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November 14, 2009

Where's a good place to purchase used Mercedes parts?

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Q: Do you know of a source for used Mercedes parts for my 1986 Mercedes 560SL? I have exhausted my efforts. (I'm not great with the computer.) Actually, I'm looking for a set of tan carpets, front and rear. Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated.

A: If you can get on your computer or have someone to help you, go to www.germanstar.net. If you don't have that access, you can call them at 800-377-6598. I have had great luck finding Mercedes parts at German Star at a very fair price. The counterpeople are extremely helpful, as well.

Q: I have been looking at new cars and SUVs. I will be switching over to an automatic transmission after having driven a manual for 29 years. I'm finding that the four- and five-speed automatic transmissions are disappointing in their responsiveness. I am now considering vehicles that have a CVT (Nissan and Subaru). Since I keep my cars for a long time (the last two, 10 years each), I am hesitant. What drives great today may be a very big problem six years from now. What is your experience with CVT reliability and cost of maintenance?

A: The CVT transmission has been around for 40-plus years. For the most part, they are very reliable. However, the CVT transmission is expensive to maintain, even though the manufacturer does not have a scheduled service listed. If the transmission does fail, the cost of repair is quite a bit more than the traditional automatic transmission.

Q: You've been a big help in the past, so I'm asking for your valued advice again. I have a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer LS in-line 6-cylinder, with 39,000 miles. When I have the windows down, I hear a chirp (like a bird) coming from what I surmise to be the transmission area. It occurs after a shift not under a load, at speeds both on the highway and secondary roads. A friend said he was told there is a solenoid that has that tendency to make noise. It doesn't seem to have an adverse effect on the vehicle, yet. Any suggestions?

A: Diagnosing a chirp on paper is going to be a bit tough. But I like the tough ones. A few things that will make a chirp while the vehicle is under power would be: inner CV joints on the front drive shafts, universal joints on the front or rear drive shaft, and finally take a look at the torsion bar mounts; they can be noisy, as well.

Q: I have a 1941 Studebaker Commander, 6-cylinder. When I put antifreeze in the radiator after the car has been running for a while, it starts to foam. If I put just water without antifreeze, it does not do it and runs well. However, because of the cold weather, it needs antifreeze. Any suggestions?

A: Sounds to me like you may have an air-bound system. When the additives of the antifreeze mix with air, you have a visit from foamy bubbles, very well-known by the automotive industry. You didn't mention a drivability problem; however, a blown head gasket will also cause foamy bubbles.

Car Care Tip: If you change to snow tires in the winter and you plan to keep your car for six or more years, it may cost you less to mount the snow tires on a set of used rims and avoid the mounting and balancing fees every year.

¢¢¢

Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears every Saturday. Write to Larry at The Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.

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