Introductory Thread: 1984 W123 300D Auto w/ rare factory extras + political history

[sl300-24]

For your air con RS-24 specialist I had my 107 done by a company is Brnham on Crouch Essex called into cool well with the trip out there...

Into Cool - Your Local Automotive Air Conditioning Specialist

[Screwdriva]

thanks sl300-24 - I've booked an appointment based on your recommendation.

A quick update on the car.

1) The new MB exhaust is in (pic attached). The car is much quieter now as a result

2) Noise reduction probably had something to do with the OEM hood pad/ insulation I had installed as well.

3) Replaced the transmission/ torque converter fluid/ filter. No more jerky gear changes. Made a HUGE difference to shift quality.

4) New window and sunroof side scraper seals are in

5) New Michelin Energy 195/70 R 14 tires are incredible and have contributed to a 0.5 kmpl overall increase in fuel efficiency in London urban driving.

Next up, replace the old mounts with new OEM engine and transmission mounts (Expensive as hell but hopefully a once in a decade installation) and replacing the front and rear sunroof seals and the track felts while greasing the track and miracle painting the rusty sunroof frame. Also going to miracle paint the new OEM battery tray before putting that in as well. Probably change the differential oil as well.

Aside from reinforcing the OEM Behr radiator's plastic neck (using Mercedes source's kit), replacing the coolant and changing the oil and fuel filters after a diesel purge, there remains nothing else to be done to the car.

That's the beauty of Mercedes diesels. Careful, diligent restoration with OEM parts upfront typically equates to a relatively stress free, pleasurable ownership experience once the work is done.

[Screwdriva]

A couple more updates:

- All 3 mounts (2 engine and 1 transmission) were replaced with new OEM factory mounts freshly ordered from Mercedes Germany. The old mounts were also OEM and looked like they had been on the car for at least a decade. The car feels a lot tighter, firm and even more solid.

- The battery was replaced with an OEM Mercedes Battery. I was tempted to go aftermarket but the cost difference was marginal and there's something really nice about seeing the Mercedes logo in the corner of the engine bay.

- Finally swapped the steering wheel out. I'll post a picture shortly.

[courtney]

sounds like it will be in great shape when you get done replacing some of these wear parts

[Screwdriva]

Today, I took the W123 to an R24 gas AC Specialist - Intocool. Best decision I could have made!

Despite being unused for a decade, all it took was greasing up the stuck AC clutch, filling the car with R24 gas and lo and behold, the A/C worked like new again. Temperature at the grill went down to 5 degrees.

Pressure test confirmed that there were no leaks anywhere. Needless to say, I remain in awe. After 10 years of not being used, I expected to have to rebuild/ replace a lot . Didn't expect to walk away with an bill for just gas and an hours labour.

I ran the A/C on full blast during the 90 minute drive back to London to pressurize the system. Even with my coat on, I was shivering....but warm n fuzzy on the inside.

Pics of the grill temperature on its way down + replacement steering wheel attached

[sl300-24]

Glad it worked out for you with the air-con

[Screwdriva]

My pride n joy - the fuel kannister!

[Screwdriva]

A couple additional updates:

1) The sunroof has been fully serviced - by this I mean, the panel's been removed, all seals and felt track pads replaced, OEM Mercedes Benz supplied sunroof grease applied liberally and the entire sunroof frame has been rustproofed with a thick coat of Miracle Paint. The roof slides like butter and locks in place with a convincing thud now!

2) All accessible rust prone areas under the chassis (the axle arms and key mounting points) have been wire brushed and coated with Miracle paint.

3) I was lucky enough to find a matching replacement dead pedal/ foot rest that has now been installed.

This was an expensive job to get done but hopefully will last a long time.

Next on my list is:

1) Diesel purge
2) Replace primary/ secondary fuel filters
3) Oil/ filter change
4) Coolant replacement with plastic neck reinforcement (Kent Bergsma's kit)

[Benzasaurus]

Good for you, man! Your car is awesome.

[courtney]

sounds like it will be in good shape for years to come

[Screwdriva]

That's the plan, especially given the car's history

[Screwdriva]

It's been nearly 9 months since my last update and I'm happy to report that I've completed the following:

1. Diesel purge - WOW! What a difference. Running the car purely on 2 cans of Diesel Purge across a variety of RPMs did a great job of improving throttle response and economy while reducing engine noise and visible emissions. Can't recommend this product enough. I plan to follow this up with the Chevron Techron diesel fuel system treatment (also a highly rated additive).

2) Replace primary/ secondary fuel and oil filters - I replaced everything with OEM MB branded filters and hoses/ clamps to replace the old filters, hoses and O-rings.

Next on my list of To-do's:

Replace mechanical hand primer pump - While performing the diesel purge, I discovered that the original Bosch hand primer pump was leaking severely. I've ordered the Monark replacement pump given the favorable reviews for the product.

Replace Coolant, Thermostat and Reinforce the Radiator neck - Given the lack of history, I wanted to ensure that the coolant was in peak condition and the thermostat was replaced. I also wanted to use Kent Bergma's kit to prevent the need to replace the radiator anytime soon.

[Screwdriva]

Almost forgot to include that I recently cleaned out my license plate bulb holder and lens and switched to OSRAM LEDriving LED bulbs for:

1) Brake lights
2) Reverse lights
3) License plate lights

My goal was to minimize power draw and heat emissions. The results are incredible and the light from the bulbs look great. Picture attached.

(Sadly, neither OSRAM or Philips make replacement bulbs for the parking bulbs or the interior bulbs that I'm aware of and I refuse to use the eBay variety)

[Screwdriva]

Here are a couple pictures from my OEM glow plug replacement (+ reaming) and of the LED license plate upgrade.

Can't recommend these relatively simple DIY jobs enough!

[unkl300d]

Screwdriva, how much is it gonna cost to move the steering column ? Haven't you noticed its on the wrong side ???? hehe