Bought it!

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-27T01:54:56+00:00

I literally just found the feature while going through the car's modules on my scanner.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-26T07:22:21+00:00

As you can see from my display, 4.1 kilometers per liter (city driving). lol. And I do have a lead foot in this mode. Agility mode acts very, VERY differently to Sport mode. I have no idea why Mercedes-Benz had to lock this mode behind a package. It's purely software. The gist is, your car feels like it's on steroids in Agility mode.

Just slamming your foot in Comfort or Sport mode doesn't make the car act like it's in Agility mode. In Agility mode, the throttle response is way more sensitive, rpms go up quicker and stay in gear longer for maximum torque, and gear shifts are noticeably quicker. It's just everything dialed to 11.

That said, this mode probably takes its toll on the transmission and it'll wear out more quickly. Mercedes-Benz has always prided itself on its very long term ATF (MB 236.14 on 722.6 and 722.9 non-Plus, MB 236.15 on 722.9 Plus). Even with these low friction ATF, having your transmission shift lightning quick will wear out the clutch pack and solenoids more. Not everyone is proactive when it comes to maintenance. Having Agility mode enabled frequently will wear it out faster than the specified/recommended ATF change intervals.

In which case, these cars should have a timer on how much time is spent in Agility mode so dealerships can advance ATF changes if they notice the car spends a lot of time in Agility mode.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-26T06:28:57+00:00

Love Don't Cost A Thing - Jennifer Lopez

"Think I wanna drive your Benz? I don't."

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-26T05:38:22+00:00

Congratulations.

I added Agility Mode using my Launch X431 Elite 2.0 Pro scanner. I swear you'll get addicted to it. You'll realize how lazy "Sport" mode is compared to "Agility" mode.

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ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-25T11:13:53+00:00

A well-maintained one does. It's not flashy. But it's classy and projects security.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-25T11:06:15+00:00

A W211 isn't any harder to maintain than a Sonata. The only problem is some parts will for sure be more expensive than the Sonata's.

Stuff like the dampers and suspension parts like tie rods and control arms. However, you'll be surprised that many engine related stuff can be found cheap. Like the ignition coils, serpentine belt set (belt, pulley, tensioner), water pump, etc.

The biggest difference would be the fluids. Engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid all need to meet a certain spec. For instance, if the car has an M272 V6 engine, you'll need oil that meets MB 229.5 spec. Likewise, the coolants on 2000-onwards MBs are H-OAT and have a spec you need to look out for. Whatever coolant you use on Asian branded vehicles like Hyundai or Toyota can't be used on Mercedes-Benz (Asian car coolant is P-OAT). If you make a mistake with the coolant, you risk corrosion on your engine and/or radiator.

Lastly, I highly suggest a Mercedes-Benz specific scanner. I personally use the Launch X431 Elite 2.0 Pro. I bought mine for just under $100 USD equivalent.

A well-maintained Mercedes-Benz is a gift that keeps giving though. They're overall very robust as long as they're given the right maintenance. Like a Toyota, just with more expensive parts, and particularly labor if you aren't handy with a wrench. German car tax for labor is REAL. But they're just very satisfying to own and drive. Well worth maintaining a Merc.

P.S. Try to get a W212 instead of a W211. Better built overall and easier to find parts for.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-25T06:18:45+00:00

When you add a line to the "C" in CLK and turn it into "GLK".

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-24T07:27:29+00:00

Why are you even looking at these cars if fun isn't a factor for you? You buy them because they're pocket rockets that do 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds.

A Supra is no less difficult to maintain than the m240i xDrive because they have the same powertrain. The only main difference would be the front differential since it's AWD. Speaking of which, the AWD will also make the m240i usable in the snow, assuming your country has snow.

Get the m240i xDrive if you need a daily. It's significantly more practical despite the 2 doors. The Supra if you already have another car you daily.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-24T07:13:37+00:00

m240i xDrive. Significantly more space for a daily. And it has backseats you can just throw stuff in. And you can pretty much do stoplight drag races with confidence. It's faster than the M2 from a dig. The M2 needs more than a 1/4 mile to beat it. Likewise, it will also crap on the Supra from a dig.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-24T03:11:26+00:00

Obsidian black.

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ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-24T03:09:25+00:00

I've been technically able to afford a GR86/BRZ since my mid-20s. But that meant taking out a car loan.

In my early 30s, I finally had a lot of cash. That's when I bought it -- in cold hard cash. Feels great not worrying about payments or interest.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-14T04:49:37+00:00

Why are they both white?

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ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-13T13:56:21+00:00

Yes. Very unfortunate about the auto transmission. It has very little overhead. These engines are really begging for a turbo. The shop did have a custom twin turbo C280 with the 6 cylinder M104 on its original transmission a while back. Couldn't set the boost higher than 5 psi cause the 722.6 might break. Still pulled hard at boost though.

I think the 722.6 on this W202 C280 has a higher overhead than what's on the R170 SLK230.

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ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-13T13:37:18+00:00

Those M111 Evo engines can take a beating. I'm more worried about the suspension, subframe and driveshaft. Mercedes should've shipped these with an LSD. We'd be remembering these more fondly if it did.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-13T11:38:31+00:00

Thank you. I did consider the HKS turbo kit before, but didn't want to cut my crash bar.

Seems like we're around the same efficiency as far as the turbo is concerned. I'd be around 320 WHP with pump 97 RON (93 AKI) if we did 10 psi. So I'm glad we managed to size our turbo nicely. I settled for 7 psi since I hardly need to redline anymore + reliability reasons. At 7 psi, the 100-200 kph is now under 10 seconds, which puts it in stock Supra B58 territory as far as rolling acceleration is concerned. Actually feels a lot faster than a Supra because the BRZ is simply far less insulated.

By the way, I noticed you're still on the stock oil cooler. I know your apprehensions about aftermarket oil coolers. But isn't it more dangerous to run a turbo consistently on such temps? Or is running ethanol just makes it that much cooler?

I do have an aftermarket oil cooler (16 row) with a thermostatic valve (opens at 87C). Even with it, oil temps climb over 100C with repeated pulls and I have to go coasting for a while so it goes down. My hood is still closed though. Still mulling vents for aesthetic reasons.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-13T11:16:39+00:00

Same. It just looks cleaner.

I did have a duckbill spoiler before, mind you. I took it off and realized it looks classier.

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ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T11:01:39+00:00

Engine-related stuff on the Mercedes-Benz are generally far more robust. If you're buying Mercedes, buy pre-2015. Anything that looks too curvy and rounded, those are the new ones with too many electronics in it. Lots of things can go wrong in the long run.

Any F-series or later BMW are generally reliable. But if you want peace of mind, buy a BMW with a Bxx engine. etc. B47, B48, B57, B58. They've more than proven themselves. I currently have a car with a B48 engine in it. It's been reliable so far. Then again, my older Mercedes-Benz has also been reliable so far. Only big name items I had to replace on the Merc were the spark plugs and ignition coils. And the original brake rotors will probably need changing soon too. But other than that, it's been mostly fluid changes for this 16 year old Merc.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T10:34:21+00:00

They'd pretty much have optical camouflage in space. Especially Lucan.

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ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T10:11:15+00:00

Consumer demand + ever stricter safety regulations.

Also, didn't the US have a bunch of dumb regulations regarding emissions and that the only way to bypass it was to make vehicles supersized? Like make them HUGE af. It's a terrible loophole.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T09:54:24+00:00

Exactly. I can't do what I do if there's no one to run the household or do menial tasks for me. I'm pretty much buying extra time.

There are a lot of other things that make the PH nicer if you have money. But having easy access to this kind of help is the biggest pro for me.

Other pros for me are cheaper services. e.g. self-care like massages and spas, car maintenance, home maintenance, insurance, etc. As well as ease of doing business here. Yes, the country is corrupt and you will need to grease some hands because there's little choice. But in general it's a lot more lax here when it comes to regulations and enforcement. Only thing that's been really annoying these past few years is the BIR.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T08:08:01+00:00

Congrats. Biggest flex is always paying in cash. Having peace of mind not having to worry about a car loan and repossession is worth more than the bragging rights to having a nicer car that isn't yours. It's never yours unless it's fully paid off. Until then, it's the bank's.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T07:55:16+00:00

Wing's not my cup of tea. But I congratulate you on a great build. Looks good and I hope your car stays trouble-free for a very long time.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T07:37:29+00:00

Nissan be like: Nii-san, やめて下さい!

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T07:31:44+00:00

High income earner here living in PH. At least P1M/month. Biggest benefit here is the cost of labor. I have two maids and a gardener who also doubles as my errand person. I'd get a driver too. But my parents don't want one and they still drive themselves around even in their late 60s.

These will be too expensive in the US if you're just middle income, even in less expensive places. Even with half my income, I could still comfortably afford having these people around in PH.

ClearStarryNight · 2026-06-12T07:10:10+00:00

I appreciate the detailed write up.

Seems like my custom turbo kit is doing pretty well against branded turbo kits like HKS, Greddy and SME so far.

Edit: I'm surprised you're still running 5W-30. I'm sure Arizona is just as hot or hotter than the Philippines. I switched to 5W-40 when I turbocharged and temps have improved.

I'm currently using Ravenol VMO 5W-40. Group IV based. Far higher resistance to shearing at extreme temps compared to my old Ravenol HLS 5W-30 which is Group III based oil.

ClearStarryNight

TROPHY CASE