My 1982 240D needs some work and it was last to a mechanic a couple of years ago. At that time I got the impression he wasn't doing as much work anymore, and he hasn't returned a phone message I left for him days ago.

So, I may need to find somebody else. If anyone has a recommendation, please send it my way. I don't want to drive the car in this condition (pulley dampener assembly is loose) so it will be towed. So, distance matters. I may also need a separate recommendation for someone to do the towing.

BTW, what's the consensus on towing a W123 automatic: do I need to flatbed it, or can they be towed with rear wheels on the ground?

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1982 240D automatic
Odometer quit at 307K...about 325K now

IIRC it is advised for longer distances to tow with rear wheels not turning (or driveshaft disconnected).

Some additional towing options are: flatbed tow, or front end lifted and rear wheels in a dolly, or rear end lifted - steering wheel lock disabled (key in ignition) and steering wheel strapped in place.

Don't run the engine until you get the damper fixed.
I just went through the same thing with my 78 300SD.
It got a flatbed tow to the mechanic.

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78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

Star Service in Wantage NJ.
Karl is a german born mechanic

4 Loomis Ave, Sussex, NJ
(973) 875-2228

It is about an 1hr 20min from Scranton PA.
Can't help with the towing.
Louis

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Not always the smartest but certainly not dumb?

that one might want an experienced Old Benz mechanic to repair. Injection pump comes to mind.

Keep in mind that as wonderful as it may be, the W123 is still only an automobile and a stone age one at that. Most repairs by far can be accomplished by any competent general mechanic. The OP's problem for example. The only issue may be obtaining parts. The W123 owner may be able to help with that assuming the mechanic allows him to do so.

Although I do most of my own maintenance, tasks that require a long time lying on my back under the car I delegate to a local mechanic that I have confidence in. Never had and don't anticipate a problem.

By the way, forget the dealerships. Most no longer have the Geezer mechanics familiar with the W123 and don't want to tie up their shop with our old cars.

Flemington Foreign Car Repair
35 Rt. 12 (On Main Street Circle)
Flemington, NJ

It's about an hour from Cherry Hill. He works on a lot of old Benzes. He's been good to me, gave me a new oil filter and a set of wiper refills (He doesn't get much call for the older stuff any more he says). I took mine in for an alignment and he returned it without touching it. Said it didn't need any adjustment. That meant a lot.

Where on the nj side? We have a good mechanic in Ardmore though it's west of the city, and there are a couple guys north (doylestown area) that are also great. If you are towing, makes a big difference.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

You could try Cantlins in Conshohocken,PA. I've never been there my self although Ive seen quite a few 123's in front when passing by.

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Treetops
06 E320 CDI 127K Miles
87 300TD 231K Miles

99 E300 269K Miles-Sold

I am in Woodbury. That's about 6 miles south of Camden, more or less right across the river from the PHL airport. Someone on the Main Line would probably make more sense than schlepping it all the way up to central or northern Jersey. The guy I used last time still hasn't gotten back to me on the voicemails I've left.

Google says 26 miles to Ardmore, 28 miles to Conshohocken, 42 miles to Doylestown, 63 miles to Flemington, 143 miles to Wantage.

I guess I should ask for the name of the place in Ardmore if you've used them personally, vs. Cantlins if no one has.

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1982 240D automatic
Odometer quit at 307K...about 325K now

I will be at a conference in philly on Monday...

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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!

Autowerks Harman in Ardmore. Google streets should explain it all. I used to walk by this place daily and drool, has about 20 w123s, 107s, 126s, 124s at any given time. Some neat classics too. Never been to him. I have been to cantlins in conshohocken though, good work and reasonable rates when I was there a few years back with my w126 sd. Mix of old and new benzes but a lot of oddballs in the lot (g wagons, lots of euros, Amgs etc). I think they were 120 an hour but that was probably 5 years ago, I was happy with them.

Harman:

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth