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W202 Modifications...

roof rack?
+ hope your going to take a few more tools than the standard mb tool kit:p
have you done it b4?
 
C230kompressor said:
roof rack?
+ hope your going to take a few more tools than the standard mb tool kit:p
have you done it b4?
Click to expand...

I did consider a roof rack... but if I can get everything to fit inside then I'm happier from an aerodynamics point of view... but if not, it'll go on top...

I went halway before in the W202:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/ot-off-topic-forums/81416-end-legend.html
I planned for 6 years to go, and ended up preparing a Shogun last year... at the last minute it changed.

M.
 
Spinal said:
I did consider a roof rack... but if I can get everything to fit inside then I'm happier from an aerodynamics point of view... but if not, it'll go on top...

I went halway before in the W202:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/ot-off-topic-forums/81416-end-legend.html
I planned for 6 years to go, and ended up preparing a Shogun last year... at the last minute it changed.

M.
Click to expand...

nice! have to get some pics all loaded ready to go!
 
Do you need the front passenger seat? They weigh a ton!
 
It seems like I'm taking the same copilot that tried to kill me last year, so I do need a passenger seat :p (Doubt she'd see the humour in sitting on the roof :P)

Thanks for the pic - it's more to get a vague idea as to where to mount the one I make than a precise blueprint... and it does seem that creating a bracket would be a good idea.

Maybe if I make a whole-body bracket, I can protect bit more of the underbelly... something from the front to rear bumper...

Air intake: I did think of that, but am not sure how to do that without negatively affecting performance...im thinking I may just bring 3 air filters and change it every 4 days...
 
Last edited:
you can make a snorkel out of normal gutter downpipe it fits straight into the rubber hose from the air box!
and then a dust filter off the top!
shouldnt make any differance to the performance!
 
Will said:
Not wanting to put a downer on anything but an old school 123/201 etc might be a bit simpler to fix if stuff gets tricky!

Will
Click to expand...

Which is what James May drove (W123) in the Top Gear Botswana special
 
Question... given that the springs are 14 years old, I may just change the springs...

If I get a set custom made, 1" longer than the originals - do I want them stiffer, softer or the same as the originals? Stiffer would mean less body travel over bumps... but also more vibrations rattling apart the engine when driving over corrugate... Softer would be more comfortable, but also increase the likelihood of bottoming out when driving over bumps...

Also, does anyone have a supplier they would recomend? Preferrably one with rally preparation experience?

thanks,
M.
 
What spec is your w202 - fitting the springs from the heaviest elegance model in the range (e.g. a C280), with #5 spring pads may give you what you need without the cost of custom parts.
 
It's a 180 Esprit, so factory lowered I'm led to believe...

You may have a point there actually!

Should I replace the shocks as well? (forgive me, my mecchanical skills shine in the bush... I can make you a shock absorber out of tennis balls, inner tubes or old shoes... but have no clue how to get past an MOT :p)

What are #5 pads? Are they spacers?

Is it a straight swap? As in, can I turn up at eurocarparts, dump £160 and pick up a set of springs for a C280 and fit them?

M.
 
Last edited:
Spinal said:
It's a 180 Esprit, so factory lowered I'm led to believe...

What are #5 pads? Are they spacers?

M.
Click to expand...
So C280 elegance springs should give you a decent height increase.

The pads sit between the springs and the body - they are avaialble in different thicknesses to allow for minor height adjustments with vehicle spec e.g. a basic C200 will have thinner pads, a spec'd up one thicker pads to give the same ride height even with all that extra equipment on board.

Some say you should aways change the shocks when changing the ride height. That is not strictly true if the spring rate remains similar (often lower = stiffer springs though, so you should). Even if the spring rate is similar - you will change centre point of the shock movement, so having bedded in nicely over the years you may now be exposing different surfaces to wear - which might lead to failure.
 
Was thinking about changing the grill on my 1995 C180 Espirit to an avant garde one. Anyone done this and was it difficult?
 
Didn't James May (Top Gear) drive a standard merc across Africa, just don't take the doors off. I would also fit an extra battery along with a bigger alternator (for lights and fans) plus you could do what we used to do on are road bikes fit kevlar strips inside the tyres or anything that will give you more protection and a cross. Good luck.
 
We have two scrapyards near me with at least six w202 mercs and other mercs, if you need anything South Norfolk.
 
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