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  #1  
Old 01-24-2006, 11:50 PM
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Repairs needed on 85 W124 w/ 603 N/A Euro

Hi all,

After two weeks with this wonderful car, it is time to start some of the maintenance. I have ordered the Haynes manual but it will be a week before it arives from the UK. There are some things I think I should do before then though.
First is an oil change since I do not know how long since the last change. How much oil goes in this thing? (I do not have the owner's manual (it is ordered and in the post from MB) and I was unable to find anything with a search).
Second, how big of a job is it to replace the lower ball joints/bushing and the sway bar bushings? I am getting a terrible squeak when I turn the wheels, when the suspension makes slow changes (like gentle curves) and when I get out of the car (I am not THAT heavy ). I have searched and came across a thread that said that it is more than likely the lower ball joints. While I was under the car looking for the drain plug (which I still have not found) I noticed that the sway bar bushings are cracked and look in terrible shape (another possible source for my squeek problems?). Also, the rubber boot around my front struts (or are they shock absorbers on these?) are torn. Should I replace the entire strut assembly, just the boot, or is it a problem at all? The car handles well over bumps and when I press on a corner, the car pops right back into place with no other bounce. The only problem is cross winds. Is that normal for this car to be highly affected by cross winds while doing 70+ mph?
Jeeze, this is getting long. I am jonesing for that Haynes manual so I can get this ride to 99% (I dont think it will be possible to get a 21 year old ar to 100%).

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Old 01-25-2006, 09:35 AM
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For the basics the car isn't going to be too much different from the later American versions - my guess.

To give you an idea on the oil change capacity, my guess is about 7 quarts, maybe close to 8 with the filter changed. Without a doubt you can dump in a gallon and start checking the stick.

Squeek issues are best located with two people. One to generate the squeek and the other to locate it.

My W124 sometimes squeeks from the rear suspension and I found it is a couple of bushings that support and rotate with the A-frame back there. Looks complicated to replace so for now I live with it. If it were something on the front then I'd deal with it.

On the W124 front, it should be a pretty tight car. However, there are wear points, notably the tie rod ends and the steering idler arm support. The car should handle cross winds without being blown around. Jack up the passenger side front wheel, and grab the wheel at 9:00 and 3:00 positions. See how much slack there is, and watch the steering components to find the slack.

How much mileage is on the car?

Ken300D
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Old 01-25-2006, 11:13 AM
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I can't help you with the W124 part but the 603 part I can.

The US engines have an oil cooler and hold 8 quarts. I'd fill yours with 7 start it and see where you are on the dipstick. Make sure whatever oil you use has a CH, or diesel rating. And no 10w-30,Xw40 or Xw50 belongs in the sump.
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Old 01-25-2006, 12:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hatterasguy
Make sure whatever oil you use has a CH, or diesel rating. And no 10w-30,Xw40 or Xw50 belongs in the sump.

I was thinking of the synthetic Rotella T (I think that is the name) and if I remember correctly, it only comes as 15-40 (maybe 5-40). Are you saying that this is NOT what I should use?

Thanks for the replies
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Old 01-25-2006, 12:55 PM
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No I am saying thats what you should use. 5w-40 is a fine year round weight for 603's, as is 15w-40. I know Brian C ran that stuff for a very long time so it must be diesel rated. 5k mile changes or every 6 months seems to be about right on these.
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Old 01-25-2006, 01:00 PM
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Thanks. Off to get a couple of gallons. I am excited to tear into my first diesel
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Old 01-25-2006, 01:07 PM
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The current oil spec you should be looking for is CI plus. It has additives that help suspend soot particulate.
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  #8  
Old 01-25-2006, 01:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hatterasguy
I can't help you with the W124 part but the 603 part I can.

The US engines have an oil cooler and hold 8 quarts. I'd fill yours with 7 start it and see where you are on the dipstick. Make sure whatever oil you use has a CH, or diesel rating. And no 10w-30,Xw40 or Xw50 belongs in the sump.
With no turbo and no cooler, the capacity might be less than 7 quarts. I'd start with 6 and see where it goes.

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