No such thing as a free Mercedes... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Blu 420Sel · #1 05-09-2003, 10:59 PM

Interesting development. I've had such good luck restoring my 1988 420sel, that I've started to earn a reputation at work for fixing old mercedes. People talk and I'm sure that my reputation is exaggerated far beyond my actual modest ablities but still its kind of nice.

Anyway somehow through the grapevine a family friend of a co-worker has had a recent loss in the family. I don't know all the details but he was young (in his 20's) and kind of an amature motorhead. Before he got sick, he bought a 84 300sd with 170,000 on it. Aparently he was ill for quite some time and finally passed away about three months ago. The family really wants to find someone to take the car and restore it to running condition, as it was his passion before he passed away.

The car is black with palomino interior, and has been sitting for about 1.5-2 years under cover outdoors. I took a brief look at it today and its intriguing. There is some damage to the headlight assembly and grill but otherwise the chassis is actually spectacularly rust and damage-free. It may have been re-painted, but if it was its an excellent job (I would have to clean it to really tell). The interior is very dirty but otherwise intact and salvagable as well. Even the tires were obviously brand new before it was parked, though I don't know how they'll clean up.

Here's the tricky part. There are no records. I think but I'm not sure that he drove the car for a year before parking it. The car was apparently running before it was parked but would stall as soon as it was put into gear. The Mother thinks she might remember something about bad compression but isn't sure. The fluids look ok, oil is very black but the level is fine. Tranny fluid is a little dark amber but the level is ok. Also the entire engine bay is covered in oil residue which seems like a bad sign.

They are looking for a key now so we haven't tried to start it yet. I'd like to run a compression test obviously and see what's up. The stalling could be any of a million things and he may have jumped to conclusions with his diagnosis. I just don't know. I guess the question is, is this a crazy thing to get involved with?

We are looking to get a car for my girlfriend. I really wanted to get her a 300SD because they are safe and she like my 420 so much. She'll be away for a month and change this summer, so maybe that would be a great time to dig into the project. But would it be better to spend a couple grand on a older but currently running 300D (w123) or on repairs to get this one up and running?

Plus I'm sure the family would want something for this one but I really don't know what's fair, especially without further testing...

I appreciate any thoughts, thanks!

Blu 420Sel · #2 05-09-2003, 11:02 PM

I actually have an extra set of healights and corner indicators since I just upgraded my 420sel to euros and clear corners. I also have an extra set of tires...

Blu 420Sel · #3 05-09-2003, 11:03 PM

back... she sure is pretty.. the exhaust is surprising unrusted considering its been sitting there for god know's how long...

Blu 420Sel · #4 05-09-2003, 11:06 PM

inside, the driver's door cover is in the trunk, I actually have an extra stereo unit laying around...

Blu 420Sel · #5 05-09-2003, 11:08 PM

Note the oil spilled around the oil cap, you can also see the residue all over the wheel well...

psfred · #6 05-09-2003, 11:46 PM

I would guess excessive blowby, but a bad leak somewhere (like turbo seals) would give terrible oil consumption too.

Stalling on engaging gear can be as simple as bad fuel lines allowing excessive air into the lines, or idle speed screwed up.

Unless the tranny is toast, another engine is only $1500 or so these days, and you may onle need to fix the turbo.

Get a compression check done, check the fuel lines (suction side between the standpipe and the lift pump) and see what you have.

Basically, the body looks excellent, the radio can gille can be replaced fairly cheaply, and the interior isn't bad, go for it, I would if I didn't alrealy have too many cars to keep track of!

Peter

#7 05-10-2003, 12:43 AM

I say go for it, it probally wouldn't take all that much work to make it nice again.

#8 05-10-2003, 12:50 AM

This appears to be worth the gamble. Chances are that with 170K on the clock (assuming accurate) that compression is not the culprit for stalling. My guess is that perhaps the young man was in beyond his mechanical aptitude and got the thing sicker while trying to fix her up. No telling until you get her hooked up for the compression test. I would have a helluva time walking away from it. It's a great model and has the feel of some good karma attached as well. Good luck.

Blu 420Sel · #9 05-10-2003, 11:46 AM

Hey guys,

Thanks for the input! I'm glad everyone doesn't think I'm nuts, its always hard to tell if you're being too impulsive in these situations. I'll check the fuel lines and compression and report back. Anything else I should check? I'd be happy to post more photos if anyone wants a close-up.

Thanks!

JerryBro · #10 05-11-2003, 09:49 AM

You don't want to start another project, do you? All the time it will take, emotional commitment, extra money... Why don't you just tell me where it is so I can go and tow it home, er, away I mean, away.

Jerry

rwthomas1 · #11 05-11-2003, 01:06 PM

Clearly way too much trouble to fix up. If the family wants to let it go really cheap to another MB nut I'd be willing to take it off their hands. But only if you throw in the odd bits-n-pieces for it that you have.... RT

Blu 420Sel · #12 05-13-2003, 11:44 AM

Well, after a long weekend of soul-searching I've decided to pass on this one. Just too many things going on right now to tackle another project. I talked to the Mother and asked her permission to post her name and phone number here so that other interested parties might contact her.

Her name is Diana and she's located in Branford, CT. If you'd like to get in touch with her PM and I'll send you the contact info. It goes without saying that she's a very sweet lady who's suffered a tragic loss and I'd appreciate it if you deal fairly with her if you decide to call.

As a side note I got a little more information on the car. The son bought it 3 years ago and drove it for 1.5 years. It started to act up and then stalled completely one day. It was towed to their house and apparently that's when the exhaust was knocked off. Anyway, its been there ever since.

Fisherman · #13 05-13-2003, 05:08 PM

Though I consider most if not all on this board to be fair and kind I think you might want to edit this post and have someone send you a PM for the name and number rather than expose her number to all that "might" view this board...

Otherwise I have to say it is really great of you to offer this opp to the rest of us nuts...

Blu 420Sel · #14 05-13-2003, 05:16 PM

Thanks Fisherman, I just hope the situation works out well for everyone. It seems like it has the potential to.

I suppose you're right about the number. Seeing how the thread has been viewed over 300 times I'll go ahead and edit the message. Anyone who is interested please PM me and I'll send you the contact info.

JerryBro · #15 05-14-2003, 05:59 AM

Last night I called Diana and went down to look at the car. These are very nice people any they deserve to be treated well. What I have committed to doing is giving them an idea of what a fair price would be in its given condition. It does look very interesting, and I'll probably get it, I'll report back with the details later.

Jerry