This week’s Avantturous blog entry feature needs no introduction. Those who are active in the Southern California’s car scene would immediately recognize this bagged S212 Estate on BBS LM. That’s right, it’s Ho’s Benz Estate that we have on this blog this time! This specific Benz Estate was built by Ho for his wife: Melissa. It’s definitely a cool Mommy Wagon!
After what felt like a long while of trying to link up with Ho, we both finally made this photo shoot session happening on one random summer morning. During the photoshoot, Ho shared a story on how this S212 was originally purchased to be his wife’s daily driver. As any car enthusiasts would have guessed, Ho modded it to his high standard and it became too nice to daily. Afterward, Ho did what any car enthusiasts would have had done: to buy a daily car and retire this S212 from its daily duties. Realizing that aftermarket support was limited on this S212 non-AMG platform, Ho concentrated his modification around the exterior of this Benz Estate. Standing out from the crowd while maintaining its comfort and reliability are the main goal on this build. Simplicity is key and the only addition to the estate’s body is a carbon-fiber front lip. Air suspension was sourced from Airlift Performance to ease Melissa’s life when going in and out of driveways and being able to hard park at the car gatherings. 19” BBS LM wheels were chosen to finish off the exterior. A cool wagon will be even cooler with a roof box up top; especially when the box is also Mercedes-Benz branded.
For those who know Ho, he is a bit of a Mercedes-Benz whore. Holding a position at a Mercedes-Benz dealer also means it’s an extra fuel to the existing fire. Any guess on what he acquired when relieving this S212 from its daily duty? A S212 for himself and a W212 (sedan) for Melissa. In addition to owning a pair of S212s and a W212 (sedan), he also owns a S124 that’s currently in pieces, waiting for a rebuild to be featured in one of the largest car shows in the United States. I certainly can’t wait to see that S124! Until then, enjoy these photos of Ho’s bagged S212!
Introduce Yourself:
Ho Dao
Orange County, California
Mercedes Benz certified technician
Built this wagon for the wife, Melissa Dao
WHY A WAGON?
Saw an E350 roaming around the neighborhood one time and we were intrigued with the sleek design. Had seen some in the past but this one looked different. Definitely got us thinking of the advantages of having an extra cargo space without it looking like an SUV or minivan. Months later, I found one in our used car lot and shared it with the wife. Bought it for her as a new daily.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
The Best or Nothing
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
Who wouldn’t want a bagged wagon?
What style would you say best describes your car?
Long roof and sporty front end
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
Build her new daily and I proposed the idea to the wife and was part of it the whole time.
Benztec sponsored and did the full Airlift Performance install. Had some hiccups because it hasn’t been done before in California or anywhere else with an S212 chassis, but they got it done! Tire sponsorship from Toyo Tires courtesy of Stan Chen. Sourced the true spec’d 19” BBS LM’s Makukha Wheels.
What do you feel makes your car unique/special in your eyes?
Fully functional show and go grocery getter. On air..
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
Third row seating!!
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
More performance options or aftermarket support
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
More wheel selection
What one word best describes your car?
Wagon
What is your final goal with this car?
Sportier interior and performance
