Thoughts on Corolla

The Corolla is a basic survival car, especially for the hot summer. It is reliable, low on fuel cost, roomy, stress-free and rather painless to own and run. It has a great air conditioning and yet simple and effective ventilation. It is such a wonderful utility vehicle that reminds us that one can easily live through everyday life without added vanity, luxury and performance.

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.

CL500 Restoration 9

The final step of restoration was done in another garage in Kwai Chung.

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.

CL500 Restoration 8

Finally I bit the bullet and took in a brand new and insanely expensive air-flow meter. It was a Mercedes part built by Bosch in September 2010, and a last one in stock. Stephen helped me with the installation. I also replace the air-inlet temperature sensor (measuring the air-density or air-mass, whatever that may be) which is optional and supposed to affect the air-fuel mixture in a slight way so that the mixture would not be too thick. The air temp sensor cost me nearly nothing compared to the  new air-flow meter.

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.

CL500 Restoration 7

The CL500 restoration project really is a month-long journey, tough and expensive.


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.

Corolla

The idea of giving up the Corolla surfaced my mind yesterday.

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.

How many cars can I own simultaneously?

Ideally I would like to have 4 to 5 cars, but logistically 3 is the maximum with the current setting. Therefore I must sell the Corolla, to make 'space' for the CL500.

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.

CL500 Restoration 6

OEM Steering Damper
(made in Germany)

Checked with the Tak Po gearbox specialist (where I have the transmission rebuilt) and they suggested I look closely to engine in order to have a better throttle response.

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

I also had the steering damper (OEM) replaced. The minor and occasional steering vibration still was there but the whole steering action is now better 'oil' damped. It introduces a level of luxury feel to the steering itself. Again it was an inexpensive part replacement.

Members of the Steering Assembly

CL500 Restoration 5

Even with experience and advice, we don't always get the right stuff.

The disappointing Bilstein B4 on CL500

After living with the Bilstein B4 front shocks for a few days, I have had it. The road impacts and poor handling were not acceptable. Bit the bullet and got the Mercedes factory stock shocks at almost three times the price. It was a shock to learn that the Merc shocks were also made by Bilstein with identical parts and construction. And fortunately during the first kilometer on the road after the replacement we could easily tell they are completely different shocks in setting.

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?

CL500 Restoration 4

Finally got the CL500 back from the transmission rebuild. The performance and kick-down are back but it does not disguise the fact that it is a very heavy car. The big deal is that the vibration is gone all together, with the replacement of the drive-shaft bearing. Also changed is the transmission rubber mount.

But the car came back dirty and a oily smell in the cockpit. Need to clean tomorrow morning.

It is a grateful thought that the CL500 has now undergone more than 60% of the restoration and is enjoyable to drive and own. 

CL500 Restoration 3

Sent yesterday the CL500 to a gearbox specialist for a transmission rebuild. The transmission rubber mount and the drive shaft bearing would be checked and replaced if necessary. I could not tolerate the vibration.

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.

CL500 Restoration 2

It has already been two weeks since I owned the CL500.

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.

CL500 Restoration 1

Courtesy of Encoh Wong

I lost the central locking on a second day of ownership. A new electric pump under the rear passenger seat was put in. The central lock works again.

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).

Restoring the CL500

I have been reflecting the way that the CL500 is to be restored. I have a good starting point which is a great body paint and clean and fresh looking engine bay.

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.

CL500 (S500 Coupe) W140

W140 S500 Coupe 1993 (Dec Production)

It is official and yet ambivalent of the S-class coupe that I recently acquired. The front-end can be described as between embarrassing and ugly.

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

I have always had a heart for a white 560SEC, the predecessor of the CL500 you see here. A month ago during a visit to the car junk yard I saw a white sample, which I turned down because it was too huge a restoration project for a beginner like me. So I settle for the second best - an 1993 early year S500 Coupe. It was a little strange as I had been looking for a C43 or C36.

A typical old-school luxury interior from the 1990s.

Best angle for appreciating the whale-size CL.

A clean rear-end treatment.

C43 Temptation

I have no choice. To accept the C43 I must give up the Corolla. That's the beauty of a dilemma - I like both cars but am only allowed to keep one.

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.

Corolla Update - Strut Mount

Brought the Corolla to an annual government inspection. Passed.

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.

Simplicity of the Corolla

The simplicity brings joy.

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)

This would be the last item before the body kit.


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.

R171 3-link Front Suspension

Jumping from C36 to R171, I keep wondering about the change of the front suspension. The traditional double wishbone gave a firm and luxury Mercedes ride to the W202. Because of the split installation of spring and shock, it gives a rather stable platform which are strong and reliable. The 3-link strut type came to W203 with a surprise but it did have a much sharper turn-in and responsiveness. While the lower arms are split and deem less stronger in construction, the strut itself tells a different story. The strut is heavy and over-engineered. The trailing front arm would help handle the impact of bump thumps and braking (a pull force), while the lateral arm defining the lateral position and dealing with the lateral force during cornering. It is funny that Mercedes engineers decided to use the steering (tie) rod as a third suspension arm which sits about the same levels with the other two lower arms.

The Thought of Adding a 4th Project Car

This is not entirely a sound idea at all. However the temptation to do so lingers on. 

I have always been in search of a fourth car which is special. I would want it special because it itself must bare a strong justification for its place, competing against my other cars and my guilt (of spoiling myself).

To own the fourth car I must be ready to ditch one of the three existing cars. The likely one is the Corolla which I like a lot, as both a fun car and utility car. 

To ask the right question is important to determine why I need a project car and which project car I will take on.

While getting a project car can be easily justified, getting a fourth car isn't. It is an excess and easily a baggage. Keeping three cars are already a drag. Keeping four would be unwise if the justification is utility related. And then there is the drain to keep the fourth car, along with the other three, at tip-top condition.

So this fourth car got to be very special for its own worth, and must bring a lot of fun, expected and unexpected, as a project car. Financially it would not be a burden, while low initial cost is not necessary if recurring cost, mod cost and resale are taken into consideration. And there should not be any surprise towards the negative end.


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.