WELCOME!
Feel free and get comfortable reading through this Mercedes W210 restoration project
Over years I have been repairing cars, house appliances, machines, toys, PC and pretty much everything that needed to be repaired. A lot of these repairs were majorly accelerated by people shearing their experiences over the web.
I feel like it is a time to give something back to community.
Complete list of projects and sub projects I run to restore this car can be found in the menu. Jobs are really spread across different disciplines from engine leaks through spraying/painting and electronics.
Idea for the project was to get as much DIY as possible. At the same time I wanted to do the job right and learn about things I have not done before.
Some jobs are worth doing yourself and some are just too much hassle for a little gain. Hopefully you can judge by looking at the videos if it is worth doing the job or not.
The content provided shows the REAL amount of time needed to do it when you have not done it before.
Most of the tutorials I see on the web tell you how easy it is and that it takes only few minutes - Bullshit
When you start the work - half of Saturday is gone and you realize you don't have a tool etc etc.
Few words about my background:
I am NOT a professional mechanic rather amateur enthusiast. I have a degree in electronics and good experience with non automotive mechanical equipment. All my previous car fixing experience come from repairs I've performed over years to my own vehicles.
When it comes to painting and panel beating my previous experience is zero.
Car details:
Year: 2002
Color: Silver Metallic Mercedes code 744
Body type: Salon
Engine: 200 Kompressor 163 HP
Engine code: M111
Gearbox: 5 speed Automatic
Interior type: Fabric
Lights type: Non xenon
Trim level: Classic
Millage: 110k Miles or 177k km - proven by service history and general wear and tear
Previous owners: 2 - 2nd owner for the last 10 years
General condition at the time of purchase:
Engine:
Oil leaks, so much oil that it is hard to tell from where it is coming from. Top of the engine stained with oil, as well as oil pan, auxiliary devices etc.
Does not hold the idle RPM.
Squicky sounds from v-belts
Engine management light is on
Develops good power and it is relatively pleasant to drive
Gearbox:
Oil leak from bottom pan
Oil leak from electronic plug connector
Gearbox is shifting smoothly. All gears are working properly. No issues when engaging D or R
Interior:
Strong smell of cigarettes
No burn marks
Seats are not worn
Carpets in in excellent conditions
All the trim in good order except for driver door handle
Steering wheel and pedals not worn
Exterior:
Passenger front and rear doors are damaged. Need to be panel beaten.
Passenger rear quarter damaged. Wheel fender scratched and large dint in the corner next to the boot
Driver side rear door free from corrosion. All rest of the doors have corrosion marks under the seals. Welding and painting required to restore to original condition.
Front fenders and bonnet have some chip marks but in good condition no rust
Front bumper has 10 cm crack to the plastic. Scratches everywhere. Decorative stripe in bad condition. Bumper needs to be welded and repainted
Rear bumper in poor condition. Deep scratched to both corners. Needs to be repainted.
Passenger side mirror broken. Whole mirror has to be replaced.
Rear arcs in good condition except from the bottom parts where rust starts to develop.
Plastic panels below doors both cracked need to be welded and repainted.
Boot lid has a corrosion below lock barrel
Alloy wheels are in terrible condition. Three good tires and one needs replacement
Suspension and underneath:
Suspension in good condition. Two lower ball joints with damaged rubber no play in the ball.
Anti-roll bar links start to be going.
Rust spot marks at the rear. Rust starts to develop on the mounting points of rear suspension.
Rear suspension, exhaust and fuel tank needs to be taken out. Car underneath needs to be cleaned from rust and repainted.
Rear discs and pads need to be replaced.
Front shocks need to be replaced.
Note for American lawyers:
If you are one of these people who want to sue manufacturer of microwave because the dog died after drying treatment:
This website is created purely for fun and educational purposes. No guarantees, do not try it at home etc etc etc.
You have been warned my friend.
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