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-   -   My 1996 E220 W124: A Restoration Project | Running Report (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-drives-initial-ownership-reports/75393-my-1996-e220-w124-restoration-project-running-report.html)

HI everyone,

I have just picked up a W124 (last of the great Mercs). I am now restoring it to glory. I am attaching some pics on its current form.

1996 -E220. Silver Color

The exteriors have some rust under the panels etc. Getting it fixed now. Some small lines and dents. Tyres need to be changed. Alloys are scratched & nuts rusted.

Mechanically its perfect.

Interiors look fair. Seats are original leather with a little tear here & there. RVM broken, Dash is still original and good just needs polishing.

The previous owner has given me a brabus style grill & headlamps he brought from US along with the original grill & headlamp.

ICE needs an overhaul .

Will keep you guys posted.

Congrats

what happened to the 300sel w126?

Thanks Ajmat,

That's still in the radar! I am stuck between the 126 & 202. Do let me know if you come across any good deals.

Hi I saw some cool dust covers for tyre nozzle on ebay and some cool wheel nuts with the pointed star logo> You think we can find them here in India? Any suggestions? I was thinking of putting it on my 124 after I buff the alloys of all the scratches.

:thumbs up Congratulation on 124 Machdar, looks bit neglected but should not be a issue if you restore. For the rear panel rust make sure you remove the rear windshield and do proper rust treatment.

You will get those tyre nozzles in Bangalore, check car accessory shops. And don't replace original wheel nuts for looks, they are critical component of your car. After market wheel nuts that match the quality of original wheel nut would be costly for sure.

Before doing anything cosmetic like tyre nozzle etc, run it for 6 months.

Hey Phantom,

Thank You

Yes the windshield is getting out today. Will take your advice on the 6 month wait before I try to jazz up the car. Currently only spending on body work, rust proofing etc. Even going to use the original seats with just some leather patchwork to cover some wear & tear. A good polishing should get the interior back to glory.

Hi Guys

I need to replace the tyres. I am planning to use the same alloys post buffing. Any recommendations? upsize? Brands? etc

W124 sold here dint come with alloys, stock wheel spec was 195x65x15. Yours is mostly running alloys from W210 (7.5J x 16), check inside the alloy to see the rim size and offset. What is your current Tyre spec?

205x55x16 would be ideal for W210 alloy, but considering bad roads you could go with 205x60x16 :). You should get these sizes in Michelin or ContiPremiumContact 2.

In addition to buffing the wheels, give a coat of silver + clear, it should look new.

Hi Phantomlord,

Mine is currently running 195/65/15! You think a 205/60/16 will fit into the same alloys?

Will surely do the silver + clear coat

You have a 15" rim, so 205/60/16 wont fit (needs 16" rim). You can stick to stock size or go wider with 205/60/15.

ok cool! If I do decide to restore to original specs then you reckon I need to get rid of this alloy too? So did the original launch come with regular non alloys and a body color hub cap?

Hi Update on the restoration. I am now thinking of giving it some fresh paint too, as I am gonna keep this Car for life. Might as well fix it once and for all right. LAos thinking of some bling. How can I add some bling without blowing the bank?

Anyways the windshield is out and the tinkering has started. Here are some pics.

Phantom is it safe to put 205/65/15 instead of 205/60/15? I am currently on 195/65/15

The alloys look like a an optional Merc OE accessory, so just get some good wheel nuts.

Even if you want to go all stock alloy is better, Yes you can put 205/65/15, but choose a brand which has stronger sidewall.

If you are planning to keep for life and do a repaint, it is better to do thorough check for rust before going for repaint. Below are some places to check
- All wheel wells, including the spare wheel well in trunk
- Panel below battery tray
- under chassis, specially the gear box tunnel(A/C drain pipe exit there, broken pipe leaks water on tunnel and driver, passenger foot well causing rust).
- Below external plastic trims.
- wheel jack holes.

Additonally you can also to wax spray (Factory spec :thumbs up)
- The chassis tunnel on each side of the car, running between wheels.
- Exposed sheet metal joints, inside doors etc.