UPDATE (this post did say that didn't work): I fiddled with it some more tonight and got them to come on. Very dim at first, but then brighter after a few mins. Works like a charm, now. Thanks for the tip, guys! They are white, but for some reason seem to have a green glow to them, maybe it's my eyes. My Tempo's are green and are much brighter and clearer.


I also got the car to shut off with the key, but not the way y'all suggested, despite trying to track down a vaccum leak as per your suggestion (not that I'm not thankful for the advice, I learned a lot). I ended removing both rear trunk pannels and finding all the tubing running along the passenger side to the trunk lock. I fiddled with it a little bit, I must be honest and say I know very little of what I'm doing here and am VERY limited as to my funds and fuel costs are included.

On to how I fixed it: I happened upon a trick by accident after removing the passenger side carpet, lower dash trim and side trim to search for a vaccum leak. I had been running the HVAC system on "E C" the past month or so when I required heat, which the owners manual suggested for simple heating without running the A/C compressor, fine with me. Sometimes I swapped it over to defogger when needed, it was slow at the job if it worked at all. Today I accidently switched on one of the other switches with the arrows that point up and down, and that time, when I turned the key to off, the engine stopped. First time it's stopped on command (without using "STOP" under hood) in YEARS. It only does it if I have that button depressed. And it blows nothing but warm air, seemingly from everywhere, which will be welcomed this winter. When the car shuts off, you hear a "SHHHH" for a sec behind the climate control pannel. I swapped it back to EC or to OFF, and the engine runs 'till it wants to and then dies like it was doing before. I also had the dial turned up all the way to the blue zone (cold), but the air still blew warm as if it were on heat, only the automatic fan turned up to high. In this position (button pressed, dial turned to C), the car will shut down with the key.

Tell me what I've done and how do I go about tracing the problem from here. Something associated with that switch made it shut off normally. Every vaccum hose I checked was securly fastened, though I could feel no vaccum suction from any of them them while the car was running (speaking of the hoses and connectors under the passenger's carpet- which got a good scrubbing and vaccum before being returned to the car).

You guys must understand that a simple $10 trip to the parts store for you is a $50 trip to me, I'm way out in the country. Gas/Diesel is high. Shipping charges are high. The 4cyl Tempo is fairly good on fuel but has it's own nickle-and-dime problems associated with a car that's been driven hard most of it's 194K miles and is 20 years old. Honestly, I'd rather put money into it, it drives better at speed now that I've rebuilt the front end and steering. It's also cheaper to repair when it does break. It has minor issues compared to the Benz, to be honest.

Give you an example that came up this week on shipping parts to my house: They want $175 to ship a simple plastic bumper cover 300 miles from GA to my house in MS, for the Tempo GLS. That's 3X the cost of the part itself, and it's just the light bumper cover, nothing like the massive "have a seat" US-mandated park bench bumpers on the 300D, lol. I can't imagine having CV axles shipped in, springs, etc. This stuff is expensive and mostly needs going through and replacing on the Benz.

The engine runs well, and with these quick fixes taken care of (for the moment), the main issues, so do you guys think it's a wise choice for a "poor" guy like me to sell it? Maybe buy a cheaper to fix, maybe younger American car like a low-mileage (mint condition) '84 (last of the RWD) Buick Park Ave or a '94-'95 Ford Taurus with the reliable 3.0L V-6 (have had great luck with those in the past, I know those cars VERY well, like I said my last one had 300K when I sold it)? Either one would have probably 65-80K miles (the Buick has 66K, one owner) and would do great to get me to doctor's appointments and so forth without much drama. Soft ride, streach-out room, and cheap-to-fix, easy-to-diag stuff in much younger condition.

The only reason I may not want to sell it, other than the challenge to fix it up I suppose, is that it was given to me by a family member who means very much to me. Ironicly, the car didn't mean much to him, it was given to him by an old lady in his neighborhood who could no longer drive it. He said I was the only one to take an interest in it so I might as well have it. That's how I ended up with it. I'd talk it over with him before seriously considering getting rid of it. Just bouncing around the idea for now.

__________________
Proud owner of:
1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D, 3.0 TurobDiesel I-5, sedan
1992 Ford Tempo LX, 3.0L Vulcan V-6, sedan
1991 Ford Tempo GLS, 2.3L HSC H.O., 5-speed, Coupe

BIGGER UPDATE: I fixed the central locking!

I finnaly traced down the vaccum leak to under the hood on the bottom side of the bundle of hoses that come out of the dash and a couple of them go into that port. I shut the car down and heard a "SHHHH" coming from that area and I almost yelled out loud because I knew I'd found it.

Sure enough, it was a little connector hose that was rotted out. I replaced it with some brand new (from Ford ironicly enough) vaccum hose and that fixed it.

Now, I turn my key to lock my driver's door and all the doors lock themselves, including the trunk. Amazing!

Thanks SO much to you guys for your help!

Oh yeah, and the car shuts off like it's supposed to no matter what setting the HVAC is on now, so no more "tricks", it works like it's supposed to.

THANKS AGAIN! BIG kudos, guys! I may just change my mind about selling the old girl after all (not that any plans were actually in motion to do so).

__________________
Proud owner of:
1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D, 3.0 TurobDiesel I-5, sedan
1992 Ford Tempo LX, 3.0L Vulcan V-6, sedan
1991 Ford Tempo GLS, 2.3L HSC H.O., 5-speed, Coupe

Congrats on the vacuum shutdown.

A link for the climate control airflow, since it doesn't sound like it's working correctly: Scans of airflow for W123 climate control

You've probably got a leaking pod or two. Electrically controlled switches route vacuum to the pods that open/close flaps. I believe the diaphragms are repairable, but don't have a link for replacement rubber parts. There are various workarounds with disconnecting and manually positioning them.

I'll see if I can find the link that shows which pods are in which positions with the buttons pushed, that may help troubleshoot.

For parts, click on the Buy Parts button at the top.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

You're a big help, man. I really would've been lost without you and the others. I had even called about that Buick yesterday. Part of me wants it, but with this newfound joy with the Mercedes coming together, it's warmed my heart back up to it a bit. As much as I enjoy driving my GLS (and I drove it a lot today), I now end up driving the Benz at least once or twice a day.

I think the GLS may need an exhaust manifold. Now that it's other issues are solved, I believe it's developed a crack or perhaps has a broken off bolt or something. It's just a little noisy, I plan to have it checked out. Anyway, I've learned not to drive with defective exhaust systems in cold weather or it may make it worse, so I may end up driving the Mercedes more often this winter than I thought. Having dash lamps will help (very short daylight hours).

I'd say both cars are now equally good transportation in their own ways. Both have their quirks, the Tempo handles a lot better, and is faster, and runs better if I have to jump in and take off in the cold without time to let it warm up (the Diesel doesn't like that very much). It's a lot more fun to drive, being a close-ratio 5-speed manual with lots-of-feedback manual steering (v.s. the Benz's wonder and guess approach). But, they both need all 4 springs and struts/shocks, both are 4-wheel independant suspension, both need CV axle, well, the Benz needs two and the Tempo needs one, and the Tempo's 1 is 1/2 the price of one of the Benz's. They both have fairly new rubber, on 14" alloy wheels, lol. The Tempo is more comfortable, but can be harder to park with the manual steering. Out on the highway, it's easy to keep it steady and on track which was a HUGE problem before I rebuilt the steering and control arms/ball joints. The Benz needs a total rebuild of the brake system, new pads, rotors, resivor w/cap, and possibly lines too. The Tempo's brakes are good except the front left likes to lock up before any of the rest are ready to.

Sorry to ramble, if I'm boring you guys, just tell me to shut it, lol. Anyway, I'm just happy things are coming together on the Benz, keeps it as a viable, dependable, safe choice when I need to go somewhere.

__________________
Proud owner of:
1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D, 3.0 TurobDiesel I-5, sedan
1992 Ford Tempo LX, 3.0L Vulcan V-6, sedan
1991 Ford Tempo GLS, 2.3L HSC H.O., 5-speed, Coupe

be sure and start a new thread on the axles if you decide you want to tackle what's up with them... rebooting, is a MUCH less expensive way to tackle MB's axles.

... BRAKES are serious! a front locking caliper should be addressed before driving further. it's likely a right front sticking caliper forcing fluid to the other side causing the lockup,but what ever it is, it needs to be fixed before you crash!

what is the brake system in the MB doing that makes you feel it needs a total rebuild?

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

The people here remind me of the kind of people that were on the 914 board I used to frequent. Very nice and knowledgeable.


I work as a contractor and drive 100miles daily. I love driving my mercedes every day.

__________________
Java Developer/Linux SysAdmin

Current:
*1984 300D ~200K,1989 MR2 250K, 2012 Ford Fusion 4.5K (fiance's car to replace the uber-unsafe cavalier)
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Past: 1998 Chevy Cavalier ,2005 Saab 9-3 2.0T, 1996 Mazda Protege, 1974 Porsche 914 2.0, 1997 Land Rover Discovery 4.0L/5Speed, 1995 Jeep Wrangler

Hmmmm . . .. Tempo vs. MBZ!!!! I had a '91 Tempo that I just could not get used to, plus it was horribly expensive to fix (bought one of their alternators, lately????). My cousin got a 190D on a trade, with auto tranny, and after a test-drive, I knew if I could find one with a 5-spd, the Tempo would be gone. Three weeks later, one showed up for sale. A friend who was managing a Kragen Auto Parts in Long Beach, was immediately pressed into service, after I supplied him with a spreadsheet. A list of the usual parts/maintenance parts that go out on an older car, with a column for the Tempo, and the 190D (not much difference between prices on the 190D and my 300D). He immediately tried to talk me out of the MBZ, but flagged me down later that day to tell me that, with the exception of the starter, all of the parts were cheaper on the MBZ!!!!

As far as rural places, I found that WIC Filter store always had my oil/fuel filters. So did NAPA (especially if you were willing to wait a day). I never had any problems getting parts for my 190D, 240D, or now the 300D, and every mechanic I had was amazed at how inexpensive the parts are compared to other cars. Phil, here at Peachparts, overnighted parts to me in BFE, Montana, on more than one occasion, and I found a crashed 240D in our local junkyard that supplied me with plenty of spare parts when money was tight (such as injectors and trim/interior parts). Personally, if given the choice, I'd stick with that MBZ, even if the mileage isn't as good as the Tempo. There are several threads with good enough pics to demonstrate how safe our forum members were in accidents!!!!! Within two weeks of acquiring my first MBZ diesel (190D), I had that Tempo sold and out of my parking space!!!!! Frankly, it sounds like you've taken care of the deferred maintenance issues and have the car running the way it should for very little money.

Also, if the paint is original, an electric polishing buffer, doing a wet sanding with rubbing/polishing compound will make it look brand new. Follow up with a good thick handrubbed coat of wax. So, grab the bucket, sponges, toothbrushes and cleaning supplies and get to detailing your new acquisition!!!! Your engine is barely broken in, and will easily go to 500K with regular oil changes, and 30K valve adjustments. Once you finish the detailing, you will feel sooooo much better about the car and your choice to keep it.

__________________
1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

Also, in the detailing forum, there are threads on repairing the cracks in the dash.

__________________
1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

The deal on the Tempo: I've just reubilt the front steering and suspension. I've priced what it'd take to do the same on the Mercedes, and the difference is dumbfounding. I've had Tempos in the past (usually bought to flip them, but ended up driving them for a few months in the meantime) and I got to know them pretty well. Right now, the Tempo is the safer, better handling car to drive. Remember that my Tempo is a GLS, not just a regular old 4cyl/automatic/rental car version that is more suited to baisic transportation than for any kind of driving joy. The GLS is like what the GT is to the Mustang, or what SHO is to the Taurus. I don't mean to say I go around picking fights with 911s or anything, lol, but it is a fun and comfortable car to drive, suits me perfectly and I wont get rid of it.

The Benz on the other hand...

A guy offered me a 1966 Ford Mustang 6cyl (rebuilt), 3-speed notchback for trade for my 300D. Honestly, he sounds a lot like you guys: He knows the W123's quirks and common issues, he's the better guy to own this car. He had an '85 years ago that his spouce talked him into selling.

The Mustang doesn't sound bad at all. Runs great, drives well, original paint and minor body work needed (no worse off than the Benz in that respect). Rust is at a minimum, and honestly, I've already found a quarter-sized rust hole in the trunk of the Benz, so it's not without it's underlaying issues, either.

Bottom line is the guy likes Mercedes, BMW, Volvos, etc and knows them well, but he knows NOTHING about Fords...opposite with me. I think the stars aligned and we found each other at just the right time, LOL!

Nothing firm or set in concrete yet, we're going to check out each other's cars (drive them, etc) on Friday or this weekend, and then I'll have a lot to think about. Honestly, that Mustang is calling me, calling me real loud!

__________________
Proud owner of:
1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D, 3.0 TurobDiesel I-5, sedan
1992 Ford Tempo LX, 3.0L Vulcan V-6, sedan
1991 Ford Tempo GLS, 2.3L HSC H.O., 5-speed, Coupe

That guy wants your diesel for a reason!! He knows what a good car it is! Your 300 will be on the road many many years after that mustang dies!
Think long and hard about your decision.....maybe even keep it a while and keep the guys number, you mite just change your mind.
Good luck what ever you decide, we will still be here when you come back

__________________

Um . . . .I think even I'd find that trade hard to turn down!!! Shelby by any chance??? Might be a trade made in heaven for the two of you.

As far as the safety factor that I referred to: Look at the pics of MBZs that have been totaled in accidents. It's amazing how many people walk away from totally devastating hits to their cars. I've been amazed that people survived some of the accidents, let alone, walk away!!!

__________________
1983 300D, the "Avocado"
1976 240D, 4-spd the "Pumpkin", SOLD to Pierre
1984 190D, 2.2L, 5-spd, my intro to MBZ diesels, crashed into in 2002

Sounds like a good trade. While many of us here "get" the W123 and are willing to put up with it's old age issues, it seems the OP doesn't. He seems to be the only human I've ever heard of who actually likes a Ford Tempo, but he knows it well and is happy with it. Make your trade, enjoy your Mustang, and let that 300D go to someone who appreciates it.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

LOL!

I am old enough to remember when that 66 mustang was new! I was a junior in Hi School. The ball joints and U joints from the factory only lasted about 30K miles.

I suppose any replacement parts you can buy for them now will last 100K though so probably they are a lot more durable than they ever thought about when new.

The 123 though by contrast May well have original suspension parts still living after 200k and more. The tie rod ends tend to go around 100K or so but they are the only "short" lived suspension parts on the car.

Heck the shock absorbers tend to last 100K or more from the factory too.

It is true the parts are expensive but you seldom have to replace them all at once.

Oh well. I suppose if he is a Ford guy that is the way he needs to go. I don't think it is too easy to go wrong getting a running 66 stang that is not very rusty and flipping it.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

here's a highmileage 66 stang on ebay...

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!