Here is the link to the supplier in the UK.

https://www.gwr-fasteners.co.uk/m5-7...912-3573-p.asp

Kind regards
Mark

 

Thanks!

( Also, their slogan is pretty nice: 'screwing the world together.' )

 

I think you will find that M5-0.8 metric screws do not come in the standard length of 18 mm. They go from 16 mm to 20 mm. So 16 mm is what you need.
Screw size and torque value. CLICK

 

Here's a nice set from Hitachi that will cover your lifetime needs for $16 :
https://smile.amazon.com/Hilitchi-51...0F9PEMG46ZQF4Y

 

They are all flat head screws, not what you need for the covers.

 

I fully agree - 16mm

 

Why use Stainless Steel when you can get aluminium, well you can get aluminium in the UK, may be an issue for our friends in the USA. It basically cost more for postage than for the items, approx 45 cents appiece.

 

I hope to be able to get the aluminum ones, indeed. I'm in contact with two local MB dealers now. Hopefully they're willing to get me a set.

 

Why don't you see if you can get shipping from the UK? 5 screws and shipping to me was just over £5.00. I assume the dealership will be a lot more expensive.

Just checked, shipping from the UK to Netherlands is approx £7.00

Please be aware that it has been known that the dealership supply the wrong item, be it material or length or in some cases wrong material, wrong length & wrong size.

 

Thanks Dave, didn't catch that.
This set then :
https://smile.amazon.com/iExcell-Sta...l%2C197&sr=1-5

 

Mostly just to be sure and to have a backup plan If I mess up one of the E10 bolts, I really want to have some spares.

 

😉 No, they are all M3’s, try again. 😉

I got mine from fastener-express.com , I got 50 I think and shared them with bluecoupe.
Mine were aluminum colour, but these are black.
Here is a link to 25 pieces for $12.66 plus shipping . CLICK

 

You know, you are right. Imagine that. I don't know how I twigged on M3 instead of M5-
anyhoo, I conclude with a 510 piece set of M3, M4 and M5 hex SS screws for $16.

 

( I don't know if anyone is interested in this, but just for the sake of completing what I inquired about: )

I actually found a dealer closeby willing to get me the M5 and the E10 bolts for the valve cover and the breather covers. He wants 50 Euro for it, which is too much, but if that means I have the exact right bolts, I'm not bothered by the price.
Up until now I've replaced the following things in my car:
- Coolant and thermostat ( the thermostat turned out to be unnecessary, but whatever)
- Oil and oil filter ( most definitely necessary)
- Steering stabilizer ( definitely necessary and definitely worth the money and time)
- Belt, just because I didn't know how old it was
- Air filters ( also very much necessary)

Next up are all remaining fluids, the valve cover leaks, the spark plugs, the secondary air pump ( I found the thread in which the relais is pointed out as the culprit for the P0410 error) and anything else that I can find in the driveline that needs attention.
Then I'm gonna direct my attention towards the suspension ( some idiot installed springs on it that are way too low- the tires have almost rubbed through the metal of the wheel housing already) and the brakes, although they seem to be fine.
After that, there's still the matter of making it visually nice, and then I'm gonna need to get rid of some small rust spots and rustproof the rest of the car. Maybe look at some tuning ( replacing the exhaust, changing the throttle body to a larger one, maybe a chiptune) but that is for later.

So there's plenty still to do. On the other hand, all of the things I've done up until now are a first for me- I've never done any of them before on any car. So for now I'm happy with the way it's turning out. Even a tiny little bit proud, I might say. ( Mind you, I'm 24, I have no education or experience in this field whatsoever, I don't earn that much and I live in a country where cars are absolutely insanely expensive. So for me to be driving this car and to be able to make it at least somewhat better; I think I can be a little bit proud of that. )

Thanks for the help so far, everyone! I'll likely be back with more questions.

 

Glad to hear things are working out for you. There are lots of things on the Xfire that you worry about doing yourself, but if you take your time and have a good read before you start it usually works out OK in the end. Plus you have the satisfaction of doing it yourself and learning from the experience.

 

~ What's the trick to REMOVING the pcv valve cover? I removed all 6 screws, disconnected the 2 hoses, cleaned excess factory RTV from around the edges of the cover and she won't budge. The source of the leak was the filler neck and they are difficult to find. The cap had a crack as well. Can't sell a leaky smoker now can we? Any suggestions ..or pictures of where to pry..will be appreciated.

 

Please do not pry at anything, if you use excessive force you may deform the cover and make things worse. Can I ask, is it hot or cold were you are? I ran the engine before starting to work on my leak, hence the RTV/sealant went soft and just peeled away when I applied a slight rocking pressure from left to right. Once the edge above the spark plugs same away I gently ran a plastic/nylon credit card along the edge to in essence "cut" the bond between the RTV/sealant. Always watch to ensure no "bits" of sealant go into the oilways.

 

Also forgot to say, I thought there were 7 screws in total, not 6. I will check my pictures to verify.

 

My PDF still looks good! Thanks, Dave.

 

I ended up using a corrosion resistant coated steel metric screw to avoid the interaction with the magnesium/aluminum material used in the crankcase breather & valve covers. And these screws can be re-used instead of the 1x use aluminum screws.

CLICK