Restoring Project Cars is More Than You Think. W210 E55 AMG Resto shows what to expect.

[@Koolkeish2287]

@FluidMotorUnion, Mr. Jackson’s daughter here, I can’t wait to see the rest of the progress and I definitely can’t wait for it to return back home to us!!!! I think i’m more excited than my Dad about the long tube headers lol!!! Thank you for the great work that you are doing. Means a lot to our family.

[@trentdawg2832]

Awesome….im excited for ya!!! Long tubes rock!!!

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

Your Dad and Mom have done well!!

[@RuMuN78]

I so want to see more of this!!! I have the same restore. Want to see that exhaust build!!!! And the rest! Suspension??? Plz make more!!!!!!

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Thanks! It’s our pleasure.

[@raheemdrummonds5188]

@koolkeish2287 say cuz can’t wait for it to be completed, told Unc we rotating keys every weekend

[@raheemdrummonds5188]

Man this is my Aunt and Uncle……My Aunt loved this car and they would never give me the keys, can’t wait till it’s finished. Can’t wait to fight my cousin for the keys Love you Aunty, Love you Unc

[@FluidMotorUnion]

❤️

[@norseman4763]

It’s great to hear that more and more people are keeping their cars on the road longer. Mine is 20 years old with over 240,000 miles. Daily driver to this day. Keep up the great work OJ!

[@Nordlicht05]

Mines also 20 years old now. Bought it as a showcase from a dealer in 2006. But only covered 150.000 miles. I am glad that I don't need to drive so much anymore due to more work at home and stores a nearby. If I do not have to get as much go on foot. I think I drive less than 5000 a year now. Came back yesterday from holiday with this car. "Converted from kilometers"

[@SouthsideKidd550]

I mean, I just spent $3500 on sorting out my 2007 Honda Fit. It has 292,000 miles on it and it has been good to me for the past 11 years I have owned it. I just did water pump, head gasket, front and rear main seals, coolant flush, Auto transmission service, oil change, new struts and rear springs and shocks, tie rods, CV axles, fuses, new starter, relays, filters, new tires, new pads and rotors, VTEC solenoid and other fluid changes. Hell yea, it was worth the $3500 spent because its a Honda and it never put me down. Why the hell not?😊

[@Johnathan_Waters]

Those M113 valve covers are actually MAGNESIUM i believe...not aluminum. I REALLY like your technique of using Glyptal on the inside of the valve covers is BRILLIANT!

[@johnmcdonnell81]

Yes, I think they are. Currently repainting my one (M111K) and decided not to touch the inside except for a light cleaning including removing and cleaning the breather baffle plate. As main concern was new paint flaking off and possibly blocking the engine oil galleries.

[@Leonardo555ZZZ]

Yes Magnesium valve covers and intake manifold too.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

I did it myself on a 1991 Jaguar Sovereign XJ40 for the last 4 years and it was a lot of work, and still is, as there is always something new that needs to be fixed, but the car is amazing and now I can go a 1000 miles away without any worry. It also represents a period of my life that I had health issues due to the pandemic, and that too is getting much better. So it's almost which one will get back to 100% first, me or the Jag!

[@FluidMotorUnion]

❤️ it. This is why we do it. A hobby or a passion. Not as a “this makes sense” project for gain but as a testament to the vehicle’s impact it had on us personally.

[@brackishcycles]

I'm in the same boat and it has been fulfilling, anxiety inducing, full of pride and mistakes and new knowledge. I started from basically 0 car knowledge but good with my hands. Now I have an LS swapped discovery 2. Super proud of my vehicle in a way I couldn't have with a new car.

[@Astro9320]

Having done a massive amount of resto work on my w140, it can be great if you are a dealer tech that gets good prices on parts and pay no labor lol. But having done it for customers 99% dont really grasp what it really takes to get them back to factory. Love doing real resto work when people are prepared to do whatever it takes

[@PLPOR]

Just wanted to say that the "look" of your video production is very professional. Kudos to whoever shoots and does post production.

[@JK-dh2je]

I can tell you guys care and love ever vehicle you work on! Nice to see

[@Endy5_Still_Alive]

4:24 Very rare video of OJ standing next to his biggest fan!

[@Tangelos]

For anyone doubting those numbers, I’ve done several 6 figure restorations on vintage BMWs and it adds up quickly. I did a 2002 Turbo fresh off an 80k interior and exterior cosmetic resto, I think we spent just under 8k in just cad/nickel plating on original hardware.

[@chrisleuropa4946]

I own an auto repair shop in Rhode Island and I enjoy watching your videos. Great job man.

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Thanks!

[@sloqlap]

This video is timely. I just picked up a 1977 Datsun 280Z and as my first project car, this video is evergreen content. What would be helpful is a text version of the information that can be found with a search since KZbin content is hard to find later.

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Thanks! We’ll take a look into creating a transcript of the video. Good luck with your Datsun!

[@sloqlap]

@@FluidMotorUnion LIttle PDF of useful tips and tricks like that are what I am looking for as someone who is new to wrenching. Evergreen content like that in small infographic or zine formats could also be a decent side avenue of revenue for you guys if you sell on Etsy.

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

Brokowski!!! I am proud of my fellow Americans 🇺🇸 for your dedication, attention to detail and overall good demeanor!! I’m an expat here near Venice Italy 🇮🇹 and USAF vet as well. I found you through Alex and am looking at a ‘98-‘05 BMW 328 2dr coupe (E46 for aficionados 😅). Love your channel!!

[@TiptronicSS]

Bravo, huge progress in the presentation, like you've been presenting for 10 years. Keep up the good work, I easily see +1 million subs coming up with this content quality.

[@christophe3358]

just bought a 02 e55, this was a great vid

[@Tangelos]

My C140 CL will be about 50k in resto/mods on top of purchase price. Have Ohlins coilovers coming, every single bushing, control arm, vacuum line, bbk, custom procharger kit and manual swap, lsd in stock carrier, carbon driveshaft, rebuilt AC, all new PS components

[@jawadkarim1116]

Will you be documenting this project by any chance?? I also have a '99 C140 I will be restoring but really fancy the idea of a manual swap as well

[@Tangelos]

@@jawadkarim1116 I’ll probably post pics in the 140 FB groups and on benzworld. I’ve actually since cancelled the order for manual swap parts and instead am piecing together a ZF 8HP swap

[@Metalwolf765]

I’m stuck in this loop right now. I have the first car I bought on my own sitting in my garage not running. I can budget 30k to get it back up to OEM++ or I can put that money down on a spiritual successor. On one hand, it was my dream car and is still the coolest, most comfortable car I’ve had and a monster of a sleeper (6MT Volvo S60R). It has most of the IPD catalog in it along with a FMIC, a big downpipe, lightened flywheel, SPEC clutch, and even a Quaife LSD up front. It hasn’t run in two years, when the plastic radiator end cap cracked and sprayed down the alternator, frying it. It had other problems I was ignoring because I only drove it in the mountains on weekends. On the other hand, my wife says if I get rid of it, we can get a used 911 Turbo. Most people would say that’s an easy decision, but damn, it’s my first car, and it’s set up perfectly for me and customized over more than 15 years of being my daily. I have a lot of history with it, and while its value is currently low, it is genuinely a collector’s item and values are starting to go up. I get the struggle, and I’m not sure how much I care that it’s a bad investment. So are dogs, and I love mine. I’ve been driving an A6 for a couple of years and don’t need two sporty sedans, but it was really cool having a fast AWD manual car with a big trunk. I’d lose the big trunk and the manual moving to a 911. I’d also lose my first car and the sleeper status.

[@ZEPRATGERNODT]

@@Metalwolf765 …put a custom aluminum radiator in that thing.

[@Metalwolf765]

@@ZEPRATGERNODT there’s one in the garage, I just start cussing anytime I set foot near the thing.

[@lukeskytoker]

My wife’s father bought a green 1994 corvette c4 six speed. It was my wife’s dream car at the time. They drove it together across 44 states during a summer break in high school. Hit most the national parks. He gave it to her when she graduated college. Then she maintained it as issues popped up. Her dad died two years ago, but it’s clear that she’ll always keep this vette. 130k miles, bone stock, and garaged it’s whole life. I’d love to invest in a resto with an exhaust art piece! We have the financial ability to do it right. We’re in California, so we are far away… Is this something you’d be interested in helping with, or do you know anyone on the west coast?

[@altoticket]

Wow what a story!

[@ctravis595]

I bought most of the engine consumables while I was still an mb tech, even with employee discount, rebuilding the interior water damage and rebuilding the engine of my 2003 s55 amg was a serious project

[@FluidMotorUnion]

tell em

[@jackwilliamson1929]

If you have a ball joint go out while you're driving, it's a real bad day.

[@etets444]

I own one of these as well. So awesome you guys work on those cars too! Very rare car and the last great mercedes made with the boxy design. Greetings from germany!

[@averagedev7768]

Let me tell you. I had a 5000€ budget to buy my first car. At fist i was looking at 4000 cars eith 1000 to spare for fixes. I really love the W169 2nd gen A class. Where i live its quite common to roll back milage so finding an OG milage car is rare. I found a A150 with gearbox bearing issues but original miles ( 215000km). Paid 1600€ and then i did 3500€ worth of parts (suspension, engine, interior, paint, gearbox etc). Now it drives like new . Retrofited cruse control. Car is now after 2 years at 272000km

[@1995RangeRover]

Great vid!!!!

[@BrandonColeman-np6sf]

Thanks for the many ideas 💡

[@darth420vader]

Spot on, I can tell you have worked on these quite a bit. These are tinker cars. They always need something worked on. Which means they are not boring. I have rebuilt the PSE on mine a few times. Some trial and error but once I got it right the end result was satisfying.

[@OctavChelaru]

The brutal honesty is rather refreshing ❤

[@schuylerpryne5]

I think interior and body is the killer. Busted dash, wiring, interior panels cracked. Then paying an upholstery shop for what you can't find. But i love 80s 90s cars and know its a labor of love. You gotta wanna work for it, and sink$ in it. Id take mechanical issues over a baby body.

[@saulGjr]

I arrived sensai. Thank you for another great video. [bows]

[@uniqu3xperience965]

1995 volvo 960 had a recall for porosity on the aluminum block. Later on they tried to fix their straight six and they took it to a safer level. I personally have a 960 and after a lot of time standing the engine oil has a lot of moisture due to this issue. If you run it often it doesnt happen.

[@derekadas]

What a great convo with Mr. Jackson! Can’t wait to see the finished project!

[@zachscioli5444]

Yesterday my beloved 06 c55 amg I believe fully collapsed or exploded a lifter in the valve train. I’m hoping to pull valve covers and oil pan tomorrow. My question for you OJ is if I find my cam has been wiped out, or if the engine damage is too extensive to justify rebuild, have you done or heard of people swapping the SC m113k from newer e55s into the w203 c55. The forums say the mounting is rather straightforward ( same engine mounts, bolt right to transmission, fits under hood ) but then there is the stuff I haven’t been able to find much info on like ( which ecu and what harness to what ignition system, heat exchanger/ supercharger plumbing ) any info would be greatly appreciated! And your videos are very entertaining to watch !

[@ftffighter]

It is fairly straightforward since it's the same engine that you already have just with a Kompressor on it and some even stronger internal bits. If you do the process though, do some upgrades like split-cooling the Intercoolers, new rear main seal, new sensors, etc,... The quality of the build you do is going to depend on how much money you want to spend on it.

[@PaulieFein]

This was a great video.

[@prins38]

Hello OJ. It worth to restore and take care of this cars. I have 3 pcs of Clk208 from 98 to 01. If I had lived in US,I had delivered them to you or Alex for restoration. I'm a huge fan of your both. I live in Norway and have learned alot from Alex about the w211. I have 2 of them also. So toms up for you and Alex and all the people that care about older mercedes. Maybe i will buy some exhaust from you for my clk230kompressor one day. But i need a good price because shipping and tax is expensive from us to Norway.

[@robbertmadden1386]

That looks like the same paint booth that Alex uses, this project is loaded with, while you're in there items, as always we love the technology of what you should do, thanks Professor OJ 😂

[@marilyn3545]

Comment for the algorithm

[@andrewjones718]

Brilliant video! Best yet, hope you can keep us up to date with progress and the final product

[@maxwelljuma1454]

Watching from Kenya and i have one...but Planning to do exactly what your doing to that full restoration..Mechanical and body...plus get it some new shoes...currently running on 18's but planning to throw in 20's or 19's if the latter are too big...definitely saving this video for reference so as to guide me on what to check for...

[@johnmcdonnell81]

Great project car and an underrated car too.

[@jm9782]

Looking forward to seeing this one get done. Cool car

[@aaronriggs4430]

I keep trying to imagine OJ without the moustache, and with a different haircut.. and I think he must have just been born that way 🤔

[@NCCoder]

From the limited experience I've had, German cars especially develop issues with grounds.... it's always the grounds. I just had to part with a W124 E420, and while our time together was amazing, I just didn't have the time or money to keep it up like I wanted. That W210 will come out really nice, I have no doubt.

[@BauregardSenior87]

My 80's Ford is going to cost about 6 times what I paid for it to restore, I will lose a good 10 to 20K on it, but at the same time, what would I spend that on? 20K doesn't even get you the modern ford equivalent as Ford don't make full size sedans anymore at least not in europe, they don't even really make cars worth owning anymore. So "wasting" my money is very much worth it.

[@FluidMotorUnion]

I agree. But people need to go into these as a hobby- no one really keeps track of them, they do it for passion. Sounds easy for me to say as a shop owner but I have dumb projects I’ll get to with no intention of it being enjoyable for me to have completed. This is more for the people who don’t understand what they are getting into…

[@zactormak]

im in the process of restoring a 200k mile C55 AMG lmfao but theres not much to fix so i think ill be okay, it has alot of similar issues that this e55 has. had to replace valve cover gasket. i think its still leaking a little bit i heard that these valve covers can warp so maybe its that. the ball joints too look the exact same. the backstory on this E55 is very sad, hopefully he gets to enjoy it some more. every car has a story

[@joshsos5541]

I can’t wait to see your video of the exhaust!

[@KevinDonohue-be8rb]

Im currently 10k in with purchase price on my 96 e50. The value of the car where i am is probanly 8k. Im almost there, did the oil valley passages which was causing a ticking. All the subframe, engine, trans mounts. Ac system, full service. Front rotors are the last thing keeping it off the road, as they have been hard to track down the right parts. Until....the door module or another component that is currently untraceable has caused none of the reectronics to work. The rear view mirror disintegrated in my hands and i pulled the headliner thinking i could sort that...i cant. My advice on these cars, is dont get the rarer e50 or e60, you will not find the parts you need easily as there isnt a lot of info online.

[@kevin9c1]

Damn, totally burying the lead instead of the opposite (click bait). Respect.

[@darrinscoilsclouds1498]

love what you are doing!!! keep it up❤

[@baitse7676]

W210 E55 has magnesium valve covers. Front rotors are very expensive. The '99 have defective DME, where the long term lean trim can go infinitely lean. Later W210s have a 10% limit on the long term lean trim. They are not interchangeable.

[@thomasgodfrey758]

I do miss my E55

[@stoveguy2133]

I bought a 2002 accord v6 for $275. Needed a wheel bearing. Very cheap.

[@timnewcomb8987]

the paint inside the valve covers that is a good one...

[@MrMachacker]

The valve covers are not aluminium but magnesium.

[@SeamHead33]

I've had 4 of em

[@exothermal.sprocket]

That's sort of unique to hear a man's wife being into motorcycles when he wasn't necessarily. It's usually the other way around. I really appreciate motorcycles, and only like cars. There's a lot of similarities between the two machines in the powerplant, when you can get past the drastic size and weight differences. Would be a truly talented mechanic that can work on both small (motorcycle) and big (autos) engines and appreciate them both.

[@michaeltinnin]

CL55 daily over here, self repair/maintained - yeah, i know ... thanks - The covers are alloy Magnesium/alum and they will start flaking and peeling apart - had to get rid of a w124 because cover was wasted - gotta change the cover seals almost every year

[@trentdawg2832]

I keep my w219 up and going with my 2 hands as well, we’ve had our battles but i love that car and its been good to us and definitley got our money out of it!!!…..now my teenage son drives it as we are trying to get his ‘67 mustang up and road worthy!!!!!

[@komoru]

Just to prepare a quote with all those detailed photographs and explanations, and give Robert an estimate on literally 100+ line items takes hours and hours. I hope you guys billed for the estimate!

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Good point!

[@Peech88]

Dude you and Aussie automotive KZbinr Sam Eyles from Built not Bought can pass ass brothers

[@garyzhang5099]

I respect you putting that much effort on valve cover, but those m113 covers are literally everywhere,

[@FluidMotorUnion]

They weren’t leaking, now they won’t…and they’re RED! Less than buying a new set and getting them coated. Just something people can do at home- while they were in there..!

[@bk5434]

FMU , Any plans to do a video on the exhaust for this E55 ? Would love to see this !

[@brettmortensen8862]

I'm way over resale value into a W211 E55 AMG restoration. Oh well, just keep going and plan on keeping it.

[@FluidMotorUnion]

And people like you will be the ones we’ll be envying driving our “toasters” in 10 years!!!

[@trentdawg2832]

Just did the motor mounts on my w219…..pain in the coolo……the driverside one was literally in 2 pieces!!!!

[@khemchee4685]

I had this e55 Amg, I wish I kept it because the production numbers are very low.

[@paulgarant9604]

Alex should be brought into this project.

[@BestBenz333]

Great video. Is that the upper oil pan taken off? I thought the engine had to be taken out for that?

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Not if you use a support bar to hang the subframe…👍

[@distr1c7]

My TL type s was 13k

[@j_____m3568]

Those valve covers aren’t aluminum. They are magnesium

[@promx96]

Do a video on the w204 c63

[@hoost3056]

That E55 will not be cheap, and unless you really love it everything will hurt. $50k to make it perfect......and before the trick exhaust.

[@fungi8460]

I'm in Texas (DFW) but don't feel comfortable shipping my ride out to the midwest. Do you know of any shops like yours in my area that are as reputable as your own? So many "custom exhaust" places here, but I don't want to trust just anyone with my vehicle.

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Not that I know of

[@Dis-Emboweled]

Nothing is expensive as a cheap Mercedes

[@steveyates1098]

Only a modern BMW is 🤣

[@yassinenattah]

How are we thinking about zandergerra's mew z pipe thing

[@Keasbeysknight]

Ha, I don't need to say that my 97 cobra is a money sink! I know it and I keep throwing money at it. One day!!

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Keep at it!

[@kclefthanded427]

If it doesnt have rust near the trunk opening, it might be okay but I wouldn't use it as a daily driver. Lots of rubber parts need replacement at that age

[@Koolkeish2287]

Thus why my Father stated that it is meant to be a family heirloom…a tribute to my Mother’s memory. In no way shape or form will it be a daily driver, as we have plenty of other modes of transportation. Also if we were deeply concerned about a budget we would not be doing it. Thanks for watching.

[@ftffighter]

Honestly, it entirely depends on HOW the car was driven up to this point. These Mercedes-Benz's and ESPECIALLY, the AMG models need to be driven regularly in order to keep the components from rotting away. However, if it had low miles I wouldn't want to drive it daily. This had over 126k miles on it, so it's actually necessary to daily in my opinion as long as it's maintained properly. These cars were built to be timeless... at least the older ones before about 2009/2010 at the latest. 2006/2007 was when things started getting bad though and Mercedes-AMG started using an excessive amount of plastic and rubber components in their drivetrains as well an absolutely uncharacteristically not AMG-like quality controls with their castings and camshafts especially.

[@lysanderlysandrou5715]

I've been wondering if it's worth rebuilding the engine on my 2011 ACURA TL SH-AWD, it's a 3.7 J series and burns oil. These 3.7's are notorious for bad rings and had several recalls to replace the pistons. It's got 192k on it and actually it runs pretty good (aside from the valve tick and the oil leaks and burning). I can't afford a newer car in this economy so i've been considering having the engine rebuilt. Not looking for a race car build, just a restored engine. Is it worth it?

[@Tangelos]

A fully rebuilt J37 is probably 4-5k in parts for bearings, chains/guides/tensioners, all the seals, injectors, vacuum lines, probably need to do an overbore with new pistons as bad rings often lead to scored bores. So then you need head gaskets and machining. If you aren’t doing everything at home, expect 10-12k, maybe a bit more

[@clonexradio]

if you're paying someone to do it, no, you're likely going to flush an ungodly amount of money down the drain & your car will be stuck at the back of someone's shop for rest of time. only way it's doable is if you're a hardcore DIY'er and got the commitment to see it through, and this assumes you start with a decent running and driving example.

[@filepz629]

💰💰💰

[@chalachin4452]

Cost benefit for this paint inside valve cover does not add up.

[@Sunny.Collective]

I have a e39 on jacks with no engine in it……. Lmk💀😤

[@magnusdanielsson2749]

My answer to ”How much budget do you have?” Is ”Yes!” 😅

[@BrandonColeman-np6sf]

😭😭

[@ZEPRATGERNODT]

I bought a 1999 E320T for my daughter last year. She drove it home and said "No Thanks".

[@chalachin4452]

No young person wants a wagon no matter how cool the parent think it is.

[@ZEPRATGERNODT]

@@chalachin4452 It wasn’t for cool (it’s not an E55 wagon), and Yes, I knew the risk. However, that 2023 Nissan Sentra car payment and insurance is kicking her butt. I told her to wait until she got out of college but nope…and she is letting her bf drive the car too. That wagon is a story upon itself and should have gotten rid of it. I still have it.

[@chalachin4452]

@@ZEPRATGERNODT i would pick a super safe car for my kids to drive. Used mercedes sedan, even a volvo. Or used german suv. What happen to the wagon?

[@ZEPRATGERNODT]

@@chalachin4452 That’s exactly why I bought it for her. I’m glad she didn’t like it since her bf is 80% responsible for the mileage and new damage on her Sentra. I was involved in a head-on collision in my pristine W211. That was also an auction car. If I had been driving my Camry…I wouldn’t even be here. That was one of the reasons I picked up the wagon. The wagon is sitting at home. After selling the house and moving to an apartment complex, I have to move it every few days when I’m at home. I travel across the U.S. and management hates that the car may sit unmoved while I’m gone. I rarely drive it. I originally bought her a used ML320 because they are throw away cars but someone made me an offer on it as it Lorinsor wheels and accessories on it.

[@trentdawg2832]

@@chalachin4452exactly why my son is driving the trusty ol w219 instead of his ‘67 mustang that we (I) am still dailing in to make nice and roadworthy (safe as possible for that era of cars….i keep telling him the classics a lil different)…

[@Stoneman1971]

Algorithm comment 👍

[@briannareid9423]

Mitsubishi Evo X i thought 35 thousand but at over 80 thousand and not finished thats just running gear

[@briannareid9423]

In Australia dollars

[@guillermohernandez8305]

i got an m5 e60, its gonna take a whole lot lol, need suspension work and i want itb!!

[@FluidMotorUnion]

Look at our old KZbin content with our record breaking bolt on s85 stacks.

[@guillermohernandez8305]

@@FluidMotorUnion you guys were the first that i saw that did itbs on the e60, need to change the clutch soon too, ahhh its gonna bankrupt me but shes a keeper lol, sweet vid! give us an update when the car finished!!

[@Tangelos]

To be clear, you want Open stacks, S85s are ITB inside the plenum by default

[@_illtal]

​@@guillermohernandez8305it under the hood would be sucking hot air without some sort of tubing bringing in fresh air.

[@guillermohernandez8305]

​@@Tangelos yea but i want the metal ones like what these guys fabricated before

[@Romans828KJV]

Take a deep breath leave the car alone don’t drive it for a few days and then fix it a formula to become a good mechanic

[@ferraritech]

Painting the inside of the valve cover. Extensive unnecessary work! Will make no difference in the life of the engine and will definitely flake one day.

[@FluidMotorUnion]

I can tell you didn’t watch the video.