[LOVE HER(ALD)!]

Hello mates!

Have finally got myself one of my most desirable Merc of all time- a W123 300D! It did take me ages to find a car in a daily driving condition, and am quite happy with the purchase. Here are some pics of the present condition of the car:

I now need tips and suggestions on the following:

(1) I wish to change the paint on the car to another color as per the original color codes of W123 cars. Considering the blue interiors, I have shortlisted two shades:
(a) 355 - Diamond Blue
(b) 929 - Nautical Blue

Any idea where I can find these colors in India?

(2) The car was originally shod with mag wheels and tubeless tyres, which (to the amazement of many) I gave back in replacement of the metal wheel with the W123 color-coded hubcaps. I simply love these! Sadly have lost one of them while doing 100 kph on the expressway. Can anyone help me with a full set of four hubcaps (want to stock them for future!)

(3) The rear logo is missing and the modern one does not fit this car.

(4) As can be seen from the pics, the dash is in poor state and so is the steering wheel. Need the best solution for both of these.

(5) The front left side door does not lock/ unlock with the central locking mechanism of the car. The mechanic says there is a leakage in the vaccuum pipe. What can be done about it.

(6) The odo has stopped working, but all other meters are in order in the instrument cluster.

(7) The car unlocks/ starts with any key!! Also, the key slides out and drops down from the slot even while the engine is running. Will the complete locking mechanism will need replacement?

Mechanically, she is in pristine condition. I need to begin the restoration process very soon. All your inputs will be really valuable.

Regards,
Vikas

[LOVE HER(ALD)!]

Webmasters,

Please post this thread in the appropriate section, if this is not the right place.

Thanks.

[350biker]

Hi there !! just spotted your post. I know this is quite a late reply, however, couldn't resist asking you.

Just wanted to ask you what is the current status of your beauty? Any updates on the restoration? Also, would like to understand a few things as to what your experience has been owning this car since I myself am scouting for one.

[msaudf]

w123 300d with a manual transmission was the best car in the series. is yours a four speed or the 5?
regarding the paint, its no big deal. any good paint dealer will have the shade card of mercs and so you can find the very shade you want.
w123s are known for their horrible vacuum leaks and the headache they give, fortunately you've located the problem, which happens to be the tough part. its easy to fix if you know what the problem is.
wheel caps do not worry, there are plenty of w123 parts available with scrap dealers, but you'll have to paint the middle part.
the key falling off the ignition is quite funny, again scrap dealer to the rescue.
regarding your non working odo, its a DIY.

remove the driver lower panel of the dash, and reach up the dash and slowly push the instrument cluster out.
once its out disconnect the socket and clock wires. the oil pressure pipe also has to come off use a 10mm wrench to unscrew.
once you have the cluster out unscrew the and remove the clock/tacho and then the speedo. be careful not to damage the trip reset lever while you are at it.
the problem could actually be that the plastic worm and gear inside the speedometer have moved away. all you have to do is to push the small rod holding the whole assembly from the other side towards the worm and you are sorted.
once this is done you can lubricate the gears with some wd40 and refit the speedometer to the cluster.
and then reverse the removal process and you have a working odometer.
How to Repair Your Broken Odometer would give you more details. i followed their instructions and it went well.