I have left the Mercedes Diesel Crew - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

braverichard · #1 08-10-2006, 02:03 PM

Hey folks,

8 days ago while in Chicago, my 1984 300SD was seriously re-ended on the highway. The next day the insurance guy and I went over everything and it was declared a total loss. I was greatly saddened by this, especially by the fact that I was away from home so I couldn't even keep the car. The insurance company was going to let me keep the car for 10% of the total settlement. After considering the cost of having the car towed back to Kansas City (where I live), what it would cost me to keep the car and then what I could potentially get from parting it out, I just decided to let it go.

On the other hand, a month ago I picked up a prestine 1999 Mercedes-Benz S600 - one of my dream cars. It was a one owner car fully garaged car from New Mexico, with a black exterior and tan interior and just 88,000 miles. Most importantly, the dreaded evaporator job had already been done on it.

So I may be leaving the MB diesel crew, but I'm an MB lover (and hopefully owner) for life. To replace my 300SD which was my daily driver, I have purchased a very nice fully loaded 2007 Hyundai Sonata - an exceptional car in every sense.

So that's my story. I'm mainly posting this because I have several MB diesel/MB W126 specific items that I want to get rid of.

W126 300SD Specific Items
- Two Proline oil filters
- One Mann air filter
- 3 cans of Diesel Purge
- Three gallons of Amsoil 15W-40 Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine Oil

W126 Items
- Complete instrument cluster from a 1984 300SD but with a 1987 300SDL outside temperature gauge which is in Fahrenheit. All gauges work and the odometer is currently at 197,xxx miles.
- Extra instrument cluster rheostat
- Grey car cover that perfectly fits long wheelbase W126 (SEL, SDL)
- One used but functioning hirschmann antenna pulled from a 1984 500SEL
- One brand new hirschmann antenna with several mounting pieces
- Three un-opened, undiluted gallons of Zerex G05 coolant; 3 quarts of undiluted Mercedes-Benz coolant in Mercedes-Benz gallon; 3.5 quarts of diluted Zerex G05 coolant
- Used blower motor pulled from a 1984 500SEL

I have several other items but they don't make economic sense to ship to an interested party. This may also apply to the fluids I listed above, but I decided to list them anyway. While I'm at this, I'd be lying to you if I say I don't want any money for any of the items. But this isn't really a sale - all I want for each item would be a small token of appreciation.

Anyone interested in any of the above items can send me a PM and we can go from there.

vahe · #2 08-10-2006, 02:51 PM

To really come to appreciate how reliable and economical these 126 and 123 diesels are one needs to switch to a S600 for a while.

Vahe
240D/77 350K

braverichard · #3 08-10-2006, 03:50 PM

Forgot to mention that I also have the highly sought after trunk triangle from a Euro spec W126 and 1.5 liters of OEM MB brake fluid. Thanks again!

Jim B. · #4 08-10-2006, 04:06 PM

Enjoy that beautiful W140 sedan, they look great, ride great and the seats are REALLY comfortable. Black color is perfect, but you'd be mistaken for El Presidente in many third world countries in it, even today!!

You ought to check out

www.ebay.de (model autos) for the Schabak 1/24" W140 sedan, they are pretty well detailed, and they came in black too. I had one (gave it away to a friend) that I actually bought from a Mercedes dealer in LA, but that was 10 years ago, and hafen't seen another one.

The trunk triangle is a neat accessory, and functional too, and REQUIRED by the German TUV authority, but wasn't DOT approved so all US bound new 126 cars had the item deleted. With the correct clip they slip right in on the underside of the trunk lid....

braverichard · #5 08-10-2006, 04:41 PM

Thank you Jim, I'm already loving that car! What a joy to drive. I've spent several minutes just looking at it in my garage!! I think it has possessed my brain! And it is so quiet inside, eery quiet. I love it!

Jeff (username: jeffoc) I can't send you a reply because your PM inbox is full!!

hockeynut · #6 08-10-2006, 05:55 PM

I looked at a 500 last year on a used car lot. It had double-pane glass on all the windows - suppossedly to help keep it quieter. Must be an awsome ride. And you got the 600 - isn't that a V12? I guess as long as you can afford the gas

braverichard · #7 08-10-2006, 06:02 PM

Yep, I got the V12 fully loaded. It is an incredible ride. I have driven many brand new cars today that still can't match the excellence of that car. It is one of my dream cars and will always be regardless of gas prices. Also, it isn't my daily driver. My daily driver is the Hyundai Sonata which is EPA rated 20/30 mpg. I have owned it for just three days and so far I have averaged 24.8 mpg in mixed driving. I can't complain about that.

Brian Carlton · #8 08-10-2006, 06:42 PM

Don, my deep condolonces on the loss of the SD. You put a lot of time and effort into that vehicle and I'm sure you'll be suffering for awhile.

The S600 ought to take the edge off............

braverichard · #9 08-10-2006, 06:50 PM

Thank you Brian.

Indeed I still can't believe the car is gone. Many of my friends and family can't believe it. Each person that sees me in that Hyundai asks, "where's the Benz?" and when told of what happened they typically reply, "wow... I'm so sorry... we'll miss it" or something like that. The car was like a member of my family. I really loved it. Oh well.

Well the S600 has always been one of my dream cars and so I'm really happy to have it. However don't be surprised if I purchase a 300SDL one of these days if the price-condition are perfect for me. I've been eyeing one for sale around here...

I've always wished for a 300SDL. The S600 can't replace my thirst for a diesel W126.

braverichard · #10 08-10-2006, 06:51 PM

An update on the items I have for sale: the car cover, instrument cluster, blower motor and the new antenna are all sold. Thanks all!

Hatterasguy · #11 08-10-2006, 09:26 PM

Wow what a horrable end to a nice W126, espeicaly after you put all the money into it fixing the deer damage.

But that S600 should take the edge off, that is one of the best sedans in the world, very enjoyable.

I could use a set of fuel and air filters for my SD. Make me a deal and I'll take them off your hands.

beaulieub · #12 08-10-2006, 09:46 PM

You had collision on a 1984 car? The annual premium must have been close to half the value of the car! Why would you do that?

sailor15015 · #13 08-10-2006, 09:50 PM

I had it on my '85 and currently do on my '84. When the '85 was rear-ended and totaled, the insurance company gave me $3700 for it. The sweet part was that I only paid $2500 for it. My insurance is $140 a month with full coverage on the Mercedes and liability only on the bimmer. I had to have it because I had a loan on the '85 at the time and the bank insisted. The '84 is all paid off but I chose to keep the full coverage just in case.

Hatterasguy · #14 08-10-2006, 09:50 PM

He was rear ended, his insurance wouldn't pay unless the other guy didn't have it.

He dropped collision on that car, and shortly after nailed a deer.

After spending a large chunk of money fixing it, and giving up a vacation this happens. Sometimes you can't win.

pastmaster · #15 08-10-2006, 10:19 PM

Braverichard,

I am glad that you are OK! The car did it's job, it saved you from injury and you are telling us about it, instead of reading a Memorial. Good Car.

The S600 V12, Great that you found the "Right One!" You will have to tell us the discoveries you find about this car. I think you have a fan-club of sorts, I'll be the number 1 fan! In my quest, I have not found the right S600 for me, yet. I keep letting life get in the way.

What happened to the 350SDL, with the blown engine, from a while ago? Did you ever find an engine and get it on the road again? Was it sold?

German Car You Know!