OMG - snake under the hood!?

Just kidding - but dang, when a pulley tensioner breaks - it takes crap out with it 😡

Genuine 1132000170 Wheel Seal
w211 r230 w220 AMG Drive Belt Idler Pulley tension 1132020419

needless to say, the serpentine belt got munged and the double idler pulley broke when the belt tensioner went out...

not cheap parts by any means!  But back to normal again... thankfully! 👍👍

DYNO: Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Dynojet OVER 480HP

Here's the video of the dyno run - gotta love how this thing pulls!!!
Here's a link to the dyno-sheet

Finally got some new brakes installed...

I had my Akebono Brake Pad Set pads sitting for a LONG time, waiting for the original OEM dusty pads to wear down...  the dealer wanted $1,200 to do the front brakes alone (EEK!)

I ended up getting some x-drilled zinc plated rotors from http://www.brakeperformance.com and along with the Akebono pads - we're talking ~$400 for everything.  So I saved ~$800 :)  The Brake Performance Rotors are custom built per order, I had mine zinc plated with black painted hats...

Yes you say, geez $400 for brakes - but remember these are brembo calipers with 4 pads per side, and a 14" rotor - very beefy!

The Akebono Brake Pad Sets have been SPECTACULAR when it comes to brake dust - seriously - why did I wait this long!?!

Definitely worth the wait!

Akebono Brake Pad Set

Mountek nGroove Snap Magnetic Vehicle Mount - awesome!

Like most people, I like to use my phone for various things in the car (texting isn't one of them!).  But I often struggled with where to put my phone while driving.

In the spot next to the 12v port?  nope - phone is too long

On the console next to the shifter?  nope - slides all around

On the passenger seat?  yah, follow the GPS when it's on the seat

So I searched for the solution and this was recommended by a friend - the Mountek nGroove Snap Magnetic CD Slot Phone Mount  for less than $30!

Ok - yes, I know, it has the HANDS FREE sticker - but that's fine with me!  It's been a law here in California for 2.5 years, and everyday I see people texting/calling, etc on their phones.  So this is a GREAT solution!

What's pretty neat about this setup is the big yellow sticker has a magnet underneath!  And a few metallic plates come with the mount and you slip those plates inside your smartphone case - and it allows the magnet to hold your phone - almost 'levitating' in the air using your CD slot.  

At first when I mounted it, it was way too low and covered much of my radio/GPS screen in the E55.  But the mount rotates 360 degrees, and I flipped it 180 and it sits pretty much in between the heater controls and I can still see the screen below.  I have the Google Maps app running (so much more accurate than the built in GPS) - but I could also use my Dash Command to monitor the vehicle metrics while driving as well! 

Overall, highly recommended!  If you're looking for a nice mount that can hold your phone/tablet - this is it!

< $30!

Mountek nGroove Snap Magnetic CD Slot Phone Mount

P0456 - Evaporative emission system leak detected (very small leak)

Check Engine Lights (CEL) suck - but some are easy to fix.  The P0456 can be as simple as a loose/leaking gas cap - or in my case, failing fuel senders (pretty common on Mercedes unfortunately).

When we saw the CEL come on - I grabbed my PLX Kiwi Wireless ODB-II Scanner for iPhone & iPod scanner (love this thing!)

Since the car is under warranty - we took it to the dealer to have it evaluated.  Needless to say the fuel senders need replaced!  I looked up the parts list, and OMG my jaw hit the ground...

PLX Kiwi Wireless ODB-II Scanner for iPhone & iPod
Mercedes e55 cls55 Fuel Pump assy Level Sender RT OEM gas with sensor u…
$527
Genuine 2114701794 Electric Fuel Pump
$555

Needless to say, these parts aren't cheap - and neither is the labor to install them!  Pulling the rear seat, dropping the tank, replacing the pumps - ick!  Fingers crossed this gets repaired under warranty.

There's a recall from Mercedes on this issue, but seems to be a recurring issue even after the recall.

EA13-003 – Engineering Analysis to Investigate Allegations of Fuel Leaks at or Near

the Top of the Fuel Tank Assembly in MY 2003-2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Vehicles

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM446946/INRL-EA13003-58167P.pdf

Common maintenance parts for the W211 Mercedes E-Class E55 AMG (2003-2006)

Here's some simple maintenance items that are commonly used by the W211 E55 crowd - hope you enjoy! I do get affiliate earnings from these links to help me keep this site running! Thanks for your support and clicks!

OIL CHANGE

Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 0W-40 | European Car Formula | 5 Quar…
$50
Mann Filter HU 718/5 x Cartridge Oil Filter Replacement Compatible With…
$12
Mann Filter CUK 3172 Automotive Cabin Air Filter with Activated Carbon,…
$25
Cnonee1 Car Oil Dipstick Replacement Oil Measure Tool Lever for Mercede…
$12
Mobil Jet Oil 2-1 Quart Can
$30 for S/C oil change
M14x1.5 Magnetic Oil Drain Plug, Magnetic Stainless Steel Oil Pan Drain…
$9
OES Oil Filter Housing
filter housing
Hengst E455L02 Air Filter
$28 (need 2)
Beck/Arnley 042-1611 Air Filter
$40 for 2
WIX Racing Filters Air Filter Panel
$21 (need 2)
K&N High-Flow Original Lifetime Engine Air Filter: Increase Power: Prem…
(need 2) $55/ea
aFe 31-10085 Air Filter
$94/ea (need 2)
A-Premium(Red)8x Ignition Coil Pack and 16x Iridium Spark Plugs
$169
NGK Iridium IX Spark Plug LFR7AIX # 2309 PK4
$27/4 (need 4 packs)
NGK 6619 Iridium Spark Plugs LFR6AIX-11 (4 Pack)
$28.50/4

CABIN AIR FILTERS

Mann CUK 18 000-2 Heater-Case Cabin Filter
charcoal, in heater case

ENGINE AIR FILTERS

Mann C 3689 Engine Air Filter
OEM-style, need 2
Meyle 0123210004 Air Filter
need 2

IGNITION SYSTEM

NGK ILFR6A 3588 Laser Iridium Plug
stock heat range
Bosch Ignition Coil
OE-style coil
Magnecor 85240 8.5mm KV85 Wires
M113 V8 set
Mercedes Ignition Coil Set 8-Pack
0001587803 / E55

EMISSIONS

Car Oil Filler Cap Gas Tank Cover Part Replacement for Mercedes Benz C3…
$19
0258006328 Lambda Sensor Oxygen O2 Sensor Replacement for 2001-2011 Mer…
$30
BOSCH 16328 Premium Original Equipment Oxygen Sensor - Single
$65
A-Premium Electric Fuel Pump Module Assembly Compatible with Mercedes-B…
$128
MagnaFlow 444106 CARB Catalytic Converter
OE-fit front L/R
MagnaFlow 441304 CARB Catalytic Converter
rear L/R
Secondary Air Injection Pump 0001404285
SAP / AIR pump
603-283 Engine Coolant Reservoir Radiator Expansion Tank for Mercedes-B…
$26
Rislone Hy-per Cool Super Coolant, 16 oz.
(additive like Water Wetter but cheaper) $7
Bosch 0392022010 Auxiliary Electric Water Pump
$142
Akebono Brake Pad Set
$126
Akebono-EUR984 Brake Pad Set
$95
Centric 143.35033 Front Caliper Repair Kit
$33
Brembo 09.A819.11 UV Coated Front Rotor 360mm
$201
URO Parts 2115401717 Brake Pad Sensor
$8(2 per car)
for Benz for CLS500 2006 for CLS55 2006 for E350 2006 for E320 2003-200…
$25

FUEL SYSTEM

Torco Accelerator 32 oz
race-fuel mix
Standard AX129 IAT / Air Charge Sensor
intake air temp
Bosch 0280156072 Injector Set 8-Pack
A1120780349 / E55
Mercedes W211 Fuel Tank Cap
OEM gas cap

COOLING

Valeo 732855 Radiator
OE 2115003202
AMG Thermostat with Housing 87C
5.5L Kompressor
Behr Hella 376718021 Radiator
W211 E-Class
AMG Engine Water Pump 1132000101
03-10 AMG M113K

BRAKES

Genuine AMG Front Pads with Sensors
003 420 71 20
Zimmermann Rear Brake Disc
E55 rear rotor
OES Brake Reservoir Cap
W211 cap
Centric 143.37009 Caliper Repair Kit
rear caliper
Centric 116.35005 Brake Pad Sensor
wear sensor

BATTERY & ELECTRICAL STUFF

Fire Power CTX14-BS(FA) Factory Activated Maintenance Free Sealed Batte…
$65
A-Premium 14.6V Alternator Voltage Regulator
$38
BOSCH AL0826N Premium Original Equipment New Alternator - 180 Amp Rating
$275
Beck/Arnley 180-0384 Cam Angle Sensor
- $85
FIAMM 72102 Freeway Blaster HIGH Note Horn
$17
FIAMM 72112 Freeway Blaster LOW Note Horn
$15
Mercedes-Benz 211 832 05 84, HVAC Heater Control Valve
$37
PHILIPS Xenon X-TremeVision Gen2 +150% D2S HID Xenon Bulbs Set of Two 8…
$149
SYLVANIA H7 XtraVision Halogen Headlight Bulb, High or Low Beam, 2 Bulbs
$24
Philips Automotive Lighting 9006 CrystalVision Platinum Superior Upgrad…
$32
Philips Automotive Lighting H7 CrystalVision Platinum Superior Upgrade…
$28
Exide Edge FP-AGML5/49 AGM Battery
main battery
ACDelco Gold ATX14BS Aux AGM Battery
trunk aux
Bosch 0261210170 Crank Position Sensor
CPS
A-Premium Front Air Suspension Shock Strut Compatible with Mercedes-Benz
$455
A-Premium Front Air Suspension Strut Assembly Compatible with Mercedes-…
$303
NEW Pair Set of 2 Rear Arnott Air Suspension Springs For Mercedes W219…
$1,079
A-Premium Engine Motor Mount and Transmission Mount Kit, Set of 3
$113
Gates K060966 Serpentine Belt
$30
Battery Tender Plus 1.25 Amp
maintainer
Bosch Alternator Voltage Regulator
003154xx06 family

LIGHTING E55 2003-2006

Sylvania 2825LL City Lights
parking / city
HELLA W211 Passenger Headlight Assembly
bi-xenon RH
HELLA W211 Driver Headlight Assembly
bi-xenon LH
Morimoto D2H 2Stroke 3.0 LED Bulbs
HID-style upgrade

SHOCKS, SUSPENSION & MOUNTS

Arnott C-2278 Coil Spring Conversion Kit
delete airmatic
Beck/Arnley 101-5893 Ball Joint
upper joint
Dorman 520-959 Left Upper Control Arm
driver front
Dorman 520-960 Right Upper Control Arm
passenger front
TPMS Valve Stems 4-Pack
98-09 Mercedes
Lemforder Steering Rack Boot
rack gaiter
Arnott P-2192 WABCO Air Compressor
W211 airmatic
Arnott AS-2300 Right Front Air Strut
passenger
CRP Rear Axle Boot
CV / axle boot
Corteco Engine Mount Left or Right
E55 03-06
Arnott AS-2301 Left Front Air Strut
driver

BELTS & TENSIONER

Gates K060966 Micro-V Serpentine Drive Belt
$79
Gates FleetRunner Supercharger Drive Belt
- close to OEM size $34
Gates K080496HD Fleet Runner Heavy Duty Micro V Serpentine Drive Belt
(for S/C pulley setup) tight fit $33
OEM BELT TENSIONER ASSEMBLY (C CLK E G ML R S SLK) - INA 55143 11220009…
$89
Genuine OEM Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly for Mercedes 113200…
$408
Replacement Right Valve Cover Gasket Set Passenger Side fits Mercedes-B…
$38
Dayco 5080510 Supercharger Belt
close to OEM S/C
ACDelco K080505HD Serpentine Belt
5mm tighter pulley

STEERING

ACDelco 36P1040 Power Steering Pump
reman pump

GASKETS

Elring Left and Right Valve Cover Gaskets M113
$33
Fel-Pro VS50842R Valve Cover Gasket Set
$27
Transmission Dipstick for Mercedes 722.6 Transmissions with Replace OE…
$11
Red Line 30504 D4 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - 1 Quart
$16
Red Line 30504 D4 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - 1 Quar…
$70
for Mercedes 722.6 722.9 Auto Transmission Fluid (1 Liter) FUCHS High P…
$28
Beck/Arnley 044-0350 Automatic Transmission Filter For 2006-2009 Merced…
$10
Transmission Conductor Plate Kit Compatible with Mercedes Benz 722.6
$69
Supercharger Air-Line Gasket Right
03-06 AMG
Supercharger Air-Line Gasket Left
03-06 AMG
Victor Reinz Exhaust Manifold Gasket
M113
Victor Reinz Intake Manifold Seals L+R
98-10 V8
Victor Reinz Water Pump Seal
02-10 AMG

TRANSMISSION

Shell ATF 134 6-Quart Case
MB 236.14 / 236.12
Fuchs ATF 4134 1 Liter
MB 236.14
Beck/Arnley 044-0371 Filter Kit
filter + conductor plate

WASH YOUR CAR

Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine Version 5 - ONR Rinseless Car Wash Soap…
$21
Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax – Rinseless Car Wash Formulated with Carn…
$22
Optimum Car Wax - Carnauba Spray Wax for Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Boa…
$16
Meguiar's Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels for Cars, 3 Pack
$10
Grit Guard The Original Black Bucket Insert - 10" Diameter Car Wash Buc…
$10
Meguiar's Microfiber Wash Mitt
wash mitt

HEAD UNIT REPLACEMENT

Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Steering-Wheel Interface
keep wheel controls

INTERIOR

URO 66920118 Cup Holder
W211 cup holder
Dorman 41025 Front Cup Holder
replacement holder

SHINY PARTS

Genuine Mercedes Hood Star 2108800186
hood ornament
4-Button Mercedes Key Shell
remote case
URO 2118800583 Grille Assembly
W211 grille

GADGETS

Pedal Commander Throttle Controller
2000-2007 Mercedes