From Swedish to German: The New Daily Driver

M4rCu5

6,232 posts · Joined 2014

#2 · Feb 5, 2023

Should have got a bigger airbox

S320 v SLK320

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#3 · Feb 7, 2023

Happy Monday!

I wasn't planning on responding just yet but, when free time presents itself to me, I question who am I to deny my newfound SLKphiles updates?

@M4rCu5 - Respectfully, I have to disagree. I wish I had some logical rationale, but in all honesty, if I got the bigger airbox, I'd have to consider:

Bigger filters

A 3" MAF housing

A 74mm throttle body

The truth is, I'm terribly indecisive. So I've bought them all.

I did hint at the bigger airbox above but, I'll just share the surprise among us. Please don't tell the others just yet.

If you thought for one minute, I hadn't read every page of your post, as well as M112 Upgrade Parts from @TVT_design, let me assure you I meant what I said about learning from people much smarter than myself.

My only disappointment is that I could not find the K2 Bono Black so I'll have to merely imitate you instead of commit outright plagiarism.

Since I prefer to under-promise and over-deliver, I'll sign off by saying there's definitely, maybe, more to come.

Oh, one last thing. I did promise some color..

 

M4rCu5

6,232 posts · Joined 2014

#4 · Feb 7, 2023

TVT Designs, Onehundred80, Reckah and others have all done similar variations on a theme, it's all well documented
Even though I enjoy the benefits of the bigger 'box and other mods myself I'm not totally convinced of the air intake cooling qualities by that big slab of black plastic and if money was no object a NeedsWings DCAI would work it's way into my equation ~ it still might do to be fair 🙃

Variations on a theme attached as .pdfs

 

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• MERCEDES ENGINE COVER and 74mm THROTTLE BODY MODIFICATION - version 2.pdf
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• 74mm-throttle-body upgrade.pdf
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• M112 Upgrade Parts.pdf
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S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#5 · Feb 11, 2023

Firstly, very happy Friday to all

As I try to piece together the story of this car, it's clear it cannot be accurately told without it's predecessor. Meet Inga.

Inga was a 2017 Volvo T5 Dynamic AWD. 2.0T, 8 speed automatic.

While not the most glorious photo of Inga, it is an honest one. Moreover, one of the only ones I have.

Originally purchased as a work car, I must say I was far more impressed than I ever thought I would be.

After months of searching for the right vehicle, one night around midnight, I found a for sale advertisement on Volvo's pre-owned site. I submitted a request for additional information.

The following morning the salesman contacted me while I was already making the 2.5 hour trip to the dealer. Shortly after arriving and explaining the aforementioned, he flashed a satisfied grin and invited me to have coffee while he finished with his current client.

4 hours later, after the most casual test drive, dealership tour, and professional conversation I can say I've ever had with a salesman, I left a deposit on the car with the intent of picking it up before Month End. The day I arrived at the train station, I thought he went above and beyond when I read his text: "..I'm sending someone from the dealership to pick you up. His name is Jesus." I should have expected nothing less from a man with a circa four-figure ballpoint pen.

Little did I know, this would be the beginning of the journey that led me to my SLK.

While I won't unnecessarily extol the virtues of a Volvo on a SLK forum, I will say I am grateful to this car.

I'm grateful for it's reliability while I worked on my other project car (bonus points if you know what this is):

I'm grateful for the garage I parked it in, and getting excited to see what I'd find that day (by far one of the best finds):

I'm grateful for it keeping me safe (nothing more than a minor inconvenience for myself and the other driver thankfully).

In spite of this last photo, I'm grateful it was fully repaired, driven for months without any issues, and sold for approximately 33% over what I owed, after roughly 40,000 miles in two years.

Lastly, I'm grateful this was so painfully predictable, I decided to buy a Mercedes that needed "a lot of little things."

Stay tuned for the next post, whenever that'll be, and at some point I'll cover the backstory on this beauté. Here's a hint: I feel your pain in your last post @paulw.

Until next time!

 

LeonardoDaBenz

33,439 posts · Joined 2016

#6 · Feb 11, 2023

When posting pics, only hit thumbnail OR full size. You've posted multiple pics of the same pic. Please edit your post to remove the dupes (if we do, we may accidentally remove all and you'll have to re-post .

Thanks.

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#8 · Feb 18, 2023

Happy Saturday!

What you are about to witness, is not for any ordinary mortal. Those of you with common sense, may feel a pain in your frontal lobe and/or temples as you progress. I opine this is normal.

Only a fool like myself would undertake such an endeavor, rife with high costs and low returns.

With this offering, I pay homage to the fools that blazed the trail before me and hope to set a standard for those that will inevitably follow. Peace be with you.

After parting with a perfectly functional, practical, well-equipped Inga for my as-yet-unnamed vario-roof roadster, I began looking into the "little things" I was forewarned about.

Between myself and older sibling, who worked at Mercedes-Benz for approximately ten (10) years in various locations and roles from Technician to Service Advisor (and was kind enough to assist from 1,300 miles away) we tentatively determined the car needed the following:

1. Master Cylinder & Reservoir
2. Blower Motor & Resistor
3. Exhaust Hanger Bushing
4. Interior Cabin Air Filter
5. Brake Light Stop Switch

To be fair, the car did need those things. In addition to everything else.

Upon entering the passenger side to install the blower motor and resistor, I pressed my hand down into the carpet, and approximately 1" of water.

While not ideal, I proceeded to remove the under dash panel and HVAC vent.

It's at this point, I should mention the car sat outside, under a tarp, for approximately three (3) years. Those of you who know what's coming, please, don't spoil the surprise.

Despite the above and some evidence on the sound deadening, I persisted with removing the blower motor and had no noteworthy concerns.

Removing the blower motor was uneventful and still, I was not concerned. I strive for equanimity at all times.

Then I discovered the kick panel in the passenger footwell.

I want to say it, but I'm going to ask Jeff to instead. Not @jbanks15, I've already bothered him with my inquiries. Jeff, could you please?

Thank you Jeff. It was at this point, concern entered the equation. If you zoom in, multiple concerns entered the equation.

Since one problem is questionably worth getting out of bed, much less creating an internet thread for, allow me to share how like Bebe's Kids, they multiplied.

While there is much, much more to reveal, I imagine you need a reprieve from the carnage you have witnessed.

Before I depart, I will say that what succeeds this is by far, one of the most satisfying cleanings I have ever seen and performed.

As a sneak preview to the next episode:

Thanks for reading and until next time!

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#9 · Apr 14, 2023

Greetings and Happy Friday to all!

After a brief hiatus, I have returned with tales and a debt of photos and details that I intend to pay in full.

I earnestly apologize for keeping you waiting for so long.

After the outpouring of messages I received, I knew...I'm sorry, I told you in my intro I prefer not to lie to you anymore than I already have to myself. Let's get back to work.

This update will be short as I've been capitalizing on the better weather and attempting to get the car done in time for a show.

Firstly, in all sincerity, I'd like to start with a consumer warning about a company called MBGram. I'm eschewing any links as I prefer not to drive any more traffic to their page.

In short, I strongly suggest you do not do business with them. I made a subreddit, as I spend a decent amount of time there, to not only alert others but offer some resources if consumers experienced the same issue that I did: attempted theft. There is also a FB group with over 500 members with a comparable experience.

This story has a happy ending in that I reported them to the various agencies and authorities in the aforementioned subreddit and received a full credit from my bank. Moreover, I ultimately went with a reputable, tried and true vendor, Tire Rack*, and received a little something from Germany:

*Mods - Apologies in advance if this is against any rules. I have no affiliation and gain nothing. I simply am sharing my experience with a business I have found to be honest and customer centric and wish to share that with my fellow enthusiasts in hopes they too have a positive experience.

I've got various other aesthetics en route with the goal of having this back on the road in under 60 days.

I owe quite a few people (including the previous owner) a full update, tour, and test drive so back to work I go.

I hope all your projects are going well and getting ready for some spring grand touring

Stay safe! Until next time!

 

Avel Du

63,830 posts · Joined 2015

#10 · Apr 14, 2023

Members sharing experiences is fine.
Abuse is not present so your post is good.

Hope the rest goes to plan.

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#11 · Jun 5, 2023

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. What's a picture with words worth?

This is going to take some time to unpack, so allow me to extend an olive branch and share some photos.

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#12 · Jun 5, 2023

In my above post, I made a claim that "what succeeds this is by far, one of the most satisfying cleanings I have ever seen and performed." I submit the below for your consideration.

Driver Side - Before

Driver Side - After

Passenger Side - Before

Passenger Side - After

If you've ever wondered what 20 year old carpets that have never been shampooed contain..

..multiply this by approximately five for each side.

What isn't shown are the countless hours of vacuuming, scrubbing, steaming, sanitizing, and liberal use of Ozone.

Once these carpets were spotless, I gave them a fantastic treatment of SEM 15243 Satin Black.

I hope you'll take my word as I completely abdicated my responsibility to take photos.

On to the rest of my excuses as to why I missed the car show.

 

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S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#13 · Jun 5, 2023

In case you ever find rodents in your vehicle, may this serve as a reminder that Industrious Mouse is real and you have every reason to be fearful:

If you're thinking "all of these areas are covered and require a great deal of time, patience, energy and focus to uncover," I thank you for your generosity.

It did indeed take a lot of time, patience, energy and focus (no oxford commas today).

After more vacuuming, scrubbing, steaming, sanitizing, and liberal use of Ozone, I began to address the other areas of concern, namely oxidation.

It's at this point I learned something about myself as I thought: "While you're in there (arguably as dangerous a grouping of words as "We need to talk.") you should apply sound deadening."

To be fair, all existing sound deadening was removed for what I hope are obvious reasons.

Enter POR-15, Kilmat, Siless and 3M 3381.

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#14 · Jun 5, 2023

As this is also an area I forgot to better document, please let me assure you, this is where my particular nature shined.

Every accessible square inch of the door was covered in 50 mil Kilmat, with a layer of Siless Closed Cell Foam on top inside the door.

All access panels were retained and cut out ensuring an OEM like fit an finish. The sound difference is incredible with a nominal weight gain.

The door closes like you'd expect on a luxury vehicle.

Trunk - Before

Trunk - After

Once more, forgot to take photos however ever seam was sealed with 3M 3381, every oxidized surface treated with POR-15, and some Closed Cell Foam was added near the shock towers.

Kilmat was added to the smaller recesses as well. I forgot to take...

Prior to reinstallation. No more rattling in this trunk without the bass turned on.

Onto the interior.

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#15 · Jun 5, 2023

Passenger Side - POR 15

Passenger Side - Siless 50 Mil and 3M 3381

Driver Side - Before

Driver Side - POR 15

Driver Side - Siless 50 Mil and 3M 3381

Again, all the OEM ports from the water egress to securing straps for the wire loom were painstakingly cut out to ensure OEM fit and finish.

The 3M 3381 was selected for its adhesiveness and temperature resistance as it's comparable to the Dynamat product and others.

This should help ensure that water will not get under the sound deadening and cause any oxidation.

Now, where do we go from here?

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#16 · Jun 5, 2023

Firstly, I hope this explains why I didn't make the show.

I couldn't/can't accept rushing to put the interior back together knowing it wasn't up to my standard and had the potential for further issues later.

This is months of weekend work condensed into a few photos. This is also my first foray into sound deadening.

Given that I removed all the factory sound dampening material, I'm estimating this should be a marginal gain in weight, if any.

This should assist with not only quieter cruising speeds but also maintaining temperatures given that summer is rapidly approaching and I plan on taking some long drives.

To say that there is more in store is an understatement. None of this was in the original draft of this project.

Weather dependent, I'll start the reassembly of the interior this weekend, and prepare the car for its mechanical restoration that I started this thread with.

Moreover, allow me to sincerely thank each of you for reading. I never imagined this would break 100 views, much less 1000.

I certainly think the final product will be worth the wait and I'm looking forward to the reaction of the previous owner.

Until next time!

 

M4rCu5

6,232 posts · Joined 2014

#17 · Jun 6, 2023

You missed a bit

Great job so far, top marks an' all that

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#18 · Jun 7, 2023

@M4rCu5 Thanks! You are not wrong

I'll get to that when I get to this (sneak preview):

As a partial secondary spoiler, let me say that when the top drops, I will "ride eternal, shiny, and chrome!"

 

H

HambleSLK

16 posts · Joined 2016

#20 · Jun 8, 2023

Thanks for sharing your pictures and experiences. It's interesting to see what the SLK 'uncovered' really looks like!

 

Dave2302

10,164 posts · Joined 2018

#21 · Jun 8, 2023

Absolutely excellent write up, I'm luvvin' it !!

There is just one thing I noticed from your initial posts of Filters etc ..........................

You are missing 2 cylinders and approximately 1.8 litres of Cylinder capacity ....

..................... Go on, ya know ya wanna

 

Windinmyhair

6,878 posts · Joined 2017

#27 · Jun 8, 2023

'Tire sublimation department' - love it

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#28 · Jun 14, 2023

Happy Wednesday!

Let's start with an honest question: did you really think I was going to not sound deaden the rest of the transmission tunnel?

There's a fantastic book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," that taught me a myriad of valuable lessons in my youth. However, what if I'm that mouse? What if it's not cookies and milk, but sound deadening and foil tape? Do my friends and family tell me or wait until I'm fervently scrubbing butyl off my hands and I can't recall what the past several hours of my Sunday? I wish I had answers. Instead, I invite you to join me as I embark further into the city of woe.

Interior Bulkhead - Before

After removing the wire loom tape and dried adhesive (don't worry about that spot in the lower right )

Interior Bulkhead - After

This is a good time for a brief intermission. I did not intend to cover the bulkhead. Given that it already has sound deadening from Bremen (50 mil thickness by my highly scientific, unimpeachable estimate), it seemed like high effort, low yield work. Then I had a moment of clarity. With this interior disassembled, it would be irresponsible of me to not apply an additional 50 mil layer for a combined 100 mil on the majority of the surface. How else do I capitalize on the inevitable "I need to go for a drive and clear my head" moments? Infallible logic right there.

Moreover, given that the closed cell foam is 157 mil, I have a sneaking suspicion that the carpet may not fit smoothly if I added that on top. Closed cell foam also doesn't take as kindly to excision via X-Acto knife as does foil backed butyl. There's a new sentence for me.

Lastly, I try not to get too sentimental however I would be remiss if I didn't mention a special anniversary. This past week marks twenty-one (21) years since a special individual either placed or quality assured the sound deadening on this panel, and possibly more inside this vehicle. They have quite literally laid the foundation that I have built upon and deserve a moment of recognition. Thank you Stankiewicz. I hope this makes you proud.

Unless of course this date is in DD/MM/YYYY format. In that case, happy early anniversary! Back to the show!

Lastly, lastly..

I'm pretty proud of those

If I may offer any word of advice, be sure that when you're reinstalling: 1. The top bolt in the upper seatbelt recess is perfectly vertical or you will cross thread. Ask me how I know. 2. Be sure that the base of the seatbelt is properly aligned when re-tightening or the seatbelt will be permanently locked. Again, ask me how I know.

Finally, yes, I did take the speaker bolts and nuts on the passenger side and clean them up with a bench grinder. In for a penny...

Interior Bulkhead - Access holes cut and foil tape applied

If you're a keen observer, you may be wondering "why are the areas around the rollover bar bolts silver?"

"Did he take a 13mm socket and press it over the head of the bolt to make a perfect cut out in the sound deadening and then attempt to remove the butyl from the bolt head with a concentrated application of Goof Off?"

Yes. Yes, I did. I regret nothing.

 

Avel Du

63,830 posts · Joined 2015

#29 · Jun 14, 2023

@55russamg Didn't you do some sound deadening?

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#30 · Jun 14, 2023

At this point, I can't tell if this is as enjoyable for you as it is for me. Is it therapeutic? Schadenfreude? Some combination of all three?

I never really thought about it and I do enjoy writing these posts. What I can tell you, is I do love me some clean, cable management.

I am happy to report, the driver side cabling and related sheaths are installed. Including new clips to replace the tough as nails plastic that fought me, laughed in polymer tongues, and spit broken pieces on my cabin floor. Leverage is your friend here. Invest in a panel popper.

Like the 19th letter of the alphabet, this wire bend threw me a curve:

When attaching the new clips, I cut the old one, and slid the new one in it's exact place to ensure proper fitment. The only issue is that this clip preceded another that didn't align with any holes.

Of course, I forgot to take photos of the specific area but was able to confirm that I didn't cover any holes with sound deadening.

If you look on the face of the seat rail closest to the clip, you can see one hole that I eventually used to secure it, however that led me to the one clip that didn't have a home.

You can get a better view of the hole I secured the upper clip with here (middle right). As there are no spots for the lower clip, I have a theory: this was only used to secure the wires, not actually affix them to the floor. If anyone know differently, feel free to let me know. However, even without that clip, these wires are not moving. Kind of like the car at the moment. So back to work I go.

The sheath is now back in place

In case you're wondering, that foil tape runs all along the perimeter of the sound deadening, even under the carpet. Once I find a chiropractor, they can attest to that.

Since I'll be sitting for the foreseeable future, and its somewhat of a prerequisite to drive the car, under the seat needed to be buttoned up.

I don't know what those zip ties on the seat cables are truly for, especially the one that is zip tied over electrical tape.

I do know that since I removed them, I got two new zip ties, cut them to identical length and didn't question it any further, especially after I cut off the second zip tie, because it didn't match the same direction as the first I replaced.

Enjoy the rest of the week! I'll have more updates soon!

 

Avel Du

63,830 posts · Joined 2015

#31 · Jun 14, 2023

Me? Not a cat in hells chance I would take that route. I don't even get time to do basic maintenance.

However, I do appreciate the time and effort made and your thread may help others who do not play Rammstein.

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#35 · Sep 11, 2023

Greetings and Happy Monday!

It's been almost 90 days since the last update. Wholly unintentional and markedly surprising in a number of ways.

In this time I've spent quite some time on the details. Details, details, details.

However, from the eminently quotable The Untouchables, 'A man becomes preeminent, he's expected to have enthusiams.' These are mine.

What good is a vacuum with a leak?

There are door sills and then there are door sills. I aspire to make these worthy to wear the marks of soles.

Let me be a cautionary tale to follow your own rules and wisdom (graciously imparted to you by those older, wiser, and smarter): Assume you will forget everything the second its taken apart. Photograph, label, securely store. No exceptions.

Let me tell you the story of my glovebox in photos.

Did I mention that I added sound deadening to every conceivable location?

In misplacing several screws during disassembly, this provided an opportunity to procure new ones. In an attempt to ration sanity, not overpay at MB parts, and preserve harmony in our household, I have found an unlikely sponsor to this project: Lowe's.

You can see which ones above are not like the other. As you know, this simply won't do. I'll spare you the bandwidth and ensure you that these received a liberal application of...you guessed it: SEM 15243. By spare you the bandwidth, I mean of course, I forgot to take photos. I do hope my word is enough to ensure you it looks as OE as CB of MB AG would have hoped.

Why stop there? Why misplace just screws, when you can misplace the dowels that the glovebox strap and compression secure to as well? After a visit to my local dealer, and another incomparably positive phone call with Matt at Pelican Parts, we turned NLA into a good day with our aforementioned sponsor.

With a bench grinder, some 600 grit sandpaper, SEM, and the patience of one who willingly watches a pot boil, I happily present the finished product:

Those of you keen-eyed observers will see that I incorrectly installed the shock and strap in the above photos. Rest easy knowing it's since been corrected.

This also allowed me an opportunity to align my foil tape with the right angles of the squares in my sound deadening (hopefully its clear I'm getting my money's worth). You never know who might check. I'm fairly certain it has better adhesion properties as well. Please allow me some time to test and report my findings

Thankfully, this solution works, dare I say, flawlessly. I could have shaved down the bolts more however the passenger vent fits without obstruction and the hitch pin is firm enough to execute a hostile takeover. The clevis pin has zero axial play and the hole required minimal clearance adjustment via the 600 grit. I'm fairly proud this for an approximately $4 solution.

Next up, I'm repairing the broken plastic tabs that secure the passenger vent and other areas of the dash. Some have the patience for a plastic welder and charge exorbitant prices on the Bay of e. However, if you refer to my aforementioned paragraph referencing 'harmony in our household,' I've found an alternate solution: U-clips.

Let me be clear: In no way am I making the time to clean off the yellow zinc plating (presumably) and apply a flat black primer and paint so it matches when you barely see the thin, almost imperceptible, horizontal edge between the passenger vent and the enclosure that secures to the dash...I almost made it the full sentence. I promised not to lie to you more that I lie to myself. I beg your pardon once more. I should've bought the clips in black.

More updates soon! I hope you've enjoyed and I sincerely thank you for reading.

Until next time!

 

S

SybariticSavant Discussion starter

34 posts · Joined 2023

#36 · Sep 11, 2023

Oh, one final note, I did manage to squeeze in some fun these last few months, albeit briefly:

I was lucky enough to drive this for a few days and I must say, tremendous and riotously fun.

Don't worry, this isn't the V8 that's going into the SLK.

Wait, what? @Dave2302 That's a ridiculous notion, right?