>Did he tell you about the micro fibre cloth he >imports too? Works great on windows.
No, he did not, and I have been wondering if the microfiber is good for the paint in addition to windows. It is advertised that it is, but microfiber is a synthetic fabric and not cotton. Have you used the microfiber on your paint? Here is a good site with info about a lot of products including microfiber and leather care: http://www.properautocare.com/index.html
>The Klasse vinyl/rubber/plastic protectant works >great as well.
You asked about what I use on leather. I have not done my leather yet, but according to the Klasse importer and the bottle instructions, the above Klasse product is also a leather cleaner and protectant. Do I understand you correctly in your post that you feel this Klasse product does not keep your leather as soft and supple as you would like? I also have a bottle of Lexor, too. On this board, I did learn that the leather products should not contain animal oils.
>No special ritual when applying Klasse, just wash with good car soap first. If the >oxidation is heavy, like it takes a lot of One Step and rubbing, or there's a lot of >road tar, I use clay first, then >go straight to the sealant.
This might be a "blonde question" I am asking, but if the car is washed every two weeks or after a rainstorm, and the One Step All-in-One is used often enough, should there still be oxidation and a lot of road tar? I live in Southern California, and I realize that it is not feasible for those living where there is snow and ice to wash often during the Winter Season.
Just got back from the show. The MB booth was OK, they had one C320 Sport and the new C wagon. The wagon is nice. The centerpiece car was the C230 Sport coupe. Just my opinion, it won't sell past the initial "pop" associated with the introduction, it's uglier in person than in the photos. The sweetest Benz by far was the CL55, super sharp. They had a G-wagon there also. No AMG C32, that was dissapointing, I thought it would be there?
The biggest "splash" at the show was by far the Jag X Type. An interesting package, but the feel of that cheap exterior door handle (standard Ford Contour issue) left me a little cold. However, I will predict this car will be a good seller, especially amongst women. The new A4 was there, the styling is interesting, to me it seems a little too bulged at the tail. But that CVT transmission should be interesting. Both of these cars will be real competition to the C, but neither has shaken my plans to buy a C. If you like SUVs, that GMC Envoy was nice I must say. Other cars of note: production Thunderbirds were there (nice), the Aston Martins were gorgeous, that Lexus SC430 is stunning. Infiniti should do better with the new Q and new I35. And as usual, NO FERRARI, they only go to the Detroit and LA auto shows. Insane, considering that FNA headquarters is right over the river in NJ.
I am in the market for a new car and have been reading the hundreds of messages posted here on the C Class. I was encouraged by the positive feedback by real users, so I decided to take the plunge and fork out some major $$$ for one. I will take the delivery of a C200 Kompressor in 2 weeks. I live in Taiwan so the engine type is different than in the US. Will keep you guys posted on the gadgets I get in it.
just saw the news..had a segment on the nyc auto show...increadible us made car seline(sp??)400K 0-60 IN 3.7 seconds!!!!.... so... why are quibbling about which c has better pick up? hah!lets just get there.. and enjoy the ride!!
What happened to the box for a title for a post? Also my message center button is now a big Canadian flag, are Drew and Ian playing some sort of joke on us?
Pat, the flag is gone now. It was pretty weird, it was bigger than the read and change subscriptions buttons, and it was there as I went through all of my subscriptions.
Re Wheel Alignment I too had the problems that you report. On my E320, I was told that after 3 alignments the car was fine. I did some further research and was advised to use a 4 psi tire pressure differential. I first used 30/34 but found the car handled much better with 34/30. After the pressure changes, no further alignment problems. I no longer have the E320, but our C230 and C280 are running with 34/30 and no alignment problems.
Bill (dennett) sent me these pictures of a crashed '01 C-class. It held up extremely well, as expect. No intrusion inside, and the passenger cabin is completely intact (as is the windshield). The damage has been limited from the base of the windshield forward, as designed.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
reply to post # 2564 : Drew, what was the impact speed in this case and was the accident a full frontal impact, or, an offset impact ? Was the collision with another car or tree or motorcycle ? Thanks in advance, JMSinTX.
I don't know the details of the accident since they are not available (it is an offset crash, BTW, but probably 80-90% offset). I do agree that it may be an SUV or a pickup truck, or even a full-size truck, since the front bumper seems to be largely unaffected. It is most definitely not a "minor" accident though, since the airbags deployed (indicating an impact of 4Gs or greater), and judging from the major damage to the left front wheel. There were at least 2 people in the car, since the passenger airbag deployed as well. Note that none of the windows of the vehicle have been damaged.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Sorry, didn't mean to downplay the severity of the accident or any accident that happens.
Cars these days are built to crumple and give up their lives for the more important ones they carry within. Some accidents that happen at 10 to 15 miles an hour can look horrendous when viewing the car.
In this case Drew is right. I never knew the impact that it took to deploy the air bag's in a car. 4g's is definitely not a minor thing. That would hurt......Thumbs up to MB for making a safe car.
They still have to work to do on the electrical system, but at least they managed to get the safety part down pat the first time :-)
I didn't think that you downplayed the accident at all. FYI, the dual stage airbags can actually deploy above 3Gs, but at a lower intensity. When you hit 3Gs, the seatbelt pretensioners fire first. At 4Gs and above, the airbag(s) deploy at full intensity. These values are only for MB vehicles. Different makes/models may have lower activation thresholds.
Safety first for me, after all, it takes only one accident to injure/kill you. I'd rather take my chances in a car that has a few minor reliability issues but is safe, versus a vehicle which is extremely reliable, but doesn't do well in crash tests. Just my 2 cents though, your mileage may vary.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
It definitely didn't hit an ML from the way the fender and hood were sheared off. Luckily the speed wasn't higher or the passenger might have been a poster child for the "SUVs are assault vehicles" crowd :-)
What a week ! Logged approx. 1500 miles on my C 240 6 speed. Impressed many many friends. Never got past 110 MPH, highways & traffic did not permit. But the few times I was at 90 - 110 rock solid, smooth, quiet and lots of room (MPH) to spare.
Engine Trial Data: 04/15 on a 3.5 hour run on I-81: Avg. Speed = 75 MPH Ambient Temp. = 60 F 6th gear, 3000 RPM 29.4 MPG Range = 450 Miles Ventilation on EC REST, tilt sunroof open. (4.5 hrs. in the Driver's seat, only me and trunk full of luggage) Odometer now at 2850 Miles 04/16
Only one very small stone chip (too be expected). All systems working perfectly !! The C 240 is an Absolute Dream to drive, reinforced again on two 7 hour roadtrips to Ottawa from N.J. and back. This automobile is phenomenal IMO !!! (P.S. Bill: no Flag tricks...)
Ian, glad you're back! I bet those were 1500 fun miles! Your milage is right in line with what I've gotten on a couple of 300 mile trips. The C really is a dream at 100mph plus isn't it! Amazingly quiet, smooth, solid, and still much more in reserve. Did you bring your wife back with you? Hope so!
F1 Grand Prix - San Marino McLaren-Mercedes finish 2nd & 4th. Sunday's runner-up finish lifted Coulthard, winner of the previous race in Brazil, into a first-place tie with Michael Schumacher in the championship points race with 26.
Ralf Schumacher of Germany won Sunday's 62-lap Formula One San Marino Grand Prix at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. The following are the results:
1. Ralf Schumacher (Germany), Williams, one hour, 30 min, 44.817 sec (202.062 kph/125.076 mph) 2. David Coulthard (Scotland), McLaren, + 04.352 seconds 3. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil), Ferrari, +34.766 sec 4. Mika Hakkinen (Finland), McLaren, +36.315 sec 5. Jarno Trulli (Italy), Jordan, +1:25.580 6. Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Germany), Jordan, 1 lap behind 7. Nick Heidfeld (Germany), Sauber, 1 lap 8. Olivier Panis (France), BAR, 1 lap 9. Jean Alesi (France), Prost, 1 lap 10. Enrique Bernoldi (Brazil), Arrows, 2 laps
I plan to purchase a new car in the next few weeks. I am looking into M-B C240, Lexus ES 300 and MBW 325i. However, I do not know and have never driven a manual transmission car before. It is hard to decide cause I believe they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, one thing I do not like about the ES 300 is the split colors. Anyway, back to my question, if I get the C240 with the optional transmission (5 speed auto), is it going to be very different ( in terms of the way you drive) compared to a 4 speed auto car? Also, I know this is different based on ones negotiation, states taxes, etc., but do you mind giving me an estimate price you pay for your C240 with/without optional packages?
I seemed to have problems posting texts with apostrophes! Does anyone know why? I have to edit and take out all the apostrophes on my previous post. It replaced any apostrophe with "#,&,ect.".
though i didnt driver the 240 stick.. i can tell you that the auto trans is fun but its not REALLYlike driving a stick.. thers no friction point..and therfore no real controll of how fast or slow the transmission engages.. but its still a lot of fun..
In regards to paint chips; sometimes the add on bras etc look worse than the chips. Came off a 1200 mile run in upstate Michigan where they use sand instead of salt. It seems that you must stay a distance back from the trucks when following and favor the extreme right side on two lanes when meeting on coming trucks. In all, my chipping was minimal.
As for the parking lots; try parking on the end slot on the right as close to the end curb as you can. I have noticed that most shoppers are single occupants so staying to the right helps minimize the door dings from single drivers. Of course this means you will get your exercise walking from the back forty of the parking lots.
Above all, don't take two parking spots for the key rats will go out of their way to strike at you
Those symbols appear if you compose a post offline using MS Word and then paste it into the post box - it looks fine when you do the paste, but posting causes what you have seen. I am told it has something to do with Microsoft using nonstandard ascii characters.
An easy fix is to just use the post box to compose. Or use a more standard text editor such as Notepad.
Hope this helps.
Pat Host Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
Did any of you using dialup connections have trouble loading the 4 pictures (about 60K each) of the wrecked C-class? If so, I'll remove the post and provide links instead.
Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Bill/Drew, where do you suppose did the crumbled glass in the center console come from? I've been trying for a loooong time to figure this one out, but to no avail. There seems to be more glass in the "pocket" of the passenger's airbag, and what is hanging to the right of it looks suspiciously like a torn windshield. However, from the outside pictures, all glass seems to be intact???
Drew, no problem downloading the 4 images (with my 53.3 Kb connection). Just showed it to my wife and she was very impressed. Our daughter at Va Tech came home for the Easter weekend and when she saw our new Glacier White C240 parked in the garage, her reaction was beyond our expectation (we wanted it to be a surprise and it was more than that). She was more than thrilled!! To make a long story short, she insisted on taking her back to Blacksburg and the 4 hour roundtrip on I81 was just wonderful! MB is it!
Tarik, look at the second image, it looks like something may have punctured the windshield. In the second image, the view from the rear looking through the rolled down passenger side window, there appears to be a basketball sized hole in the windshield. It really would be interesting to have more details about this accident. The other thing I find interesting is that the car has Mercedes Benz of San Diego plates on it, that's where I got my C, yet it's now in Florida and only has a 1k miles on it? The salvage yard must have bought it and trailored it all the way to Florida, seems a bit weird.
Is there any info available on the new C classes anywhere, I've waited this long, don't mind waiting a few more months. Anyone know if theres' plans to put the stick in the 320 or up the hp in the 240. Can't find any info anywhere. Thanks!!!
I had my 2001 Mercedes C-320 for one month now and have noticed some water in the trunk left side pocket did anyone have the same proglem ? Thanks Leo-K
Karklin- that's a new one! I've never heard of it. Have you looked at all the seals around the trunk? Also look under the trunk, where it got wet, and make sure there are no missing screws or cracks etc. Have you talked to your service advisor about this yet? Good luck, and let us know what you find out!
Don't believe there is going to many changes for the 240 and 320 for 2002. Not sure about the stick in the 320. I have heard rumors though. 2002 will introduce the AMG model, that will kick up the hp for ya. Maybe consider the new 2 door sport coupe or the station wagon? Only a thought!
Just talked to my salesman today. Found out my car is complete and ready for the boat and Baltimore! Yee Ha! Few more weeks boys and girls and will be a proud MB owner. Can't wait! greg@thedailydonut.com
karklin -- I had this problem, too. Our C320 was just a couple of weeks old (in February), and I drove about 40 freeway miles in a real downpour. The rainstorm was a veritable frog-strangler; no viz, water everywhere, streaming up from the tires like a speedboat wake. The next day, I noticed that it was pretty wet in the left-hand side pocket of the trunk. The car was was on its way to the dealer for an unrelated problem, so I had them look at it. They found nothing (even after 'water testing,' they said), but tightened the trunk latch anyway to get a better seal around the lid. Now, I have to slam the lid harder to close it!
The water problem hasn't re-occurred, and I expect it will be all right until the next time I drive in heavy rain. (That will be in maybe two to three years here in sunny California!)
My theory: there's a water drain engineered into that pocket, and it was so wet that night that I drove the water backwards through the drain and up into the trunk. What do you think?
Has anyone noticed a squeaking or squealing noise when going over speed bumps? I just noticed it this past weekend during Easter. I wanted to ask before I take it in. Please let me know!
I believe I am familiar with the Glacier White C240 you purchased. Did you buy it from Brown's European Imports, Charlottesville? If so E.-mail me at wmanning@cfw.com. See ya.
I'm thinking that in the future I may do a filter replacement and oil top off at the halfway point between FSS services. I just don't feel comfortable with the thought of going 10-12k miles with the same oil and filter. The filter change idea seems like sort of a compromise, and it'd be cheap and easy for me to do myself. Does anyone know where to buy MB oil filters online? When I had my oil changed at the dealer they charged me about $13 for the filter, that seems high, other than Clair parts does anyone know of other places to buy genuine MB parts? At this point this idea is just an idea, I'd appreciate anybodys' thoughts pro or con on doing this. Maybe we can talk about this at tonight's MB chat.
I have three Hengst (OEM manufacturer for Mercedes) filters that I purchased for my 1999 SLK (which I no longer own). The Hengst filter # is E142H D21 which replaces Fram # CH6848 or Purolator # L44757. If this filter will fit your car you can have them for shipping costs only. It would be a shame just to throw them away.
I'm on the verge of selling my present ride and have been considering a new C240 or used 230SLK, among others. As an ex-SLK owner, would you mind sharing if it was a problem with the SLK that drove your decision? Thanks in advance.
just got a letter from MB. saying that FROM NOW ON MB reccomends synthetic oil. guess I need to find out if my previous oil changes were natural or synthetic, dennet.. I am with you.. not that I dont trust MB and their reccomendations..but for the minimal cost of an oil change,id rather the engine be running with clean oil and filter,even if synthetic
This last week I have rode around without the radio on. I noticed the engine is very noisy. It sounds like a disel and isn't smooth sounding. Since this is the first time I have noticed it, without the radio on, is this normal? I have a C-320, Glacial white with 3000 miles on it now! I have also notice that a pair of shorts (black) I have worn have stained the seat and back. I tried to clean the seat using Lexol, but no luck. I have java interior leather. It isn't all that noticable, but to me it is. Starting to get a lot of chips on the front along with a huge population of bugs! Thanks
Comments
No, he did not, and I have been wondering if the microfiber is good for the paint in addition to windows. It is advertised that it is, but microfiber is a synthetic fabric and not cotton. Have you used the microfiber on your paint? Here is a good site with info about a lot of products including microfiber and leather care:
http://www.properautocare.com/index.html
>The Klasse vinyl/rubber/plastic protectant works >great as well.
You asked about what I use on leather. I have not done my leather yet, but according to the Klasse importer and the bottle instructions, the above Klasse product is also a leather cleaner and protectant. Do I understand you correctly in your post that you feel this Klasse product does not keep your leather as soft and supple as you would like? I also have a bottle of Lexor, too. On this board, I did learn that the leather products should not contain animal oils.
>No special ritual when applying Klasse, just wash with good car soap first. If the >oxidation is heavy, like it takes a lot of One Step and rubbing, or there's a lot of >road tar, I use clay first, then
>go straight to the sealant.
This might be a "blonde question" I am asking, but if the car is washed every two weeks or after a rainstorm, and the One Step All-in-One is used often enough, should there still be oxidation and a lot of road tar? I live in Southern California, and I realize that it is not feasible for those living where there is snow and ice to wash often during the Winter Season.
Miki
im gonna try to get in mid week if my schedule allows.... lighter crowds.... i hope!!!
I am in the market for a new car and have been reading the hundreds of messages posted here on the C Class. I was encouraged by the positive feedback by real users, so I decided to take the plunge and fork out some major $$$ for one. I will take the delivery of a C200 Kompressor in 2 weeks. I live in Taiwan so the engine type is different than in the US. Will keep you guys posted on the gadgets I get in it.
Pat
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Pat
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Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
I too had the problems that you report. On my E320, I was told that after 3 alignments the car was fine. I did some further research and was advised to use a 4 psi tire pressure differential.
I first used 30/34 but found the car handled much better with 34/30. After the pressure changes, no further alignment problems. I no longer have the E320, but our C230 and C280 are running with 34/30 and no alignment problems.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
It was mostly above the bumper and skimmed the hood and the top part of the engine off.
If it hit the frame more, then we really could have seen MB safety at work.
JR
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Cars these days are built to crumple and give up their lives for the more important ones they carry within. Some accidents that happen at 10 to 15 miles an hour can look horrendous when viewing the car.
In this case Drew is right. I never knew the impact that it took to deploy the air bag's in a car. 4g's is definitely not a minor thing. That would hurt......Thumbs up to MB for making a safe car.
They still have to work to do on the electrical system, but at least they managed to get the safety part down pat the first time :-)
I didn't think that you downplayed the accident at all. FYI, the dual stage airbags can actually deploy above 3Gs, but at a lower intensity. When you hit 3Gs, the seatbelt pretensioners fire first. At 4Gs and above, the airbag(s) deploy at full intensity. These values are only for MB vehicles. Different makes/models may have lower activation thresholds.
Safety first for me, after all, it takes only one accident to injure/kill you. I'd rather take my chances in a car that has a few minor reliability issues but is safe, versus a vehicle which is extremely reliable, but doesn't do well in crash tests. Just my 2 cents though, your mileage may vary.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
What a week ! Logged approx. 1500 miles on my C 240 6 speed. Impressed many many friends.
Never got past 110 MPH, highways & traffic did not permit. But the few times I was at 90 - 110 rock solid, smooth, quiet and lots of room (MPH) to spare.
Engine Trial Data: 04/15
on a 3.5 hour run on I-81:
Avg. Speed = 75 MPH
Ambient Temp. = 60 F
6th gear, 3000 RPM
29.4 MPG
Range = 450 Miles
Ventilation on EC REST, tilt sunroof open.
(4.5 hrs. in the Driver's seat, only me and trunk full of luggage) Odometer now at 2850 Miles 04/16
Only one very small stone chip (too be expected).
All systems working perfectly !!
The C 240 is an Absolute Dream to drive, reinforced again on two 7 hour roadtrips to Ottawa from N.J. and back. This automobile is phenomenal IMO !!! (P.S. Bill: no Flag tricks...)
McLaren-Mercedes finish 2nd & 4th.
Sunday's runner-up finish lifted Coulthard, winner of the previous race in Brazil, into a first-place tie with Michael Schumacher in the championship points race with 26.
Ralf Schumacher of Germany won Sunday's 62-lap Formula One San Marino Grand Prix at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. The following are the results:
1. Ralf Schumacher (Germany), Williams, one hour, 30 min, 44.817 sec
(202.062 kph/125.076 mph)
2. David Coulthard (Scotland), McLaren, + 04.352 seconds
3. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil), Ferrari, +34.766 sec
4. Mika Hakkinen (Finland), McLaren, +36.315 sec
5. Jarno Trulli (Italy), Jordan, +1:25.580
6. Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Germany), Jordan, 1 lap behind
7. Nick Heidfeld (Germany), Sauber, 1 lap
8. Olivier Panis (France), BAR, 1 lap
9. Jean Alesi (France), Prost, 1 lap
10. Enrique Bernoldi (Brazil), Arrows, 2 laps
I plan to purchase a new car in the next few weeks. I am looking into M-B C240, Lexus ES 300 and MBW 325i. However, I do not know and have never driven a manual transmission car before. It is hard to decide cause I believe they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, one thing I do not like about the ES 300 is the split colors. Anyway, back to my question, if I get the C240 with the optional transmission (5 speed auto), is it going to be very different ( in terms of the way you drive) compared to a 4 speed auto car? Also, I know this is different based on ones negotiation, states taxes, etc., but do you mind giving me an estimate price you pay for your C240 with/without optional packages?
Thanks.
Joe
Thanks!
As for the parking lots; try parking on the end slot on the right as close to the end curb as you can. I have noticed that most shoppers are single occupants so staying to the right helps minimize the door dings from single drivers. Of course this means you will get your exercise walking from the back forty of the parking lots.
Above all, don't take two parking spots for the key rats will go out of their way to strike at you
Good Luck!
Those symbols appear if you compose a post offline using MS Word and then paste it into the post box - it looks fine when you do the paste, but posting causes what you have seen. I am told it has something to do with Microsoft using nonstandard ascii characters.
An easy fix is to just use the post box to compose. Or use a more standard text editor such as Notepad.
Hope this helps.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I did not have any problems loading the pics on my dial up with 56K.
Miki
Bill/Drew, where do you suppose did the crumbled glass in the center console come from? I've been trying for a loooong time to figure this one out, but to no avail. There seems to be more glass in the "pocket" of the passenger's airbag, and what is hanging to the right of it looks suspiciously like a torn windshield. However, from the outside pictures, all glass seems to be intact???
Opinions, please.
Tarik
Our daughter at Va Tech came home for the Easter weekend and when she saw our new Glacier White C240 parked in the garage, her reaction was beyond our expectation (we wanted it to be a surprise and it was more than that). She was more than thrilled!! To make a long story short, she insisted on taking her back to Blacksburg and the 4 hour roundtrip on I81 was just wonderful! MB is it!
No problem downloading/viewing the pictures of the C320 crashed MB with my 545K DSL modem. Very interesting pictures.
Thanks Leo-K
Don't believe there is going to many changes for the 240 and 320 for 2002. Not sure about the stick in the 320. I have heard rumors though. 2002 will introduce the AMG model, that will kick up the hp for ya. Maybe consider the new 2 door sport coupe or the station wagon? Only a thought!
Just talked to my salesman today. Found out my car is complete and ready for the boat and Baltimore! Yee Ha! Few more weeks boys and girls and will be a proud MB owner. Can't wait!
greg@thedailydonut.com
The water problem hasn't re-occurred, and I expect it will be all right until the next time I drive in heavy rain. (That will be in maybe two to three years here in sunny California!)
My theory: there's a water drain engineered into that pocket, and it was so wet that night that I drove the water backwards through the drain and up into the trunk. What do you think?
If so E.-mail me at wmanning@cfw.com.
See ya.
MB reccomends synthetic oil. guess I need to find out if my previous oil changes were natural or synthetic,
dennet.. I am with you.. not that I dont trust MB and their reccomendations..but for the minimal cost of an oil change,id rather the engine be running with clean oil and filter,even if synthetic
I have also notice that a pair of shorts (black) I have worn have stained the seat and back. I tried to clean the seat using Lexol, but no luck. I have java interior leather. It isn't all that noticable, but to me it is. Starting to get a lot of chips on the front along with a huge population of bugs!
Thanks
Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards