After four years of relentlessly thrashing my Wira, it finally happened.
I was just driving along, maybe pulling from 60 to 80 km/h when there
was a loud "TICK" and the engine just cut off. I tried starting through
various methods - turning the key and using the clutch to jump start the
car. While the car could be jump started (I had enough momentum to do
that), the engine would immediately cut off as I go full throttle.
I let my Wira gradually roll to a safe spot shown above and once I'm stopped, I open the bonnet and retreated to a residential area just next to it. With no hopes of starting the car up, I called my dad and also made arrangements to call a tow truck. This is my first time that my Wira has ever needed to be on the back of a tow truck. Having been informed that the tow truck would only arrive in 45 minutes, we decided to go tapao food at KFC and then eating at home which is just a few metres away from the breakdown site.
However, I didn't get to join my dad overseeing the process of loading my Wira onto the tow truck because I was actually not feeling well. In fact, the real reason why I ended up there was because I decided to go home early from work and on my way to KFC when it happens. I'm just glad it happened a few metres away from where I live, not all the way at Guthrie Highway that I was using to get home.
My dad had it towed to the workshop I normally send my Wira to and from what I heard, the car was able to start and he even drove it around with the mechanic until it broke down again. After not more than a few hours, it was found that the fuel filter was clogged and the exhaust sensor was faulty. Having fixed both of these, the Wira is back to conquer the streets once again. Even managed to pull a few top speed runs before the lockdown.
Now, here's the question - what is next? I did contemplate on giving the engine an overhaul because it's definitely showing its age. Another thing I noticed during my high speed runs was that the brakes could do with an upgrade and I suspect, something bushing-related is on its way out. Also, the speakers are completely garbage and the central locking has been broken since 2018. Am I going to do all that? Erm....
I've got another problem to think of now - the W124 220E.
This is the other car that I daily drive and in many ways, it's definitely a massive upgrade to my Wira - a 1992 Mercedes-Benz 220E imported from Japan. When my dad bought the car last November, it seemed alright. But having been driving it daily, it's starting to rear its ugly head. The absorbers need replacing, and so does a few bushings. The engine seems alright, but there are a few noises that seem to be my concern and the Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor has gone shit, which makes for a jerky experience.
To be honest, I'm interested in letting the 220E go, but not until I sort out the suspension and engine first - leaving the bodywork and interior for whoever the next owner is to care for. Which brings me onto my next problem - who should I sell it to? I refuse to advertise this car on Mudah, and would only sell it to the person I know who'll take care of this car. I want to buy my own car, but only once my paycheck comes rolling in.
As of now, there's nothing much I feel like doing. Actually, there's nothing much I can do right now. I'll just touchwood and hope that neither these cars will grenade itself when I need it most. Of course, it also comes down to my driving style - I should be more gentle from here on out so it can last just a bit longer.
Until then, see you in the next entry!
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