Recent content by Matt45

We've done this for the last 6 years and are driving to Italy again this summer. We limit the driving so not to get tired but can make Provence befor 4pm on the second day. We stop over using Logis hotels or ones mentioned in the Mitchelin Guide when we do the route plan. Toll roads are easy and...

Dave, Interestingly I had rear battery probs on my 2004 car. Had a new battery and it turned out to be not good either so MB gave me another, but this one needed regular [weekly] top-up from my charger to keep the 'consumers offline' caution away. Without wishing to tempt fate, my 2007 car has...

What I meant to say was the R230 is very 'automatic' operated by lots of electrical systems. Most of my reading of problems do stem from water ingress but there have been elecrical probelms with seats, instruments, batteries, the roof, and others. Mechanically it's as sound as a pound and I...

I feel that one only buys an SL if money is not the prime concern. An MX5 makes good sense for fun but if, like me, there are only 2 of you and you want to cross the continent in sublime comfort then there is no finer car [my opinion]. Most people groan at the fuel consumption alone, but if...

On your original post: Servicing should be carried out iaw the on board computer which will tell you when it's needed. Up to about 2006 they were variable service periods on milage alone. From then on 06/07 MB went back to mileage and time periods so when it comes out of an A or B service the...

My money's on dirty/dusty rear break pads. Try giving them a good wash with a pressure washer and then go out for half a mile and dry the brakes off. The brake dust builds up at the back of the pad and can cause squeel like you say. I bet if you brake hard it goes away and returns as the car...

Last year we drove to Lake Magiorie via the Simplon Pass. Spectacular scenery and only took a gentle 2 days stopping for a night half way. Total milage was about 750.

Friend of mine had similar problem this week with his Audi. Was indeed the washer fluid bottle full of bad water. Audi Cleaned it all out and refilled and the problem has gone. I'd do this first as it's cheaper then if no cure try the AC.

HI Jay, Just read this thread. We did a lovely trip a couple of weekends ago from Lincolnshire. Take a drive up to Pickering in Yorkshire. Prettiest route from you: go across Lincolnshire to the Humber Bridge then north through Beverley and Wetwang to Pickering. I can reccommend the White Swan...

I had a good experience with MB insurance through NU. Much cheaper and no mandatory requirement to fit a tracker which many companies wanted. Been with them 4 years. They give me 53 weeks cover for the price of 52 which sounds nothing but MB insurance can e-mail your covernote through to the...

We were down there earlier in Jul and it was fantastic driving. As a note, the tax for driving in Switzerland cost us 27 Euros which you buy from the border and lasts all year until Jan [Jan to jan]. You put the sticker in the windscreen and then you can come and go as you like. There are no...

Perhaps I should have said 130mph! I meant MPG. What a mistake to make.

I have a 350 and find it plenty fast enough and just great to own. All the R230s are complicated thus expensive if they go wrong. I would go for the post 04 wide screen sat nav but depending on your budget wouldn't worry about the 7 speed gearbox. It can be a bit jumpy and the 5 is smoother and...

Just wanted to pass on this useful bit of info to SL owners. Topped up the Windscreen Washer Bottle yesterday until it brimmed. Water level went down and I had a leak under the front right wheel. The water actually runs down the inside of the wheel arch cover. Found out from my friendly MB...

I had similar probs and thought I had a drain on the battery in my 04 SL. MB swapped the battery but it also was poor so I got a third and now everything is OK. I would get a MB one from your nearest dealer; I bet they're not much more than Halfords and you know you're getting the right thing...