I am at a crossroads and trying to figure out what I want to spend my play money on for the future. I love my Benz, but I am getting the itch for something new. I am in training right now and won't have a garage to work in for at least another 5 months. The itch for a project is killing me. As far as what I would do to my Benz:

- EGT, then tweak the IP
- high flow muffler to quiet the exhaust to a proper Benz sound
- VNT
- maybe an intercooler if necessary
- custom sub boxes for the trunk (I would have to get a new amp and subs too, had some problems recently)
- I have to tear apart the rear of the car to find the metal that is vibrating all the time
- alarm system would be a must

It's really an all or nothing at this point.

The thing is, I have had this car for about twice as long as any other car and it's giving me the itch for something new...I just don't know what to do. I test drove a BMW 335d, and a Mercedes Bluetec last weekend and was not at all impressed by either. I also drove a VW TDI, and even though it's front wheel drive, I really liked it...and it comes in stick!

I have also been thinking of converting an old (early 90's) Cadillac into a diesel lately too. I miss my grandmothers car, that thing was great. Yet another idea is to build a bike. I can get an english motor and trans to build a bobber really cheap. I really want to build a nice chopper (much like Capt America's), with a motor and trans from a salvage. That would get pricy though (read - take a long time). I just can't decide.

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My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior

I would build a bike.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Choppers have been massively overhyped. Everyone, their son, grandpa and all their cousins are building choppers.

I'd personally pick a Cummins dropped into one of those mile-long-hood Caddies.

why not follow through with your plans to fix everything you need? it can seem cumbersome but if you do it in projects you can renew a car for less than its original price. Perhaps its the exterior you are not happy with, paint, rims, tint, grill?? I can find myself cruising craigs sometimes looking at other brands. but since you own the most over engineered car brand, save it. or you will miss it.

I agree with you, choppers have become way too overhyped. I would like to build one for comfort riding over long distances. I must say though, I have been thinking about how sexy it would be to have the caddy.

It's not that it seems like too much, each project is less than a few weeks. My car does need some paint and dent (bullet) removal, I don't see myself actually ever doing that though. I have always been used to getting new (to me) cars and have that itch again now. I love my Benz, but am ready for something new.

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My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior

I'll start by saying I love the w123 because it is reliable and soulful, and my nissan truck was reliable, but not so soulful. Before that I had a 1979 coupe de ville which was completely unreliable, but really really soulful.

I loved that car. The ride was amazing (though pretty yacht-like), and the gizmos they put in were way ahead of their time.

The biggest problem was the mileage and the engine getting tired. dropping adiesel in one would help both those problems.

It sure was a fun car to drive!

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT

get a suzuki DR 650. choppers are for looking at dual sports are for riding!

What some people on this site do is keep what they have AND go buy something new. That way you're never bored and you have an impressive signature.

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1981 300TD "The Green Lantern"
1980 300TD
1983 300D Euro "China Cat"

Whatever I end up doing I will be keeping what I have. I love my Benz, and would like to have several more things. Too many to be precise.

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My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior

Build a Cafe Racer. When I needed a break from cars that is what I did.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Not bad. I was thinking about building a rat rod bobber with a suicide shifter. I couldn't think of anything better to do with an old British engine/trans and no frame.

After doing some driving today, I am really thinking more about the Caddy. I like the land yachts. I had an SDL, but it was a pretty bad experience. I am in the mood for a floating boat on wheels.

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My Primary Driver - '85 300CD - 4-speed conversion, 2.47 rear, lowered, euro headlights, rebuilding (not restoring so much)

Wife's - '08 Saab Sportcombi Aero

Riding a '03 Yamaha Warrior