Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

Until there's enough money in the bank for a tidy merc + upkeep, i'm now back looking at V70's or S80's. Friend of mine said the S80's are just a load of trouble, but that v70's just keeps on going. Not sure how that could be as they're based on the same platform so should be fairly equal in terms of maintenance?

Thinking about this, what's your precise model/year BQ? I'll ask the chap who looks after my Volvo if he knows of someone in the Merc world that is his peer.

The S80 auto-box is total shit, and can and will destroy itself.

Mine's still tanking down oil, and I'm now about £2k in the hole after my head broke last year.

Considering I bought it for £2.7k, I'm on the verge of chucking it on eBay and lying about the oil consumption.

Won't get an automatic, very tempted on a 2005/6/7 2.5T manual though

Who knows? I wouldn't know where to begin.
Let's say that even in its present condition I can sell it or trade it in for £500.
And lets say that with a perfectly running engine I might get £1500, but more likely £1000.

A new fuel pressure regulator, fuel distributor with EHA valve, OVP relay, fuel pump, dizzy cap and rotor, could easily swallow up that £500 difference. The EHA alone can cost that.

For someone who wants long-term car it would be worth buying and fixing, but for me, given that I never intended to actually keep it this long maybe I should just cut my losses now and buy the Porsche.

It's a 1990, with the M104.980 engine.

M-56 manual is very tough. The 2.5 litre T5 has issues with the liners splitting when tuned - but if you are keeping it stock then that's not a concern.

It'll be kept as is, plenty enough gas in there for me. Only tricky bit is to find one for sensible money, without silly milage that a 19 year old haven't driven to shit

Ah, the good old KE-Jet - return it to full mechanical function and it will be more reliable and can be tuned by tweaking a few screws. Just make sure all the vacuum lines work as intended.

If it's the same system as a Volvo 760 with the PRV then I had a similar issue once. Also on a Peugeot 505 - although that would randomly start revving when it got hot in traffic.

It'll be something to do with a lambda sensor, airflow sensor or even mixture screw. Search the web for diagrams and have a look yourself.

Or spend the money on a full electric fuel system and pay someone to set it up - if the rest of the car is sound it's be a sound investment.

BTW, I'm no mechanic but I didn't find it too hard to keep a couple of old cars with these systems running. Can be a massive PITA though

Is this the same K-Jet as in 924 and other VAG cars of that era?

Probably, there weren't too many variations. I think KE just means an electronically controlled ignition??

found this - clean the airflow sensor (big alu bowl) and centre the plate

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w116-s-se-sel-sd-class/1223523-bosch-d-jetronic-k-jetronic-troubleshooting.html

Runs rough (warm)

1)Warm control pressure incorrect;
Incorrect warm control pressure that is too high or low will cause an incorrect air-fuel ratio,thus resulting in a rough idle.

2)Airflow sensor adjusted improperly or binding;
If the movement is not smooth,it will result in air-fuel ratio errors.Check for centering and correct rest height.

3)Leaking cold start valve;
Again,will result in overfueling the engine,resulting in a rough idle.

4)Injectors have an unequal flow or spray pattern;
Do an injector flow test and replace any that do not
deliver the correct amount of fuel or have a poor spray pattern.

If it is, I know a Porsche specialist near Hainault who employ a 924 mechanic who knows everything about the Bosch K-Jet

How rewarding will a Legacy be on trackdays compared to my MX5?

wow, loads more sites now dedicated to K-jet. Wish I had access when I owned the old 740 and 505...

http://www.k-jet.org/articles/information/k-jet-frequently-asked-questions/

I know you are prob maxxed out right now, Niall, but i am sure a couple of us could bring tools/laptop/coconut rings to your place and give you a hand trying to sort it. just putting it out there.

don't do it

Depends on whether its a 600bhp monster (with associated handling/braking "tweaks") or a stock na 2.0 :)

For their size they are relatively light - but obviously heavier than an mx5 and the 4wd system is very different to RWD

i have a question for the track day/racers, too - just how shit are the track day tyres when it is wet? r888/yoko, etc

They're interesting, but if you can get a bit of heat in them they won't be as disappointing as you think. Prepare for some tail-happy time though if you're provoking.

i have the chance to borrow a set tomorrow. rain predicted 1400 - 1600

How about 350bhp with coilovers and brakes?

YES.

Serious in the morning, slidey fun in the afternoon.

Single or twin turbo? Do you have a link (will see if I recognise it)?

350bhp suggests it should have been remapped - pushing the limits of what a standard twin turbo setup will produce (but should have had the valley of death mapped out), if its single turbo then I would jump on it.

If the brakes are just impreza 4pots then you would want to upgrade them to Brembo's as minimum (which may require new wheels) imo.

Oh this isn't an actual car, just being theoretical

So - I've got to sort out my car through the warranty, they've asked me to take it to a local garage that charges up to £50 per hour for labour, anyone got any suggestions around east or north london?