THE ERA OF ALL JAP CARS
This is a blog of my thoughts on cars through the years. W202 stands as one of the best Mercedes I have driven, and C36 (aside from C43) is the best in the W202s. However if you read more you know I am not the biggest fans for Mercedes....so read on! 2001 Honda Civic ES8 1.5L VTi in Silver (multitronic) 1993 Merc W140 S500 Coupe (My Idle Project Car) 2005 Mitsubishi Evo IX GSR 6-Speed.
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Corolla Again
Why would people call old and ageing Toyota boring is simply beyond me. They are direct, responsive and can be driven flat-out with high predictability bordering a highly-engineered sports car.
Here I am again, on the ownership of late 1999 AE110 with 5-speed stick.
It would be rare to find a Corolla engine with adequate output. Most of them, after 10 years, have reduced output due to tear and wear. They will last but they will not perform.
Today, July 3, 2013, the remote control has failed that the car sounded alarm whenever I opened and closed the doors. I was going to remove it but instead of replacing with a PLC one ($500 including part and labour). I was moved by the good looking and solid remote control.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Bye Bye CL500
My effort with the CL500 never came to a fruition. Still I have not resolved the ride issue as well as the gearing and there was no hope after a few attempts which had been costly but in vain. So I have to put a stop-loss to it. And I had dragged the painful decision for far too long as it had not been part of my passion for a very long time. It had expired. So letting it go was a right one, only if it did take too long and cost me extra.
Now I become more cautious of filling the void. It has to some combination of irresistible passion and great necessity. I am not sure there is such thing so I just let it hang in the air.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Bye Bye SLK
Sunday, March 11, 2012
2003 Subaru WRX STI
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
VW Golf R32
It was an unexpected Golf, with uncanny refinement of a luxury car. The handling is surefooted, perhaps too much so and not nimble enough like the Evo IX. The power delivery and smoothness are awesome. The ride is smooth and quiet, totally making the Evo IX outdated. It has a lot of space, and is extremely well and solidly made. I feel it is much better than the current generation Golf which has been noisier and cheaply made.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Goodbye Evo X
Will be handing over the Evo X tonight. I don't miss it like i thought i would. It shows how easily my feeling and impression can change over time. It would be not right if i follow my feeling and impression in my decision making. I will certainly regret somewhat and it becomes something of a burden not only requiring a justification and means (money and resource) to keep but also an extra effort to rid of it. And it all boils down to a careful consideration when the decision is wholly driven by a bursting passion, an unexpected passing opportunity that is hard to ignore.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Evo IX and Jun Turbo Actuator
It was the last touch of the IX project. It is almost done. Now the engine would revv smoothly and deliver the power. The drag and friction is gone. It even pops out a lot of steam while idling.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Evo IX GSR with RE11
Ride is firmer, handling more assertive. AD08 has shaper steering response still, but with the busy choppy ride. It is like replacing a new shock absorber.
Even if it is used and made in 09' with 90% and 80% condition, I am happy with purchase and I could not tell the difference between used and brand new.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Evo X GSR SST
Honda Civic with GR90 and TM Plugs
Selling the Corolla was a mental block to me as I was not willing to. I cannot say I am glad that I have done it. I can only say it is a relief that I have done selling it. Now with the Evo IX as a manual transmission car I no longer need a Corolla. And with the Civic going to be seeing more use I will no longer practically need the Corolla as my 'foot car'.
I feel a kind of relief that even if I cannot keep the car I could get to keep the good parts I bought for the Corolla which I thought I would have kept for years to come. And of course with the coming of Evo IX my wish to keep change. And I am glad it did.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Evo IX and AD08
Unfortunately and fortunately I wanted to change to RE11 but there wasn't newer 11' tires available. The size 235/45R17 is no longer a popular size.
Evo IX and the Problems
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bye bye Corolla!
I didn't want to spend more money on the suspension (lower the ride height and occasional clunking noise). And the windshield cracked by a high-speed stone and the strange noise from underneath the instrument cluster really nailed it for me. It was up for sale to clear up the parking space for the Evo IX.
So long my first Toyota and Corolla. It has been a great 13 months of ownership.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Evo IX Returns from the Shop
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Evo IX GSR After the First Week
Friday, December 16, 2011
Evo IX GSR - The Fifth Day
The instrument panel is a tad dark but and the speedo is a bit small. The whole layout of the dashboard I would say is very good and is not unlikely BMW's 1 and 3 series theme.
I absolutely like the notchy and affirmative gearshift. The gear ratios for 1st, 2nd and 3rd are in perfect harmony in daily use. And the gears engaged cleanly.
Normally I am not a fan of Xeon headlamp, but I would say they work great in the GSR.
The paint work on the rear left quarter panel is not good.
I will leave the wheels in black.
But I will change the stereo and add a rear camera.
And I have been trying with tire pressure, now having 30psi/32psi. The handling is good but the ride is a bit harsh and overly firm on rough pavement.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Evo IX GSR
Sunday, November 13, 2011
What Is More Appropriate?
It is because what I am going to consider is hardly the most appropriate and inherently flawed.
Again, for an unknown impulse, I would like to collect another, yet late-model, CL. In my defense (or justification), I would have to give up the Corolla to make space (in terms of parking and monetary). One can call the duplicate a focus, or else excessiveness. Tiki definitely would be against it as she does not need another big car that she is unable to park confidently.
In place of it, I can go back to W202, namely the best W202 in the world - C43. The justification would come from a few places. First Tiki would drive. And I have gained an option to swap the 18" AMG wheel and my beloved PS2 tires from the SLK350 to the C43. But then C43 itself is an ice-stick, as like the CL, which is impossible to re-sell if the situation calls for it.
In this logic, where both CL and C43 are hard to re-sell, then it would only be more appropriate to take the cheaper one if the temptation is irresistible. In both case I would have to get rids of both Corolla and the SLK350.
CL - unity. C43 - diversity. Can I have both?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Nitto Invo (窮人PS2) on CL500
After a horrified 4 days of heavy rain without much wet traction with the Goodyear LS2000 Hybrid II, I decided to get rid of it even though it performs adequately in the dry (chirping and squeaking at moderate cornering speed). I did have a fun session going to and leaving Tai Mo Shan the same day I changed to Nitto. My fall-back choice is the Michelin PSS if I cannot find something inexpensive and appropriate to the CL500. I have considered Toyo (T1S, T1R or C1S) as well as Hancock (V12 Evo). I have consider Michelin PS3 but there isn't stock for the size). I took a leap of faith and went with the Nitto Invo Link to Invo. Nitto is popular in North America making low profile large tires (17" up to 24"). Mother company is Toyo Tire Japan and most likely Nitto tires are made by Toyo as well. Tires (4 x 245/45R18) are made in Japan and date coded 2011 and 2010.
Did a trip from Mongkok back to Shatin and then to Maonshan. Street and highway driving within legal street limit. Compared to the Goodyear LS2000 Hybrid II, I had the following observation:
- Side to side pitching is much reduced, perhaps due to strong tire build.
- Side wall stiffer with reduced tire vibration on road impacts, and yet filters road irregularities and corrugation.
- Ride is firm and slightly harsher (compared to PS2) on road impacts.
- Rolling resistance much reduced and the tire feels rounded and smooth riding.
- Quiet
- Slight understeering now gone. Turn-in is sharper, clean and assertive
- Steering effort reduced in both at parking and road speed.
- Steering feel is direct and sharp in the straight
- Great braking response
- The car feels less sluggish
- Poor man's Michelin PS2.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Michelin PSS
Perfection is all about being appropriate, and not necessarily the best or the very top. PSS is right there at the very top and appropriate to the CL500. What about LS430?
Friday, October 21, 2011
Too Many Cars
I love them, one at a time, especially when I drive them or think of them.
I hate them, in almost the same way, when I drive them or notice the defect.
When I love them, I keep driving them, until a point that I am too aware of the defect or grow tired of having the same experience. Then I switch car so I am no longer obsessed with the negative thought associated with the one I have been driving. But the problem is, the fleet is growing in number. How many is enough?
Is it possible to own merely one car? The answer is yes provided that the period is short.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Would I get tired of LS430?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Loose Thoughts on Corolla, Again
It is simply not feasible to ask for perfection in the form of what it is like to be what a basic Corolla represents. Being spartan and having minor weaknesses are inherently two of the key characteristics of a car addressing purely the need (for transportation). Any more features and additions would likely become a luxury and reflect a desire over need. Here the line is drawn.
The basic Corolla provides freedom to choose and define the object(s), or car(s) of desire, in purer form, thereby freeing one from certain important compromises. These compromise defeats people's choice and decision when combining need and want (desire).
Monday, September 19, 2011
New JVC LCD Receiver for Corolla
JVC KX-AC646 6.1" LCD with RDS Radio |
Anyhow this is a big step towards user-friendliness. The old Kenwood has the operation issues - LCD impossible to see in broad day light and the main control button impossible to use correctly.
The other 'important' thing I fix is the backlit lamp behind the factory digital clock on the center console. It has gone dark for as long as I remember it. And I am glad that I brought it back after losing hope over it.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
CL500 Restoration 10
18" Mercedes Eltanin Front & Rear alloy wheels: 18x8.5" ET47 Wheel part number: MER B66470083 Additional alloy part number: A1404011302 |
The used set of Eltanin 18" was removed from a 98' S500 Coupe in a Kam Tin junkyard. It came with a 08' and 09' Goodyear LS2000 II tires in a reasonable condition (with a bit of excessive shoulder wear on the inner side of the rear tires). The finish on two wheels are bad and would require some dressing-up later.
The tire diameter is now 2% smaller and seems to me that the car gains in torque during startup. But I can feel the additional drag and perhaps it hurts fuel economy a bit. But the new wheel/tire set is acceptably good and definitely a keeper. But it does not stop me from fancying a nice set of high-performance summer tires.
On the first day I was unaware of the high tire pressure in the front (36psi), I did complain about the rough ride, hardness and vibration. On a second day early morning I set the tire pressure at 31psi in the front and 34 at the back. Immediately the car felt much refined and smooth riding, and much closer in ride comfort compared to the 16" that was fitted before. And the Goodyear tires seem to quiet down on highway after much travelling and rubbing off some block edges.
I am beginning to think fitting the Michelin PSP, Yokohama AD08 or BS RE11. But I would wait.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
BMW 528i (E39)
It is a big step forward over the 523i.
It is a good thing to own a balanced car, with not too much emphasis on performance. 528i is such a tremendously well-engined 4-door sedan.
The project was placed on a halt after learning that I need a pair of new rear shocks and rear lower arm bushes which would set me back another $3-4K. I was happy to know that the clunking noise has gone at a cost of $3210, including the front muffled suspension noise. Kin Yip did a good clean job.
Unfortunately, based on the rationale that I'd rather lose $3K on the book than to forking out additional $3K to fix the rear suspension, I sold the car on September 3 to a dealer via Peter. I am happy to see it gone even if I love the car so much.
Here is a note. I like the 528i more before the problems were fixed. This is true especially the engine note and response after changing the engine mounts. The masculine response was gone and there was simply too much refinement and smoothness for a BMW E39.
Would I consider the E39 again? I definitely will as it is the best 4-door sedan. I will consider a 2002/3 525i or 530i, whichever comes first.
Monday, June 06, 2011
Thoughts on Corolla
I found it hard to give up the Corolla. Even if I decide to give up, I would prefer to place the Corolla the last on the list. But in reality I would not easily give up vanity, luxury and performance. So the struggle continues, refusing giving up every want under my desire to address the needs under necessity. The fact is that I constantly refuse to grow out of desire even though I know well that I can survive with just the basic.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
CL500 Restoration 9
The minor concern of my existing habit is that I drive the CL500 as an everyday car. It is the fuel consumption.
Finally on May 27th I have both the Varta battery in Mongkok Nam Kee and the gearbox oil leak repaired at Tak Po, San Po Kong. With the exception of the very minor steering issue, the restoration is all done. All I need now is to clean the car as it has not received a proper car wash since I moved to the new home.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
CL500 Restoration 8
The whole engine and drive-train felt completely different after putting in the new air-flow meter. It is now much more torquey and responsive, and is more wiling to kick down and revvs from 4000rpm and onwards. The idling is now much quieter and even more smoother. The engine sound is healthy. I can finalize say that the engine is 85% to 90% of what it used to be when it was brand new. Although it is a personal speculation, but I am more than happy to feel and say it.
My rationale was that the fuel consumption had been high and I hope the new air-flow meter would correct it. And it feels like it does even though I cannot prove. I have changed every aspect of the engine components and it would be a stupid not to change the most expensive and yet crucial one. Before today, it was a big gamble and I am glad the lottery was won.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
CL500 Restoration 7
The front upper arms have been replaced. The steering feels wonderful and buttery smooth but still the steering vibration isn't all filtered out. And I wonder if the mysterious steering vibration still exists. I suspect it still does, but at a smaller degree. Anyway I need to plan to have a wheel alignment done.
The crank position sensor (also known as flywheel sensor) has been replaced. The knock sensors were also replaced, which were buried underneath the engine mounts. The engine mounts were also replaced as they sacked and leaked oil. The engine would start very smoothly and willingly now every time. All the engine vibrations have been isolated to a large degree, with or without the a/c compressor on.
Overall the car feels silky smooth and flow through the traffic with grace, and rough roads with aplomb. It irons out all the road impacts and irregularities with the classic Merc signature selected bump-thumps, while keeping the car very quiet and comfortable. The road manner should be over 80% of what it used to be. At least this is what I have hoped for.
The driver side window now goes up and down with some assurance and determination, and not get stuck in the middle occasionally.
I love this project car, but I really spend too much. However, let me borrow from a saying:
‘There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth…not going all the way, and not starting.’Oh well....I really go all the way here with CL500. I am slightly upset with the on-going list of parts to change.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Corolla
Did I have had enough fun with the Corolla? I guess I can say yes.
Is it practical and economic to run and own? However it overlaps with the auto Honda Civic, which receives more use because of its leather seats and auto transmission.
So far I have been the sole user, with a mileage of 4,000kms since end of November - a period of 4 months.
It is the sports car of the pack. At least it is how I use it.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
How many cars can I own simultaneously?
After 2 weeks without touching the SLK350 it feels like a blast to drive. The poor ride quality does not matter, but the responsiveness and agility really impress.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
CL500 Restoration 6
OEM Steering Damper (made in Germany) |
The next easy way out was the spark plugs. I went the factory Bosch spark plugs which were the cheapest I could find. They were actually not bad. The engine now runs quieter and smoother and seems to have a little bit more power and torque across the rev range. The improvement is there, can be felt, but not significantly so. But in the end it is one of the cheapest fixes available.
New and Old Bosch Spark Plugs |
Members of the Steering Assembly |
Saturday, March 26, 2011
CL500 Restoration 5
The disappointing Bilstein B4 on CL500 |
Ride is much smoother and the springs seem to do more work. Rebound is well controlled even though I felt the old factory one did a better job. Unfortunately the old shocks were disposed. Now the car sits 3/4" lower in the front and will lean when cornering. I like that chassis dynamics. The magic carpet ride returns, with responsive handling that makes the big white elephant a dream to maneuver in tight spots at speed.
The rear stays the same - no replacement as the rear shocks (factory) seem to be in good condition.
The Merc factory shocks refitted to solve the ride and handling issue. |
I couldn't have loved the car more, as it is, in terms of suspension. The next to attack is the steering vibration which I am not able to detect its root cause. Steering damper? Wheel alignment?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
CL500 Restoration 4
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
CL500 Restoration 3
Just found out the front cheapo Bilstein B4 shocks did not do the job right. The damping setting is wrong for my taste and different from the stock shocks. B4 has a strong damping for compression (therefore more road impacts felt and stiff) but a weak damping for releasing the springs (therefore no more floaty magic-carpet ride) that I absolutely want. The handling has worsen - understeering at times and insecure handling in the twisties. I will go for the stock shocks even though they are four times more expensive.
The spending is really getting painful, but what has to be done needs to get done. And it needs to get done quick as long as all options have been considered and taken into account.
Friday, March 18, 2011
CL500 Restoration 2
After spending two full days at the garage the CL500 is now in a better shape in years.
And I bought from a car registration auction a lovely plate for the CL500 : DL 1088.
Yesterday I did the ownership transfer and put the new reg mark on the car. It felt fantastic, as I have done so for a long time (last time was 2006 with the C36).
I have replaced the distributor cap and rotor (a set of two). The car felt a lot lighter and no longer sluggish. It felt like it had lost a lot of weight. However there should be more hidden potential I yet have to release by restoration and 'strategic' part replacement. That's the fun of a project car.
I must slow down the improvement, all except those which are intolerable, or are cheap and effective.
The slow engine start problem had been greatly improved by a proper fuel supply overhaul, fuel injector cleaning, as well as the ignition cap and rotor replacement. It starts now much sooner and smoother. To fully address the issue the crank position sensor as well as the knock sensors must be replaced.
The problem that is bugging me is the vibration issue from steering and body, mostly likely from the three tires that I bought from scrap yard. I don't know if I should simply give them up and get the new ones. But the vibration is annoying and is having my attention in a negative way. I plan to have this problem licked today.
Friday, March 11, 2011
CL500 Restoration 1
Courtesy of Encoh Wong |
Yesterday (March 10)followings were found in 錦田劏車場:
1) replaced a 95' instrument cluster with digital odo and trip displays
2) picked out 3 used Bridgestone GR90 235/60R16 tires.
Today following has been done:
1) change engine oil Fuchs Titan SuperSync 8L and oil filter.
2) replace plastic gear rail head rest driver side
3) change air filter for the A/C
4) wash fuel injectors
5) replace vacumum pipes under valve cover
6) replace withnthe AMG steering wheel from C43. A little odd but I like it.
7) replace a 95' instrument cluster with digital odo and trip displays
Tmw:
1) Replace front shocks
2) Replace front bushes
3) Replace fuel filter
4) Replace fuel pumps (2)
5) Replace tires
6) Replace Varta battery
During the initial inspection we also found the front shocks and lower arm bushes broken. Those would be replaced with new parts tomorrow (March 12).
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Restoring the CL500
I have no intention to mod, respecting the originality of the old-school design. Adding a set of AMG alloy is perhaps feasible, but is not at the top of the list.
My purpose here is to restore and keep it in prime condition, as much as I can.
My primary attention is about getting it mechanically sound. And the attention otherwise goes to aesthetics, like leather seats and trims.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
CL500 (S500 Coupe) W140
W140 S500 Coupe 1993 (Dec Production) |
CL stands for Comfort and Leicht. Leicht means easy, light, simple, mild, smooth, gentle, effortless, light-hearted...Those are the closest descriptions I could associate with the CL, during the past four days.
The CL 500 was considered by most experts the best model in terms of power, weight distribution and equipment for the base price. The M119 5.0 L V8 engine was considered one of the best engines ever produced by the German manufacturer and being much lighter at the front, the CL 500 tended to have better handling characteristics than the heavier V12 flagship. - A quote from Wiki.
The clean engine bay display really shines for an 18-year old car. |
W126 560SEC 1981-1992 |
A typical old-school luxury interior from the 1990s. |
Best angle for appreciating the whale-size CL. |
A clean rear-end treatment. |
Monday, February 21, 2011
C43 Temptation
Pros of a C43:
In General - Small and easy to park, Tiki can drive, W202 cult, a future classic, in a reasonable collectible condition except the paint work, condition of the AMG alloys and old tires. One of the kinds V8 rumbles and grunt. Firm old school Mercedes ride and handling.
Compared to C36 - 3 years younger, superior interior and seats, V8 vs in-line 6, Xenon headlight, uprated brake system (caliper and cylinder), desirable 18" AMG Alloys, desirable Eibach and Bilstein setup.
Cons of a C43:
Fourth car - really an excess and burden. Duplicate utility as it is the third 4-door sedan same in size as the Civic and Corolla.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Corolla Update - Strut Mount
Replaced a pair of the front suspension strut mounts. Some clunking suspension noise is now gone. And magically the ride seems to be improved (smoother and more fluid) and the handling sharpened by a slight and yet perceptible amount. In the end I feel positive. This Corolla strut mount comes with two layers of hard plastic sandwiching a rubber and a bearing. It is more complicated than and has more function than I expect.
That's the product description for the strut mount: "Optimizes steering and suspension performance by acting as a pivot for the steering mechanism; Reduces squeaks, rattles, and vibration noise."
Also at the same time I have replaced the right side universal joint/drive shaft. It is quite expensive and a lot of work. Somehow it is better but need to test if grinding noise when during right turn still exists.
The most obvious change to me now is the steering. It is direct and fluid. There is an increase in the connection between the steering wheel and road. The vagueness ia gone. The conner limit has somehow increased, despite the ridiculous ride height. It is good that I can always lower the ride height to sharpen the handling without a change in ride quality.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Simplicity of the Corolla
The joy comes from two areas: the car itself, and more importantly the driving and experience of owning it.
One will have to fully appreciate Corolla's strength with tons of driving experience in other cars, and to a fuller extent with other cars in ownership.
Excitement and curiosity often mask the inconvenience and trouble that follow. This joy of owning a Corolla excludes mods as such. My only want is to restore, not mod. So in a way the Corolla is free of such trouble and inconvenience. Its limitation now becomes its edge.
So what is it like if the Corolla is replaced by a C36?
Brake Kit Upgrade for SLK350 (future project)
The monoblock AMG 6-Pot and the 345mm floating disc are very tempting, not only because of the look through the wheel spokes, but also stopping power that the SLK350 much needed. I can account this under safety and handling department.
But the thing is once the 6-pot is installed there is no going back to 17" wheel without taking the brake kit off. This is indeed a reduction of option. I have a little reservation. And by not doing that I am always tempted.
Monday, February 14, 2011
R171 3-link Front Suspension
The Thought of Adding a 4th Project Car
Added on Feb 15th, 2011:
Somehow I feel that a project car is a sort of materialistic bondage. I am not saying freedom is good and then bondage is bad. We need certain level of bondage to feel materialistically satisfied and our desire met. But too much of a bondage at certain time can be bad, and easily catches one off guard. So it is important to be very cautious, as a project car, and a fourth car, can easily drain more than one would expect, and can interfere with other aspects of life in the form of a burden.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
SLK350 Driving in the rain
And the roof holds up quite well, all day in the rain and no leaks.
Friday, February 11, 2011
SLK350 Update
In terms of look, the lower ride height (1" approx.) front and rear have the 18" AMG manifested. They now look business with a dice of aggressiveness and 19"ish.
Monday, February 07, 2011
C36 Cruising
Friday, February 04, 2011
I am back! 2011!
CC Library, CUHK, Shatin |
What cars are there in my fleet now?
2004/5 Mercedes R171 SLK350 in Silver (7-G gearbox)
2001 Honda Civic ES8 1.5L VTi in Silver (multitronic)
2004 Toyota Corolla 1.5L in white (M/T 5-speed)
It is a lot of cars but I am not the only one using the fleet. My wife and my brother are sharing the Civic. My wife also uses the SLK as a leisure car, which is my project car (in a lesser sense and I will come to that later). The Corolla is my everyday car and is fun to drive. It is tough workhorse, and officially my first Toyota, which means a lot to me (I will come to that later).
At this moment I am indulging and contemplating a fourth 'project' car, likely a C36 (again, yes), C43 (or something with a V8), or simply another convertible. Who knows? I am open.
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
C36 with Manual Transmission
Monday, January 31, 2011
SLK350 Jan Log
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bridgestone GR90 on Corolla
It is the most expensive tires in its size/category, and made in Japan.
In terms of side wall, GR90 is both plushier and firmer. It does not steer as quickly as the XM1 and GR80 but the response is smooth and progressive. XM1 has slightly better turn-in and GR80 is simply sharp, in comparison to GR90.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
錦田遊樂團
Cars that are too old (80s') are not suitable, not only they are rare in scraped yards, but also poor in condition. Cars that are in 90s seem to be good, as there are a lot of scraped cars available.
So far I have limited my choice to C36, a car that I once owned.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
18" AMG Alloy & Michelin PS2 on SLK350
Monday, January 10, 2011
SLK350
After getting back the money from the sale of Sunfire, I am deeply addicted to the idea of getting a new set of wheels and tires for the SLK350. I am not happy with the RE11 on the original 17" alloy, now compound with the wheel alignment issue caused by the change of the suspension arms last week. Now I am desperate to get a 18" AMG with the Micheline PS2 for an improved ride and much better look. This is indeed against Tiki's advice.
It is a fact that I regret the purchase of the RE11. It makes me drive the SLK350 less.
It is a paid and expensive opportunity to change it. At least it will look great if the ride is still bad.
I would very much to keep the SLK350, especially after I got the Corolla.
Cars along can't be practical in HK as practical if they are not considered as toys.
Friday, December 31, 2010
SLK350 - December Log
Dec xx - Gearbox oil and filter changed. Front lower arms changed.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Corolla - Update & Reflection
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Corolla - My very first Toyota
Taken on December 20th, 2010 at UST |
Sunday, October 31, 2010
SLK350 October Log
Oct 4 - 'HA376' on SLK350. Ownership changed to Tiki. Privatized.