[vinuc]

Hi,
I was just having some problems with my 124 too. It is a 1986 model 300 D. I had replaced the front dampers and coil springs, but now the car is really low, even with size 3 pads on the springs. with full load there is around 1 inch clearance between the engine shield and the road. Now,

1) Is this because the dampers are weak

2) The coil springs that I had replaced is not meant for the 300D - maybe 200D or 250 D

The car had slightly better clearance till now - for about 20 - 25,000 kms after the damper and spring replacements. Please advice....

[GTO]

2) The coil springs that I had replaced is not meant for the 300D - maybe 200D or 250 D

Thats probably why! Springs meant for the 200D would not be able to cope up with the additional weight of the 300's engine.

[V-16]

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

If I may ask, why did you sell yours?

I find the 4th and 5th gears particularly tall, which makes 13.5 kmpl on the highly completely believable.

1)Given the use of Synthetic, how often would you suggest I change the oil? I plan to use Xtrapremium, from IOC. They have additives and a 91 Octane rating

2) I plan to upsize the alloys from the 15 inchers riding on 195/65 to OEM 16 inch benz wheels (if I can find them) on 205/55 R 16. This shouldn't change the suspension geometry at all but give me the benefits of bigger wheels. What say?

Well i sold mine coz I bought another MErc with which I exchanged this one. It eventually lies with another forum member so im rest assured that its in a good home.

Yes the 4th and the 5th are rather tall. I was doing average speeds of 120 on the expressway. Mind you I had to encounter a six km steep ghat too. I filled in my pump at Dadar in Bombay and when I reached back to refill on the same pump after the holiday, the warning light for low fuel had not yet come on.

Viper had upgraded the tyres on his 124 to 16" i think they were 225 55 R16s
That is an acceptable upgrade though i have my doubts about the tyres scraping the wheel wells on a turn. Maybe with a 50 profile that could be avoided (but would harm ride quality).

Originally Posted by vinuc

Hi,
I was just having some problems with my 124 too. It is a 1986 model 300 D. I had replaced the front dampers and coil springs, but now the car is really low, even with size 3 pads on the springs. with full load there is around 1 inch clearance between the engine shield and the road. Now,

1) Is this because the dampers are weak

2) The coil springs that I had replaced is not meant for the 300D - maybe 200D or 250 D

The car had slightly better clearance till now - for about 20 - 25,000 kms after the damper and spring replacements. Please advice....

Originally Posted by GTO

Thats probably why! Springs meant for the 200D would not be able to cope up with the additional weight of the 300's engine.

Could be because of both reasons. Unfortunately many mechanics will pass of any part which they presume to be fitting without actually getting into the pros and cons.

[Screwdriva]

Great to know! Did/ Do you have a preferred MB Mechanic?

Driven the car for 130 kms so far. She's a pleasure. Only found two problems so far

1) The A/C doesn't begin cooling immediately. It usually takes a good 2-3 minutes before the compressor kicks in. Sometimes however, it starts right away. I'm a little confused by this

2) The driver's side door seems to have a rattle worth examining.


Other than that, a GREAT drive so far

[53BHP]

You wont be disappointed. I got my E250D almost 3 years ago. It had 80k on clock. Luckily it was a car owned by my mechanic's friend. So had a good idea of its history. Its a supreme pleasure to drive and I can run it for another n number of years without any problems

My mechanic is my friend who got me the car. He is very good. He is also known to GTO, I think. He is in the suburbs. PM me for his details

A word of advise. Dont scrimp on maintenance. Spend when its due and put in only the best and genuine parts. Expect to spend 40 to 50k a year on an average including service. I have used Mobil 1 for my last 2 services and the difference is remarkable. Have the engine wiring harness checked. The insulation of most W124's made in the 90's crumble and disintegrate. I changed mine 2 years ago and the transformation was magical. Started getting atleast 60 to 70km more on the same full tank of fuel

In the E220 the LLR usually requires to be changed. Have it checked

Make atleast 2 trips a year to Goa. It will get you there in 8 hours and you will feel like you have just completed a trip from Andheri to Nariman Point. No fatigue at all (guess its something to do with the firm seats)


Happy motoring

Ro

[GTO]

He is also known to GTO, I think. He is in the suburbs.

Stigger? That's the only Merc specialist I know from the 'burbs, and a fellow Mahindra Classic owner.

A word of advise. Dont scrimp on maintenance.

Advice worth its weight in gold.

Make atleast 2 trips a year to Goa.

Hahaha, I like that. Get a W124 and go chill in Goa. What a life!

[53BHP]

Thats the full and correct name

Oh yes his Classic is a beauty. He is getting a carrier fitted...Attached to the chassis!!!!!!!!!

[kausu]

hey guys. I have been reading up on all the posts on the W124 extensively for the past week. Was looking at buying one myself and wanted to know if i am the only one with an eye for the W124. But after so much of reading up on all the posts and threads, I know i am not alone. Hence i have decided to go for one. I will be seeing a E220 W124 blue color, single owner, 50k odd kms today !! so I'll post some pictures of the car. Would love it if all the W124 gurus and owners have a look and guide me to my dreamcar and as it will be the first car i buy and own with my money, i want all the guidance i can get. all your inputs would be very valuable to me and would help me make the right decision.
thank you.

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[laxmanrk]

Gurus Seeking your advice here

I have seen a W124 300D white colour with automatic transmission sun roof all options (fully loaded) in a very good condition.

The vehicle has Andhra Pradesh Registration and the owner claims it was imported in 1984.

What should be the ideal price for the car?

Also, is there any way to check the vehicle import/ date of manufacture etc?

If there anyone from our brethern here who has anything to share on the history of this car?

Would appreciate any inputs, as I am really keen on getting the vehicle.

[stormsearcher]

Originally Posted by laxmanrk

Gurus Seeking your advice here

I have seen a W124 300D white colour with automatic transmission sun roof all options (fully loaded) in a very good condition.

The vehicle has Andhra Pradesh Registration and the owner claims it was imported in 1984.

What should be the ideal price for the car?

Also, is there any way to check the vehicle import/ date of manufacture etc?

If there anyone from our brethern here who has anything to share on the history of this car?

Would appreciate any inputs, as I am really keen on getting the vehicle.

Not entirely sure thats correct. I think the 124s began life in 1985 or 86 just as the 123 was being phased out. You might want to check this properly.
I ran into a 1989 300D ( 6 cyl turbo diesel ) with all the bells and whistles working and the guy was asking 2.5 laks for it. I thought the cars interiors needed some cleaning up but otherwise looked to be in good shape. I let it go for other reasons i found fishy (read ownership details)..

Which state are you in? A 1984 import registered in AP wont be given a registration in some states (like karnataka) or so i have heard. Anyone have clear info regarding the reg process on 15+ yr old cars?

[FlyingSpur]

Originally Posted by stormsearcher

I ran into a 1989 300D ( 6 cyl turbo diesel )....

AFAIK the 300D was a 5-cylinder engine...

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by FlyingSpur

AFAIK the 300D was a 5-cylinder engine...

In the w123, it is a 5 cyl. W124 it was a 6 cyl in line

[laxmanrk]

Sorry all

The car i saw was imported in 1994 (not 1984) sorry my bad.

It has a 6 cylinder engine.

If this is a genuine 1994 car, then it would be a face-lifted model. Any pointers on checking the same.

Now my other concern is the auto tranny and the torque convertor.

Also, availability of parts in Hyderabad, good reputed garages to get the requisite works done.

[Ravindra M]

Hi Laxmanrk, I think this car is in market for sale since 2 years. High possibility that the maintenance is neglected. Please be careful. I suggest to look for 1996/97 model assembled in India.

[stormsearcher]

Originally Posted by FlyingSpur

AFAIK the 300D was a 5-cylinder engine...

the 300D from the w123 series was a 5 pot engine. The 124 300Ds were six pot.