I found a 1985 300SD and I may be able to pick it up reasonably. The SD model has a lot more electronics and other associated BS than the 123 model and I was just wondering if there were any real problems. The car has a couple of issues now that I can see for sure---------------(311000 miles).

Diver's seat is electric and is stuck in the reclined position. Can I put a 123 seat in its place?

Widows are up now but the lady said one or two were down and would not go up. I know switches are not too bad and the 126 has problems with window motors at times.

ABS brakes. The car has ABS brakes are they an issue? I ran a search on ABS brakes and only found 12 posts and one was for an Acura

What's the computer for that's right behind the valve cover? ABS brakes?

__________________
1984 280SEL, 62,000 miles
Euro model in the USA
1983 300D (Totaled out 10/2004)
New Factory Mint Green paint
Palomino int
1982 240D (Steak dinner for two)

The W126 isn't that different than the W123 -- the radio is better, the climate control is somewhat less troublesome, and there are no electronic controls for the engine at all.

Don't know what the computer is for -- ABS motor is up by the headlight, left side. ABS brakes are very troublefree -- the only problems I've heard of are bad wheel sensors and getting air in it while bleeding the brakes.

Otherwise, the suspensions are very similar (to the point of being almost identical), engine/drive train is the same one, etc.

I think the W126 is the best car Benz ever built, myself....

Far lest rust than the W123, for sure!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

A California 85 will have some rudimentary electronics for EGR and ARV and possibly idle control. None of which will strand you if your alternator falls off.

It's very rare that a seat or window has an expensive problem. It's usually dirty switch contacts (spray in place with Caig Deoxit). Beyond that, it could be a binding drive cable for the seat and a broken sliding jaw for the window. There are enough 126s being parted to find at low cost what you need for the seat, and a sliding jaw for the window is ~$10. Do a search on using a clevis pin instead of peening the slidng jaw in place.

If you insist on manually adjustable seats, locate a junker Euro 280S/SE that will likely have manually adjustable seats. It's a straightforward project to swap upholstery. I don't think 123 seats are a bolt-on affair but I don't know for sure.

The ABS controller is between the engine and the windshield. The pump, as Peter says, is behind the left headlight.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Hey,
I have a 1984 300SD.
I had a problem with the seat also. It would only go forward, not back. I took the back of the seat off and reversed the wires and it worked in reverse. It was definetely the controller on the door. If you don't want to buy a new controller you could move the leads to the motor to adjust the seat to where you want it then disconnect it.

I also had a problem with one window. bought a new motor off e-bay for $50. Though I have seen some motors for less.

All in all it's a great car if you can stay away from the dealer.

Danny

the seat is most likely a switch problem. Can be cleaned .I actually removed mine and cleaned all the contacts. It has 8-10 little ballbearings and springs. It is amazing.
The car is great and easy to work on. 300K may or may not be an issue. Timing chain ever done?