Can it be done?

I think after 1981, Euro W123 models had it as an option as well as the driver's side airbag, the U.S models never saw either option.
-Joe

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

I don't like ABS.....its just one more thing that can brake (pun intended). I prefer MBS Manual-Braking-Sysem, or, me. My uncle's cavalier has ABS, and it still slides around a lot more slowing down in the snow or slippery conditions than mine does.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

All I know is, when I accidentally downshifted my car on an icy road and was getting sideways...I was DAMN glad I had no ABS as I locked all 4 wheels up and slid the last direction I was traveling...IE...a safe one...not down the hill or into the hill as the ABS would have allowed me to roll...

ABS has its place...

When ABS was first introduced and getting lots of publicity ( i.e., " hype") for being the greatest advance in vehicle safety, I remember that there were after market/ retro-fit ABS units that could be installed on existing cars. IIFRC, there was a solenoid that interupted braking pressure installed on the lines at the master cylinder--one front, and one rear. I don't recall any computer control, so maybe it operated on every brake application. I've never seen one "in the flesh" so to speak, and can't recommend their use, but they did exist. I bet they might pop up at old car flea markets as NOS.

It should be possible to retrofit the real euro W123 system or perhaps the US W126 system. W123 and W126 front suspensions are nearly identical (at least the uprights have the same part number) and thus the front brakes and sensors can be switched over. At the rear, these cars used a three-channel system with a sensor on the differential. The question is can you live with a W126 axle ratio or can the guts of a W123 diff be switched to the W126 body? Then there's the issue of the ABS "brain" and pump which would likely require custom lines or the correct Euro ones. Best way would be to get a complete junked Euro W123 and thus have all the little parts.

Sure would be nice to have the security of ABS on these old cars. Used properly, ABS is a great feature.

Ted

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1983 240D automatic, Orient Red, 174K
1983 240D manual, Biscayne Blue, sold at 341K

ABS on a Cavalier and ABS on a Mercedes are two different things. GM cars are one instance where they're safer without the ABS. My SDL stops faster on ice, etc. than a GM sedan, and GM SUV's are even worse.

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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