September 2020

GazetteSeptember 2020

MERCEDES-AMG GT S WHAT GOT YOU INTO MERCEDES? BTCC RETURNS R/C107 SL/SLC ABS REPAIR

THE OFFICIAL MERCEDES-BENZ CLUB FOUNDED 1952 What’s inside... Regulars 4 CLUBINFORMATION 26 4 CLUBPUBMEETINGS 5 DIARYDATES

5 INVITATIONSRECEIVED

7 NEWS&VIEWS

15 YOURLETTERS

23 CLUBSHOP FEATURES 39 Car of the month 26 Rob writes... 40 My GT S story – life 2.0 51 REGIONALREPORTS 46 F1 news 30 What got you into this in 71 SPECIALNOTICES the first place? TECHNICAL CORNER 73 NEWMEMBERS 33 BTCC 47 R/C107 SL/SLC ABS fix 34 My time at Ilmor 50 Spares register 73 BACKNUMBERS 38 From deep in the Archive 77 CARSFORSALE 30 34 50

Gazette Membership benefits First ever Mercedes-Benz Club Members’ website forum Published by The Mercedes-Benz Club – founded 1952 Free subscription to Mercedes-Benz Gazette copy dates Only UK club recognised by Classic magazine November September 18 December October 16 Mercedes-Benz Discounts from parts suppliers Monthly Gazette Discounts from hotels Editorial Office: Chris Bass, Tel: 01483 481836. Technical support 30 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ Unique archive of photos, brochures E-mail: [email protected] Discounted insurance and technical literature

Advertising, Design and Production: Hine Marketing, Club shop Tel: 01452 730770 MercedesBenzClubUK Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton Local, national and international events Gloucestershire GL2 9LN Discounts from many MB dealers themercedesbenzclub/ E-mail: [email protected]

Gazette distribution queries: Catherine Barlow, For membership and general enquiries Tel: 01780 482111 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) telephone 01780 482111, 0345 6032660 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) 30 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ E-mail: [email protected] or see www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk NEWS&VIEWS auto forever OUR GOAL: CLUB PRESIDENT MODEL REGISTER to become your provider of information on classic cars CAPTAIN VACANCIES Our volunteer Model Register Captains have provided a valuable resource to our Members during the last few months when contact with their local workshops remained unavailable during the lock- down, however there are still a few NEW ! unfilled MRC vacancies. If you wish to Rob Halloway. be considered as an applicant for present or possible future vacancies please Along with the rest of the Board of register your interest by contacting me EVERYTHING YOU NEED Directors, I am delighted to announce via clive.henderson@mercedes-benz- that Rob Halloway has agreed to serve as club.co.uk TO KNOW ABOUT Honorary Club President for another three- year term. Not only is Rob an enthusiastic Model Register vacancies ‘ordinary’ Member of the Club, he is also 190SL (W121), CLS (W218 and W219), very supportive of the Club’s activities in S-Class saloons and coupés (W140), THE 107-SERIES terms of events and Gazette contributions. A-Class (W176) , SL (R231) and Rob is one of the most pro-active B-Class (W245, W246 and W247). Presidents that I can remember during my Clive Henderson, Model Register 37 years as a Club Member. Captain Co-ordinator MERCEDES Jeremy Stevens – Technical Director and Vice-Chairman SL/SLC NEW BOOK ON THE R/C107 Buying guide to choose the right car SL AND SLC For its sixth book, its first in English, French publisher Auto Save time looking for information Forever says it has decided to tackle the R/C107-series SL and SLC. This A4 format hardback has 132 pages and 274 photos. Auto Forever says its Detailed Guides are regularly described as ‘bibles’ by the motoring press. The guide to the R/C107 examines These badges can be supplied with either the model in 10 chapters, including the time-line for the changes provision for mounting on a bar or on a grille. made to the model, sales and production figures, how to tell the various models apart, complete technical specifications, standard The sixth book published and optional equipment, road and steering wheels, body and trim CAR BADGES colours and materials, spin-offs from the model and identifying Five per cent discount by Auto Forever Car badges are available from the Club marks. available to Club Members. Shop (www.mercede-benz-club-shop. The new book is available on ‘subscription’ until The first in English co.uk or 01278 652340). They are September 30 at the special price of £32 instead of £45, exclusively at en.auto-forever.com. approximately three inches (76mm) wide All customers who place their order during this period may, if they wish, have their names and come with fittings enabling them to listed on the ‘Acknowledgements’ page in the book. An exclusive slip-cased edition is also be mounted on most radiator grilles. The available in a limited run of 100 copies for £69.99. The book will come out at the beginning cost is £25 including post and packing. of November. Finally, the publisher is pleased to grant an additional discount of five per cent What the readers to all Members of the Mercedes-Benz Club when they quote the code MBCUK. of our previous books think

Overall rating 4,7 GET AWAY FROM IT ALL old when we sold it. The new one is noticeably smoother and LIMITED more comfortable. With features such as air-conditioning and the Delivery 4,8 PRINT RUN As we emerge from the lock-down, North East based Mercedes- MBUX info-tainment system it feels more like a luxury car than Benz dealer Bell Truck and Van is offering an escape route. any van we’ve driven previously.’ They say, ‘The Sprinter 4x4 as a base for a camper van features Value for money 4,6 selectable all-wheel drive and the 316 CDI model is powered by a fuel-efficient 163hp engine. The medium-length L2 body with high roof can be converted by Bristol-based specialist Atlas Sporthomes into a self-contained mobile holiday home £32 ! with a compressor-driven fridge, a cooker fuelled by an on- SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER AT board gas tank, roof-mounted solar panels to provide electricity, 100-litre water and waste-water tanks, a toilet, shower and a (save£13 on the future regular price) large, comfortable bed. Heavy-duty insulation and double-glazed windows make it a cosy retreat in all weathers’. Customers Jon Boyle and Deborah Neame report, ‘The ADDITIONAL 5% DISCOUNT Sprinter has turned out to be the perfect get away vehicle for the current conditions, it’s great on rough terrain, thanks to the with the MBCUKcoupon 4x4 drive-train and raised ride height, while the solar panels and water tanks mean we can be ‘off-grid’ and isolated for a + exclusively for the Club’s members week at a time. We were originally looking for a low-mileage, lightly used example. The Sprinter 4x4 is a specialised model though and owners tend to hang onto them, so there aren’t many available. We’d owned a couple of campers before, one being a standard rear-wheel-drive Sprinter that was nearly 20 years Jon Boyle, Deborah Neame and ‘Jess’ with their Sprinter 316 CDI. Reserve your copy exclusively at en.auto-forever.com www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 7 NEWS&VIEWS

AUCTION NEWS 1997 E320 estate tourmaline green/cream leather, 80,000 miles £3,240 1999 SLK230 obsidian black/black, 69,000 miles £1,944 2002 CL500 silver blue/grey, 108,000 miles £2,970 2005 S320 CDI black/black, 170,000 miles £4,240 H&H held another two ‘ABC’ (Automobilia, Bikes and Cars) on-line auctions with over 440 registered bidders at the first and 340 at the second. For the first sale results were again good with a 70 per cent sale rate for the cars. There were 10 Mercedes in the catalogue, only one of which did not sell, the star being a 1965 250SL from the USA with a recent body and interior overhaul. In ivory white with red trim it sold for £64,400. The remaining results were: 1978 450SLC silver/red, recent £15,000 spend at the SL Shop, Historics’ 1952 Adenauer – £24,904. 95,000 miles £10,925 1985 500SL red/black and grey cloth, LHD, 110,000km £16,875 1987 560SEC diamond blue/dark blue leather, 58,000 miles £10,925 1988 560SL red/tan, ex-California, 123,000 miles £12,650 1989 560SEC diamond blue/mushroom leather, 121,000 miles £16,100 1990 230CE white/blue cloth, 136,000 miles £4,140 1991 500SL black/grey, 58,000 miles £9,200 1995 E220 metallic blue/cream leather, 95,000 miles £2,645 The second sale was not quite as successful and of the eight Mercedes on offer only five sold. One of the non-sales being a lovely 1988 300SE in nautic blue with only 43,000 miles and a regular entry in the Club’s National Concours. On the other hand a lovely 1987 560SEL in willow green metallic with pine green leather and just 26,000 miles made an impressive £20,750. The other sales were: 1984 280SE white/brown cloth, new engine, 158,000 miles £4,485 1967 250SE, from Australia with one owner, £14,000 at the same sale. 1991 SL500 green-black/grey leather, only 20,000 miles, speedo On-line sales have continued apace with additional auction houses change £12,650 entering. RM Sothebys had a lot of high profile stock consigned 2004 E55 AMG white/black, ex-Japan, 59,000 miles £12,650 to go to Essen which they decided to release as a timed on-line 2006 CL500 silver-blue/grey, 42,000 miles £6,670 auction and managed to sell in excess of €19 million worth in spite CCA also held its first on-line auction. With a total catalogue of of several lots remaining unsold. Generally speaking the Mercedes 125 cars it was quite a slow affair, but results were good generally prices were at the lower end of expectations, typified by a 1958 and only one of 13 Mercedes did not sell. The highest prices paid 300SL roadster, French registered with Rudge wheels from new for Mercedes were the £35,840 achieved by a 2004 SL65 AMG in but with a replacement engine, only making €759,000. RM has the silver with stone grey trim and 65,000 miles covered and a 1991 500E knack of finding unusual cars and one such example was the 1988 in blue-black with black half leather and 126,000km which made Hartge F1 W124, a one-off built by the Hartge brothers using a 300E £32,480. There were three G-Wagens, a 1986 G300D in anthracite modified with a BMW M88 tuned engine, which sold for €72,600. with charcoal cloth and 47,000 miles at £15,680, a 2000 G500 Brabus Back home Matthewsons of Pickering had a lot of stock but only in matt black with black trim, LHD, ex-Tokyo with 46,000 miles four Mercedes, three of these sold: at £25,760 and a 2003 G270 from Germany in obsidian black and 1981 380SLC yellow/black, sunroof, 114,000 miles £8,600 252,000km making a very strong £19,936. The remaining sales were: 1986 230TE white/black, 157,000 miles £2,903 1966 200 Fintail white/tobacco MB-Tex, LHD £9,520 1987 500SEL pale metallic green/green velour, 167,000 miles £2,050 1978 450SL nautic blue/blue cloth, needing TLC £3,808 Anglia Car Auctions of Kings Lynn had its usual large stock and 1992 500SL crystal green/grey, 63,000 miles £9,856 held its first on-line auction over two days, a Saturday and Sunday. 1996 C36 AMG silver/black, ex-Japan, 79,000km £8,960 Advance viewing was possible by appointment only. They had 19 2001 CL600 green-black/java beige trim, two owners, 44,000 Mercedes and only two failed to sell. Most sales were in line with miles £11,424 estimates although there were one or two surprises, most notably a 2003 SL55 AMG silver/grey, 112,000 miles £12,096 1993 300GES in black with grey trim and 147,000 miles selling for 2004 C55 AMG estate silver/black, 113,000 miles, one of only £18,285, 50 per cent above mid-estimate! A no reserve 1965 220SE 55 RHD £9,184 coupé in bronze with brown MB-Tex, one family ownership and Brightwells held another timed on-line auction at the beginning 107,000 miles prompted a bidding frenzy, selling for £16,740 but of July with seven Mercedes included in its line up at the sub- needing a massive spend! A really nice 1984 280SE in lapis blue £10,000 level. Only one, a 1996 SL500, failed to sell with the with blue cloth, three owners and just 23,000 miles was a good buy successful sales: at £11,660, another 1984 280SE in white with grey cloth and 36,000 1966 220SE Fintail, resprayed black with blue trim, believed miles was less desirable and did not sell. An Irish registered 1972 83,000 miles £7,075 300SEL 6.3 in metallic blue and blue leather with a recorded 63,000 1985 280SL silver/black, 118,000 miles £3,894 miles was £21,730 but will need tidying. The rest of the sales were: 1989 190E 2.6, blue/blue cloth, manual box £3,150 1986 560SEC blue metallic/grey cloth, 154,000 miles £8,640 1990 260E silver/grey cloth, 135,000 miles £2,250 1987 260E impala brown/beige leather, 88,000 miles £2,700 1992 300TE blue/grey cloth, 199,000 miles £1,050 1987 560SL left-hand-drive, anthracite/palomino leather, only 2003 CLK320 cabriolet deep blue/light blue, only 31,000 miles 49,000 miles £24,380 £3,750 1988 500SEL light metallic green/mushroom leather, 192,000 Barons was the first UK auction house to switch back to sales miles £5,670 with a live audience. It moved from its usual Sandown Park venue 1990 300D white/black trim, 166,000 miles £1,894 to Epsom racecourse to allow for greater space for social distancing. 1992 300SL white/blue leather, 128,000 miles £4,860 There were 10 Mercedes in the sub-£10,000 bracket and they 1992 190E silver/grey cloth, 119,000 miles £1,894 all sold: 1993 190E 2.3, almandine/grey cloth, ex-South Africa, 110,000 1981 W123 250 red/black leather, 137,000 miles £5,390 miles £2,862 1984 W123 230E white/blue cloth, 185,000 miles £,3190 1994 C180 light blue metallic/grey cloth, only 48,000 miles 1985 W123 200T olive/grey cloth, 140,000 miles, Category C £2,862 insurance write-off £3,025

8 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk The opinions expressed are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect Club policy. The Editor reserves the right to edit letters if necessary. They should be sent to the editorial office c/o 30 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ or [email protected] YOURLETTERS

buyers rely on condition more than minor Letter of the Month preferences like seat colour and all modern cars have decent equipment levels. MB As a thank you (and as an incentive for even greater efforts) we like to choose fits black interiors because it knows that it a letter of the month. Meguiar’s have kindly agreed to sponsor this and the looks better for longer and buyers of used Member whose letter is selected receives a Wash & Wax car care kit. cars are happy with it. I question some of Mr Halloway’s other propositions. I am not much older than IS A FULL ‘MBSH’ WORTH IT? the 45 years to which he admits and can Dear Chris, clearly remember when MB was considered I read with interest Stuart Mercer’s letter under a mass producer of cars but its volume of this heading in the August Gazette, so I thought output was small relative to the giants like that I would report my experience. Six years Ford and GM and its USP was that whilst ago I traded in my C180 coupé at Manchester production lines were kept ticking over Mercedes-Benz, when it was a full Mercedes with cars for fleets and dealer stock, private garage. They were not interested in a Mercedes- buyers could select a body style from a Benz service history record, just a full service limited range (saloon, coupé, station wagon history. Because of the age of the car they said etc) and choose engine, transmission, that they would just send it to the auction, but equipment and trim from a very large they gave me a good discount when I showed range. The downside was that the cars were my Club membership card. My replacement was expensive and delivery times lengthy, but a three-year-old SLK and part of the deal was the business was successful and profitable. a free service contract for two years. The first Motoring journalists at the time urged free service was at Manchester, but because of buyers of new Mercedes to dig deep the sink-hole in the Mancunian Way and the into their pockets to endow the car with problem with traffic, I had the second service desirable equipment, particularly automatic at Bolton Mercedes-Benz. After the service Recommended, but be aware of the transmission, central locking, electric the manager wanted me to sign up for another labour rates. windows and air conditioning. Buyers contract. I declined, saying that I would be looking for a used Mercedes were advised going to an independent Mercedes garage. The manager asked me which to look only at cars with history and the independent garage I would be going to. I told him that it was J Benz Tech (Golborne said desirable equipment. As Mr Halloway Enterprise Park, Phoenix House, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3DP, telephone 01942 comments, there were dire poverty spec 665186), 18 miles from Bolton but only seven miles from my home. He told me cars in bad colours but MB still got its profit that he knew Jason because they needed a job doing on a Brabus and none of their and the customer who ordered it was happy, technicians could do it, so they paid Jason to do it for them. I currently have both my at least until he discovered the impending SLK and A-Class serviced with Jason. Jason and his colleague Mark are both Brabus financial hit when trying to sell it. trained, but I should warn about his labour rates (see photo). Ford and other high volume producers also offered customer choice of equipment Regards, and trim but it was packaged in fixed trim Gordon Cave, via e-mail levels with names such L, GL, GXL etc. The higher trim levels were charged at a sum far in excess of the actual cost and were very profitable. All this changed with the arrival of the AIR CONDITIONING BLACK UPHOLSTERY Japanese car makers; they introduced cars Dear Chris, AGAIN that the Americans called ‘fully loaded’ Further to my letter in the August Gazette, which is to say that a mass market family I should have acknowledged the help Dear Sir, saloon was delivered with equipment and advice of Model Register Captain Apropos of the saga of the black upholstery matching or exceeding top trim levels of Bernie Surtees when trying to diagnose (see recent ‘Letters’ pages) I felt a twinge Fords but at a price at or little more than the my air conditioning problem. It was much of sympathy for Mr Rayner and others like base model. The downside in the early days appreciated. him as I finished reading Rob Halloway’s was some styling that was not entirely to My 1995 W202 C200 Elegance has piece in the June Gazette. European tastes. This was offset by hitherto covered only 40,000 miles from new. It is easy to see why Mr Halloway is a unheard of reliability. The air conditioning was working but successful brand ambassador for Mercedes- MB initially remained aloof from an expensive sounding clatter had to be Benz by the way he took 2,000 words to Japanese influence but as competition in investigated. The clutch on the front of the turn the withdrawal of choice of trim colour the mass market led to cars being better compressor was the culprit. However, the into a valuable customer benefit. As one made and better equipped its customers only way to buy a new clutch was to buy a who cares not a jot about trim colour I think began to wonder if a Mercedes was worth complete new compressor. I can distil the 2,000 words into three short the cost and delay. MB belatedly realised What I’m getting at is, does anyone statements: that its brand was a hugely valuable asset know if there is a source of new clutches? 1. If you’re a private buyer of a and millions of motorists wanted the badge Alternatively is there anyone who can new Mercedes using your own money on the car but either did want the large repair them? Mercedes-Benz does not care about you. cars that were the only offering or wanted Above all, I hate waste and to 2. If you are a first user of a new something more affordable. MB could me, throwing a perfectly serviceable Mercedes on a personal contract plan, hire also see the increased profits from Ford compressor in the scrap bin is not purchase or lease, Mercedes-Benz does type mass production with its lower costs. environmentally sound practice. not care about you, but you can have a car The outcome is where MB is today; it has immediately on instalments you can just become a large volume maker, close on the Kind regards, about afford. heels of Ford as Mr Halloway asserts. Bill Woolnough, via e-mail 3. If you are an intending buyer of I suggest that a typical family Mercedes a one-owner, low mileage, historied car costs about the same to make as a Editor’s note: If you can help Bill please let Mercedes you are in luck. Research shows similar sized Ford in a very similar factory. me know (chris.bass@mercedes-benz-club. that the pristine looking black interior will (Members have previously commented on co.uk or 01483 481836). impress you enough to buy it. Used car seeing labels on bits of their cars saying

www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 15 MoreClubShop detailed clothing descriptions, sizes and colours shown on the website. Available via the Club website or directly on www.mercedes-benz-club-shop.co.uk Post and packing is not included in the prices shown here.

Club fleece in Red trim jacket in various colours various colours £32.00 Softshell jacket in various £45.00 Jacket in various colours £22.00 colours £35.00

Cufflinks £20.00 Pin Badge £8.00

Keyrings £6.50

Holdall in various colours £25.00

Club badge Club face mask £8.00 £23.00 Tee Jay jacket in deep navy or hunter green £90.00 Buy on-line You can access the Club Shop via the Club website or directly on www.mercedes-benz-club-shop.co.uk. Payment can be made by credit card or cheque. Please make cheques payable to Donna Butter. All orders will be despatched within 14 days, if there is a problem we will contact you. Post and packing is not included in the prices given above. Goods found to be faulty through design flaws or postage damage will be replaced free of charge. To order please ring 01278 652340 If we are unable to answer the phone, please leave a message on the answer-phone and we will call you back. The e-mail address is [email protected] Sorry, but due to bank charges, we have had to introduce a minimum order value of £5.00.

www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 23 FEATURE

KLM red-eye overnight. Which was fine, as we’d get to Almaty in time for breakfast on Tuesday (about six hours later than scheduled). Only 60 minutes after landing we’d cleared passport control and bounded eagerly to collect our luggage, which had followed our zig-zag pan-European path all day. Except it hadn’t. None of our luggage appeared on the carousel. The bags were, it eventually transpired, all having a wild night out in Amsterdam, and were due to arrive around the same time tomorrow. This would be about the same time we were to leave for the trek eastwards, over the border and into China. The day’s activity therefore consisted of heading into the Almaty equivalent of Westfield and buying some clothes and wash kit for our guests. It only took five hours to pop into town to purchase four Team 69 limbering up – Michelle and Joachim with Rob’s home for the week. shirts, some awful pantaloons and a few other bits. So, 32 hours since I last woke In 2006 DaimlerChrysler set out on an Lufthansa flight to Almaty, at Frankfurt. up, it was dinner time. ambitious reliability drive from Paris to There were only two other planes leaving Beijing. Honorary Club President Rob from Europe on the same day. We had to ‘Lord Almaty – I feel my Halloway took part in two of the event’s make one of them. temperature rising’ six stages and we rejoin his adventures My journalist guests were remarkably We left Almaty at nine o’clock, with the at a fog-bound Heathrow airport in calm, but a quick first-aid-type health check bags arriving from KLM at 8.55am. The early November… showed that blood pressure levels were Brit journalists Danny and Chris were starting to increase as we began our fourth in car 23 – my leg two vehicle; my old KLM is gonna rock you hour of queuing to try to get the situation pal Mike was in car 24 with a Latvian A wisp of mist messed most of Monday resolved. To cut a dull story short, we journalist; and I was in car 69 with two up, and meant leg four of the Paris-Beijing eventually found a solution. colleagues – American public relations lady rally started in a rather delayed fashion. We’d missed the Aeroflot option, but Michelle and Joachim, head of E-Class Heathrow was shrouded in low level mist had a chance to hop over to Amsterdam (as testing. We left almost last and promptly which meant that we missed the connecting you do) to get aboard the back rows of the headed east, out towards the edge of Kazakhstan, and to our appointment with Rob writes... the Chinese border. by Rob Halloway

Chinese number plates, at altitude.

26 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk FEATURE

Guy Mackenzie’s SLK200. What got you into this in the first place? by Guy Mackenzie

an Keers posed us all this question in the the motor museum at Beaulieu, once dad had husband would collect me from the station. June Gazette, and here is my car story, traded up to a brand new mark three Cortina It was then that I was introduced to Ifull of twists and turns along the way. in sunshine yellow. Sadly we lost our dad their two cars. A Hillman Avenger, bright As far back as I can remember, I have when I was 12. blue with obligatory rust, and a brand always been fascinated by cars. Unlike Shortly afterwards my widowed mother new Mercedes-Benz 450SLC in metallic Ian, I can’t really trace where that interest received a legacy from a maiden aunt. With silver. No prizes for guessing which one came from. None of my grandparents had that legacy she vowed to buy herself an you hoped would turn up to chauffeur you owned cars, and my dad came to cars late, MGB GT, but ‘now’ was never quite the right to your lesson. Even as a teenage school and then only as a means of getting from moment. As often happens in life, mum never boy I knew that these cars cost the same as A to B. Or not, as he was no mechanic. fulfilled her dream and used to rue it in her a semi-detached house in the late 1970s. Our summer holidays were down the M3 late 70s when she wouldn’t have been able to Bournemouth, but in the early 1970s the to get in or out of an MGB anyway. This has M3 ended rather abruptly beyond junction relevance to my entanglement with Mercedes- eight, causing summer Saturday tailbacks Benz cars, as will become apparent... from Popham onwards. Dad’s ageing Ford For the next part of the story you need to Anglia couldn’t cope and more often than know that I was learning the violin. All was not we would end up at the side of the road going well, if a bit slowly because, like a lot over-heated. Somehow that didn’t put me off of kids, I didn’t practise enough. But then, cars for life. quite suddenly, my violin teacher moved There are several pictures of me as a from being three miles away to 30 miles small boy posing in vintage and veteran cars. away. We were upset, as she was a really The one reproduced here was taken on a inspirational teacher. A deal was struck. We summer holiday after we had made it down would swap from having a half-hour lesson to Bournemouth. And very proud I look every week to a full hour once a fortnight. too, with my sister as an eager passenger. Some weeks mum would drive me there Interestingly the DVLA database now has (yes, the dreaded M3 again, this time in a ‘AA14’ on a red Peugeot registered in 2014. mark one Fiesta – great cars at the time). How the mighty are fallen. As an older child Other times I would get the train down my favourite birthday treats were to go to to Hook (Hampshire) and the teacher’s Guy and his sister on a veteran car in the 1970s.

30 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk FEATUREBTCC

Adam Morgan on his way to a creditable fourth place in race three.

The BTCC is back! by Paul Kelly Round one – Donington Park followed by Ash Sutton, making his début Race three Our country is hopefully recovering from in the Laser Tools backed Infiniti. Dan The reverse grid draw gave pole to the new the coronavirus pandemic. As we know, Cammish was in the mix as well. As the Hyundai of Smiley. Adam moved up to sporting events were cancelled and in field charged down Craner Curves, Adam fourth for the final outing, a podium surely my last article, from the media launch at had lost two places. Ciceley débutante up for grabs. During the build up to the Silverstone (May Gazette), Boris Johnson Jack was dead last, with much to learn in race, commentator David Addison gave a had just made the speech that would change his first race. Adam battled mid-pack with 60th birthday greeting for my older brother normal life for us all. Chris Smiley in the new Draper Tools John, a nice touch by Cicleley Motorsport! As a sporting event the BTCC was in backed Hyundai i30n, along with Steven From the start Smiley’s Hyundai lost lock-down. There were casualties, as in Jelley in the ageing 1-series BMW. out to Jackson’s Ford Focus on the drag most other sports and businesses, Ciceley On lap three Adam passed Smiley to turn one, Adam slotted into fifth. Going Motorsport not coming through unscathed. and was heading forwards. On lap seven, through the Old Hairpin Ciceley newcomer Major sponsor Cataclean decided to pull the having passed Ollie Jackson’s Ford Focus, Jack got punted into the gravel. The safety plug at the 11th hour, leaving a big hole in the Jackson out-braked himself going into the car was deployed but it was not needed Ciceley budget! The biggest casualty though chicane, tapping the back of the A-Class, as Jack got himself back on track, but the was second driver Dan Rowbottom, who had sending Adam wide. This dropped the shunt had damaged the rear suspension brought Cataclean and its money into the Lancashire driver from 10th to 17th. which hampered the rookie further. Sutton BTCC last season. Without the funding Dan (Jackson received a verbal warning after the claimed the win in his Infiniti, its first had to step down from the team. But with the race.) At the flag it was Cammish first in victory. Smiley followed him home in deal signed with title sponsor Carlube to run a Civic Type R from Turkington and Rory second, to the delight of his Hyundai team. two cars a driver had to be found. Jersey- Butcher in a Ford Focus. Adam managed to Adam had a great drive to fourth, giving based Jack Butel stepped up, having worked get back up to 12th, a bit disappointed with new sponsor Carlube something to cheer with Ciceley before, driving their Mercedes the result. Jack finished 22nd in the sister about. GT4 car in the Dubai 24 hours. He also A-Class. It was a weekend of two halves for brought a welcome sponsor and one many of the Ciceley Mercedes lads. Adam netting us will recognise – Lucas car batteries, a real Race two some good points, while in at the deep end blast from the past! From the start Turkington’s BMW out Jack Butel learnt the ropes in this fierce The series has now got back to action, dragged Cammish’s Honda into Redgate championship. although no spectators were allowed at the corner and built up a lead. Further down the Not long to wait for round two, which circuit. field Adam was in a 12 car battle fighting for was a week away! sixth position. The ding-dong battle lasted Qualifying all race long, cars swapping positions and Reigning champion Colin Turkington paint. On lap seven Adam was up to 10th, grabbed pole position in his BMW 3-series, heading a group of five, the marauding pack sending a message to his rivals that he now split. The safety car came out on lap 10 wasn’t going to give up the title easily! to recover Nick Hamilton’s Passat, which Adam Morgan managed 10th and was in was in the gravel at Coppice corner. Racing a buoyant mood, ready to go. Newcomer resumed on lap 13 of the 16, Turkington Jack Butel was down in 24th, which was holding the advantage to the line. Further kind of expected, this being his first time in back the Ciceley Mercedes had got the better a front-wheel-drive car! of a few cars and got up to eighth, but that’s all Adam could do with the laps remaining, Race one finishing a whisker behind the two Yuasa From the off pole-sitter Turkington took Hondas. Jack finished 17th, and improving the lead into Redgate corner, closely all the time. Newcomer Jack Butel gets to grips with the A-Class.

www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 33 FEATURE

Sauber F1 Apart from learning where my aunt’s pen was at school, I spent one summer working for the SNCF in a locomotive repair works. Here I was subjected to French metric units and technical terms all the time. By the end of my stay I had learnt some useful French. When we were supplying Sauber with our F1 engines we had them rebuilt by a company in the French speaking part of Switzerland. These engine builders came over to Ilmor for training with our engine builders. Mario spoke French far better than I, but I was given the job of translator. I compiled a short lexicon of relevant words. These included camshaft, shim, con-rod, crankshaft, cam follower, with about 50 words in all. This list grew a bit over time, but both groups worked well together and when they returned home the engines they January 1993 in the pits at Estoril testing the Sauber-Ilmor (Daimler AG). serviced worked well. We had a problem with a French a very diligent lady there who found a for repairs and adjustment of the engines, law which did not permit lorries to drive relevant Arrȇté. This is a decree ordering which it could be argued made them Mobile on French autoroutes on Sundays. This an amendment to the French law. This Workshops. resulted in delays for our support trucks permitted perishable food and what were I therefore prepared an explanatory going to or from a test track where they termed ‘Mobile Workshops’ (as near as I letter to be shown to the Gendarmes needed to be in France on a Sunday. I wrote can translate) as exceptions. I think these together with a copy of the Arrȇté, as I to the British Embassy in Paris explaining were intended for emergency road and was told it was unlikely that they would be our problem and asking if we could be bridge repairs, but our support trucks had familiar with it. The trucks also carried a helped in any way. Fortunately there was fitted work benches with tools in drawers supply of Ilmor baseball caps and T-shirts My time at Ilmor – part three by Jeff Williams, photos from Liz and Patrick Morgan, Bradley Lord and Daimler AG

Sauber F1 car ‘roll out’ in September 1992 (Daimler AG).

34 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk FEATURE

over. In addition a whole raft of acronyms showed that the R230 was well ahead of its time when it came to standard-fit safety equipment. All this hidden technology no doubt appealed to R230 customers’ sensible side. But what appealed to their hearts was the R230’s vast range of customisation options. However, after reading the Club’s Honorary President Rob Halloway’s fascinating June 2020 Gazette article on product simplification, you can see that, in retrospect, the R230 would have been a prime candidate for this treatment. Logic aside, it must have been wonderful to have been a well-heeled prospective R230 buyer in the day and revel in an extended exercise to specify 2007 SL brochure. your ideal SL. Where did the buyer start? Take the normally relatively easy choice of exterior colour – here the R230 buyer could choose from no fewer than 12 exterior colours (three non-metallic and nine metallic paint finishes). Not a bad range of choice there you From deep in might think. Then you had to consider your interior colour and trim specification. Here life started to get tricky. How about picking from five leather trim colours or five Nappa leather trim colours or three Sport leather trims? And there’s more! You could also go the Archive down the Designo route, which brought an by the Archive Team extra two leather trims and three different colour Alcantara roof linings. his month’s From deep in the 517hp) and SL65 AMG (V12, 5,980cc, After a suitable rest in a darkened Archive (FDITA) is being written 612hp). room, you could then sort out what kind of Tin early June in order to keep (just) Regardless of engine, all models were interior trim elements would complement ahead of the demands of Gazette Editor two seaters with Mercedes-Benz’s Vario- your chosen interior. There were just Chris Bass, that insatiable copy eating roof to provide the benefits of full open-top six options – three wood (burr walnut, machine. It is also being written at a time or closed coupé motoring. A Panoramic chestnut or black ash) and three non-wood when the Archive Team, like many/most Vario-roof was also optionally available – (aluminium, carbon-fibre or prism pattern other Club Members, have had just about this had a glass panel to allow most of the aluminium). Going down the Designo route enough of this dreary lock-down. open top feel in the cooler months without added three more wood trims (matt natural The Archive scribe thus was searching, the associated cold and damp draughts. oak grain, matt natural maple grain or matt at home, for a September FDITA subject Either Vario-roof’s electro-hydraulic umber maple grain) and two stone finishes that might do something to cheer everyone operating system could open or close the (labrador blue pearl or black star galaxy). up. And what could be better than a sleek roof in just 16 seconds. And all of the above were before you two-seater roadster with a choice of V6, V8 And, unlike so many other started choosing wheels, audio, lights etc. and V12 engines which respectively offer manufacturers’ folding hard-top systems, Yes it was illogical, but lovely. more than enough power, too much power the R230’s Vario-roof did not give the car The Archive Team sincerely hope and definitely way too much power. an ungainly profile. Thus the R230 avoided that the worst of lock-down is over by the Yes, this month’s subject is the R230 the ‘hunch-back’ effect of many of its time you read this in late August or early SL, the fifth generation of this model. It competitors and looked equally elegant September. was in production from 2001 to 2008, with the Vario-roof open or closed. MB’s The Mercedes-Benz Club’s digital archive being replaced by a heavily revised and considerable experience with this type of is having new material added every month face-lifted version which carried through roof system also delivered the benefit of and now includes thousands of items. If you to 2011. reasonable luggage space (206 litres) with haven’t yet done so please take a look by What’s not to like about the R230? This the roof down. Remarkably this figure registering. It’s a simple process, just go to: is a car that looks a million dollars but can was achieved within the car’s relatively http://archive.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk and now be bought for relative buttons – at least compact overall length of 4,532mm (15 follow the on-screen instructions – happy compared with its original list price! feet, five inches). browsing! It’s the ideal ‘high days and holidays’ Automatic transmission was standard If you would like to dispose of surplus car for occasions when fuel consumption on all models – the then relatively new Mercedes-Benz literature or photographs doesn’t matter. Indeed it should be 7G-Tronic was fitted to the SL350 and please let us know. Whether it’s one brochure available on prescription from the NHS as SL500, with the more powerful SL600, or a car-load your surplus material will it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face SL55 AMG and SL65 AMG being specified benefit Club Members. Even early Gazettes and make you – and your passenger – feel with five-speed auto boxes. are welcome, although the Archive does so much younger. As is the norm for the SL, the R230 have a full collection of the later A4-format The brochure that prompted the choice was a showcase for MB technology. Thus editions. Please contact the Archive Team: of the R230 SL as this month’s subject was all bar the SL350, where it was an option, Jon and Lynne Bell, Bryan Allman, Andy published in February 2007 – late in the were equipped with second generation Holmes and Phil Reed (archive@mercedes- model’s life cycle. The range at this time Active Body Control. They all had a sensor benz-club.co.uk). If you do not use e-mail included the SL350 (V6, 3,498cc, 272hp), controlled roll-over bar. This deployed in please telephone 01932 346981 and leave SL500 (V8, 5,439cc, 388hp), SL600 (V12, 0.3 second after the system had detected a message. 5,513cc, 517hp), SL55 AMG (V8, 5,461cc, excessive roll angles liable to cause roll-

38 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk Car of the month

Bob Coxshall’s 220S

ob writes: ‘I purchased this 1958 not used this beauty much at all in 10 years, visors were also removed – to be recovered W180 220S in a private sale from with old MoT certificates to back that up. and refilled, as the foam stuffing had turned Ba gentleman near Ipswich early Now I set about looking over the car to dust. in 2012. The vendor had bought it in and giving it a mega-service – changing all After a few road tests things settled in, an auction in 2002. It was a diplomatic the oils, checking and cleaning the brakes, the car now running well with no problems. pool car in South Africa from 1958 to draining the water to renew all the hoses It was proving to be a good purchase and 2002, so there was no rust or signs of and filling antifreeze, adjusting the tappets, reliable. In 2013 we took the 220S to repairs, although it was sitting on four fitting new plugs and points, cleaning out Aachen for the annual Ponton Rally – a 14-inch wheels (the correct size being the fuel tank, fuel lines and filters. I had good test which put 1,000 miles on the 13-inch). After a brief road test, in the rain, sourced a set of 13-inch wheel rims and clock with no issues. I love driving this car, apparently its first time in rain in 10 years, five new Vredestein tyres. Next was the it is fairly quick, very comfortable and has and negotiating a deal, the car was mine. bodywork – I removed both bumpers for good vision and good brakes. As a point I arranged for the 220 to be picked up cleaning and painting and refitted and of interest, the brakes on the 220S are self- and transported home to Hertford a few re-aligned them, cleaned and polished the adjusting drums. An early advance. days later, to go straight into my garage paintwork, cleaned the interior and fed We use the car for many Club events, to see exactly what I had bought. The the leather seats. Next I removed all the holidays and local shows throughout the odometer was reading 61,000. I was told exterior door handles to renew the backing year. The mileometer now shows 74,000 this was correct as when it was imported rubbers, which necessitated removing all miles. So for me this makes the 1958 220S it was on 59,000. The previous owner had the door panels, then refitted them. The sun a keeper.’

If you would like your car to be a Car of the month, please send a good photo (conventional or digital) and a few details to the Gazette Editorial Office: Chris Bass, c/o 30 Scotgate, Stamford PE9 2YQ or [email protected]

www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 39 FEATURE

Adrian Bullock with his Mercedes-AMG GT S. My GT S story

– life 2.0 by Adrian Bullock n November 21 2017 I saw my started immunotherapy, then chemotherapy was happy they had removed all the GP with what I found out was and then on April 23 2018 I had an 11-hour cancerous cells and my positive mental ODysphagia (which is basically oesophagectomy operation to remove my attitude had me pushing the boundaries of food feeling like its stuck in your throat). oesophagus and one third of my stomach. recovery from day one. The key with the She referred me for an endoscopy as it is The surgical team did an outstanding job, recovery is to move as soon as possible. a red flag for cancer saying “We’ll rule I suffered no major complications and 10 When you have had your lung deflated and cancer out first then work out what the days later I was home. been lying on your side motionless for 11 issue is”. That day I got a call as there It wasn’t all plain sailing as you hours it’s imperative to move. I had read all was a cancelled appointment on the 23rd can imagine – a 14-inch row of staples, this prior to the op and within a few hours (a Saturday) which I accepted. On waking a fractured rib and a deflated lung all of waking up I was shuffling round with my up after being sedated for the procedure testimony to the invasiveness of this nurse carrying numerous drains and pipes. the nurse dropped the bombshell that they operation, however I was alive, my surgeon At my first outpatient appointment, a week had found a tumour and in their opinion after getting home, my surgeon nearly fell it was malignant. They had biopsied it for off his chair when I told him I was walking the lab to test but I would be referred to the 3km (two miles) a day and three weeks specialist cancer team and someone would later the doctor I saw couldn’t believe how be in touch. “Do you work?” she asked, “I quickly I moved when he called me in for retired two minutes ago when you told me I a check-up and had to double-check the had cancer,” I replied. date of my operation. As I told all of them, Thus started the story of the next two “I have s**t to do! I don’t have time to be years of my life. On the Monday morning sick”. I had a call from Ann, a specialist nurse with the cancer team, who told me my case The bucket list was being discussed that morning and they Following my diagnosis two trains of would be in touch, but it looked like it was thought went through my head. One was if found early and they would be aggressively I only have nine months to live what am I attacking it from day one. Various scans going to do? And the other was if I survive followed to determine its progress and the this what am I going to do with my life? treatment and the week after Christmas I The simple fact is that until your mortality

40 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk FEATURE

ANNIVERSARY Hamilton and Verstappen after the Silverstone’s second race, just a week ‘anniversary’ race at Silverstone. later, marked the 70th anniversary of F1, at the track that hosted the first ever F1 race in May 1950. The race kicked off with controversy as Racing Point was found guilty of infringing design rules with its rear brake ducts and deducted 15 points from its constructors’ total. The drama was compounded by other teams – including F1 NEWS Williams – appealing that the penalty was by Will Gardner too lenient, whilst Racing Point claimed that it had not broken any rules and RACING Mercedes, but with the team looking like wanted the decision overturned. It was far Following the delayed season opener on they’ll help him secure the title again this from all bad news for the team though as July 5, the compressed season delivered a year, staying put seems the only logical Nico Hulkenberg bounced back from his win for Hamilton at the second Austrian choice. previous disappointment to start from P3, race, the Styrian GP, followed by another behind Hamilton who was just beaten to for the Brit in Hungary, leaving him two BRITISH GP pole by Bottas, giving Mercedes its ninth wins to Bottas’s one and delivering three An eerily empty Silverstone hosted the consecutive Silverstone P1 start. Ferrari’s straight wins for the Silver Arrows. British race on August 2. Despite the now miserable season was compounded by only Of the Mercedes customer teams, familiar deserted grandstands, the race Charles Leclerc making the top 10 starters Racing Point has established itself mid-table produced plenty of drama. Although off the in P8, whilst Vettel started 12th – and in the championship, whilst Williams still pace in practice, Hamilton secured pole, promptly span to the back of the field on sits at the bottom of the pile, the only team with Bottas safely in P2. Williams looked the opening lap. not to have scored a championship point and promising, with George Russell taking Max Verstappen took the first non- still woefully off the pace. Dogged by press 15th slot, though he was penalised before Mercedes win of the season – as well as the reports that the team’s search for investors is the start for failing to respect yellow flags, point for fastest lap – ahead of Hamilton, more of a fire sale, the team has announced a leaving him in P20. McLaren’s fortunes followed by Bottas who cited his poor tyre major long-term sponsorship deal from 2021 – after years in the wilderness – have strategy as the reason for dropping to third. that will see sports giant Umbro return to strengthened through the season, with Brit Despite slipping places, Hulkenberg – and partnering the team it last sponsored in 1987 Lando Norris qualifying fourth and team- team mate Stroll – came home well in the when Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet were mate Carlos Sainz 10th. points, with Stroll sixth and Hulkenberg busy winning races; and Piquet ultimately Hamilton led from the start to take the seventh. Sadly Williams was unable to the championship. win despite his left front tyre de-laminating recapture its promise from the previous half way through the final lap. Bottas was weekend as Russell led the team home at 2021 less lucky; suffering a tyre de-lamination the back of the finishers. With the current season finally established, just as he passed the pit entrance, leaving next year’s grid is shaping up. The big news him to crawl round the whole lap as places CHAMPIONSHIP so far is the return of former champion – and points – slipped away to see him After five races Hamilton led the drivers’ Fernando Alonso to Renault, the team that finish 11th. McLaren remained consistent, championship, with Verstappen leap- made him the youngest ever F1 champion with Norris finishing in fifth. Racing Point’s frogging Bottas to take second place, whilst in 2005. Meanwhile it’s confirmed that Lance Stroll took ninth place; team-mate Leclerc was in fourth place for Ferrari. Valtteri Bottas will remain at Mercedes Sergio Perez tested positive for coronavirus The constructors’ race was dominated for a further year. Current Ferrari outcast before the race and was replaced by by Mercedes, with Red Bull second and Sebastian Vettel is said to be considering Nico Hulkenberg, who did a sterling job Ferrari a distant third. a move to Aston Martin (as Racing Point qualifying 13th, only to have his car fail on There are now 13 confirmed races for will be re-branded in 2021), whilst Daniel the grid. Meanwhile George Russell came the 2020 season, with the possibility of Ricciardo, whose Renault seat hasn’t close to a point in the Williams, finishing further races still being added. The last delivered for him, is moving to the newly 12th whilst getting some valuable screen confirmed race as we went to press was the resurgent McLaren team. As yet Hamilton time for his sponsors as he followed Bottas Emilia Romagna – named after the region has not signed a new deal to remain with across the line. of Italy – at Imola on November 1.

46 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk TECHNICALCORNER

1. Nick Green’s 380SLC. R/C107 SL/SLC ABS fix by Nick Green

he corona lock-down recently My 1981 380SLC was ordered with hand ECU from Ebay which was easily prompted me to tackle a job which ABS, which was only standardised on swapped and cured the problem (photo TI would probably otherwise have the R/C107 series in 1985 I believe. It’s a four). entrusted to a garage. I have limited three channel system, with sensors on each All was well for 10 years and then mechanical skills but I was able to front wheel and a single sensor for the rear the warning light came on again. This diagnose and fix an ABS fault, so I hope axle. There’s a pump in the engine bay time it would go out when the engine was this article may help others faced with a and an ECU behind a plastic panel in the started, but would come on as soon as similar problem. passenger front footwell. the car was moving above walking pace Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) I bought the car in 2007 and it and would then remain on continuously. in their modern form were pioneered developed an ABS fault soon after. At first I assumed that perhaps my £16 by Mercedes-Benz and the system it Ordinarily the ABS warning light should ECU had given up the ghost, but an e-mail developed with Bosch became available go out as soon as the engine is started. exchange with Club Technical Director on the W116 S-Class at the end of 1978. The light would come on and remain on. Jeremy Stevens confirmed that the light It was the first modern multi-channel I got lucky with a cheap untested second only coming on once the car was moving electronic ABS system to be offered on a production car. By 1980 it was available as an option on every Mercedes car, and by 1992 was fitted as standard to all models.

3. Main components of the ABS system. 1. Front sensors. 2. Electronic Control Unit (opened up). 2. ABS warning light. 3. Pump. 4. Rear axle sensor.

www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 47 SPARESREGISTER A FREE Service For ALL MEMBERS

R129SL/W140 S-Class 722.620 five-speed auto gearbox £250. M119 5.0-litre V8 FOR SALE £500. Both good working order, can get pallet delivery at cost. David White Breaking W123 280 coupé; 1998 C250 CDI estate; 2000 W208 CLK cabriolet; 07734 491812 [email protected] W124 300D multi-valve estate, good vented wing; W126 420SEL, good W110/W111 M180 engine, 230S cylinder head complete £250. Some W123 parts. engine and box; W108 280SE. Parts off the shelf for W111 coupés and Dereck 02074 745953 or 07926 338158 London. Fintails, W108, W123, W201 190 series, W124, W126, W202 C-Class R/C107 SL/SLC New old stock genuine ATE brake master cylinder £40 plus post and W210 E-Class. Please phone or text on 07710 672986 or e-mail and packing. [email protected] 01992 302238. [email protected] Dave West Yorkshire. Twin Mercedes-Benz roof boxes To fit W123 or W124 estates. Silver, lockable, Workshop manuals, parts catalogues, special tools, owners’ handbooks and excellent condition and rare. Four lock-on cross-rails with adaptors for W124 sales literature too numerous to list. These are all original (not reproductions), plus two original, flush-fitting, lock-on rails for W123. Cost £1,000-plus around factory-printed books for all post-war models up to 1984. Contact me with mid-1980s. Offers invited. [email protected] your requirements. Geoff Marshall 07414 538004 [email protected] W207 E-Class cabriolet Draft-stop wind deflector, genuine Mercedes-Benz, Sales brochures R107 1985-89 £35. R129 SL (hardback) £25. Limited Edition part number MA2078600474. Current list price is over £550! One of the covering Atlantic, Almandine and Silver Arrows £10. R230 SL (hardback) £20. plastic horns that slots into the rear seat belt mountings snapped off the first R170 SLK (face-lift edition) £30. W201 190E £10. W202 C-Class £5. All prices time I installed it, but it’s never made any difference and the loose horn is include post (within UK) and packing. Michael 01932 245711. supplied. £200. Carriage or collection to be agreed. David 07912 619001 W112/W111 220SE/230SE/300SE Saloon front offside bumper half section, [email protected] East Dorset. good chrome, no dents £200. Also nearside and offside top sections, good R129 SL portable hard-top stand Wiesmann, good condition (boxed) £120 condition £50 each. All plus post and packing. [email protected] buyer collects in Leicestershire. Brian Scott 07916 767840 [email protected] 01992 302238 Hertford. Mercedes Enthusiast magazines Copies one to 73 inclusive plus 75 and 98. All 1960s sales brochures Original 230SL brochure, complete with pull-out in perfect condition (read then stored, no fading or dog ears) £120 plus post specification and folded picture sheets, excellent condition, a little fogging on and packing (UK only). Alan Haynes 07860 215693 [email protected] cover £125. Original 230SL brochure, complete with pull-out specification R107 SL hard-top hoist and wind deflector Original German hard-top hoist, sheet, fair condition, a little fogging on cover and signs of use £100. Original accessories and instructions together with electric motor (500watt Silverline) 600 brochure, like new and in protective cover £125. Small book-mark style and original German wind deflector in original box (including accessories for 1960s UK range price list (a 230SL from £3,481 and a 600 from £8,926!) £5 or pre-1982 cars). All in excellent condition. £450 buyer collects (near Dartford). free with any one of the above. All prices include post and packing. Roger King [email protected] 01959 534214 [email protected] R170 SLK roof rack and bars With key locks, to fit R170 1997 to 2004. R107 300SL Mercedes-Benz original equipment wind deflector, excellent condition Never used, as-new, in original box. Roof rack (slight scratches) and aero £230 ono. Neil 07976 472894 [email protected] bars with rubber inset and two keys. Best offer accepted if collected from R107 SL 1985-1989 Original Mercedes-Benz, correct size leather-bound steering Northamptonshire. Stephen 07710 825733 or [email protected] wheel complete with centre crash pad and emblem. Offside complete rear R129 SL face-lift bumper shell Brand new in fibre-glass. These bumpers are no lamp assembly. Offside electric window winder mechanism. Steering box. Air longer available from Mercedes-Benz, repair is the only option. £350 ono. Will conditioning control switch. 01460 271749 [email protected] post if required at extra cost. Bought this and then didn’t need it! Located in R230 SL350 Genuine Mercedes 17-inch alloys, part number A230 401 3902, 8.5J Preston, Lancashire. 07774 780993 [email protected] x 17 H2 ET35, fitted with MB recommended Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D MO W205 2017 C-Class From a Mercedes-Benz approved used vehicle, set of four 255/45/R17 98V winter tyres, complete with storage bags. 1,400 miles in the 19-inch Turbine wheels with Falken Azenis RF tyres, all between 3.8 and last two winters. Pristine, no kerbing or scuffs. Original cost £1,928 just 18 5.1mm tread depth. Photos available. £800, collect from Berkshire. Tony months ago. £950 plus carriage at cost, collection preferred. Central Scotland, Holdich 07831 391000 [email protected] two miles from M90 motorway. Will store for up to six months for a 50 per cent W123 Two radiator grilles with good plastic grilles and good chrome. £25 each non-refundable deposit in view of ‘lock-down’ restrictions. Photos available. plus post and packing. 01992 302238 [email protected] Quentin Lucas 07521 189244 [email protected] W169 A-Class Four original 10-spoke 16-inch allow wheels, 6Jx16 H2 ET 46. W113 230SL Complete set of six new Mercedes-Benz original equipment pistons, Excellent condition but no tyres. £80. Raymond Dodwell 01428 607523 part number 127 030 02 18, 83mm, Gen2, Pin 24mm £1,088. Telephone or [email protected] GU10, south west Surrey. WhatsApp Les on 07739 900522 [email protected] Four Mercedes-Benz diamond cut five-hole alloy wheels 8Jx17 plus W124 Set of four original factory wheel trims for 15-inch steel rims, from 1989 centre caps. Tyres – two 235/45 x 17 Conti Sport and two 235/45 x 17 estate £10 plus post and packing. Alan 07770 484977. Sport Contact, 7mm tread, some marks. Will fit S-Class? Offers over £100. W115/W123/W124/W201 diesel engines Three OM617 910, two OM617 for Collection only, from Dorset. Contact [email protected] 07443 123/Hymer, one OM616, one 601 2.3 for W201/W124/308, one 602 2.5 and 905693. auto gearbox for W201/W124. M114 920 petrol engine, spares or rebuild. 1983 W123 230E For repair or spares, engine sound bodywork tatty £1,000. Sean Silver W124 face-lift good bonnet and grille and two front doors. Retirement so Chapple 07931 386034 [email protected] Northwood. lots of parts need to go. Alan 07973 481161 [email protected] W113 Pagoda SL Soft-top frame, bonnet, boot, doors, fuel injection pump, inlet W124 Pair of matching eight-hole 15-inch 6.5J alloy wheels, part number A124 401 manifold, bumpers, various other parts. 07538 807864. 1202, clean and fair condition with part-used 225 60 R15 tyres £95. Centre W230 SL350 seven-spoke alloy wheels 255/45 x 17 tyres, almost new. Very console trim panel (section between front seats up to lower dash), mushroom good condition. Junction three M5 to view or collect. Nick Roberts 07836 leather, unmarked £85. Nearside rear side trim panel for CE coupé (between 355782 [email protected] rear seat and window), also mushroom, good condition £50. Radiator grille, clean and fair condition with mesh £60. Front bumper chrome trims, clean and fair condition £50. Geoffrey 07766 953084 [email protected] WANTED 1995 W124 E-Class Wood rimmed steering wheel, any condition, with or without Four W124 eight-hole alloy wheels 6.5 x 15 from a 1996 W124 coupé, in good air-bag, part number A1404 605 3039B50 07748 638750 davidwrbaker@ condition with useable tyres, centre caps and wheel bolts, £200 collected from yahoo.co.uk Coulsdon, Surrey. Courier could be arranged. Photos on request. Jude 07981 Mercedes-Benz Club Gazettes (Pale blue), most issues from 1957, 1958 and 062374 [email protected] 1959. Geoffrey 07766 953084 [email protected] R107 SL hard-top stand Good condition. £50. Buyer collects. Essex. Steve 1964 W111 220SEb coupé Panels under front instrument console part numbers 4, Richardson 07826 557138 [email protected] 5 and 6 on pages 40, 41and 42 of Mercedes-Benz spares catalogue D 1962. W208 CLK cabriolet wind-shield, perfect condition, unused for four years, John Simpson 07795 192558 [email protected] complete with bag £150. Ron Hall 07944 856680 [email protected] One AMG type 2 17 x 7.5 ET42 alloy wheel Part number 1244010302, Lancashire. preferably with tyre, any condition considered. Jude 07981 062374 R129 SL hard-top hoist See on-line information by SVS, top quality, complete [email protected] with six-page manual. I was able to set this up and operate on my own so 1996 R129 SL 722.5 gearbox Lorne 07736 879047 [email protected] makes using the hard-top much easier. Cost new £240, will sell for £100 2000 W210 E320 Steel or alloy wheel rim, nearside sun visor, offside rear lamp plus £10 post and packing or collect, eight miles south of Bath. mike.carter@ assembly (clear lenses), a good boot mat (black), first-aid kit, any other W210 footdown.com 07768 740929. parts you may have. Ron 01744 893351 or 07762 565682. R129 SL hard-top stand By Custom Covers, can be used for any model, 2001 R129 SL Spare wheel cover, boot carpet, interior in dark grey, sun visors, assembled but never used, with assembly instructions. Cost £82 will sell for hydraulic bow catches and seal units. Vishal K [email protected] £40 plus £10 post and packing or collect, eight miles south of Bath. mike. 2017 onwards W213 E-Class Estate roof bars, Mercedes-Benz part number [email protected] 07768 740929. A2138900793. Stephen 07710 825733 [email protected] W113 Pagoda SL Haynes repair manual For 230, 250, 280, 1968 to 1972. Also W201 190E 2.6 Heater hose, Mercedes-Benz part number 201 832 2894. Adrian Mercedes 230, 250, 280 Gold Portfolio, 1963-1971. Both books in excellent Dyer [email protected] condition £33 including postage. [email protected] 1994 W124 E220 cabriolet Dark coloured wood trimmed steering wheel. roger@ R107 SL Four ‘Mexican hat’ wheels, need tidy up, £150. Set of hard-top chrome mercconsulting.ie or [email protected] trim, including window surrounds etc £200. Hard-top glass, rear and quarters 1994 W124 E220 cabriolet Roof controls module comfort ECU, Mercedes-Benz £200. Boot emblem (not R107 SL) 105mm diameter steel chrome, 8mm brass part number 1248204526. And roll-bar fuse box cover A0005458603. Steve fixing £35. Peter 07423 459684 [email protected] Beck 07598 058454 [email protected] 1972 R107 SL hard-top Cream, came off a 350SL. Very good condition, all W113 Pagoda or R107 SLs Roof hoist, SVS system or similar please. Apparently glass intact and chrome in good condition. John Hough 07976 404036 the R107 hoist will fit the Pagoda roof as well, which is what I want it for. Nigel [email protected] Lancashire. 07788 778891 [email protected]

All Spares Register entries should be limited to 40 words maximum and sent to Bob Coxshall, 55 The Avenue, Bengeo, Hertford SG14 3DS to arrive by the 26th of the month preceding publication. All correspondence should be by post or e-mail to bob.coxshall@ mercedes-benz-club.co.uk In emergencies only, telephone 01992 302238.

50 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk SPARESREGISTER A FREE Service For ALL MEMBERS

50 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk REGIONALREPORTS CAMBRIDGESHIRE Glemham Classic Car Show, Club nights and Woodbridge, Suffolk – Sunday Christmas lunch At the moment our Club nights remain cancelled September 6 until further notice. Also we regret to say that we The Cambridgeshire Region of the Club has decided not to take a stand at this event. have cancelled the lunch we had provisionally However, at the time of writing, the organisers anticipated it still going ahead and booked for December 13. details can be found on their website www.classicsglemham.org.uk Graham Black Reports from Members My SLK blind-spot

Traffic approaching from an oblique side angle is potentially hazardous. The driver’s view of… virtually nothing!

The screen image is set up for ‘real view’, rather than flipped left-right The inserted lens is quite discreet... as is often the case for rear facing cameras. With the roof up, R172 SLKs have a hand-held positions for the camera lens significant nearside blind-spot. Although before agreeing the final spot. Ideally one we live on a quiet road, our house is on needs two lenses, one for the blind-spot the outside of shallow curve and when and one for the rear view, because despite reversing out of the driveway this blind- the standard camera having a wide angle, spot has nearly led to me having accidents! in the order of 120 degrees, this alone is I suspect that the R170, R171 SLKs and not sufficient for both views. Reversing R230 SL have a similar blind-spot. cameras are often formatted to give a screen As we are not thinking of moving view which is flipped left-right, being more any time soon, nor selling our beautiful intuitive in use, but most have the ability to SLK, my solution was to have a standard be set for ‘real view’ and if you are having Mercedes-Benz reversing camera kit fitted, the lens located for mitigating a blind spot but with the camera lens positioned on the it is best to decide which you prefer before rear nearside of the car at bumper level. the installation is completed. This works very well for me, engaging Many thanks to Graham Black for automatically on selecting reverse gear setting up the photo shoot in his driveway – and overcoming the blind-spot in various ordinarily nobody in their right mind would situations, including parallel parking. try reversing out in the location shown in My reversing camera was fitted by the photographs, but it was effective in CBS of Cambridge (01223 563030), after illustrating the topic! they and I experimented with different Mike Dawes ...it is located to align with the parking sensors of similar size.

www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 51 REGIONALREPORTS

Cross from Ashby Scunthorpe took first We had seven two-door and 10 four-door I hope these articles bring back some for the best saloon. In 2018 we again had vehicles, including a Smart, taking part. In fond memories of the fellowship we have an excellent turnout with 10 coupés and our region we have a Member who judges shared over the years and inspire you to 10 saloons. Melvyn Rowland was awarded for the Jaguar Car Club, Art Lawrence. He return to our events when we are able to best coupé by Sue Duke and Keith Duke’s was our four-door car judge and awarded do so. I also hope you have enjoyed our car was selected as best four-door by Bob first prize to Paul Johnson for his ML350, monthly news sheet and e-mail ‘have a Gascoigne. runner up went to Tim Shambrook for his smile’ which has been circulated to our Due to its popularity we decided to Smart. The pre-2000 first prize went to Bob Members. If you are not part of our region expand our award categories to pre- and Gascoigne. Club Health and Safety Officer but wish to receive our communications post-2000 and to include some runners up Tim Shambrook assessed the two-door cars please contact the Club Office to be added for 2019. For the first time that year we and awarded Art Lawrence first prize for to our circulation list. I know some outside had a thunder storm at one of our events, his 2003 SLK, runner up went to Howard our region do attend some of our events. but despite the inclement weather we had Jackson for his E350 coupé. First prize for Best regards and stay safe till we meet an excellent evening, made possible by all pre-2000 cars went to Steve Beck for his again the Members who braved the elements. excellent W124 E220 cabriolet. Dave Bambury YORKSHIRE – WEST Sunnier and happier times

The famous Castle Howard fountain in 2017. The Club stand with SLs baking in the midday heat.

Derek Tucker and Peter Welbourn taking shade.

The Club stand was on the North Lawn. I’m writing this report in the month of July lunchtime and sunshades and hats being the and we’re still coping with the coronavirus order of the day. restrictions that have thankfully relaxed a The 2018 Ripley Castle Yorkshire little recently, enabling me to get a much Classics event was another fine weather needed haircut! I was looking through the event, held in the deer park overlooking The Club stand at the 2018 Ripley Castle event. diary listings of our proposed events for 2020 and realised that each of the events planned would have been on a dreadful weather day during the months of May, late June and early July. I suppose it’s a consolation that we have been spared the cold, wet and windy events at these particular venues this year with the covid-19 restrictions in place. But on a lighter note, while searching through the photo archives of previous years events I’ve selected a few photos of sunnier and happier times we experienced at some of our favourite venues. The 2017 Yorkshire Post Motor Show at Castle Howard was on a particularly hot Fathers’ Day Sunday in June with temperatures soaring to 33 degrees C at This was a T-Shirt and shorts day.

www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk • SEPTEMBER 2020 • 71 SPECIALISTSERVICES

New and Used ACCIDENT & BODYWORK REPAIR Mercedes Body hammerton cars ltd Parts Available ANDY’S Independent Mercedes Specialist P J Smith (Classics to modern) est.2000 Classic and modern paint and bodywork Ltd AUTOBARN Unit 2, Manor Park, Windsor Rd, Bedford MK42 9HW Servicing Technical and Tel: 01234 341410 Prestige Vehicle Body Repairs Mechanical Repairs Accident repair and restoration specialists WWW.ANDYSAUTOBARN.COM MOT Preparation Andy’s Autobarn VANLEIGH COACH WORKS tel/fax 01784 243426 Courtesy Car by prior arrangement Henry’s Yard Unit 7, Central Ave, West Molesey, Members of Good Garage Scheme Surrey KT8 2QH Tel 0208 783 1212 mob. 07956 360293 Challenge Road Ashford, Middlesex Paintshop on site [email protected] email. [email protected] All aspects of repair undertaken to the highest TW15 1AX standard at competitive rates ALLOY WHEEL REFURBISHMENTwww.justwheelrepair.co.uk S AUTOM AM’ OTIV JUST WHEEL AD E REPAIR ENGINEERING A59 Green Hammerton York YO26 8EQ 10% off all services upon Tel : 01603 880522 Fax: 01603 880058 www.adamsautomotive.co.uk Tel.01423-331170 presentation of current email: [email protected] membership card. www.hammertoncars.co.uk With over 40 years experience in restoration, we are Mercedes specialists London, Essex and Herts maintaining and restoring these cars to customer requirements with Historic www.justwheelrepair.co.uk event preperation and modiﬁ cation as part of our services. Please remember please call 0333 2079971 we also cater for other main marques from 1900 to 1972 and that we are agents for Penrite oils. We look forward to your enquiry! quoting MBOC19 Redcastle Classics Limited [email protected], 19 Sir Alfred Owen Way, Pontygwindy Industrial www.justwheelrepair.co.uk Estate, Caerphilly, CF83 3HU Tel: 029 20882110 www.redcastleclassics.com CAR MATS [email protected] Specialists in 190SL restoration, servicing & repairs Classic Also Pagoda 113 series, Fintail, Ponton etc. 1950s-1980s Mercedes Mats Specialising in Mercedes-Benz Limited servicing & repairs Established 15 years Unit 1, 28 Send Road, Caversham, Reading, Berks RG4 8EH Tel: 0118 946 2750 [email protected] www.starmotorservices.com

SilverStar Garages Limited Lazarus Court, Woodgate, Rothley, Leics, LE7 7NR SM Auto-Care Tel/Fax 0116 230 3801 19 Enterprise Way, Thornton Dale Ind Est From classic to modern all MERCEDES BENZ 07919 885705 Pickering, N Yorkshire Y018 7NA vehicles serviced & repaired, MERCEDES www.classicmercedesmats.co.uk Trained Technician, full workshop facilities Tel: 01751 474847 Fax: 01751 477725 available, free quotations and friendly advice All repairs carried out on Mercedes mod- Discounts for club members. CAR STORAGE els by trained technicians www.silverstargarages.co.uk Richard Thorne The Courtyard Garage, James Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading RG7 1NB Tel: 0118 9831200 Fax: 0118 9831414 PRESTIGE MERCEDES www.rtcc.co.uk Dehumidified, alarmed storage. Mercedes Specialists run by a genuine enthusiast Charles Wells with over 40 years experience. Transport from anywhere, MOT. Specialising in the following models: R107, W123, 124, 116 and the superb M4 J11 3 miles. 126 coupés & saloon INTERIOR WOOD TRIM We would also like to introduce “Bezza.biz” a company dedicated to ecologically sound under SPECIALISTS body treatments far superior to current traditional under body treatments that are available Nick Martin, Please ring me for details 01732 763956, 07970 553071, 07773 583583 The Workshop at No 39, 39 Albert Street, Kemsing, Kent Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 2LD Tel: 020 8361 6750 Tel: 07977 741889 www.nicholas-martin.co.uk Email: [email protected] Merc-Care has been established since 1988 with fully equipped Mercedes workshops SERVICING SPECIALIST REPAIRS and fully trained technicians. We at Merc-Care offer a personal service to your vehicle with all the latest Star computer Steve Redfearn Motor Co Ltd diagnostics and Mercedes special tools. 169 Gladstone Rd, Wimbledon, SW19 1QS NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR SMALL. Tel: 0208 540 2311 Fax: 0208 5430812 All types of body repairs and insurance [email protected] work undertaken Specialising in Mercedes Benz repairs & servic- ONE CALL AND MERC-CARE DOES IT ALL! ing. Full test & report facility available before you purchase your new car

80 • SEPTEMBER 2020 • www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk