[mayurhuria]

Ahhh finally @bamaboy baba your awaited thread is here.
This going to be a great thread for DIY lover, I am sure.

[bamaboy]

The car came with original headlights and side lamps(indicators). The left side indicator lamp was broken and unfortunately right side one fell out on the highway. So I had lost both original side lamps(original Hella, made in Germany). Headlight Assembly and Grill were taken out during the service for restoration :







This is the condition of reflectors after taking out LHS assembly:







Both main and fog reflectors had lost plating. I carefully removed both the reflectors from the mounting tabs of the assembly. The plastics inside have seen better days. They've become brittle so I tried my best to salvage them.



This is the condition of reflectors after taking out the RHS assembly :

Attachment 2074249

These were in good condition and required soft cleaning. The factory reflectors are made with aluminium vapour deposition so the layer is extremely delicate. Just gentle cleaning with microfiber was required to take out the surface dust. I decided to chrome the tarnished LHS reflectors. Chrome is not the best option for reflectors but one doesn't get any alternatives for an old car like W124.

I also cleaned the headlight glass and took out the bezels :



I initially wanted to have chrome-plated bezels and have E500 kind of look. But didn't found any 'chrome on plastic' workshop within my reach. I did contact few Hydrochrome workshops in North and South India but the quotes were unrealistic. I settled with Gloss Black finish.



Sourced new Depo side indicator lamps with the help of Viraat13 from Delhi as a stop-gap solution till I find better or original ones. This is how the headlights look after restoration :







Also cleaned up tail lamp lens :



This is how the Radiator Grill looked before :



Radiator Grill consists of three parts: chrome surround, plastic grill and aluminum rods. These were disassembled.











Cleaned out the surface rust as much as possible with aluminum foil dipped in salt-vinegar solution.













Plastic Grill painted in satin black :



Assembled :







This is how the car looks after :







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[Kartik Deshmukh]

Originally Posted by bamaboy

I also got the Engine Oil service done in September 2019 while changing the Springs. Got the following stuff :
- Petronas 20w50 Mineral Oil - 6L
- Hengst Oil Filter (E142H D21)
- Mann Air Filter (C29144)
- Bosch Spark Plugs (FR8DC)
...

Congratulations you have done an amazing job, the cosmetics upgrade is subtle yet menacing to look. You are doing a great job with your car, I too own an E220 W124 and as you mentioned you are from Nagpur I service my car in Nagpur but not able to find a reliable garage for my car! I am facing some issues with my car and I am from Amravati which is close to Nagpur. It would be nice if you suggest a reliable and a knowledgeable guy who will sort out the issues with my car, as I hate to see my car standing in the garage and it’s been few months since I’ve not driven it! Thank you

[bamaboy]

Originally Posted by Kartik Deshmukh

Congratulations you have done an amazing job, the cosmetics upgrade is subtle yet menacing to look. You are doing a great job with your car, I too own an E220 W124 and as you mentioned you are from Nagpur I service my car in Nagpur but not able to find a reliable garage for my car! I am facing some issues with my car and I am from Amravati which is close to Nagpur. It would be nice if you suggest a reliable and a knowledgeable guy who will sort out the issues with my car, as I hate to see my car standing in the garage and it’s been few months since I’ve not driven it! Thank you

Thanks! I've done all the service work at my hometown in Bilaspur. Please mention what issues you are facing with your E220. W124 is a fairly simple car to work on, I would advise you to find a good mechanic in Amravati and try to get it fixed there. I can guide you with troubleshooting. We also have a small Nagpur W124 club, you can join. PM me your contact number.

My car is currently parked in Nagpur. Almost two months since I drove it.

I replaced the front side indicator lamps with TYC smoked ones in November 2020 :



Comparison with old Depo Lamp :













We also had our first W124 Nagpur group meet. Shantanu1970 with his E250D joined :

[Kartik Deshmukh]

Originally Posted by bamaboy

Thanks! I've done all the service work at my hometown in Bilaspur. Please mention what issues you are facing with your E220. W124 is a fairly simple car to work on, I would advise you to find a good mechanic in Amravati and try to get it fixed there. I can guide you with troubleshooting. We also have a small Nagpur W124 club, you can join. PM me your contact number.

Hello,
It is great to see two cars parked together and as I am still a newbie I am unable to send you a PM, as with the troubles I have one mechanic here he is saying it is because my car is not idling properly and it is also due to the spark plug connector kit or so I’ve been told. I am in search of someone who has worked on these car’s before, it’s great to see the group meet, it’s more about the like minded people sharing their knowledge and experience of owning these beauties. I would love to join if possible

[bamaboy]

Originally Posted by Kartik Deshmukh

Hello,
It is great to see two cars parked together and as I am still a newbie I am unable to send you a PM, as with the troubles I have one mechanic here he is saying it is because my car is not idling properly and it is also due to the spark plug connector kit or so I’ve been told. I am in search of someone who has worked on these car’s before, it’s great to see the group meet, it’s more about the like minded people sharing their knowledge and experience of owning these beauties. I would love to join if possible

Few things can cause erratic idling in M111.960 Engine :

1. Bad Spark Plug cables/leads
You can check the condition of these with the help of your mechanic. Check the cable and the plug which connects to spark plug. Try swapping cables. Also check proper order(serial) of the leads.

2. MAF Sensor
Check your Mass Air Flow Sensor. Try unplugging it and run the engine. You can also try cleaning the MAF sensor with MAF cleaner spray. My Magnetti Marelli MAF failed within a year. I cleaned my old Bosch one and replaced it back and it works fine now. Incase MAF cleaner spray is not available, you may use Throttle Body Cleaner spray.

3. Idle Control Valve (Throttle Body)
This is a very common issue with M111.960. Check for rotten wires or loose solder inside the Throttle body. I have done extensive research on M111.960 Throttle Body, if you want I can post some pictures(even videos) to guide.

Start troubleshooting these. I'm sure you'll be able to pinpoint the exact problem.

[benz220]

Congratulations....I have the almost exact clone of your car! Enjoy it, routine maintenance a must, and it will give you years of great driving!