new guy here

[stockton07]

hey guys, my name is rj and i have only been a member a few days now. i am really interested in learning as much as i can about the w123, w124 and w126 diesels.

Here is kinda the run down on me:
I'm 22 years old, from the Atlantic City NJ area and just graduated from college 2 weeks ago and i am in pursuit of starting my career. I'm married with 2 young children (3yrs and 9months). I install car electronics as my current job and love when these cars come in and i get to work on them.

i am interested in any info you can offer me or info sites on these cars, hard copy reading materials, etc.

also interested in what to look for when buying one of these cars... maybe a detailed check list. common issues, what to check 1st, major and minor things. how many miles is too many? is there a pricing guide for these cars, and so on.

thanks in advance. look forward to learning a lot.

RJ

[Austin85]

Welcome to Forum. You can spend days just reading past threads catagorized by .....catagories.
I hear there is a search function, top right where you can enter key words and all past threads come up.
Also a thread for checklist is here too.

After you read all you want feel free to ask any questions you have.

Just do not ask anyone what oil to use or how often you should change your oil.

AA

[tobybul]

Want to sell your car easily? You *NEED* to read this!

Here's one link to start with. Also, a good book to read is the Illustrated Buyers Guide by Frank Barret of MBCA.

[stockton07]

thanks for the welcome... if anyone else has any starting off info..please post

[Austin85]

Originally Posted by stockton07

thanks for the welcome... if anyone else has any starting off info..please post

Sure it helps to list what kind of cars you have and where in general you are.

because when you ask questions usually it is what people look for.
...

[toomany MBZ]

The 123's are called tanks for a reason. The 126's are larger, and have a better ride, I am not familiar with the 124's. Individual vehicle condition is paramount.

[spugeddy]

What are you looking for, a coupe, four door, or wagon?

Also, what is important to you. Readily available cheap parts, economy, luxury, comfort, DIY jobs easy to work on, room, power?

The models are different for a reason, people when buying them were looking for certain things. Tell us what is important to you, and maybe we can give you better feedback or opinion.

[networkboy]

Originally Posted by Austin85

Just do not ask anyone what oil to use or how often you should change your oil.

AA

ROTFLMAO

Sad but true. Most flamewars are about who's cooler, or "Yo Mama" kind of stuff on other boards. Here it's about oil.

Only advice I can give you is once you've settled on a car you like pay for an hour of shop labor from a decent indy mechanic to inspect the car and tell you what it needs, possibly spend a second hour to have the valves adjusted (assuming a 617 engine) the first time so you know you're starting with good valve clearances. (It's what I did, but I'll be doing my own valves next time).
-nB

So.... What oil do you use? *ducks*

[stockton07]

thanks for the tips.

what i am looking for...
- def. want a sedan
- easy parts and easy DIY is good
- good fuel economy
- power - just needs to get out of its own way
- ride - solid ride, decently smooth
- room - enough to hold two car seats and room for a couple umbrella strollers or groceries

any recommendations?

i will def. take it to a shop for an hour or two. there is a local guy 2 min from my house. i have heard mostly good things but a few negatives too.

thanks again,
rj

[networkboy]

I would suggest a 123 chassis 300D turbo.
I've found mine a pleasure to work on now that I've gotten past my initial intimidation of what I thought was my mechanical ineptitude. The car simply makes sense in many cases, and between the FSM, Diesel Giant's tutorials (which *ROCK*), and the superb help I've gotten here, there have been very few jobs that I've had to outsource to my indy (most recently the stripped bolt for the motor mount).

For my next car I was looking at a CD, but have decided that an SD or UniMog is in my future.
-nB

[stockton07]

nb, thanks for the suggestion. what year did they turbo the 123? was it 81-85?

anyone else agree with that suggestion or have another recommendation?

found this one at the local mb guy in town... price just seems high to me...

http://ditmire.com/sys/display.cgi?detail=4415

thanks, rj

Originally Posted by stockton07

nb, thanks for the suggestion. what year did they turbo the 123? was it 81-85?

anyone else agree with that suggestion or have another recommendation?

found this one at the local mb guy in town... price just seems high to me...

http://ditmire.com/sys/display.cgi?detail=4415

thanks, rj

The 300D turbo was 82-85, the 300CD turbo was 81-85. I really prefer the W123 (simpler design), but it's a matter of personal preference.

That car looks fairly clean, but the value is all about mileage and condition (mostly condition). I've seen these sell anywhere from $1000 to $25,000 (extreme examples). At this mileage, you may be looking at a car that will need some work in the next 50-100K miles (auto transmission, cruise control, climate control, AC, timing chain, etc.), depending what's already been done. You really want to find a good independent shop (or a dealer) to check it out (couple $100) and give you a detailed estimate of what needs attention.

[stockton07]

Craig - the place that is selling this car is the local independent shop. i don't know who else id go to and I'm sure if they put it up on the lift, they may be honest but they also may say what i want to hear to buy the car, ya know? tough situation.

[whunter]

Book mark this link for future need:

Fast navigation Do It Yourself Links
Fast navigation Do It Yourself Links


You need a PPI = Pre Purchase Inspection

ShopForum > General Discussion
Good MB Shops
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/good-mb-shops/





Have a great day.

[bustedbenz]

For the benefit of the two car seats, I recommend an 81-85 300SD. Same engine as the previously recommended 300D, nearly bulletproof if you take care of it, and the larger back seat area and larger cargo area will be greatly appreciated once the family starts using the car.