'85 300 CD:Recommendations on where to buy parts
 

The dealer says I need to buy a new fuse block because the one I have is melted (causing passenger low beams to not work). I've read on the forum recommendations to use cooper/ceramic fuses vice plastic/aluminium.

Can someone recommend where to purchase this fuse block and where I might get "good" cooper/ceramic fuses? The dealer says they can't get this fuse block anymore.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations on a better alternator than the stock one? If I want brighter headlights, would an improved alternator and upgrades head lights be the way to go? Thanks for your help.

-Kurt

No need to buy a new fuse block. If you scroll down the main page of this site you'll see a subforum titled "Used Mercedes Parts for Sale and Wanted." Just put a "WTB" (want to buy) ad there and I'm sure you'll get some responses. I got my fuses from eBay... there are several vendors. Before you install it, take some light sandpaper to all the terminals to ensure they aren't tarnished (this will depend on where the used part comes from).

Or if you have a pick n'pull close by, it isn't a hard item to remove yourself.

Do a search for "SAAB alternator" and you'll find threads on easily adapting a higher-output one that was used on some SAAB models.

If you want is brighter headlamps, you can upgrade without changing the alternator -- to H4-spec lamps (either round ones that fit the original openings, or one of two european styles that are a bit more work). The round ones are available from sellers on eBay or from Daniel Stern Lighting (do a Google Search). The ones Daniel sells will be much higher quality than most of them on eBay -- the difference being the quality of the lenses and reflectors.

If you want bright lights you may wish to consider a wiring upgrade. A thick wire from the alt controlled by relays to your lights. It makes a big difference.

X2 on getting a fuse block at PNP.

On the alternator up grade, the Bosch AL-128-X used in some Saab`s, will fit into a W123 and W126.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/93569-alternator-115-amp-bosch-al129x-works-123s.html

Charlie

That'd be "copper" not "cooper", just to be clear that you're looking for a type of metal and not looking for a brand. And a ceramic body instead of plastic.

The #8 fuse is the one that commonly melts or causes damage to the fuse box due to the blower motor current. This one could take out the #7 passenger hi-beam, due to proximity.

Are you saying that you installed higher wattage bulbs on the lows and that pulled too much current and melted the #11 fuse? Or did you also change up the fogs for a higher wattage bulb? The fogs also run off fuse 11.

If you want to improve your lights, more power to the existing bulbs could do this. That's possible via relays, as layback notes. Hella has tech data on that: Hella Relays

Full-up euro lenses are theoretically the best upgrade for lighting, but they're pricey for good ones, the Chinese/Indian lenses reportedly aren't that great, and they'd be pricey and hard to source a damaged lens.

You might consider an H4 swap using a kit like these: Susquehanna MotorSports - Auto Performance Product

They used to be advertised as "for off-road use only" since you'd be removing your DOT-approved lights and replacing them with something else. But since H4 bulbs are now DOT-approved, this may/may not be legal in your state.

Also good info here: Bosch H4 Lighting

Forum thread here: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/237405-w123-fog-lamp-upgrade.html

At my local PNP, a fuse box is $12.

Inside the cap for your fuse box is your fuse layout showing you what size to put in each slot. Cleaning the terminals and replacing all fuses is a good thing to do with any new to you old Benz you get.

Thanks!
 

Hi Everyone. Thanks for the help and advice.

Cheers,
Kurt