RO w123 300D - Daily Driver
RO w123 300D - Daily Driver
It serves the good purpose of being a daily driver (though it does look old fashioned, considering most cars in traffic are new(er))
Currently I'm changing stuff, and just finished rust-proofing the underside (here comes winter)
A few pics for now, and more details to follow...
Hi guys! Warm greetings from Romania, somewhere in Eastern Europe... I'm 26, doing different IT stuff, and have finally managed to get a Mercedes w123 - 300D last winter...
It serves the good purpose of being a daily driver (though it does look old fashioned, considering most cars in traffic are new(er))
Currently I'm changing stuff, and just finished rust-proofing the underside (here comes winter)
A few pics for now, and more details to follow...
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
willbhere4u
09-08-2011, 09:11 AM #2Nice looking car! I like the wheels
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
The wheels are 15" BBS-look-alikes, however the paint is flaky, I should sand blast and coat them, however, this is not within the budget yet. Tires are 195 x 65 x 15, just a tad bit larger than stock.
More about the ride... As you can see it has euro lights
the 'square' model (best lookin imho), rear parkin sensors (aftermarket), central door lockin (not the original vacuum system though, but some after-market electric actuator / alarm / lockin system). Light cream interior, metallic blue exterior (with some minor rust spots) and the classic 2998 cmc OM 617 engine.Here comes the good part - 5 speed tranny, the Getrag model. Must check all the markings, but it's all-aluminum.
What I've done so far since last december:
- filters, oils plus other old rubber elements in the engine bay (mostly fuel line segments, which had cracks)
- new break pads front / rear
- new diff, and again a new diff (the one on the car failed (parts of the ring came off)) I had another one which wasn't much better, and now I finally found a good one I'm happy with.
- new dash instruments
- new accessories belts
- new clutch flexible hose
- new axle shaft
- new CV boots for both axles
What I'm currently doing:
- just finished sanding, priming, and prepping the underside of the car for winter (see pics)
- replacing tie rods, and steering shock absorber
- service on rear brakes (caliper repair kit + new flexible elements)
- replacing exhaust header
Thank you!
The wheels are 15" BBS-look-alikes, however the paint is flaky, I should sand blast and coat them, however, this is not within the budget yet. Tires are 195 x 65 x 15, just a tad bit larger than stock.
More about the ride... As you can see it has euro lights the 'square' model (best lookin imho), rear parkin sensors (aftermarket), central door lockin (not the original vacuum system though, but some after-market electric actuator / alarm / lockin system). Light cream interior, metallic blue exterior (with some minor rust spots) and the classic 2998 cmc OM 617 engine.
Here comes the good part - 5 speed tranny, the Getrag model. Must check all the markings, but it's all-aluminum.
What I've done so far since last december:
- filters, oils plus other old rubber elements in the engine bay (mostly fuel line segments, which had cracks)
- new break pads front / rear
- new diff, and again a new diff (the one on the car failed (parts of the ring came off)) I had another one which wasn't much better, and now I finally found a good one I'm happy with.
- new dash instruments
- new accessories belts
- new clutch flexible hose
- new axle shaft
- new CV boots for both axles
What I'm currently doing:
- just finished sanding, priming, and prepping the underside of the car for winter (see pics)
- replacing tie rods, and steering shock absorber
- service on rear brakes (caliper repair kit + new flexible elements)
- replacing exhaust header
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
willbhere4u
09-08-2011, 02:19 PM #4that's really cool with a 5spd is it a turbo?
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
This does seem very funny to me - A lot of old Mercs were not available as a turbo diesel, or even a diesel at all (e.g. w.126) in Europe. They were sold however in the US, and what's funny is that diesel is pretty big in Europe, and not that big in the US... It was so even back in the day... so why not a turbo here?
Anyhow, I've never seen or driven a turbo 617, but I'd sure be very curious. Perhaps I can one day convert it... who knows... time will tell.
One more mention though - I'm not sure how expensive parts are over in the US, but here in Romania, they're very affordable for the w123 series. I'm talking brand new parts. For instance the caliper repair kit (all new bearings) from ATE - the ATE Classic line was $10, with tax.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Alas - there were no Turbo versions officially sold in Europe. So no... it's just naturally aspirated. 'bout 88 horses give or take...
This does seem very funny to me - A lot of old Mercs were not available as a turbo diesel, or even a diesel at all (e.g. w.126) in Europe. They were sold however in the US, and what's funny is that diesel is pretty big in Europe, and not that big in the US... It was so even back in the day... so why not a turbo here?
Anyhow, I've never seen or driven a turbo 617, but I'd sure be very curious. Perhaps I can one day convert it... who knows... time will tell.
One more mention though - I'm not sure how expensive parts are over in the US, but here in Romania, they're very affordable for the w123 series. I'm talking brand new parts. For instance the caliper repair kit (all new bearings) from ATE - the ATE Classic line was $10, with tax.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
![[Image: FalkonSig.png]](http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/DanielWGK2/designs/FalkonSig.png)
I'm off by one degree on the right side for the down-angle (hope the term's right). How bad do you think it is? Theoretically it can be adjusted, however we couldn't.
Otherwise steering is fine, and does handle very nice. The old steering shock absorber was completely ded. Didn't do anything.
Next up - the brakes. Pics coming soon.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Just finished changing the exhaust header, and all the steering components, as well as having the steering laser measured.
I'm off by one degree on the right side for the down-angle (hope the term's right). How bad do you think it is? Theoretically it can be adjusted, however we couldn't.
Otherwise steering is fine, and does handle very nice. The old steering shock absorber was completely ded. Didn't do anything.
Next up - the brakes. Pics coming soon.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Here's some more pics of various parts and the ride in clear day light...
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Brakes ready too, all new caliper bearings on the rear, new brake hoses, pads, and had to change one disc too (cracked, got a similar old one)
Here's some more pics of various parts and the ride in clear day light...
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
(09-10-2011, 01:15 PM)vstef_is Just finished changing the exhaust header, and all the steering components, as well as having the steering laser measured.
I'm off by one degree on the right side for the down-angle (hope the term's right). How bad do you think it is? Theoretically it can be adjusted, however we couldn't.
Otherwise steering is fine, and does handle very nice. The old steering shock absorber was completely ded. Didn't do anything.
Next up - the brakes. Pics coming soon.
We call it alignment here. And down angle I believe would be camber. Was camber measured with you in the car? I am pretty fat so when I sit in my car camber adjusts 0.5 degree.
1987 300D Sturmmachine
1991 300D Nearly Perfect
1985 300D Weekend/Camping/Dog car
1974 L508D Motoroam Monarch "NightMare"
OBK #42
(09-10-2011, 01:15 PM)vstef_is Just finished changing the exhaust header, and all the steering components, as well as having the steering laser measured.
I'm off by one degree on the right side for the down-angle (hope the term's right). How bad do you think it is? Theoretically it can be adjusted, however we couldn't.
Otherwise steering is fine, and does handle very nice. The old steering shock absorber was completely ded. Didn't do anything.
Next up - the brakes. Pics coming soon.
We call it alignment here. And down angle I believe would be camber. Was camber measured with you in the car? I am pretty fat so when I sit in my car camber adjusts 0.5 degree.
1987 300D Sturmmachine
1991 300D Nearly Perfect
1985 300D Weekend/Camping/Dog car
1974 L508D Motoroam Monarch "NightMare"
OBK #42
One more question though... how much "play" do you have in your steering box? Mine has some... noticeable... are w123 meant to be "uber tight" steering-wise? Meaning no play at all?
Thank you guys!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
Right! I went to some "professionals". Well they had laser alignment thingies, mounted on all four wheels. What they call "3D Alignment here", and you're right, the camber angle was 1 degree off.... The car was empty, unladen. I guess with me in it (I'm about 200lbs+) it's mostly ok.... Nothing else I can do at this point, I don't want to dismantle all the front suspension.
One more question though... how much "play" do you have in your steering box? Mine has some... noticeable... are w123 meant to be "uber tight" steering-wise? Meaning no play at all?
Thank you guys!
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
(09-23-2011, 02:49 PM)vstef_is One more question though... how much "play" do you have in your steering box? Mine has some... noticeable... are w123 meant to be "uber tight" steering-wise? Meaning no play at all?
Thank you guys!
Factory calls for ~1 " or so of play. Anything tighter and it will bind.
1987 300D Sturmmachine
1991 300D Nearly Perfect
1985 300D Weekend/Camping/Dog car
1974 L508D Motoroam Monarch "NightMare"
OBK #42
(09-23-2011, 02:49 PM)vstef_is One more question though... how much "play" do you have in your steering box? Mine has some... noticeable... are w123 meant to be "uber tight" steering-wise? Meaning no play at all?
Thank you guys!
Factory calls for ~1 " or so of play. Anything tighter and it will bind.
1987 300D Sturmmachine
1991 300D Nearly Perfect
1985 300D Weekend/Camping/Dog car
1974 L508D Motoroam Monarch "NightMare"
OBK #42
(09-08-2011, 02:32 PM)vstef_is Alas - there were no Turbo versions officially sold in Europe.
The only Turbo 123 sold in Europe was the 300TDT. No sedans.
They're fairly common, atleast in Norway and Sweden
Nice looking car btw!
-rolfi
1980 Mercedes-Benz 300D (US-spec)
+BMW E12, E21, E28, E30 and E32
(09-08-2011, 02:32 PM)vstef_is Alas - there were no Turbo versions officially sold in Europe.
The only Turbo 123 sold in Europe was the 300TDT. No sedans.
They're fairly common, atleast in Norway and Sweden
Nice looking car btw!
-rolfi
1980 Mercedes-Benz 300D (US-spec)
+BMW E12, E21, E28, E30 and E32
(09-24-2011, 11:13 AM)rolfi The only Turbo 123 sold in Europe was the 300TDT. No sedans.
They're fairly common, atleast in Norway and Sweden
Nice looking car btw!
Thanks! I'd love a turbo wagon... perhaps one day...
I still have some work to do on the car, especially since I'm planning a trip to France in October... should be up for the task. Anybody else from Europe on STD?
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
(09-24-2011, 11:13 AM)rolfi The only Turbo 123 sold in Europe was the 300TDT. No sedans.
They're fairly common, atleast in Norway and Sweden
Nice looking car btw!
Thanks! I'd love a turbo wagon... perhaps one day...
I still have some work to do on the car, especially since I'm planning a trip to France in October... should be up for the task. Anybody else from Europe on STD?
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
That car looks in great shape as far as rust, what are you doing for rust prevention? What type of paint are you using?
I did the same area with some POR-15 when my 123 MB stock undercoating was peeling off in large flakes
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
I love the 123 Euro lights. Im trying to get a set for my 115, but thats pretty unlikely to happen. Seeing this car makes me want to go get my 123 with euro lights back!
That car looks in great shape as far as rust, what are you doing for rust prevention? What type of paint are you using?
I did the same area with some POR-15 when my 123 MB stock undercoating was peeling off in large flakes
1974 240D 617 turbo swap, W201 5-speed, in the works project
1983 240D 616 stock, DD
1989 Chevy Astro, 617 turbo swap, T5 5-speed, 4.56 diff, work van
The paint is Daewoo Nexia/Cielo blue metallic - it has been repainted locally about 4 years ago. The underbody thing is all my work and it consists of:
- flakin, sanding, blasting everything I could - right off.
- protective paint (about 3$ per liter)
- sound proofing paint (about 2$ per liter)
I heard guys in the US cover the underside with fiberglass - which sounds good, but would be too expensive for me.
I haven't done any wonders.... just what I could normally do to a car.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
I love Euro lights as well... If you need Euro lights for the 115, I think I can find a set over here - just let me know.
The paint is Daewoo Nexia/Cielo blue metallic - it has been repainted locally about 4 years ago. The underbody thing is all my work and it consists of:
- flakin, sanding, blasting everything I could - right off.
- protective paint (about 3$ per liter)
- sound proofing paint (about 2$ per liter)
I heard guys in the US cover the underside with fiberglass - which sounds good, but would be too expensive for me.
I haven't done any wonders.... just what I could normally do to a car.
1982 s123 300TD TurboDiesel (US Spec) in France
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
willbhere4u
11-02-2011, 09:07 PM #19Hey if you guys find a 5spd w123 at a junk yard I really need a 5 SPD shifter assembly for my 1985 300td wagon!
1987 300SDL 6spd manual om606.962 swap project
1985 300td euro 5spd wagon running
1982 300D Turbo ... 3,6xxlbs, No fan, No AC, Hood Stack, No ALDA, No rear bumper and stuffed front, A/W Intercooled, Injectors by Greezer and HUGE Pre-Chambers with help from OM616 & Simpler=Better, Fuel Cranked up, 60 Trim Compressor wheel, EGT, EMP, Boost 50" Rigid Radius bar on roof Aux tank for a total of 48 Gal Of Diesel! Odyssey PC-1750 Battery in trunk, 27"x8.5"/R14 Maxxis BigHorn Mud Terrains, In June '14 issue of Off Road Mag
AX15 Jeep Trans swap in progress....
Captain America
11-03-2011, 10:31 AM #20Send me the trans!
1982 300D Turbo ... 3,6xxlbs, No fan, No AC, Hood Stack, No ALDA, No rear bumper and stuffed front, A/W Intercooled, Injectors by Greezer and HUGE Pre-Chambers with help from OM616 & Simpler=Better, Fuel Cranked up, 60 Trim Compressor wheel, EGT, EMP, Boost 50" Rigid Radius bar on roof Aux tank for a total of 48 Gal Of Diesel! Odyssey PC-1750 Battery in trunk, 27"x8.5"/R14 Maxxis BigHorn Mud Terrains, In June '14 issue of Off Road Mag
AX15 Jeep Trans swap in progress....
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