Looking For Diesel Guidance - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #16 05-21-2011, 12:33 AM

Honda? wazat! little ring-ding motorcycle right? They make cars too! I think I'll go crawl under my Mercedes and knock it off the jack first :-)

Tomorrow I'll be working on one of my Mazdas, an old 929, 165000 miles, doesn't break much but it's getting long in the tooth. My W123 on the other hand was bought in November and I've put on 7000 miles already, two oil changes and that's about it so far. Sure it needs some work now, valve adj, new radio, winshield washer is kaput. Tach was broken but it sprang back to life today, it knew I was thinking about another car! My wife works in her garden even though she has allergies that would kill a lesser person. I'll work on my cars no matter what unless it's winter. New Mercedes is out at least until my kid is off the insurance. I'm not much for new cars. The last new car was my wife's Subaru that's now 10 w/145000 miles. I've had to do death level work on that car to keep it running but it still goes pretty good. Saw a lot of interesting cars on-line today and I might go looking at some E320 wagons even though they are gassers. Mercedes may not be as no-work oriented as the jap and korean cars but they just feel better to drive and working on them provides a lot of satisfaction. Hell, I'll buy another 123 before I'd buy another asian car. I feel a newer Mercedes coming maybe this summer, maybe next but I'll have one soon.

rmmagow · #17 05-21-2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscat1

Pardon the slightly off-topic response here, but... I notice that you are from RI. Please consider joining a nice bunch of folks, fellow Mercedes (mostly diesel, but also gassers) owners at our annual picnic, known as Chowdah Q, for the delicious Chowdah prepared by Dwight and his wife. Dwight personally harvests the clams, btw!! September 10, 2011, at Goddard State Park in East Greenwich. Lots of shop talk, nice group of people, camaraderie, and great food! You may even receive some guidance about your next car, if you haven't decided by then! Not to be missed!

And thank you. it would be an honor to attend. Old cars, bruised knuckles, and CHOWDAH! The best RI could ever hope for :-) Good excuse to bring the old baby out for a ride.

Stretch · #18 05-21-2011, 02:11 AM

My last comment about Japanese cars - I'm nearly 6ft 4 - I've found that the Japanese give you more room than the Italians.

rmmagow - I'm glad you've made your choice clear - size matters.

In fact it seems size matters more than minimal maintenance - good choice! Well it is one I agree with anyway. Good luck with the hunt. Keep us updated.

vstech · #19 05-21-2011, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmmagow

Honda? wazat! little ring-ding motorcycle right? They make cars too! I think I'll go crawl under my Mercedes and knock it off the jack first :-)

Tomorrow I'll be working on one of my Mazdas, an old 929, 165000 miles, doesn't break much but it's getting long in the tooth. My W123 on the other hand was bought in November and I've put on 7000 miles already, two oil changes and that's about it so far. Sure it needs some work now, valve adj, new radio, winshield washer is kaput. Tach was broken but it sprang back to life today, it knew I was thinking about another car! My wife works in her garden even though she has allergies that would kill a lesser person. I'll work on my cars no matter what unless it's winter. New Mercedes is out at least until my kid is off the insurance. I'm not much for new cars. The last new car was my wife's Subaru that's now 10 w/145000 miles. I've had to do death level work on that car to keep it running but it still goes pretty good. Saw a lot of interesting cars on-line today and I might go looking at some E320 wagons even though they are gassers. Mercedes may not be as no-work oriented as the jap and korean cars but they just feel better to drive and working on them provides a lot of satisfaction. Hell, I'll buy another 123 before I'd buy another asian car. I feel a newer Mercedes coming maybe this summer, maybe next but I'll have one soon.

I must throw in my recommendation. since you are set on german!
I absolutely LOVE my 124 wagons. while it's true they have a few things that need addressing due to their age, they are a dream to drive.
if you have 15K to spend, I'd search out a pristine wagon, and treat it to a full on subframe bushing rebuild, timing chain, VP, belt tensioner replacement, with new spring and idler go ahead and replace all the DV orings, and get all the filters, and fuel lines replaced, and drive it for the next 10 years without fear of something giving up on you!

tomscat1 · #20 05-21-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmmagow

And thank you. it would be an honor to attend. Old cars, bruised knuckles, and CHOWDAH! The best RI could ever hope for :-) Good excuse to bring the old baby out for a ride.

If by 'the old Baby' you mean the 1958 220S pictured in your post.... Wow! That would be Sensational!

My 1975 W115 300D is usually the oldest car there.... And you would beat that by 18 years! I hope you will consider it, and I look forward to seeing you there!

BTW, we have discussed arranging some kind of live video link up to another Mercedes barbecue taking place at the same time and date in the Atlanta GA area. So you may be able to treat a larger audience to a live view of your car. Technical details still need to be worked out, but we have a couple of our Best Tech Guys working on it! Should be lots of fun.

Stretch · #21 05-21-2011, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscat1

If by 'the old Baby' you mean the 1958 220S pictured in your post.... Wow! That would be Sensational!

My 1975 W115 300D is usually the oldest car there.... And you would beat that by 18 years! I hope you will consider it, and I look forward to seeing you there!

BTW, we have discussed arranging some kind of live video link up to another Mercedes barbecue taking place at the same time and date in the Atlanta GA area. So you may be able to treat a larger audience to a live view of your car. Technical details still need to be worked out, but we have a couple of our Best Tech Guys working on it! Should be lots of fun.

Do you guys take along cameras to these meets? And if you do and you take some good pictures do you put them online anywhere (like here)?

tomscat1 · #22 05-21-2011, 04:49 PM

There are usually a couple of cameras at these meets collecting evidence, yes.

Last year a fella named Burt was the unofficial photographer, and he passed them along to Curt, one of hosts, who posted them online somewhere. I am not sure where, but I will check to see if I can find them.

tomscat1 · #23 05-21-2011, 07:29 PM

I found it!

http://www.mail-archive.com/mercedes@okiebenz.com/msg160151.html

That is a thread of the post-Chowdah Q discussion.....

And here are the pics!

http://s843.photobucket.com/albums/zz353/curtludwig/ChowdaQ%202010/

A good time was had by all!

Stretch · #24 05-22-2011, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscat1

I found it!

http://www.mail-archive.com/mercedes@okiebenz.com/msg160151.html

That is a thread of the post-Chowdah Q discussion.....

And here are the pics!

http://s843.photobucket.com/albums/zz353/curtludwig/ChowdaQ%202010/

A good time was had by all!

Thanks.

Who's Tom with the 300D? Is that architect TW?

tomscat1 · #25 05-22-2011, 07:56 AM

Do you mean the fella in the blue t-shirt, with the wide grin, holding that trophy carefully on the hood of the W115 300D so that it won't scratch the peeling paint?

Why.... that is me, of course!

The trophy, btw, is my second consecutive Chowdah Q Jalopy Award! A Dubious Distinction, perhaps, but a Distinction nonetheless.

Stretch · #26 05-22-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscat1

Do you mean the fella in the blue t-shirt, with the wide grin, holding that trophy carefully on the hood of the W115 300D so that it won't scratch the peeling paint?

Why.... that is me, of course!

The trophy, btw, is my second consecutive Chowdah Q Jalopy Award! A Dubious Distinction, perhaps, but a Distinction nonetheless.

Thanks - I've just worked it out after reading your blog.

What are you going to do about the peeling paint?

tomscat1 · #27 05-22-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Thanks - I've just worked it out after reading your blog.

What are you going to do about the peeling paint?

I haven't really looked into too much yet, I am starting with the engine work. Obviously, it needs to be redone.... there is some surface rust creeping and lifting the paint in spots. I have been just band-aiding it for some time, because I have been doing other projects. I will be doing a lot Of sanding eventually, and then make a determination whether I need to do some sand-blasting, stripping, sanding, replacement panels, welding, etc. Then repaint.

And there is always the 50 dollar paint job option.... But I don't think I have the patience.... Or the time.

.

Have you seen this old link... It has been around for years:

http://www.rickwrench.com/index79master.htm?http://www.rickwrench.com/50dollarpaint.html

BTW, can you see the pics on my blog for the homemade wrenches? I had a problem loading them last night, and I don't know if my efforts to correct the problem today were successful.

Thanks.

Stretch · #28 05-23-2011, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomscat1

I haven't really looked into too much yet, I am starting with the engine work. Obviously, it needs to be redone.... there is some surface rust creeping and lifting the paint in spots. I have been just band-aiding it for some time, because I have been doing other projects. I will be doing a lot Of sanding eventually, and then make a determination whether I need to do some sand-blasting, stripping, sanding, replacement panels, welding, etc. Then repaint.

And there is always the 50 dollar paint job option.... But I don't think I have the patience.... Or the time.

.

Have you seen this old link... It has been around for years:

http://www.rickwrench.com/index79master.htm?http://www.rickwrench.com/50dollarpaint.html

BTW, can you see the pics on my blog for the homemade wrenches? I had a problem loading them last night, and I don't know if my efforts to correct the problem today were successful.

Thanks.

Thanks for that link - but we're way off topic - sorry rmmagow

I've added it to the bottom of this thread =>

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/bodywork-repair-paint-tools-tips-tricks/286062-ive-taken-your-advice-started-paint-post2722603.html#post2722603

tomscat1 · #29 05-23-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Thanks for that link - but we're way off topic - sorry
I've added it to the bottom of this thread =>

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=2722603#post2722603

Yes I apologize for the threadjack, and look forward to perhaps seeing you at Chowdah Q in September, rmmagow. Good luck with your car search.

Renntag · #30 05-23-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Buying a new car would be good if you don't want to fix 'em... but the budget we're being asked to play with wouldn't get a good new car in my opinion. So what would you say would be a good second hand buy - that's nice and big - that doesn't need much maintenance? I think it is a difficult one...

The budget was a number thrown out by the OP. No other info was included. Perhaps if they have 10 grand to work with, that is a huge down payment on a new benz if that is what floats their boat. With other cars on hand, mileage wont get high, sell it before its out of warranty and move on.

If a cash deal for a used car is what is desired, there are many options.
But I think we all are into our MBZ's Yes?