Recent content by johnsco

I regularly travel on the M1, the M62, the M60, the M42 and the M5. The utter dysfunctionality of the speed signage is frustrating, distracting and down-right dangerous. Heaven help anyone who breaks down on a M-way without hard shoulder. It's not the daftest piece of road-traffic management...

Where I come from, MEL is Magnesium Elektron Ltd, manufacturers of magnesium alloy products. I used to do some ultrasonic inspection work at their factory in North West Manchester. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_Elektron

I did something today that I don't do very often. I got the vac out in the yard and gave the E280 Estate a serious clean out inside. It's been getting a bit like a parrot's cage. Time well spent ! I'm not sure it goes any better. At least it looks better.

As mentioned above - I treated myself to a new oil extraction pump this week. My old pump - one of the yellow ones that Lidl were selling ten years ago - has been getting more and more "tired" each time I used it. This week it would run but wouldn't pump at all. I bought a Sealey TP9312 12 volt...

The weather today was half-decent, so I did a couple of jobs on the W211 E280 cdi sports estate: 1. Changed the engine oil and oil filter - Used my new electric extractor pump. 2. Changed both air filters - Usual foul language when replacing the filter carriers ....... One of the most wretched...

Yes - Sorry - I do remember once (a long time ago) doing an oil change on a VW flat four.

I've never known a car where this was NOT possible.

I have had excellent service from MB Newcastle's ebay online shop https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/mercedesandsmartnewcastle Click the link. It takes you there.

I've never needed to consult the manual to discover this !

I upgraded to Bosch Aerotwins around a year ago. Never regretted it for one second. They are easy to fit, they are quiet and clean the screen like new. Recommended.

Yes ... As bad as that. That's pretty typical of what I find after 10,000 miles. I understand that you're supposed to tell the ECU that you've changed the filters using "STAR". I never do, and I never have any problems. I never notice any difference in engine performance after the filter change.

Whenever I change the air filters, I'm always horrified by the amount of rubbish that there is in the filters. These engines draw in a large quantity of air. I suppose I should be happy that the filters are doing their job. I tend to change them every 10,000 miles, which I think is rather less...

Shortly after I bought my W211 E280 cdi Sports Estate, I had major problem of low boost. It was cured by replacement of the turbo. Replacement came from Essex Turbos. I found them a very helpful company to deal with.

I obtained a Wahle stat from Autodoc for the C200 a couple of years ago. Good item .... No problems ... Good price too. The one I took out was same make and type.

Shopping centre car parks are a curse and a nightmare .... For all the above stated reasons. Some years ago, the late Mrs J used to visit the Owlcotes Centre near Pudsey (Leeds). I warned her repeatedly to park well away from the main area and in a side area which was less risky. Sadly she...