Example of why I love the 123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-18-2002, 04:47 AM

And all diesel benzes for that matter, take a look at this poor thing

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1844834716

It's had a hard life, but still starts faithfully for it's owner whenever asked.

It looks like hell, and probably drives the same way, but it will still get you where you want to go for as long as you ask it to, without hesitation.

In alot of ways, I admire this old 240D than a really nice, low mileage 300DT. Call me crazy..

#2 07-18-2002, 07:35 AM

For about eight years before I let my son start driving my 240D on his sixteenth birthday, I was covering Texas and surrounding states. Typically at least once per week, I would get up in the morning, climb in my 240D and drive 350 to 700 miles without stopping except for fuel, coffee and a chance to use the bathroom. My livelihood depended on me getting to wherever it was I was headed, and being there on time.

When I first started this situation, the 240D already had 140,000 miles on it. It ALWAYS got me there! I think that undying reliability in a situation where my whole family depended on my income and the 240D ALWAYS came through for me, is why I still have it.

There was only one time when I was late due to ol' Silver letting me down. I was about ten miles from Hope, Arkansas headed for a meeting in Little Rock. The alternator light came on. I pulled over on the Interstate and saw that the alternator belt was gone. Mistakenly, I thought, "well, it's daylight, so I can run without an alternator." I did not think about the fact that the same belt turns the waterpump. I started it up and drove into Hope to an auto supply. The temp gauge was showing only slightly warmer than normal. There was apparently no ill effect either short term OR long term from this run without the water pump turning.

I called ahead to let them know I would be late, left the ignition on so I could hear the car phone ring. After buying a belt, I stripped to my pants (I was wearing a suit) and changed the belt. Anyone who has put an alternator belt on a 616 or 617 engine knows that this requires removing the other two belts to get at it. I had to answer the phone twice in the middle of this dirty job and still got away and was only about an hour and a half late to my meeting. The scariest part of the whole thing was spending over an hour in Hope, Arkansas, the home of Slick Willy.

That was the only time in over 300,000 miles of total dependency on the 240D that it ever delayed me in any way. The other times it gave minor problems was within just a few miles of the house. The car had an amazing "homing instinct."

I guess there is absolutely no logical explanation for an emotional attachment between a human being and a machine, but there is definitely such an attachment. This machine is like an old friend, like a trusted horse that I can't stand to see put down.

It keeps moving to the bottom of my project list, but I still plan on putting her back on the road at some point.

Have a great day,

#3 07-18-2002, 11:44 AM

Bill,

Now that I have skewed the thread (accidentally) to Hope instead of 123's, I was at the Western Sizzlin' on the North side of the Interstate with a guy I work with. This was about '93 or '94. There is a gift shop room that is the cashiers area for the steak place. There were a zillion Slick Willy/Hillary items in the gift shop for sale including life size cutouts of Slick and Hillary. I remarked to Tom about the life size cutouts, saying that they were selling Scare Crows in the gift shop, he said "no, those are targets."

The lady at the cash register was not as amused as we were.

If you talk to most people in Hope, they are much more proud of the fact that Hope is the watermelon capital of the world, than they are of being Slick's hometown.

Have a great day,

JPL · #4 07-18-2002, 03:08 PM

Love my 123 coupe. I always feel like I'm gonna get to where I want to go. Some simple fluid checks and routine maintancence before a long trip, and I'm off.

The only issue I've had is getting close to Empty - red reserve light flashing on and off, in an area where I couldnt find much diesel. (up on 38 in NJ), and once on 195 I stopped to get some fuel and when I started up; no fuel or temp gauge and no signal lights - blown fuse (#12?) Easy fix.

But your right Turbo.. my heart goes out to those battered 123s when I see 'em, but there are lots and lots of em. My admiration is different than for a brand new benz with all the trimmins' IMHO the older ones command much more awe.

Hey Larry, in that Hope gift shop; did they have any FUZZY WILLIE/HILLIES for the Rear View Mirror? Now THAT would look cool in a beat up ol' 123.

l8r,
James

Holson Adi · #5 07-18-2002, 11:58 PM

It is true. I know that a lot of things don't work properly in my car (A/C can't compare to other cars', the sunroof doesn't work, the center wood console is cracked and the engine vibrates the car and makes enuf noise to wake up neighbors) but I have every bit of confidence that it can take me to wherever I want to go. It never ever hesitated to start or move around.

I love these cars.. they just keep running and running.

I must admit though that I'm in the market for a W124 (especially the 500E right now)

The Warden · #6 07-19-2002, 12:23 AM

I actually suggested this car to my girlfriend after seeing it posted here. I'm wondering why one cylinder has low compression...be nice to fix the compression issue and get it back on the road (although it sounds like it'll drive just fine as is).

She's not ready yet, though...I tried, eh?