad you're on the other side of the country, I'm in CA). Story: I had been having trouble warm-starting my 560SL for several years. The dealer replaced many parts (at great expense), and then told me not to bring the car back again. Two other "Mercedes certified" mechanics also failed. Finally was directed an old-line mechanic who diagnosed the problem, rebuilt some part (that wasn't otherwise available) and seems to have fixed it. 2. Keep the car dry. Why folks routinely park their cars in the weather baffles me. I always used a car cover during the day (or found shade) and parked in the garage at night. Don't drive in the rain unless necessary. With increasing number of electronics, one must keep the car dry or make sure t dries out. 3. The Mercedes is not an economy car - never has been. Even though depreciation has taken its toll, I still see the car as $90000 vehicle. Many criticisms of the Benz are "The parts are too expensive". Tell you the truth, I don't want to be going down the road at 85 mph surrounded by a bunch of cheap parts. Why drive a Benz? 1. Safety (I also have an W140) While there are no guarantees, the cars are highly survivable. There is a video out where this driver of a R107 missed a turn on the Autobahn at 140 mph or so, bounced off the railing, rolled several times and skidded several hundred feet (upside down). The video then showed the driver getting out of the car and going up to a tree to await the Polizei. 2. The cars make high-speed driving both easy and pleasurable. 3. I make no excuses for driving a Benz. There is a measure of pride you don't get with other cars.
May I suggest one more? Drive your car regularly! These cars will be more reliable and cost less to run if they are used regularly instead of letting them sit.
So true, they are "motor" vehicles, not and 18th-century sideboard to sit and stare at or brag about. If humans sit too much, for too long, it will become impossible to move.
Basic and critical!!! I can’t say I follow all of these perfectly, but I do in general and my ‘05 C240 is the cheapest running car I own! This is excellent advice for any car. Thank you, Pierre!
Bentley Publishers printed a Mercedes-Benz Owner's Bible (tm) for the different models ($34.95 from books4cars.com). There are chapters for all regular maintenance- it is extremely helpful, goes beyond the Owner's Manual. Recommended.
One thing I would add, and this kind of works hand in hand with vetting your mechanic. When repair parts are necessary make sure you or your mechanic are using the best quality parts you can afford, I know budgets are a thing for most of us, but if at all possible stick to brands that are known to be oem quality, do not buy the super cheap "deal" on eBay, Amazon, or at local parts stores, usually you will regret it. I deal with so many vehicles at my shop where I am having to fix something that was already repaired once by a "buddy who works on cars" and when I get it apart and investigate it is almost always caused by a cheap knockoff parts failure.
Good tips. l know l am in the wrong arena here driving a 2003 Volvo v70 wagon with rare 5-speed option, but these cars also last and last and last for a very long time. The Swedes also know a thing or two about longevity.
yes, especially if you don't know how much fluid occurs using. I know this is impractical for manual transmission differential oil, but some of the other items are more useful, like coolant
Hey Pierre. Great advice. I’d love to see you release a list of all your recommended fluids and lubes for our cars! And intervals. Example I know there is a bit of debate regarding power steering fluids in a W126.
Those are all good simple tried and true habits to adopt but much like a lot of other things that become easier said than done. I don’t have any numbers to back up my claim but I venture to say that most Classic car owners are incapable of performing their own work and the range varies from a downright lack of mechanicle skills, to incompetence, through to none conducive setups. In general I’ve been into foreign classic cars all of my life and I am forever in search of a daily driver. Whenever a “not so” top of the line car is found and deemed future daily driver the car still has to be gone through in the same manner as any other car but the funny thing is that once that meticulous process is applied to even the lowliest classic it is no longer acceptable (for me) to be left sitting out in the elements much less using it as a grocery getter during inclement weather. All that to say that once a car is rendered with love, blood, sweat, and tears it becomes hard to overlook all of those basic habits the video talked about because of the intimate connection that developed along the way. IMHO it’s pretty hard to develop that type of relationship when your not doing your own wrenching. I could be wrong!
love your information. Every time I look at my clock in the dash I think of you and hear your voice. Looking to sell my 2004 Honda Element orig owner and buy a 220d or 240d manual, rollup windows, non sunroof. My 83' SL needs a new friend ....... Less is more .....
I would add take care of the interior, leather treatment, lube cables, protect dash and seats front uv rays. Clean and vacuum carpets. Also, be sure to change windshield wipers at least once a year.
My grandfather was a engineer for Borgward and my father was a engineer for Opel. The importance of routine maintenance was drilled into our head. Take care of your car and it will take car of you. Have been driving supposedly "UNRELIABLE" German and Swedish cars almost exclusively for 35 years. Only have had two tows in all these years and the cars easily reach 300k with minimal issues.
Your point 9 is so important. At a recent Concours, I had a judge tell me that he thought the harmonic balancer on my S430 was on its way out (wobbling, rubber wear). The car was at the mechanics in the next 2 weeks.
Very good advice Pierre One item that gets overlooked too Many times Your spare tyre It’s pressure It’s condition The relevant tools and jack in place My car is a classic example The spare is an ET49 not suitable for my W126 Someone has swapped it Good thing I checked
Pierre provides excellent advise re you classic MB.question, on a 113 4 speed how often should you change clutch hydraulic fluid ? Keep these videos coming .Thanks
It’s amazing how one can avoid seized brake calipers if the MB advice about changing brake fluid annually (particularly in the springtime) is followed. DOT 4 is cheap compared to a new caliper, or even a rebuilt one.
I would add RTFM or "read the factory manual", especially when doing one's own work. As for point 10, or rust prevention, "back in the day" the British used a product called Waxoyl. I suspect it is no longer available. We have Fluid Film, Wool Wax, New Hampshire Oil, and USAFluid. Thanks for the great work Pierre and Thomas!
Excellent advice! But it would be SO great if our mechanics WOULD call us, saying things like, "Time for your fuel filter change,", etc. But that's in a perfect world.
@@thisisnightshop2037 Whenever I take my car in, my shop always gives it a once over and writes down anything that requires immediate attention, or in 3-5K miles.
Interesting you mention the drains. I’ve never done them on the SEL. The SL yes, once 5 years ago. Yikes I should do them soon. I’m wondering if I should go as far as removing the grills where the wipers are to check for leaves and compost. I lubricate my SEL twice a year, but not to the same extent with the SL. Yikes! I have work to do.
What parts house would you recommend? Currently attempting to get a ‘88 560SL back on the road that was parked when running with ethanol fuel. Could you point me to the most likely first to least component to check on the fuel system please Sir?
Thank you for great educational videos! I live in New York. My 1984 300D is an outside car & daily driver. Unfortunately rust overwhelms my efforts to contain it. You mentioned cavity wax & oil to protect cavities. What kind of oil did you talk about? Thanks!
Cavity wax? What’s that? I use Gulf wax paraffin wax for my antique drawer slides, window tracks, canning food etc. is that the same? I bet Amazon has it. Lol
One more to the list dont let others Barrow your car ! And always check tire pressure. Dont bring your car to pep boys for repair ... find someone like pierre ! Dont eat or drink in the car !!! And dont do drugs ! Especially in a mercedes ! And worse no texting or cell phone use !
@@thisisnightshop2037 That would be great !! I got made fun of at the junk yard for talking to a old mercedes and apologizing to it for having horrible owners and the jerk who took the hood off for using it to lay on under a car ! I cant go to junk yards it makes it hard to sleep !!
Happened to me on one of my SDs years ago. I can't remember exactly, but I managed to get into it somehow. Seems like I remember trying to contort myself enough to try to release them from under the car, but maybe I'm dreaming. Good luck. I have a 1984 SD that needs a new cable myself.
@@gravytrain416 It's 200 ft away from my garage pit. Got to cigarette lighter charge it and drive it back. I never use it so, no rush. That 'West Coast guy' (sorry Pierre) said breaking the grill was involved. Nope...
I would add nothing quite as important as "synthetic engine oil and trans fluid. Nothing compares to keeping the vehicle in a garage for longevity. Also driving the car for at least 30 minutes on a first cold start, even if you need to take the long way to your first destination.
Yup, generally avoiding frequent short trips is a good idea if keeping the car healthy is the goal. The occasional short trip is no big deal, but if the car isn't regularly taken on longer trips that get the engine fully warmed up for 10+ minutes, condensation can build up in the engine and exhaust and cause major damage over time. Also, since the majority of engine wear occurs while the oil is cold, short trips put a lot of wear on the engine and the car as whole per mile driven compared to longer trips. Heavy stop and go traffic is also much harder on the car as a whole than highway driving and increases the chances of an accident. Same with bad roads. So if possible, being selective about the trips you take your precious classic on can really pay off in the long run.
You're making a great channel! I basically agree with you and would add to your list:
1. Find a _real_ Mercedes mechanic. (Too bad you're on the other side of the country, I'm in CA).
Story: I had been having trouble warm-starting my 560SL for several years. The dealer replaced many parts (at great expense), and then told me not to bring the car back again. Two other "Mercedes certified" mechanics also failed. Finally was directed an old-line mechanic who diagnosed the problem, rebuilt some part (that wasn't otherwise available) and seems to have fixed it.
2. Keep the car dry. Why folks routinely park their cars in the weather baffles me. I always used a car cover during the day (or found shade) and parked in the garage at night. Don't drive in the rain unless necessary. With increasing number of electronics, one must keep the car dry or make sure t dries out.
3. The Mercedes is not an economy car - never has been. Even though depreciation has taken its toll, I still see the car as $90000 vehicle. Many criticisms of the Benz are "The parts are too expensive". Tell you the truth, I don't want to be going down the road at 85 mph surrounded by a bunch of cheap parts.
Why drive a Benz?
1. Safety (I also have an W140) While there are no guarantees, the cars are highly survivable.
There is a video out where this driver of a R107 missed a turn on the Autobahn at 140 mph or so, bounced off the railing, rolled several times and skidded several hundred feet (upside down). The video then showed the driver getting out of the car and going up to a tree to await the Polizei.
2. The cars make high-speed driving both easy and pleasurable.
3. I make no excuses for driving a Benz. There is a measure of pride you don't get with other cars.
Thanks. Going to buy one on Saturday. 300D 1982. ✌️
..
May I suggest one more? Drive your car regularly! These cars will be more reliable and cost less to run if they are used regularly instead of letting them sit.
Absolutely.
Couldn't agree more & that goes double for gasoline models!
So true, they are "motor" vehicles, not and 18th-century sideboard to sit and stare at or brag about. If humans sit too much, for too long, it will become impossible to move.
Can't believe i'm only just finding this video - Great tips, thank you! my W123 coupe thanks you!
I always keep an anti-moist ball inside, both summer and winter. Really helps alot.
Pierre, Super advice that is always worth repeating, even to those of us who have heard same since everlasting!
All good advice for any car, thank you.
Basic and critical!!! I can’t say I follow all of these perfectly, but I do in general and my ‘05 C240 is the cheapest running car I own! This is excellent advice for any car. Thank you, Pierre!
Bentley Publishers printed a Mercedes-Benz Owner's Bible (tm) for the different models ($34.95 from books4cars.com).
There are chapters for all regular maintenance- it is extremely helpful, goes beyond the Owner's Manual. Recommended.
Thanks! Excellent advice for all models of cars including Jag enthusiasts like me.
Good advice. Especially numbers 3, 5 & 6.
One thing I would add, and this kind of works hand in hand with vetting your mechanic. When repair parts are necessary make sure you or your mechanic are using the best quality parts you can afford, I know budgets are a thing for most of us, but if at all possible stick to brands that are known to be oem quality, do not buy the super cheap "deal" on eBay, Amazon, or at local parts stores, usually you will regret it.
I deal with so many vehicles at my shop where I am having to fix something that was already repaired once by a "buddy who works on cars" and when I get it apart and investigate it is almost always caused by a cheap knockoff parts failure.
I agree completely.
Thanks for the Information Pierre
Wow Great info my Friend !!!!!!
servicing your Mercedes , I would put reminders of service miles when do at the hinge posts at the door. Inspections are important, simple.
Good tips. l know l am in the wrong arena here driving a 2003 Volvo v70 wagon with rare 5-speed option, but these cars also last and last and last for a very long time. The Swedes also know a thing or two about longevity.
I'm glad you mentioned clearing the drains and rust prevention! also checking the fluids weekly is a must keep the videos coming.
yes, especially if you don't know how much fluid occurs using. I know this is impractical for manual transmission differential oil, but some of the other items are more useful, like coolant
@@thisisnightshop2037 i just checked my transmission fluid after watching your video and it was low , lol thanks for the reminder.
Hey Pierre. Great advice. I’d love to see you release a list of all your recommended fluids and lubes for our cars! And intervals. Example I know there is a bit of debate regarding power steering fluids in a W126.
Okay, duly noted. Thank you
Great advice. I check my fluids on a regular basis and adjust the lash on the valves once a year.
Those are all good simple tried and true habits to adopt but much like a lot of other things that become easier said than done. I don’t have any numbers to back up my claim but I venture to say that most Classic car owners are incapable of performing their own work and the range varies from a downright lack of mechanicle skills, to incompetence, through to none conducive setups.
In general I’ve been into foreign classic cars all of my life and I am forever in search of a daily driver. Whenever a “not so” top of the line car is found and deemed future daily driver the car still has to be gone through in the same manner as any other car but the funny thing is that once that meticulous process is applied to even the lowliest classic it is no longer acceptable (for me) to be left sitting out in the elements much less using it as a grocery getter during inclement weather. All that to say that once a car is rendered with love, blood, sweat, and tears it becomes hard to overlook all of those basic habits the video talked about because of the intimate connection that developed along the way. IMHO it’s pretty hard to develop that type of relationship when your not doing your own wrenching. I could be wrong!
That's beautiful. I guess it's sort of the same way for me.
love your information. Every time I look at my clock in the dash I think of you and hear your voice. Looking to sell my 2004 Honda Element orig owner and buy a 220d or 240d manual, rollup windows, non sunroof. My 83' SL needs a new friend ....... Less is more .....
Sound Advice Pierre... and my wife said clean your desk 😀
All great points!!!!!
good advice, i have been cleaning my drain holes today funnily enough :)
I would add take care of the interior, leather treatment, lube cables, protect dash and seats front uv rays. Clean and vacuum carpets. Also, be sure to change windshield wipers at least once a year.
Taking care of the interior, especially if it's leather, is really critical
Like always Great information, Thanks Pierre............
My grandfather was a engineer for Borgward and my father was a engineer for Opel.
The importance of routine maintenance was drilled into our head.
Take care of your car and it will take car of you.
Have been driving supposedly "UNRELIABLE" German and Swedish cars almost exclusively for 35 years.
Only have had two tows in all these years and the cars easily reach 300k with minimal issues.
recommendatio(s) for 6-cylinder diesel motor oil? (OM606.910) also, do not leave tears in the door panel plastic foils.
Your point 9 is so important. At a recent Concours, I had a judge tell me that he thought the harmonic balancer on my S430 was on its way out (wobbling, rubber wear). The car was at the mechanics in the next 2 weeks.
I hope the damage didn't get past the harmonic balancer
@@thisisnightshop2037 nope. By all accounts it had only just started to show signs of wear.
Very good advice Pierre
One item that gets overlooked too Many times
Your spare tyre
It’s pressure
It’s condition
The relevant tools and jack in place
My car is a classic example
The spare is an ET49 not suitable for my W126
Someone has swapped it
Good thing I checked
I've got in trouble before because my spare tire didn't have enough air. Good point Michael
Great job young man !!!
Great tips Pierre. Maybe another one is keep your fuses in good condition!😉
I live in Australia & I'm always checking and topping up my cavity wax, especially in the trunk of my W126.
Pierre provides excellent advise re you classic MB.question, on a 113 4 speed how often should you change clutch hydraulic fluid ? Keep these videos coming .Thanks
It’s amazing how one can avoid seized brake calipers if the MB advice about changing brake fluid annually (particularly in the springtime) is followed. DOT 4 is cheap compared to a new caliper, or even a rebuilt one.
Ain't that the truth. We see so much nasty dark brown brake fluid around here too.
I would add RTFM or "read the factory manual", especially when doing one's own work. As for point 10, or rust prevention, "back in the day" the British used a product called Waxoyl. I suspect it is no longer available. We have Fluid Film, Wool Wax, New Hampshire Oil, and USAFluid.
Thanks for the great work Pierre and Thomas!
Waxoyl is still available!
@@1967250s really? Just in Europe, or the States (Colonies) also?
There are plenty of similarproduct, but at least people understand the importance of protecting the undercarriage of their cars
Excellent advice! But it would be SO great if our mechanics WOULD call us, saying things like, "Time for your fuel filter change,", etc. But that's in a perfect world.
I do it for some of my customers
@@thisisnightshop2037 Whenever I take my car in, my shop always gives it a once over and writes down anything that requires immediate attention, or in 3-5K miles.
nice video , thanks pierre
whats the best interval for m117 valve adjustments...or best indication for such
Interesting you mention the drains. I’ve never done them on the SEL. The SL yes, once 5 years ago. Yikes I should do them soon. I’m wondering if I should go as far as removing the grills where the wipers are to check for leaves and compost.
I lubricate my SEL twice a year, but not to the same extent with the SL. Yikes! I have work to do.
What parts house would you recommend? Currently attempting to get a ‘88 560SL back on the road that was parked when running with ethanol fuel. Could you point me to the most likely first to least component to check on the fuel system please Sir?
Thank you for great educational videos! I live in New York. My 1984 300D is an outside car & daily driver. Unfortunately rust overwhelms my efforts to contain it. You mentioned cavity wax & oil to protect cavities. What kind of oil did you talk about? Thanks!
I have heard about lanolin-based products. There is a video on RUclips
Cavity wax? What’s that? I use Gulf wax paraffin wax for my antique drawer slides, window tracks, canning food etc. is that the same? I bet Amazon has it. Lol
LilyoftheValeyrising Waxoyl or 3M Body Cavity Wax or Fluid Film. I like Fluid Film.
stricht8 thank you!
I do all 10 on my w123 already, yessir!
One more to the list dont let others Barrow your car ! And always check tire pressure. Dont bring your car to pep boys for repair ... find someone like pierre ! Dont eat or drink in the car !!! And dont do drugs ! Especially in a mercedes ! And worse no texting or cell phone use !
I agree, Zen Jamin. Pierre must never be allowed to retire nor pass away...too many of us appreciate his advice.
I agree with your comment 100%
I should make a whole video about this
@@thisisnightshop2037 That would be great !! I got made fun of at the junk yard for talking to a old mercedes and apologizing to it for having horrible owners and the jerk who took the hood off for using it to lay on under a car ! I cant go to junk yards it makes it hard to sleep !!
I went to check fluids on the 81 300SD and the hood release cable took a poop! What now? No access...
Happened to me on one of my SDs years ago. I can't remember exactly, but I managed to get into it somehow. Seems like I remember trying to contort myself enough to try to release them from under the car, but maybe I'm dreaming. Good luck. I have a 1984 SD that needs a new cable myself.
@@gravytrain416 It's 200 ft away from my garage pit. Got to cigarette lighter charge it and drive it back. I never use it so, no rush. That 'West Coast guy' (sorry Pierre) said breaking the grill was involved. Nope...
I would add nothing quite as important as "synthetic engine oil and trans fluid. Nothing compares to keeping the vehicle in a garage for longevity. Also driving the car for at least 30 minutes on a first cold start, even if you need to take the long way to your first destination.
Yup, generally avoiding frequent short trips is a good idea if keeping the car healthy is the goal. The occasional short trip is no big deal, but if the car isn't regularly taken on longer trips that get the engine fully warmed up for 10+ minutes, condensation can build up in the engine and exhaust and cause major damage over time. Also, since the majority of engine wear occurs while the oil is cold, short trips put a lot of wear on the engine and the car as whole per mile driven compared to longer trips. Heavy stop and go traffic is also much harder on the car as a whole than highway driving and increases the chances of an accident. Same with bad roads. So if possible, being selective about the trips you take your precious classic on can really pay off in the long run.
😀👍😀👍
Are you from middle eastern descent?
Yes, Lebanese
Is the room where he is talking the GARAGE or is it the OFFICE? IT IS A COMPLETE DESASTER. I hope the jobs in his garage are more organized!