I've Just About Had It! (LONG, RANT) - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

crashone · #1 01-07-2008, 10:49 PM

I do have to say how impressed I am at the straight forwardness of the w126. Yes there are things I will need help with but for someone who always ended up with spare parts after working on something(

) these cars are great. I have done a lot of work on mine with mostly off the shelves tools except for the correct spring compresser for the front springs. I do not mind working on this car, in fact it gets fun the longer I go. I have spent a few all nighters in the driveway wrenching on the old beast (no garage here!) and it pays me back when the job is done and the handling/ performance is noyicably better the next drive down the road. Great cars to own and wrench on. And yes I have spent more than the purchase price on parts, but I have saved at least $90 to $120+ an hour by doing the work myself so idon't mind putting in the extra time to get something right. Good luck.

delgadoduvidoso · #2 01-07-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTUpower

I find this funny because I see it in the marine trade. A mechanic works on one steering system, or another steering system, and when they come to a different system with preconceptions about the job, it takes much longer than those that come with no preconceptions and just read the directions. I am a yacht systems mechanic, and a captain. About as similar as you can get to a automotive mechanic without being in the same field. Now here's Hatteras Guy's take on it:

You are new to MB's- take Hattie's word for it; and listen to BC and others. Sorry you are having PITA's.

I hope you're correct, but I really wish you could see how simple these McPherson set-ups are on the Bimmers. You don't need a spring compressor for anything other than the struts or strut hats. And you can get them anywhere, as opposed to the one the Benz seems to require to make it a reasonable job.
I'm hoping once I put my hands to one of these compressors, it'll be smooth sailing.

panZZer · #3 02-10-2009, 07:07 PM

Well--anybody still there? check out "project gm benz has begun".by shopforum member Cell. Go out and find yourself a 1970 chevy suburban and yank the engine and tranny out and swap into the chevy, many problems solved--add rear air bags and you could greatly the benz's carrying capability. as for the vacuum system issues--------High maintenance is very much part of every MB, even the very basic 240D is pretty darn complicated car with many stupid design flaws that only German engineers can produce, the case in point is the totally hopeless design philosophy of the vacuum system on 123 cars, a system with no redundancy built into it.--someone elses post.

I have *****ed about it too but with a little boning up on some allpro diagrams and studying---it aint THAT complicated and anyone can easily tackle this instead of having to take the damn car to a TV repairman to battle a demonically possessed wiring harness--- your gonna PAY. I bought an 85 sedan in Cali-crunched quarter- specifically for parts $1100 then two months later I got the 85 cd to keep. The cheap route for parts, the front end feels tight on the sedan and will be taken out in one piece if possible. and stuck in the cd.

Brian Carlton · #4 02-10-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panZZer

even the very basic 240D is pretty darn complicated car with many stupid design flaws that only German engineers can produce,

I got a serious bit o' good ol' advice for 'ya..........don't buy a W-140.

JonL · #5 02-10-2009, 08:09 PM

I feel your pain... I've got a pretty decent list on my '87 190D as well. (Heater core, anyone?) I'd take exception to a few of your PITAs, though. If you need a special tool, you need a special tool. Know that before hand, have it ready, and the job will go smoothly.

And your tie rod ends... I understand the elegance of a nice puller. However let's be practical. We all know that you can use a bit of force here without harming a thing. Just this afternoon my friend was struggling with tie rod ends on HIS 300TD. I went to help him. 3 strokes of the 5 pound sledge and the tie rod was out. Probably 10 seconds. No trips to the tool rental center.

MBNRA · #6 02-10-2009, 10:13 PM

I find these cars fascinating and yeah, many things are hard to do, but how many other cars have you had that STILL deliver with more than 300,000 miles on them? I just drove to Boise and back in my 300D and no problems, but I had to replace everything you did and I knew I got a neglected car when I bought it.

And yes, I still love these cars, but if your determined to sell it, I'm sure there are buyers here who will take it off your hands!

brownrice78 · #7 02-11-2009, 02:10 PM

My 240D is by far the easiest car for the DIYer'....compared to the other late 80s' and 90s' cars I have owned. I learned a lot about cars just through my 240D. Any car this old that is neglected is a PITA before your eyes meet...IMHO.

babymog · #8 02-11-2009, 10:42 PM

The 124 is generally an easy to maintain car on a global average PITA scale, I can't think of a car on the road that is designed (for example) for quick swaps of the heater core or evaporator, but that rear suspension is IMO the point where Engineering spent too much time making it handle well and too little time making it servicable. If I had to complain about the (diesel) 124 anyway.