Getting our Mercedes through the German Inspection

Last few jobs on the Mercedes Benz S210 after it failed the TÜV. Including; headlight polish, handbrake adjustment and a couple of other things. Then a quick test drive where I share my thoughts on the W210 platform.
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Music by CreatorMix.com

[@dbt2787]

well the fact it passed the TUV will be a good selling point. It's definiteley nice to see an old merc being saved, even if it's not a highly desirable one but that could change in a few years time. i suppose no one thought 240s would ever become desirable but now look at them...

[@Involvod]

Yeah man exactly!

[@fannycraddock99]

Goodbye Matilda. I hope that she will have a lot more adventures. You did a grand job of saving her Sledge.

[@Involvod]

Thanks 😊

[@Juntasification]

I havent owned a single merc, but driven a bunch, cos my father and brother are on the merc train and they are so comfortable even on bad roads.

[@leolinde6977]

Don't put wax on it, the headlights won't last and will turn yellow, try skipping the polish step and reaply clear coat, which was removed with the sand paper.

[@amgjens]

Sad to see it go but props to you guys for saving it!

[@Involvod]

Thanks 👍

[@brianpeterson8253]

Had 01 e430 sedan 173k miles. Awesome. My favorite car. With baby 8 (4.3 liter v8) it had lots of power and acceleration and of course handling was superb. Rusted quickly. Now I have 2009 w211 e350 estate 4 with 135 miles. Also a great car

[@ALINUED]

as a merc fan, i would love to see you with some om606 mercedes. some small tunings and beat the german autobahn.

[@rosshannemann7772]

The good thing is you sorted with out a garage bill .

[@Involvod]

Agreed, with that it would have been a proper disaster!

[@georgebutlers4945]

Great video and great job getting this car through the TUV. Back in the 1970s when I was in Germany there was some official publication as to how to adjust headlights properly. (It may have been in the owner's manual in the section where it showed you how to change the headlight bulb.) That was in a time when most people also knew how to do regular maintenance on their cars. Park your car on a flat and level surface perpendicular to a flat and level wall one meter away. Measure from the ground to the middle of your headlamp (there usually is a horizontal line of where the refractory surfaces change). Measure from the ground on the wall the same distance and mark a horizontal line. There usually is a triangular angulation from the middle of the headlamp of the light also to illuminate the side of the road higher to see the road signs. (Did not see that light pattern on the Merc) You need to center each headlight so that the point of that triangulation where it leaves the horizontal hits the wall in a straight line from the headlamps to the wall in a perpendicular fashion. Knowing a little bit of basic geometry helps but winging it if you have a general idea of what straight and perpendicular is usually enough. Of course do not overload the trunk of the car when you adjust the headlights and then go for inspection with an empty car because the headlights will point differently depending on the load in the car. Too bad you needed to replace the headlights when there is a whole industry in the States devoted to refurbishing yellowed headlights. And what the devil do you do if there are no replacement headlights for your car? I know what I would do. I learned while in Germany that most people have figured out how to circumvent any rule. Bei Nacht und Nebel. 😊😊✌✌

[@Involvod]

Thanks for the info, that's very useful! I also did wonder where the triangle part of the beam was 🤔 It is a shame, I thought that when they failed the reverse light lens on the 240

[@FRESHP0T4T0]

You can adjust the handbrake by removing one of the Wheel bolts while the wheel is still on the car. Simply insert a screwdriver into the hole and turn the adjuster. BMW has the same System. Quite clever i guess. btw i also own a red 245 with the VW Diesel engine. Your Videos helped me a lot identifying rust spots. Keep up the great work! Greetings from North Rhine Westphalia!

[@Involvod]

Oh I see! I did try that but I couldn't see or feel the adjuster through those holes, it felt like they were too low. And that's great to hear! Hopefully catch you at a Volvo meet someday!

[@devinanderson6466]

I wish we lived on the same continent mate! I’d love to talk about buying it from you! 😂

[@Involvod]

That would have been awesome 😄 If I ever got chance to move there I would try it

[@jameskyle380]

Good to see the Merk saved and off to a new home. I did like the Merc content. An early V70 is what I would go for if sticking with Volvo. Should be reliable, safe enough. Possibly a TDI? Or petrol. My main car is a 2015 Toyota Auris hybrid estate! Traitor I know.

[@Involvod]

Thanks, we might still have the size / economy issues with one of those plus gearbox issues to boot. So we're not sure. They're also very expensive, looking at 3-4k for a half decent 20+ year old Volvo! 🤯

[@jefferysmith3930]

Great job on getting the pass!

[@Involvod]

Thanks!

[@williamwales6619]

Lo again, back in the late 90's Merc's decided to change their steel source. Namely from Germany to Russia/China. Over time that proved to be An unwise choice. That was the start of the Rust / Paint issues. Unfortunately the problem didn't raise it's head for a while and there were a lot of cars built using this steel. PS Mrs Volvo'd seems to be well. Good to see. Later 👍

[@Involvod]

Thanks man 👍 I heard that before but then some people disagreed. There were many rusted parts of this car that held up remarkably well, I expected to find holes but it was just surface rust, quite amazing considering apparently they weren't galvanized. If I had to guess I would have said that it's the underseal job that was the problem. But the spring perches, control arms and even rear subframe mounting points seem like bad design choices more than anything

[@black_touring]

Well done you, saving the Benz for someone else to enjoy. Wow that 2.4 v6 does sound good 👍🏻

[@Involvod]

Thanks mate 👍

[@leoademayyyne4979]

Even though I came here for the Volvos, I really liked the videos on the Mercedes and I'm sad that it's going. I wonder what the next car will be. I'm sure that's not what it will be, but still I imagine a small Volvo 480 city driving 😂 I don't know much about those but I already saw a few of them. I think some were automatic.

[@shepshepherd]

I wonder how many of your viewers will get the Blue Peter reference? :)

[@Involvod]

Well in the last 28 days only 16% of my audience were in the UK so I'm going to say not many 😄

[@stefanobio7045]

​@@InvolvodHi Sledge.... I understand the reference and I'm UK based, I enjoy your videos, keep up the great work. Best regards to you both, Stefano.

[@ched999uk]

Well done for getting a pass. Looking forward to seeing what Volvo is next.

[@Involvod]

Thanks 👍

[@bobjohnson205]

Hopefully it's a V70 that he originally was hoping to find and purchase.

[@ched999uk]

@@bobjohnson205 Even an 850. Maybe a T5 but that might be a bit thirsty but fun 🙂

[@darioandrijasevic2804]

A V40 would be logical. V70 doesn't solve size or economy issues.

[@iridiumvalkyrie9017]

Perhaps the spoils of selling Mathilda will get you an engine for the new addition wagon? Have you a name yet??

[@Involvod]

Exactly! Or perhaps a welding machine, which would be quite appropriate 😀 Still no name yet, I'm keen for an old school German name but Miss Involvo'd isn't 😄

[@chewabledrapery]

Really enjoyed watching these few W210 vids of yours, stumbled across your channel looking for W210 videos as I've just bought a 2000 E55 AMG, subbed to the channel as I also love the bricks too! b.t.w. Are you from Cannock or Wolverhampton? Your accent is very close to that area, I lived in the nock until we moved to UAE in March! :)

[@Involvod]

Oh congrats! I'm originally from near to Kings Heath, small world 😀

[@chewabledrapery]

@@Involvod indeed it is mate 👍😎

[@RichieRouge206]

That car nearest the caravan looked suspiciously like a 340 to me! Glad you got her through the TUV. The Merc is interesting amd the engine sounds so good but probably not the car for your needs. Great video - and nothing wrong with sampling other cars and it does indeed add variety dude! Volvos will always be at the heart of the channel. 😊

[@Involvod]

Thanks man 💪

[@AstraWerke]

7:55 - Tell that to the Church bells xD

[@Involvod]

😂😂😂

[@noteconmicallysensible]

get a volvo 850 automatic

[@Involvod]

Would love one, but Miss Involvo'd wants more safety features 😏😄

[@noteconmicallysensible]

@@Involvod or a jagggggg

[@darioandrijasevic2804]

As far as I know, the S40/V40 mk1 still had the 4 speed Aisin automatic transmission well into the facelift which is quite reliable if maintained. A nice phase 2 S/V40 2.0l petrol would be great if you want to stick with Volvo. A mk2 Focus 1.6 petrol is very safe and reliable, easy to drive and affordable to buy. Mk2 Skoda Octavia 1.6 petrol with the 6 speed auto by Aisin is also bulletproof, the Fabia is also pretty good. There are a lot of options. I love a good W210, so much so that after one rotted away I bought another, but the average one is simply getting old to daily

[@autofascynacje]

I think it‘s a little bit shame that Donut goes… I found this car interesting even if it‘s not a Volvo. But anyway good that you saved it as you said and hopefully it will last till one milion kilometers in good condition… But the big question ist, what comes now? ;)

[@Involvod]

Thanks, if the deal doesn't go through perhaps you can buy it and finally have an S210 😀

[@autofascynacje]

@@Involvod hehe that would be interesting :) I‘m thinking about w124 at the moment…

[@puntomk1uk64]

My mates dad has one of these Mercedes estate, its getting very rusty now but has managed to cling on for another MOT. And one day they will be a classic due to how rare theyve got!! its a shame you have to sell it. But you've rescued it and gave it some new life, which most people wouldn't bother to do so nice one 👍 Hopefully you find a replacement car, maybe an early S40 estate might be worth a look if they were sold in Germany? As they're a bit smaller, but probably have the room you need for a pram etc.. either that or a 440 or something perhaps!

[@PeterCox-k1w]

I drive a 2004 clk with the 2.6 v6 now on 130km in Australia. Always garaged drives nicely not too expensive to keep it going

[@Buffalobulltofta]

P80/P2 time!

[@Buffalobulltofta]

While not redblock or for that matter Torslanda quality, a late facelift 2004-ish V40 is not a bad car, might be a suiting format for Miss Involvo'd. Prices seem reasonably in Germany, for sure cheaper than P80/P2 and if you stay off the GDI grenade and even find a Turbo it's a pretty neat driveline.

[@zzoinks]

You can use a 3m headlight wipe on those headlights to help them last longer and every time you wax your car use a wax on the headlights. It sounds weird but the turtle wax in the store recommends using it on headlights

[@julian7868]

Haha what a lovely way to appear in your video - with information about ridiculous laws lol Curious what's going to be Miss Involvods new Volvo!

[@haardkaar]

5:40 That's like a space ship. I was thinking the game Portal with blue and yellow beams. ^^

[@tommyolsen8224]

Ohh keep it 😢

[@tommcl8548]

👍👊

[@mr_DIY]

just spray it with clear, no need to 800-1200 and wax it

[@nilslorenz6554]

True words from Ms Involvo´d! There is no greater love than the love for Volvos 😍😃 I´m curious to see what model you will go for.

[@SlimTortoise]

The 5 pot 2.4 diesel on the V70 is a good choice.

[@GentilsGarage]

You’ve done a great job on this car and gave it a new lease of life. These are great cars and I enjoyed driving them back in the day.

[@Involvod]

Thanks man, I appreciate it 👍

[@paulfrere7902]

Well done on the TÜV. Slightly bittersweet that you’re moving the Benz on. I felt a little guilty on your last video because I’d mentioned about my own W210 rear window regulator failing, and then yours duly followed! 😢 Looking fwd to seeing your replacement purchase. 👍 PS. Isn’t that Flexi disc a ‘Gelenkscheibe’? I always get that term mixed up with the CV joint ‘Gelenkwelle’. I’m convinced that German tech vocabulary fries the brain eventually 😁

[@Involvod]

Thanks, I couldn't believe it failed at that moment after all these years and miles, especially knowing that the previous owner would have used the rear windows often. At least the regulators are cheap! They actually wrote it as 'Hardyscheibe' in the TÜV papers 😀

[@brndnoe33]

Ich stimme Dir überein, es ist sicher an sich kein schlechtes Auto. Aber der Rost besiegelt in absehbarer Zeit das Ende auf Deutschen Straßen. Mit bisschen Glück läuft er dann im Osten/Afrika weiter. Und optisch ist es auch nicht meiner, auch wenn er sonst ein komfortables Fahrzeug mit einem schönen V6 und guter Leistung ist. Vom Verbrauch sollte er bei gesitteter Fahrweise nicht viel mehr als ein B230F benötigen? Würde ich vermuten... Aber Mercedes ist gefühlt die deutsche Eiche-Rustikal und Volvo ist einfach das funktionelle, charakteristisch angenehmere und entspanntere Fahrzeug. Finde ich. Guter Auftritt von deiner Liebsten, hat was von den TV-Shoppingsendern 😉🤣 Meine Frau könnte ich wahrscheinlich nicht davon überzeugen am Auto hand anzulegen, zumindest nicht was sie selbstständig machen wollen würde..😄 Finde es auch albern, dass man vergilbte Scheinwerfer nicht aufpolieren darf, als ob das irgendein Risiko darstellen würde. Ja. Vielleicht wenn man diese 100 Mal aufpoliert hat und die Scheibe zu dünn geworden ist... so muss man zwangsläufig an sich funktionierende Scheinwerfer wegwerfen und neue einbauen 😬🤫 PS: der neue Besitzer sollte unbedingt das Kennzeichen übernehmen, einen DONUT 210 findet man kein zweites Mal !

[@observationtowerpoint6905]

Thanks for the E240 content. I have an E240 2.6 version, 2000 sedan, in Australia, so no rust issues, here despite the water-based paint. Now at 270k, and a daily driver, it has always been reliable. With regular servicing and preventative maintenance its still surprisingly nimble and powerful, while retaining that solid MB feel. The chassis is very well balanced and it handles and steers beautifully. As a base model 240 its led a fairly easy life and it rewards leisurely cruising; a lot of the 320s get thrashed. Only drawback is the cost of premium fuel here, but its worth it for the feel-good factor.

[@Involvod]

Thanks for watching! Well said, a rust free one of these is a great thing indeed, it will probably live forever!

[@NeilD163]

You adjust the handbrake shoes through the wheel lug holes.

[@gerardbosvonhohenfels1866]

You both did well to try to sell it. It can become all a bit to much and for the moment those beautiful Volvo's are already more then enough. Chapeau to you to make the Mercedes road worthy for a new owner. Continue both the good work and blessings from Thailand to you, Miss Volvo and the little one.

[@Involvod]

Thanks 🙂

[@mattwelch4025]

I'm really impressed with how good that car looks from where it started. You really made it as good as it could possibly be mechanically and aestetically. That said.... really looking forward to more Volvo content (sorry, another die hard here).

[@Involvod]

Thanks man, we appreciate it!

[@nabilyar]

Hello Where in Germany were you driving

[@JMassengill]

My Prius V has the same type of emergency brake. Adjusting those for the Texas state safety inspection was a total pain. To get them tight enough I had to make the brake drag. On my Toyota there is also an adjustment by the emergency brake pedal. Much good luck

[@Involvod]

Ah I see! It's always stressful especially without being able to properly check the efficiency at home 😏

[@dee106ful]

Its a doughnut.....just like Matilda

[@jackjacko8706]

The rubber tail shaft connections we call “ Donuts ” in Australia. Also a sponge three inch polishing pad on the end of a cordless drill on its highest speed, using a polishing compound does the job in about 5 minutes. Maybe next time you may get your hands on a W123 Mercedes and fall in love.

[@Involvod]

Haha, very appropriate! Thanks

[@brianpeterson8253]

In U S called flex discs

[@mrari68]

bad english from me but it is possible that there is some difference between left and rigt side not sure

[@SlimTortoise]

Like the sale's pitch in the last few minutes even I was tempted to put a an offer in 🙂

[@Involvod]

😁

[@colinhutchinson5282]

Like the reg. Donut, and w210 model ! Would a 400 range volvo be a suitable replacement ?

[@Involvod]

It definitely would be, but Miss Involvo'd wants something a bit more modern for the safety features

[@colinhutchinson5282]

@@Involvod can't argue with that ! nothing else springs immediately to mind. Look forward to the next step.

[@CrazyBalt95]

Is the noise on Sunday really a big deal or you are just joking? Very hypocritic of them to ring bells every other day all day

[@Involvod]

It is quite a big deal in Germany especially around these parts in Bavaria as it's very religious, but to be honest I've done some light tinkering on a Sunday and no problems yet. But a few times there's been very loud party music from village run events until 3/4am on Sunday morning, which is definitely a bit hypocritical, considering we get a local village newspaper reminding us of times during the day/week where you shouldn't make noise, like during lunchtime (ruhrzeit) etc 😃

[@broomad]

The prop shaft rubber disc is called a guibo 🙂

[@Involvod]

Ah that sounds familiar, thanks!

[@phatwayne]

Is the strictness of the inspection a result of having some unrestricted Autobahns?

[@Involvod]

Yeah I think it's definitely part of it, plus the fact it's every 2 years

[@smiIingman]

I didnt know bavarians were a bunch of sensitive babies about folks working and making some noise during daytime. what a letdown

[@Involvod]

😂 Tbh I've had no issues yet from doing a bit of light tinkering, so they might be ok in reality but I don't want to chance it..

[@smiIingman]

@@Involvod Yeah thats fair

[@-fuk57]

You aren't allowed to make noise in your neighborhood?

[@Involvod]

Not on certain days/times 😏

[@royale7620]

What do you think of W210's that were run as taxi's in Germany? I heard that beige paint is different and might offer more protection, they also got serviced regularly every 6 months or so, do you think a 210 with 410k km and the 2.2 diesel engine is worth it? I only saw 4 small rust specs 2 on each side in the middle down near the B-pillar.