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Arnie Silverman: Old Benz and I

Date:

Mercedes-Benz

My car and I are one and the same.  It’s 16 years old which is old in car years and I am what I am.  This being only my third Benz in some 25 years, I expect to keep running it until it can’t move any more, which is pretty much how I feel about myself.  In spite of its years it still looks pretty good which again I hope applies to me.  I put over 370K miles on my last one, and the current one while it has almost 200K miles now, won’t last that long.  It was handsome in its youthful days and on that I’ll defer to you regarding me.

As it got older, like me some of the components started to wear out and had to be fixed or replaced (sound familiar?).  At first it was minor like the light going out on my clock, the rear view mirror unable to deflect high beams in the rear window and the demise of my tape unit (yes, its that old).  Like getting a hamstring or tendinitis after some tough tennis, it was nothing serious that a little adjustment or rest did not cure.

As the years started to mount, however, things got a little more serious.  My gasoline float which measures the amount of gas in my tank failed.  When I brought it into the Benz mechanic/surgeon, he advised me that the condition was not their responsibility because it was caused by California’s mandated gasoline mixture.   Not accepting that diagnosis and response, I sought a second opinion from the chief surgeon/mechanic at US Benz headquarters in Montvale, NJ.  who after I explained in somewhat vituperative detail that that decision was unacceptable, notified the local guy to make the repair.  This was similar to my then general practitioner doctor telling me that my meniscus tendon was not serious and that a corrective procedure was unnecessary.  A visit to an orthopedist and a few phone calls later and the operation was performed.

Last year the air conditioner started to emit hot air in the side vents.  Unlike my somewhat recent Titanium replacement of “righty” (my right knee), however, like “lefty”, I am not going to replace it.  The latest ailment is more serious.  As with my recently diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation, the idle control unit needs repair.  Now, when you include installation, that one aint cheap.  Do you spend over $1,500 on a repair for a 16 year old car.  A similar question is do you spend a significant sum keeping an old curmudgeon going (I hope the answer is yes)?

Like my Arthritis, I notice a little rust is spreading underneath in addition to other problems like a couple of filters – transmission and motor oil – needing replacement.  But unlike me the heart of the car, the engine, remains pristine and powerful.  The care that I gave it over the years seems to have paid off.  Not so the old ticker.  Considering how I have followed most of the aerobic and diet rules, I suspect I had a defect when I came off the assembly line due to one of my “suppliers.”

All of the above said, both the old Benz and I feel pretty good.  We’re both meeting our expectations and should be active and functioning well for a few more years.  Which one is going to outlast the other I’m not too sure.  I sure as hell hope it’s I, but would not bet on it.

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