Has anyone added ABS to their w123? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Johnhef · #16 09-07-2008, 03:25 PM

Two of my older cars, my 84 wagon and 83 SEC came with ABS. I wouldnt want to attempt a swap myself, it would be a pain and a lot of work. Wheel speed sensors, the abs pump, control unit, associated wiring, abs rotors, rear differential etc would all need to be swapped.

It would be easier to just buy another euro 123 with ABS or find a cheap 300E with it if you want her to feel safer.

Chad300tdt · #17 09-07-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

Chad, I thoroughly expect you to do it and give us a pictorial step-by-step account.

Sorry Swamp, looks like John smacked the last of my desire to do this out of me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

Two of my older cars, my 84 wagon and 83 SEC came with ABS. I wouldnt want to attempt a swap myself, it would be a pain and a lot of work. Wheel speed sensors, the abs pump, control unit, associated wiring, abs rotors, rear differential etc would all need to be swapped.

It would be easier to just buy another euro 123 with ABS or find a cheap 300E with it if you want her to feel safer.

I never would have thought the rear diff. would need to be swapped too.

I wasn't expecting to rebuild the whole car for ABS. I'm glad I asked the experts from the forum. Thanks for the answer John ... thanks for everyone's input.

pizzachef · #18 09-07-2008, 04:21 PM

I had run it though the russian site when I first got the car and remember its wasn't very informative. I just did it again and the list of info isn't very long. And there are a few inaccuracies...no power antenna and the rear windows are manual.

I do have a diplomat's car though

All this time I thought the ABS was only on the front wheels, because I didn't see any wheel sensors on the back wheels, but apparently there's a sensor in the diff that looks at the bevel pinions...to see if they're moving...that officially makes the project probably not worth it

Here's my russian info:

BHNMaHNe!

VIN WDB1231931F052242 Model 300 TD TURBO Chassis 1231931F052242 Engine 617952 12 108276 Transmission 722315 02 646064 Order 0 5 403 30316 Approx. year 1985 Lights HELLA Cab 02607 Dealer Foreign diplomats (403) Interior tex-leather java (154) Paint 929 nautical blue metallic (с 01.01.1984) Options 251 Becker Radio Mexico cassette, full stereo, electronic (с 01.04.1980 по 30.11.1990)
411 mechanical and hydraulic sliding roof (с 01.10.1965 по 31.10.1993)
461 Unknown code 531 automatic antenna (с 01.01.1963)
588 automatic climate control and electric window lifters (front and rear doors) (с 01.01.1977)
593 heat-insulating glass, all-around, heated rear window pane (single-sheet safety glass), band filter
green heat-insulating glass all round, heated rear window, single pane safety glass - tinted strip (с 01.01.1972)
640 aluminium disc wheels with radial-ply tires (с 01.10.1969 по 31.12.1989)
Внимание!

Johnhef · #19 09-07-2008, 05:36 PM

curious about the "aluminum disc wheels"... yours has bundts on it, right?

pizzachef · #20 09-07-2008, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnhef

curious about the "aluminum disc wheels"... yours has bundts on it, right?

Yes. I don't know what that means either.

Johnhef · #21 09-07-2008, 07:40 PM

Mine had the same thing listed, bundts were on it when I got it.

Hatterasguy · #22 09-08-2008, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

First, ABS works super in todays cars. No amount of brake pumping by a driver can simulate what an ABS systems does.

Not even worth debating.
However, the ABS system of this time period, IE: early 80's I'm sure is less effective/sophisticated. But, adding this system I believe would be a very large endeavor. Hardware and electrical would be quite an undertaking.

Oh yeah, a modern ABS system works faster than the human brain, and will out perform one of us all day long.

Even Michael Schumacher's F1 car had traction aid's because the computer can do things faster than we can. I highly doubt anyone on this forum is a better driver than Schumacher....

Upgrade to 2nd gen W126 brakes and some 16in sticky tires. That way she should have enough grip to not really need it.

As much as I enjoy the macho I have hairy balls I don't need to stinkin computer thing...its nice in the rain...when you are probably not paying attention and go just a bit to fast...the triangle pops up on the speedo, you feel the brakes and engine working, and your back going straight. It goes from an "Oh my God steer, tree, pole, curb!" to "my bad, better slow down"

As much as wild Tokyo drift style driving is fun, I don't want or need that on a daily basis. ESP, ASR, and whatever else they have does a fine job, without all the cool sliding and antics though!

H-townbenzoboy · #23 09-08-2008, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pizzachef

Yes. I don't know what that means either.

Bundts ARE "aluminum disc wheels". Duh!

Simpler=Better · #24 09-08-2008, 07:14 AM

No ABS=one less system to fail and less potential leaks in my braking system. It feels like I can keep a RWD vehicle on the road better without it(My old ranger/my current w123)

vstech · #25 09-08-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Oh yeah, a modern ABS system works faster than the human brain, and will out perform one of us all day long.

Even Michael Schumacher's F1 car had traction aid's because the computer can do things faster than we can. I highly doubt anyone on this forum is a better driver than Schumacher....

Upgrade to 2nd gen W126 brakes and some 16in sticky tires. That way she should have enough grip to not really need it.

As much as I enjoy the "macho I have hairy balls I don't need to stinkin computer thing"...its nice in the rain...when you are probably not paying attention and go just a bit to fast...the triangle pops up on the speedo, you feel the brakes and engine working, and your back going straight. It goes from an "Oh my God steer, tree, pole, curb!" to "my bad, better slow down"

As much as wild Tokyo drift style driving is fun, I don't want or need that on a daily basis. ESP, ASR, and whatever else they have does a fine job, without all the cool sliding and antics though!

um, this is just another fine example where the brain is FAR better than any computer... slow down ahead of time. don't drive poorly in poor conditions...
a PANIC stop is easily avoided, but VERY HARD to overcome!~

winmutt · #26 09-08-2008, 10:00 AM

I thing the biggest issue with ABS on our cars is the electrical pickup from the rear diff. I have been considering this. Running the hard lines seems like it would be the biggest pita.

compu_85 · #27 09-08-2008, 10:22 AM

The swap doesn't sound like it would be too bad. If your lines were rusty from salt anyway and needed replacement it would be something I would do while I was in there. If you had a doner car you could move all the bits over from it should be straightforward.

-Jason

remotemark · #28 09-08-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

My reason for thinking of it in the first place is that the route my wife takes to work is unusually slick when it rains and the roadway holds a lot of puddles. This road has cars traveling at 60+ MPH, so the ABS has been activated in the Acura MANY times.

Sounds like she must work on Roosevelt Boulevard.

remotemark · #29 09-08-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Oh yeah, a modern ABS system works faster than the human brain, and will out perform one of us all day long.

Even Michael Schumacher's F1 car had traction aid's because the computer can do things faster than we can. I highly doubt anyone on this forum is a better driver than Schumacher....

Upgrade to 2nd gen W126 brakes and some 16in sticky tires. That way she should have enough grip to not really need it.

As much as I enjoy the macho I have hairy balls I don't need to stinkin computer thing...its nice in the rain...when you are probably not paying attention and go just a bit to fast...the triangle pops up on the speedo, you feel the brakes and engine working, and your back going straight. It goes from an "Oh my God steer, tree, pole, curb!" to "my bad, better slow down"

As much as wild Tokyo drift style driving is fun, I don't want or need that on a daily basis. ESP, ASR, and whatever else they have does a fine job, without all the cool sliding and antics though!

I can't imagine my 300D in a power drift. I just don't think the wheels would ever have enough power to break traction unless I tried to make a 120 degree turn at 45 mph with the accelerator floored. Even then, I think it would rather roll over or the tires would just squeal even more than usual.

pizzachef · #30 09-08-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

I thing the biggest issue with ABS on our cars is the electrical pickup from the rear diff. I have been considering this. Running the hard lines seems like it would be the biggest pita.

I wonder if it would still work with the rear diff sensor eliminated (maybe I'll crawl under there one day and unplug it and drive around). Then you can just run it to the front tires, some systems are front wheel only anyways. And you could use SS flexible lines instead of the hard lines...might get a bit spendy, but it would be easier to deal with.