The car sat for approximately three years, though it was started and driven occasionally during that time. During one of those outings, I noticed an oil leak, which prompted the decision to place the car in the shop and comprehensively address deferred maintenance and known issues with the goal of returning it to proper operating condition.



Since completion of the work, the car drives properly and feels strong, with smooth power delivery and solid drivability. The vehicle is currently wrapped in Plasti Dip, and there is some paint wear present on the driver’s door beneath the wrap.



At this point, I am considering selling the car but may also decide to keep it, depending on interest.
Service

Following approximately three years in storage, the car underwent an extensive mechanical recommissioning documented by invoices:

• Mercedes-Benz Service A including oil and filter change, inspections, and road test
• Rear main seal replacement (transmission removed)
• Valve cover gaskets, crank seals, and breather system serviced
• Water pump replaced; engine and supercharger coolant expansion tanks replaced
• Supercharger clutch bearing replaced
• AMG / Black Series transmission mount installed
• Quaife limited-slip differential installed and serviced
• Front lower control arms replaced; rear lower ball joints replaced
• Front wheel bearings adjusted
• Long-tube headers installed; exhaust hardware repaired; downpipes reinstalled
• Electronic exhaust cutouts installed and verified operational
• PSE vacuum pump replaced; BCM tested; front door lock actuator replaced
• CAN communication, remote locking, and lighting issues addressed
• Convertible top canvas replaced; hydraulic cylinders rebuilt; roof system serviced
• TPMS sensor replaced; tire mount and balance performed
• Check engine light diagnostics performed (rear O₂ sensor faults)
• ECU and TCU tuned, with four selectable drive modes
• Previously done was head gaskets,
  timing chains, internal o-rings, and guides

Modifications

• NeedsWings catch can
• Needwings Dual intake system
• Needswings headers
• Needwings Downpipes with electronic cutouts
• 178mm supercharger pulley and pulley upgrade kit
• Needwings Modified intake tube
• Needwings Larger intake runners
• Needwings intercooler
• Quaife limited-slip differential
• ECU tune
• TCU tune with four selectable modes
• Koni shocks

 

Hi,

I have been wanting to do the split cooling mod for a while but I'm still debating which company offers the best kit. For example, Moscow Supercharge offers a separate reservoir (like you have), Needswings just uses a few valves and tubes to separate the cooling circuit. I have heard different philosophies as to which one is better. Some say the added reservoir won't make a difference compare to splitting the cooling with just the hoses.

Yours seems to be a homemade solution. I read somewhere that people use the BMW powersteering reservoice to split the cooling. How did you go about doing yours?

 

Splitting the cooling system is definitely a good idea. I first installed the needswings to separate. I then later added the reservoir so I can see how much coolant is in that circuit.