The Mercedes-Benz Thread
- Petrol Head
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The Mercedes-Benz Thread
I get Merc related queries via PM fairly often, so I thought it may be better to put some of the market intelligence and experience I have gained from owning and operating multiple second hand Mercs in Cambodia in one place.
1. GENERAL POINTS:
Firstly, there is no such thing as a perfect used car in Cambodia. Whether you run a Corolla or a CL600 there will always be underlying issues with the vehicle when purchased because Khmers are at the top of the negligent vehicle owners index globally.
Secondly, of great converse concern is that whilst Khmers are degenerate owners, they are extremely good at (steel) body repair, paint and aesthetic trickery. What began as a total write off, can be made right to the untrained eye. As the country develops, so too does its' vehicle repair capabilities. Leather can be reskinned, wood inserts replaced, a-pillar's hammered home and spot welded. These days there are at least two ovens with a powdercoating facility that I have seen, the Toyota Dealership and the Bosch service centre in Boeung Trabek. In short, what looks like a great, well maintained example, can and usually is, anything but.
Thirdly, odometer readouts will be bullshit. Similar to point 2, Khmers are adept at using systems to reset or wind back odometers. A mechanically sound car is the best you can hope for. Get to that below.
Further, run a VIN check at the Mercedes Benz dealer prior to purchase. Especially with vehicles from the late 90s onwards, Mercedes Benz switched to a lazer key which means if the car was jacked by the Oriental Lazy Boyz in Long Beach or written off and sold at auction, the dealer wont send you a new one if the car is "dead" in the eyes of the diagnostic system.
Finally, related to the point above, a VIN check will also help to yield information as to the country spec of the vehicle. Vehicles that are LHD but sourced from Japan, such as 1999-2003 W220 S320 can present problems because the car will bark at you in Japanese and the radio frequency will not go above about 95 mHz. Contrastingly, US spec cars are the shot - they tend to come much better optioned, with larger engines and most likely have more highway time.
2. PURCHASING:
As a preliminary point, stick to petrol models. Avoid diesels. And it goes without saying that a Merc with a Toyota Prado engine swap is going to give you problems.
Importing:
If you are a long term expatriate and have the oppportunity to purchase a fresh Californian import, do it. Full service histories are as rare as hen's teeth locally. Unless you are really enthusiastic and have a US base, it's probably better to use a intermediary to help.
In this regard, a respected and long term poster here is looking at commencing a car import business, of which US sourced Mercs will be a large component. I will leave him to out himself on this thread if he is nearing operational status.
Embassies or ex-Hotel:
Can be good source of well maintained vehicles. These come up from time to time, usually you'll hear about them via word of mouth. A problem with these vehicles is that they are sans-import taxes, which frequently add up to more than the vehicle's value.
Khmer 24:
Good place to sell vehicles. Can be patchy if you want to buy. Diamonds are in the rough though. Avoid "dealers", like this: http://www.khmer24.com/i-want-sale-car- ... did-828609
Street Purchases:
Vehicles for sale on the street can be identified by the black and white laminated A4 signs in the back window with Khmer script and a phone number. Street purchases are often risky and a lot of the insurance write-offs turn up on the street. That being said I have purchased both a W202 C280 and a W220 S430 from the street and both have been good vehicles.
Garages:
Often, owners of garages that specialise in servicing Mercs will have a sideline business in used Merc sales. This tend to be good examples. Even better, if the owner has a personal Merc, making an offer to purchase it can be a wise move. My W140 S320 belonged to such a guy and it was one of the best vehicles I have owned in Cambodia.
Dealers:
Specialist dealers are very patchy. Vehicles in dealers tend to be sourced either from Japan, which are priced well above market with country spec issues (see above) or are a right mixed bag of US and Euro spec vehicles that are often imported, stripped down, reconditioned aethetically and put back together. The latter's vehicles look good when the project is completed, but tend to throw up a myriad of faults on the diagnostics as root causes for electrical and mechanical problems are not dealt with.
Expatriates:
Expatriates are often a good source for a used vehicle. Expats will tend to be honest about the vehicle's condition and keep a service history for the life of their ownership. Engine bays tend to be dirty. This is good.
1. GENERAL POINTS:
Firstly, there is no such thing as a perfect used car in Cambodia. Whether you run a Corolla or a CL600 there will always be underlying issues with the vehicle when purchased because Khmers are at the top of the negligent vehicle owners index globally.
Secondly, of great converse concern is that whilst Khmers are degenerate owners, they are extremely good at (steel) body repair, paint and aesthetic trickery. What began as a total write off, can be made right to the untrained eye. As the country develops, so too does its' vehicle repair capabilities. Leather can be reskinned, wood inserts replaced, a-pillar's hammered home and spot welded. These days there are at least two ovens with a powdercoating facility that I have seen, the Toyota Dealership and the Bosch service centre in Boeung Trabek. In short, what looks like a great, well maintained example, can and usually is, anything but.
Thirdly, odometer readouts will be bullshit. Similar to point 2, Khmers are adept at using systems to reset or wind back odometers. A mechanically sound car is the best you can hope for. Get to that below.
Further, run a VIN check at the Mercedes Benz dealer prior to purchase. Especially with vehicles from the late 90s onwards, Mercedes Benz switched to a lazer key which means if the car was jacked by the Oriental Lazy Boyz in Long Beach or written off and sold at auction, the dealer wont send you a new one if the car is "dead" in the eyes of the diagnostic system.
Finally, related to the point above, a VIN check will also help to yield information as to the country spec of the vehicle. Vehicles that are LHD but sourced from Japan, such as 1999-2003 W220 S320 can present problems because the car will bark at you in Japanese and the radio frequency will not go above about 95 mHz. Contrastingly, US spec cars are the shot - they tend to come much better optioned, with larger engines and most likely have more highway time.
2. PURCHASING:
As a preliminary point, stick to petrol models. Avoid diesels. And it goes without saying that a Merc with a Toyota Prado engine swap is going to give you problems.
Importing:
If you are a long term expatriate and have the oppportunity to purchase a fresh Californian import, do it. Full service histories are as rare as hen's teeth locally. Unless you are really enthusiastic and have a US base, it's probably better to use a intermediary to help.
In this regard, a respected and long term poster here is looking at commencing a car import business, of which US sourced Mercs will be a large component. I will leave him to out himself on this thread if he is nearing operational status.
Embassies or ex-Hotel:
Can be good source of well maintained vehicles. These come up from time to time, usually you'll hear about them via word of mouth. A problem with these vehicles is that they are sans-import taxes, which frequently add up to more than the vehicle's value.
Khmer 24:
Good place to sell vehicles. Can be patchy if you want to buy. Diamonds are in the rough though. Avoid "dealers", like this: http://www.khmer24.com/i-want-sale-car- ... did-828609
Street Purchases:
Vehicles for sale on the street can be identified by the black and white laminated A4 signs in the back window with Khmer script and a phone number. Street purchases are often risky and a lot of the insurance write-offs turn up on the street. That being said I have purchased both a W202 C280 and a W220 S430 from the street and both have been good vehicles.
Garages:
Often, owners of garages that specialise in servicing Mercs will have a sideline business in used Merc sales. This tend to be good examples. Even better, if the owner has a personal Merc, making an offer to purchase it can be a wise move. My W140 S320 belonged to such a guy and it was one of the best vehicles I have owned in Cambodia.
Dealers:
Specialist dealers are very patchy. Vehicles in dealers tend to be sourced either from Japan, which are priced well above market with country spec issues (see above) or are a right mixed bag of US and Euro spec vehicles that are often imported, stripped down, reconditioned aethetically and put back together. The latter's vehicles look good when the project is completed, but tend to throw up a myriad of faults on the diagnostics as root causes for electrical and mechanical problems are not dealt with.
Expatriates:
Expatriates are often a good source for a used vehicle. Expats will tend to be honest about the vehicle's condition and keep a service history for the life of their ownership. Engine bays tend to be dirty. This is good.
Haha - my money’s on Playboy
- Petrol Head
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3. RECOMMENDED MODELS:
1979 - Present: Gwagon: 460, 461, 463
1991-1999 W140: S320, S420, S500.
1994 - 2000 W202: C280
1996 - 2003 C208: CLK320
1996 - 2002 W210: E320
1999-2005 W220: S350, S430, S500 (non ABC hydraulic suspension)
2005 - 2012 W221: S350
Recommended, pending condition of folding roof:
1989 - 2002 R129: SL 320, SL 500
1996 - 2004 R170: SL 230 Kompressor
Non-recommended Models:
Any age: ML
Any age: GL
Any age: CL
Any age: A-Class
4. REQUISITE PAPERWORK:
Once you've settled on your Stuttgart steed. You'll need to make sure that the car has a valid:
a) Import tax sticker
b) Road tax sticker
c) Vehicle safety sticker
B & C can be rectified, but haggle for several hundred off because these can be a hassle to put right. A is a major problem, especially if you dont plan on driving it into the ground and are looking for a resale.
1979 - Present: Gwagon: 460, 461, 463
1991-1999 W140: S320, S420, S500.
1994 - 2000 W202: C280
1996 - 2003 C208: CLK320
1996 - 2002 W210: E320
1999-2005 W220: S350, S430, S500 (non ABC hydraulic suspension)
2005 - 2012 W221: S350
Recommended, pending condition of folding roof:
1989 - 2002 R129: SL 320, SL 500
1996 - 2004 R170: SL 230 Kompressor
Non-recommended Models:
Any age: ML
Any age: GL
Any age: CL
Any age: A-Class
4. REQUISITE PAPERWORK:
Once you've settled on your Stuttgart steed. You'll need to make sure that the car has a valid:
a) Import tax sticker
b) Road tax sticker
c) Vehicle safety sticker
B & C can be rectified, but haggle for several hundred off because these can be a hassle to put right. A is a major problem, especially if you dont plan on driving it into the ground and are looking for a resale.
Haha - my money’s on Playboy
- Petrol Head
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5. PARTS AND SERVICING:
Whilst purchasing can be a minefield, the good news is that Cambodia actually has a supply of cheap parts (relative to home) and reasonably skilled Merc-centric mechanics.
Parts:
KS-18 auto parts: No. 181, Oknha Tep Phan (St. 182)Sangkat Phar Depo I, Khan Tuol Kork,Phnom Penh
Sprawling across several shopfronts, well organised, this is pornographic stuff for a Merc lover. Full range of OEM parts, new & reconditioned. Head and tail lights, wiring looms, serpintine belts, engines, binnacles, filters, gaskets, factory recommended fluids and lubricants. Everthing.
If you know your way around a car, you'll save 25% on parts relative to the garage by purchasing direct.
Servicing:
Over the years I have used several garages, but I have come to believe that there is only one guy I would ever frequent, which is Touch in Toul Kork:- 017 556 670
Full diagnostic capabilities, ex-MB Cambodia. MB servicing training in Singapore.
His boys rebuilt my W220 S430's airconditioning system; evaporator, compressor and even the climate control's pixellated HOD. He also replaced my W140 S320's head gasket. Neither are simple jobs.
He is by no means the cheapest, but he has analytic diagnostic skills and can trace an issue to the source, rather than simply fixing by rote learning.
CONCLUSION:
Obviously, there are many pitfalls associated with vehicle ownership in Cambodia. However, as far as I am concerned, this is a problem which afflicts all second hand vehicles in Cambodia, not just Mercs.
6 years here has convinced me that if you are prepared to spend a few dollars to maintain the vehicle, Merc ownership in Cambodia can be a viable, safe and enjoyable option for long term expatriates who like their toys.
I will endevour to answer any questions that are posed on this thread by 440 regulars and lurkers alike, I dont have all the answers but I will do my best.
Whilst purchasing can be a minefield, the good news is that Cambodia actually has a supply of cheap parts (relative to home) and reasonably skilled Merc-centric mechanics.
Parts:
KS-18 auto parts: No. 181, Oknha Tep Phan (St. 182)Sangkat Phar Depo I, Khan Tuol Kork,Phnom Penh
Sprawling across several shopfronts, well organised, this is pornographic stuff for a Merc lover. Full range of OEM parts, new & reconditioned. Head and tail lights, wiring looms, serpintine belts, engines, binnacles, filters, gaskets, factory recommended fluids and lubricants. Everthing.
If you know your way around a car, you'll save 25% on parts relative to the garage by purchasing direct.
Servicing:
Over the years I have used several garages, but I have come to believe that there is only one guy I would ever frequent, which is Touch in Toul Kork:- 017 556 670
Full diagnostic capabilities, ex-MB Cambodia. MB servicing training in Singapore.
His boys rebuilt my W220 S430's airconditioning system; evaporator, compressor and even the climate control's pixellated HOD. He also replaced my W140 S320's head gasket. Neither are simple jobs.
He is by no means the cheapest, but he has analytic diagnostic skills and can trace an issue to the source, rather than simply fixing by rote learning.
CONCLUSION:
Obviously, there are many pitfalls associated with vehicle ownership in Cambodia. However, as far as I am concerned, this is a problem which afflicts all second hand vehicles in Cambodia, not just Mercs.
6 years here has convinced me that if you are prepared to spend a few dollars to maintain the vehicle, Merc ownership in Cambodia can be a viable, safe and enjoyable option for long term expatriates who like their toys.
I will endevour to answer any questions that are posed on this thread by 440 regulars and lurkers alike, I dont have all the answers but I will do my best.
Last edited by Petrol Head on Mon Apr 20, 2015 2:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Haha - my money’s on Playboy
- Felgerkarb
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What about a breakdown in the boonies? Samnang the village mechanic can tweak a Toyota, but what about a merc?
TBH, I am considering a Merc for Morticia.
TBH, I am considering a Merc for Morticia.
====================
Why are the gods such vicious cunts?
Where is the god of tits and wine?
Why are the gods such vicious cunts?
Where is the god of tits and wine?
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- K440 Old Cunts Club
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Question to PH the old Merc wise one.
If I buy an old Mercedes, do people automatically think that I'll been rich for a long time?
If I buy an old Mercedes, do people automatically think that I'll been rich for a long time?
My posts are just jokes, maybe they're rude, offensive, and politically incorrect. They're not my opinion, viewpoint, idea, or judgement, but they're just fucking jokes so lighten up.
- Petrol Head
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@felger - Siem reap and Battambang I've had work done that was sufficient to get home. Most other provinces you will be in trouble. But the same could be said for a Toyota really. Samnang heng heng province mechanic is universally shit and you will have to spend hours in the shop on a plastic stool making sure they don't steal parts and/or syphon fuel.
Haha - my money’s on Playboy
- Petrol Head
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ABC hydraulic suspension was standard as far as I know. Extremely expensive and very complex to fix. Fairly sure it's beyond the capabilities of Cambodian mechanics to do properly.RobW wrote:Why not CL?
Haha - my money’s on Playboy
Bugger. Does my CLK have that?Petrol Head wrote:ABC hydraulic suspension was standard as far as I know. Extremely expensive and very complex to fix. Fairly sure it's beyond the capabilities of Cambodian mechanics to do properly.RobW wrote:Why not CL?
- Petrol Head
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No. It's multi-link, coils and macpherson struts.RobW wrote:Bugger. Does my CLK have that?Petrol Head wrote:ABC hydraulic suspension was standard as far as I know. Extremely expensive and very complex to fix. Fairly sure it's beyond the capabilities of Cambodian mechanics to do properly.RobW wrote:Why not CL?
Airmatic suspension is standard on w220 S-Classes which is a must to check before purchasing, if the car doesn't raise or lower itself, it's a sign of a leaky seal. Shocks can be replaced with OEM bilstein units, which are available locally and can be done by Touch.
Haha - my money’s on Playboy
Brilliant thread with some great info!
I've received my fair share of questions about cars in general for Cambodia and this thread says a lot of what I've wanted to say in a thread but haven't had the energy/time to do so.
I've received my fair share of questions about cars in general for Cambodia and this thread says a lot of what I've wanted to say in a thread but haven't had the energy/time to do so.
Reckless driving cucumber - 成
- Petrol Head
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C'mon Akira, you've done most of the heavy lifting on the various bike threads with verbose and cogent advice over the years!AE86 wrote:Brilliant thread with some great info!
I've received my fair share of questions about cars in general for Cambodia and this thread says a lot of what I've wanted to say in a thread but haven't had the energy/time to do so.
Haha - my money’s on Playboy
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Hey PH I've got a car question for you but its not Merc related.
I'm looking to buy a car next week and I could do with some advise and recommendations from you. I need a car which can do the following:
It must have excellent off road capacities. I drive around a farm a lot and the rainy season is fast approaching.
But I also drive 4 hours on the roads to get to the farm, so it needs to be super comfortable (which unfortunately rules out a Defender)
I also drive my boss around so it needs to have some level of passenger comfort too.
I don’t want anything too wanky and nothing covered in Chrome.
I don’t really care what make it is as it will be serviced and maintained either at a dealer or at my workshop.
Price – at a push 35K but would prefer somewhere in the 25K region.
Summary – I need the best off road but super luxurious SUV.
I'm looking to buy a car next week and I could do with some advise and recommendations from you. I need a car which can do the following:
It must have excellent off road capacities. I drive around a farm a lot and the rainy season is fast approaching.
But I also drive 4 hours on the roads to get to the farm, so it needs to be super comfortable (which unfortunately rules out a Defender)
I also drive my boss around so it needs to have some level of passenger comfort too.
I don’t want anything too wanky and nothing covered in Chrome.
I don’t really care what make it is as it will be serviced and maintained either at a dealer or at my workshop.
Price – at a push 35K but would prefer somewhere in the 25K region.
Summary – I need the best off road but super luxurious SUV.
My posts are just jokes, maybe they're rude, offensive, and politically incorrect. They're not my opinion, viewpoint, idea, or judgement, but they're just fucking jokes so lighten up.
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