first time owner, 1982 300SD!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dmtinker · #1 04-17-2006, 10:09 PM

I just purchased a new 300SD and had a few questions.

My pad sensor is flickering and I was wondering if it was installed wrong.
Secondly, the dash lights worked yesterday but not today. Is this most likely a bad connection? I checked the rheostat but no luck.

Also, is there anyplace I can purchase replacement wood dash trim? I haven't really been able to find anything.

Lastly, the only modification I am thinking of doing is putting in white face gauges...where would be the best place to tap into the hot power from the headlight switch?

Thanks in advance.

tangofox007 · #2 04-17-2006, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmtinker

I just purchased a new 300SD and had a few questions.

My pad sensor is flickering and I was wondering if it was installed wrong.

I would wonder if my front brake pads were worn thin.

JimmyL · #3 04-17-2006, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmtinker

Lastly, the only modification I am thinking of doing is putting in white face gauges...

Your post was going so well until I got to that part!

Ebay may be a good source for your dash wood, or even one of the folks on here.
As stated above, your pads may be very thin.
These rheostats are very flakey. Many folks solder a wire on the back, jumping the two copper strips on the back. Takes the adjustment part out of the dash lights, but you will NEVER want them dimmer than they already are.
Congrats on your purchase. Sit back in front of your computer and extensively use the search function at the top. Mucho info, could keep you busy for days and days......

SD Blue · #4 04-17-2006, 11:04 PM

For the pad sensor light, I would inspect the front calipers for either wear or something amiss.

Dash lights could be connector, bulbs or rheostat. I would suspect rheostat first.

Wood Trim for a W126 is scarce for some reason. I have never seen an on-line source for it. If you can't reattach it, you may have to go the route of salvage. I found a good set of doors and dash trim for $60 but it is very hit-or-miss on finding some in good shape.

Why couldn't you tap into instrument power at the rheostat?

jpchleapas · #5 04-18-2006, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmtinker

I just purchased a new 300SD and had a few questions.

My pad sensor is flickering and I was wondering if it was installed wrong.
Secondly, the dash lights worked yesterday but not today. Is this most likely a bad connection? I checked the rheostat but no luck.

Also, is there anyplace I can purchase replacement wood dash trim? I haven't really been able to find anything.

Lastly, the only modification I am thinking of doing is putting in white face gauges...where would be the best place to tap into the hot power from the headlight switch?

Thanks in advance.

Post here in the classifieds for a set of wood trim for your dash. I bought a complete replacment set used but it really looks brand new from ebay for my 1983 300sd a month ago. Cost was around $190 for the whole set. Just be patient and start scrounging. There are members here who part out cars who read daily the wants and needs of us here in the parts for sale and wanted section. I found 4 good used interior palamino door panels for 35 each there. Try posting here before ebay for much better prices. The wood trim I spent the $200 for with shipping is beautiful. I could not help it I then bought the wood shifter new for ~$60, and then a MB wood steering wheel. Once this is all installed I want to have my car painted this summer. LOL, then I will get t-boned by a teenager no doubt.

Why not worry about getting the dash lights in your car all working right first before going to white faced gauges? I do not think white faced gauges are so easy on the eyes when driving at night. You can look and see where your current gauges are wired. In my Mustang the white face gauge option is just a white covering overlay that goes over the original gauge faces. I would never do that to my Mustang, or to my MB.

Make sure you have your brakes looked at just to be sure they do not need service if the pad warning light came on. Good luck! John

rchase · #6 04-18-2006, 04:38 AM

Great choice of car. I also own a 1982 300SD. Mine has proven to be the most dependable car I have ever owned in my entire life.

http://beostar.paunix.org/newmbzpics

Regarding those guage faces you might want to reconsider. Several members of this site know that German fellow from those VW commercials personally. He might accidently overhear us talking enviously about your white guage faces and we know what happens from there "Time to Un Pimpz zeeh Autooh!!!".

Regarding the wood you can get wood used in a lot of cases. Personally I would avoid Ebay as you can get a lot of pieces that look great in photos and either don't match your interior or are a bit on the rough side also broken plastic tabs are an issue from people that don't know what they are doing. Buying locally you can look at the piece and compare it to the rest of the car to make sure it matches. Believe it or not over the production span of the 126 there were several different "shades" of zebrano wood and several different finish glosses. I have a local parts guy that has used parts and have bought several pieces for my 126 as he has them. It will take you a while to get it all replaced but its very much worth the effort.

dmtinker · #7 04-18-2006, 10:24 PM

I know all the rotors and all the pads were replaced. I suspect the sensor is loose.

As for the gauges, I would do EL gauges that would be back lit during the evening. I have driven a car with the "indiglo" style gauges that were white during the day and back lit at night. I really liked them. To me, they were easy on the eyes and you can get a modulator that changes the color at night.

Also, what is the best brand of shop manual to buy? The people on the Saab board favor Haynes.

Elktonjohn · #8 04-18-2006, 11:06 PM

Haynes is better then Chiltons, Mitchell is good for many vehicles and Bentley would be very good I think for the MB. On tapping into power for your gauges...at the risk of being boo'ed I admit to plumbing into the ashtray lamp on my 83 SD for my vac gauge...and also into the cig lighter for my blower motor as my acc system is deader then day-ed...both are tough circuits and if they blow it's not a terminal failure...no pun.

SD Blue · #9 04-19-2006, 11:45 AM

For a paper manual, Haynes will get you by on a lot of things. In fact, one of the best guys on MB's here, uses a Haynes and prints information from this forum for a "shop" manual.

Chilton really has not had a decent manual since I've needed to adjust the gap.

On-line there is http://mb.braingears.com/ (Although, during busy times I have had a very difficult time getting it to work properly.)

If I recall correctly, someone said MBCA sells the CD's for $20.

(As for the guages, you might try repainting the pointers with flourescent model paint and see if you get the desired effect. They become very faded with age.)

dmtinker · #10 04-19-2006, 08:32 PM

I probably will repaint the needles. But I still like the white face gauges...

I dropped my car at the shop for the Maryland state inpsection. For those of you that don't know, its about as thorough as a high colonic. They will have to replace the center pipe, muffler, all the door wiring for the seat adjustment. In all it will cost about $1000. I was not thrilled but I was happy it wasn't rust, the tranny or an engine problem.

Diesel Giant · #11 04-19-2006, 08:49 PM

Welcome.

vstech · #12 04-19-2006, 08:57 PM

"SD Blue For a paper manual, Haynes will get you by on a lot of things. In fact, one of the best guys on MB's here, uses a Haynes and prints information from this forum for a "shop" manual."

I have 3 of them, and they work for general stuff, and engine stuff, but Not for 126 specific stuff.
it seems every time I get one of these cars, it comes with a haynes manual in the trunk.
and I bought two copies myself, so if you need one just drop me an email or a private message here on the board.
John