Recent content by Ian Donkin

My ML420 departed on the back of a trailer today; according to my dealer, I'll be lucky to see it back by the end of September. At £30/day compensation from the date they diagnosed it as needing replacement, that's over £3.5k. I could have taken £40/day if I was hiring a car and providing...

I specifically wanted to remain offline (I use it primarily on smart cars for key reprogramming and reteaching the clutch bite point after a service), so bought the C4 version of the multiplexer with 11/2012 software from a company called mbstartools.com in China. This was based on another...

I also have one that is surplus to requirements (as I have a full Xentry set).

bump...

Probably a long shot having missed one that was for sale earlier in the year... If anyone happens to have one of these sitting in the back of the garage or on a car that they are trading in and would like to make a few extra quid from, please get in touch. Fingers crossed!

Just shocking.

On 16" rims it should be very forgiving - I didn't like the steel sprung 212 sport ride at all, but airmatic suspension makes a big improvement.

Purslow offer 40% off over 6 years old and 60% off over 8 years old - Indy for pre service / routine parts replacement, main dealer for basic service / mobilo cover works for me (the free loan car able to take our entire family throughout Europe is invaluable for me having now used it twice).

I'm jealous - very well done :)

My 212 seemingly gives 276.2bhp stock according to Surrey Rolling Road, so you might find the gains are not what you expect. I do like the Brabus D6 tuning box however as my 211 has one. Would be good to hear how you get on.

For that money Lee, you should be able to get low(ish) miles and a great spec. As it's approaching 31st Dec, I'd bet that even MB dealer stock several '000's over that price can be snapped up within your budget for a transaction pre year-end. Happy hunting :-)

The 420CDI engine is very refined, quiet and pulls like a train (even in our GL). Driven gently, it can get past 30mpg, but early 20's is more like it. It also likes to rev - whereas the 3.0V6 changes up at 4k or thereabouts, the 4.0V8 buzzes round to 4,400 with ease and by which time you are...

Tempted John? Wouldn't need a bi-turbo for a long time (if ever) following this upgrade... Present from Santa to yourself :-)

Just a quick update here from the cold snap of the last couple of days - the Pirelli's do feel more confidence inspiring on turn-in and more generally in the damp conditions; whilst an expensive tyre, I'm glad I bought them.

L322's are imperious machines that make you forgive everything bad about them. Our 4.4 V8 petrol was a wonderful place to be seated and I know Mrs Ian's next stop after the GL will be a Full Fat new shape RR. Better earn some serious cash or become a bank robber! As for driving styles, the...