spaceman763
Member
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2006
- Messages
- 47
Hi all,
I've had my 2001 w203 since 2005 and have been very pleased with it so far. I have been very busy over the past 2 years and have hardly spent time in London so the car has just sat unused on the side of the road for long periods. I am now back in London and have just noticed the awful shape that the car is in
Here is a long list of what is wrong:
1. Someone has whacked my right side doors and sped off. The dent is quite big and I don't think it can be pushed out.
2. Another lowlife had keyed the car on the same right hand side from front to back and also the boot lid.
3. Air con has finished I think as the EC Rest red light is constantly on.
4. Someone has stolen the Merc badge.
5. I can feel every bump on the road which leads me to believe that the suspension is knackered.
6. Rear heater vent does not seem to give out hot air.
7. Car is steering to the left. On the motorway I have to hold the steering slightly to the right to correct this.
8. The Big Service is now due....B I think.
9. Leather grey interior and carpets needs a good scrub!
10. Various other minor scuffs on paintwork.
11. Car sounds very rough and almost diesel like at times, especially at start up.
At this stage you folks are probably wondering how it got into such a bad condition and to tell the truth I had no idea it was this bad until I thought about it the other day. Me and the old man share the car but both have very busy jobs so unfortunately a combination of vandalism and neglect has had it's toll.
I'm quite determined to restore the car to some of it's prior glory rather than just leaving it to get even worse. I don't really need to buy another car so it is still more cost effective to revive the W203 rather than take a massive hit and sell up.
Car has full MBSH to date, however I am now looking to go to a decent indy who will not charge over the odds and will actually take an interest. Is this recommended or should I keep the dealer history?
I'm planning on fixing one bit at a time starting with getting the service, suspension, tracking and engine noise sorted. Can anyone recommend a good indy near East London for me to go and see?
Plan is to then see a body panel specialist for the doors and a touch up specialist for the scratches.
Sorry is this has turned into an essay but some advice would be much appreciated.
Regards
PS.. Is it worth claiming on the insurance for the doors and scratches? I have protected no claims but am worried about the cost of the premium rocketing for the next 5 years.
I've had my 2001 w203 since 2005 and have been very pleased with it so far. I have been very busy over the past 2 years and have hardly spent time in London so the car has just sat unused on the side of the road for long periods. I am now back in London and have just noticed the awful shape that the car is in
Here is a long list of what is wrong:
1. Someone has whacked my right side doors and sped off. The dent is quite big and I don't think it can be pushed out.
2. Another lowlife had keyed the car on the same right hand side from front to back and also the boot lid.
3. Air con has finished I think as the EC Rest red light is constantly on.
4. Someone has stolen the Merc badge.
5. I can feel every bump on the road which leads me to believe that the suspension is knackered.
6. Rear heater vent does not seem to give out hot air.
7. Car is steering to the left. On the motorway I have to hold the steering slightly to the right to correct this.
8. The Big Service is now due....B I think.
9. Leather grey interior and carpets needs a good scrub!
10. Various other minor scuffs on paintwork.
11. Car sounds very rough and almost diesel like at times, especially at start up.
At this stage you folks are probably wondering how it got into such a bad condition and to tell the truth I had no idea it was this bad until I thought about it the other day. Me and the old man share the car but both have very busy jobs so unfortunately a combination of vandalism and neglect has had it's toll.
I'm quite determined to restore the car to some of it's prior glory rather than just leaving it to get even worse. I don't really need to buy another car so it is still more cost effective to revive the W203 rather than take a massive hit and sell up.
Car has full MBSH to date, however I am now looking to go to a decent indy who will not charge over the odds and will actually take an interest. Is this recommended or should I keep the dealer history?
I'm planning on fixing one bit at a time starting with getting the service, suspension, tracking and engine noise sorted. Can anyone recommend a good indy near East London for me to go and see?
Plan is to then see a body panel specialist for the doors and a touch up specialist for the scratches.
Sorry is this has turned into an essay but some advice would be much appreciated.
Regards
PS.. Is it worth claiming on the insurance for the doors and scratches? I have protected no claims but am worried about the cost of the premium rocketing for the next 5 years.
Last edited:
Glad to see someone can make light of the situation!. Seriously though, I have some money set aside and am keen to get the car back to what it was!
