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

[Screwdriva]

Hi There!

Thought I'd say hello and share a bit about my pride n joy! (Pictures coming soon)

CAR:

RHD UK Registered 1984 300D Automatic Sedan with MB Tex Tan Interior, Golden Beige Exterior, Self Leveling suspension, Electric Fan, Oil Sump guard, Sunroof and Air Conditioning. Remarkably, the car has no rust anywhere despite having spent all its life here in the UK

Since purchase, I've ordered the following OEM Genuine parts:

1) Door Scraper Seals
2) Hood Insulation
3) Sunroof Scraper Seals
4) Replacement Leather Steering Wheel (off a W126)

Other treatments include

a) Waxoyl the rust prone areas in the hopes that she will stay the way she is.
b) Auto Rx treatment mixed with the engine oil to clean the motor's internals.
c) Stanadyne diesel fuel additive to clean the fuel system.

HISTORY

When I asked the previous owner about the history of the car, I was told that it was originally special ordered in 1984 for the President of India, Mira Gandhi before she died.

I didn't understand who he was referring to as India never had a President named Mira Gandhi . . .and then it clicked. The car was ordered for the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi who was assassinated in 1984, just after the car was built. The administration cancelled the order and it never left Europe for India, going instead to the 1st owner, who cared for it for next 20 years.

When you look at the date of registration and the unique factory options that would better equip the car for India, the story matches up. I even wrote a letter to the car's 2nd owner, the 1st owners mechanic, who corroborated the exact same story.

QUESTIONS

1) Outside of the usual oil/ filter change, are there any other parts I need to change on the car given its age, condition and relatively unknown service history? Any treatments recommended? Sunroof service perhaps?

2) Would Mercedes Benz be able to furnish any proof to also corroborate the car's history? e.g. a purchase order from India ?

[dtf]

Sounds really interesting. Some pictures would be nice. A 20 year old car probably has some dry and rotted rubber suspension components so I would look those over too. I bought a '95 e class with only 156,000 miles and had to replace things like center drag link, control arm and several bushings that were toast. You don't say where you are located but find a mb dealer and have them look it over if you want to save it good shape.

[Screwdriva]

In London, dealers typically have younger technicians working on newer cars. While the W123 may be relatively simply for them, I'm concerned that many of them may never have worked on this platform before. I'd hate for them to learn on mine. But I take your point and will probably have to find a local specialist that has changed rubber mounts before. Any recommendations in the greater London area welcome as are other problem areas to look for potential trouble?

Here are some pictures:

[ROLLGUY]

WOW! Very Nice!

[Screwdriva]

Thought I'd follow up with the following updates and pictures. (Any advice is more than welcome)

I decided to take the car to AutoMerc in North London. They are very expensive but have a decent reputation. As such, I'm addressing the following with them given their expertise with vintage Benz cars:

1) Replace Front suspension arm ball joints and realign wheels
2) Replace a corroded copper brake pipe + bleed and renew brake fluid
3) Rear window not working (repair or replace motor)
4) Repair Speedometer Wobble - first by lubricating the wire or replacing it
5) Replace left and right rear anti-roll bar link rods
6) Replace rear exhaust silencer with mountings with OEM supplier
7) Inspect loose air filter housing + replace air filter
8) Replace Power steering fluid + filter


I've been quote over 1300 quid for all 8 items. Once these are done, the car will need the following:

1) Waxoyl treatment
2) New tires (I've been quote 300 quid for a set of Michelin's installed and balanced by AA)
3) Installation of the Hood Insulation
4) Repair of the A/C compressor ( clutch currently seized - Automerc wants to me to convert to R134a but Im looking for an R24 specialist )


Any suggestions/ garage recommendations are welcome

[ah-kay]

£1300 is that starter. Anther £2000 is the main course plus £1000 dessert. It is a nice car but I am not sure one can justify sinking so much money into a 31 years car. I doubt the political history worth much, actually, there is NO history. It was ordered for her but never delivered or driven. So what is the big deal? If she was assassinated in it then it may have some value. Is the car bulletproofed? You may be digging a big money pit.

[barry12345]

Advertise it in india. Costs little to nothing and you never know what offers may follow. Very simple list of work to do you list for 1300 pounds. Expensive is right.

[Junkman]

I like the car and it would be worth repairing but not to me if I were paying shop labor. I was helping a friend do brakes on a 97 Saturn. If all parts were bought at retail, cost was ~$160 USD. A local shop was at $750. The job would only take a couple of hrs. The car is only worth <$1,000.

[dude99]

Interesting it appears to have SLS. A rare option in the sedans.

[Screwdriva]

It has more rare options listed above dude99

Im okay spending a couple thousand on it given how much I love the W123 and that I've searched for one this good for over 6 years. I'm not going to sell it so the political history goes towards the special wow factor of the car.

I'm working with MB UK to formalize the cars history

[Skippy]

Interesting car. The only advice I can add is that DIY will save you money. These cars are generally not that difficult to work on, but the knowledge of how to do it is getting scarce among professionals. If you can learn to do even the small jobs, while leaving the big ones to a garage, you will be able to maintain the car for a long time for a lot less money.

[86-300sdl]

Of course you probably will not get out what you put in upon selling. However if you consider cost per mile for transportation compared to buying new you may find that your "investment" is sound.

Folks seem to get wrapped up in the re-sell ROI (return on investment) game. Just silly...there's virtually no such thing. Heck I just put in $3,500 into my wife's 10 year old Honda (suddenly blew the head and became inoperable) hoping I could get another few miles out of it... Ended up just trading it in for new no brainer Honda so she doesn't have to worry....that's just life.

Putting a few grand into a car you will enjoy driving & looks that good is chicken feed when compared to most other options, especially when you figure overall cost per mile.

[biopete]

If someone wants to spend 10,000 keeping a W123 going, good for them. What's it to you? Same difference as buying a new 20,000 cheap junk car -- you still get where you are need to go. The charm of the w123 is it was built to last a lifetime and be serviceable. I respect anyone willing to spend money to keep one on the road.

[biopete]

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

Thought I'd follow up with the following updates and pictures. (Any advice is more than welcome)

I decided to take the car to AutoMerc in North London. They are very expensive but have a decent reputation. As such, I'm addressing the following with them given their expertise with vintage Benz cars:

1) Replace Front suspension arm ball joints and realign wheels
2) Replace a corroded copper brake pipe + bleed and renew brake fluid
3) Rear window not working (repair or replace motor)
4) Repair Speedometer Wobble - first by lubricating the wire or replacing it
5) Replace left and right rear anti-roll bar link rods
6) Replace rear exhaust silencer with mountings with OEM supplier
7) Inspect loose air filter housing + replace air filter
8) Replace Power steering fluid + filter


I've been quote over 1300 quid for all 8 items. Once these are done, the car will need the following:

1) Waxoyl treatment
2) New tires (I've been quote 300 quid for a set of Michelin's installed and balanced by AA)
3) Installation of the Hood Insulation
4) Repair of the A/C compressor ( clutch currently seized - Automerc wants to me to convert to R134a but Im looking for an R24 specialist )


Any suggestions/ garage recommendations are welcome

Keep it as R12. Much easier to maintain and less prone to leaking. R12 molecules are bigger.

1300 don't sound bad to me. Seems at least 8 - 10 hrs labor. Here the mb shops charge 100.00 an hour and the dealer is 150.00 an hour.

[ah-kay]

ROI (return on investment)- I do it all the time on Wall Street so I know what it means. It is a dumb idea to over repair, over spec parts ( I use cheap/used parts or URO ) to any cars and wish it will last for another 30 years. It will not happen!! Every $$$ you sink into the car may bring your enjoyment if you can afford it but when in an accident it is appraised just like any old banger. It does not matter if it was gold plated. What I do not understand is that this is a DIY forum, members post here for help in DIY, improvise ideas, used parts, barn 'find' etc, i.e. use the minimum costs and sweat labor to buy or keep these wonderful cars on the road. I am surprised to see members egging on others to spend BIG bucks/quids.

Disclaimer - It is only me. It is the OP's money so spend it whichever way one likes.