Mercedes Benz Club-India

[LOVE HER(ALD)!]

Hello Benz-ians!

Well, this refers to both Merc owners as well as lovers. I have been desperately looking for a mint condition Merc which can be driven daily and is easy on maintenance. My usual drive is around 25 kms a day. My budget on the highest side is 3L. As it would be my first Merc, need your help in locating a pristine condition car and your valuable suggestions in selection of the appropriate model.

Am open to both diesel and petrol models with original engines and parts. How difficult and expensive is it to find spares like oil/fuel filters, front windscreens, Head/tail lights, a/c spares etc. of, lets say, a 1984 240D?

Vikas

[the mole]

Originally Posted by LOVE HER(ALD)!

Hello Benz-ians!

Am open to both diesel and petrol models with original engines and parts. How difficult and expensive is it to find spares like oil/fuel filters, front windscreens, Head/tail lights, a/c spares etc. of, lets say, a 1984 240D?
Vikas

Vikas parts for the 123 series cars are available in plentiful in Mumbai and Delhi, if you want a non maintainence car go for the 123 series, I am aware of some cars that are for sale in our club. I will ask the owners to call you.

[V-16]

Hi Vikas. Good to see another star fan.

I will agree with Amol. If you want a reliable go anywhere car it has to be a W123. Looking at your budget, a very good example can be sourced out. I would suggest you look for the following features in a W123 which makes driving them a pleasure.

Preferred Choices of a W123:

Diesels: W123-240D or my pick would be the 300D.
Petrols: 200-230-250-280.

The 200D i did not recommend due to it being sluggish if automatic.

Necessaries:

RHD-Power steering-power windows-a/c-central locking-automatic transmission
Should be in spanking shape and should shift into gears smoothly.
Check for original upholstery.
Check for frontal damage repair.
These cars are a pleasure to drive and be driven in all the same. For 3 lakhs you should nbe able to find a pristine 240-300D with al the features mentioned above, with some loose change left over. Remember, you said Mint, hence the high price, else a fair example could be sourced for half that amount.

Originally Posted by LOVE HER(ALD)!

How difficult and expensive is it to find spares like oil/fuel filters, front windscreens, Head/tail lights, a/c spares etc. of, lets say, a 1984 240D?
Vikas

Regards parts availability, plenty are available at many a shop at opera House. Believe me when i say that the parts are cheaper than most present Indian cars.

Here are some prices i am aware of W123;(+ or - 10%)

Oil Filter : 450/-
Fuel Filter: 600/- (special DB twin type)
Front Windscreen: New, 14,000/-
Head/Tail light assembly (better bought from Chor Bazar)
a/c spares available aplenty with your friendly neighbourhood car a/c walla

I will look out for a car for you too and inform. Meanwhile, happy hunting

[LOVE HER(ALD)!]

Thanks a ton V-16!
Your suggestions have tremendously helped me make up my mind for the 123 series. I have located a 1982 300D with newly overhauled engine, suspension, new paintwork and leather interiors (original)... but the gentleman is asking for a very steep 4L! Guess will have to give it a miss as 3L is the highest I can spend.
Please do keep me informed if you find something for me.
Thanks,
Vikas

[V-16]

Originally Posted by LOVE HER(ALD)!

Thanks a ton V-16!
Your suggestions have tremendously helped me make up my mind for the 123 series. I have located a 1982 300D with newly overhauled engine, suspension, new paintwork and leather interiors (original)... but the gentleman is asking for a very steep 4L! Guess will have to give it a miss as 3L is the highest I can spend.
Please do keep me informed if you find something for me.
Thanks,
Vikas

4 lakhs is a lot. I told you three max for a car that is mint and i mean mint. Not a rupee to spend. Thats what a mint car is. Forget the 4L car, you will get better deals. For 4 L you might get a good W124. Ill keep you informed.

[the mole]

A while ago I wrote to daimler Chrysler for a official Certificate for my Ponton given below is extract of the procedure and contact details as supplied by them:

Official Certificate for Classic Mercedes-Benz Cars

The DaimlerChrysler Corporate Archives are now offering another exclusive service to owners of classic Mercedes-Benz cars

Issue of a company certificate, documenting all the archived technical data of your classic Mercedes-Benz in tasteful style.

Based on the chassis number stated in the vehicle documents, a personalized, attractively designed certificate for – old or not so old – cars can be ordered, showing the equipment specifications and delivery details in an appealing manner

The DaimlerChrysler Corporate Archives are the repository of almost complete records of vehicle data cards and engine and vehicle order books that make it possible to establish beyond doubt the original specifications of almost every vehicle ever built of the Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz brands. The full scope of the archived data ranges from internal order numbers, bodywork and engine codes through to the place of delivery – dating right back to 1890.

The high-quality embossed certificate is a premium document that is individually issued in the name of the owner of the respective classic car by the DaimlerChrysler Corporate Archives. It not only confirms the identity of a car but also testifies stylishly to the emotional bonds between owner and car.

The certificate thus makes an ideal personal gift of lasting value since the owner’s name is recorded for posterity in the order books of the Corporate Archives.

A certificate may be obtained by presenting proof of ownership (photocopy of ownership certificate and data sheet) at a price of € 100 plus postage and packaging. Orders should be submitted in writing to:

DaimlerChrysler AG
Corporate Archives
C107
70546 Stuttgart
E-mail: konzernarchiv@daimlerchrysler.com


DaimlerChrysler


DaimlerChrysler Classic
Stuttgart, Germany
www.daimlerchrysler.com/classic

[wasif]

Its now Daimler AG and I don't think this old email still works. The certificate can be had from the MB Museum & Heritage center. Will post the exact contact details later. Maybe Indrojit can post them as I had sent them to him.