W124 Diesel Roll Call - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gsxr · #31 05-10-2004, 05:43 PM

I need to get some more current photos, as things have changed since I took this a couple years ago (different wheels, 500E lights, S600 grille, etc...)

And here's what my other one looked like before an inattentive driver squashed the rear end:

Tons more photos are here:
http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/

soypwrd · #32 05-10-2004, 08:44 PM

gsxr,
Clean ride. I`ve got to upgrade my headlights. Can you help by describing what you did with the blue car`s lights?

gsxr · #33 05-10-2004, 09:01 PM

Soypwrd,

Thanks. In that photo, the blue car has TYC Euro lights for a 94/95 model, which is why they don't look quite right. I now have Hella 500E Euro lights on the car but don't have any recent photos - need to rectify that ASAP! You will want either standard Euro lights, which have fog lights, or if you never use fog lights, you can get the 500E Euros like mine, which have pencil-beam driving lights instead (sort of like extra high beams). The aftermarket copies are about $300/pair. Real Hella Euros are about $400/pair, and the Hella 500E style are closer to $500/pair. Installation is simple but you lose your wipers - will cost $200+ to buy the Euro wiper setup (longer blades, reverse movement) or just get a blank panel (which I did), or leave the stock panels (which is what is in my photos). More photos of my lights are here:

http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W124_headlights/

Best place to buy the real Hella Euro lights is PUMA (www.puma-access.com), call and ask for Paul. I haven't found anywhere cheaper than PUMA. I recommend the Hella lights if you can afford them, the TYC/Depo are adequate but the build kwality is not up to Hella standards IMO.

snoopy007 · #34 05-10-2004, 10:44 PM

I need to change the head lamps but here it is. It now has 85,000 miles and I'm going to drive it till I drop.

snoopy007 · #35 05-10-2004, 10:47 PM

And a interior shot..

DieselAddict · #36 05-11-2004, 12:32 AM

Snoopy, that's a very nice interior! Is your car an 87 or one of the later ones?

gsxr, I have Depo headlights on mine and I know what you mean about kwality. At first I thought they were very good, but now I realize they're not a perfect fit. It seems like you had the same problem with your TYC's, that your blinkers don't quite line up with the lights. Since I took the pictures that I posted here, I've aligned my headlights some more, but it's still not totally aligned. Also the lights are not as bright as I expected. How are/were the TYC's? One of my lights also had a small air bubble in the glass but I've learned to live with it.

gsxr · #37 05-11-2004, 12:55 AM

Snoopy's car appears to be a 1990-93 2.5 Turbo with creme-beige MB Tex interior. I did a lot of interior updates to my car, check out the link above. THe interior shots of the blue car are under "W124_stereo" though, I need to take some more & put them with current exterior photos - ooops.

About the headlights. The TYC's were decent for light output, much better than stock DOT's. The fit/finish was acceptable but at the time, they were ~$250 and Hellas were ~$300, just not enough savings to justify the difference. Now the Hellas are a lot more expensive, and the TYC/Depos are more attractive price-wise. You can swap on Hella lenses if you want, they're interchangeable. The blinkers & lights may not line up perfectly, that also requires the fender to be perfectly straight, etc. It should get pretty close though.

If you want BRIGHT lights, you need to either get some of the real European "plus 50" bulbs (not the stuff sold in USA stores). They're about $40-$50 per pair - these are NOT "Superwhites" or any of those other junk bulbs. The good stuff is available from powerbulbs.com, or Dan Stern (danielsternlighting.com). They work with no other modifications needed. If you can do electrical wiring, add relays with beefy wire feeding everything... then the preferred option is to install overwattage Rallye bulbs, which is what I did. All I can say is WOW. It's a lot of work but worth the time, IMO. Photos are at the same URL, scroll down to the "relays" pictures. A higher-output alternator is recommended, about $75-$100 USD for a used 110-143A unit - 99% bolt-on, just need to use a larger cable to the battery than the dinky stock wires. Photos of that project are on my website as well, in the "W124_stereo" directory.

snoopy007 · #38 05-11-2004, 06:24 PM

It's a 92 model with the MB-TEX which is great for me. It is easy for me to get light parts from Europe if I know what to get. I appreciate the commits on the bulbs. I have a friend there and we exchange goods on our trips back and forth. I wish it had the OM603 that was used in the 87 but this one easy on the fuel ~32 MPG on my commute.

tolive31 · #39 05-23-2004, 10:24 PM

Sooty Taillight · #40 05-23-2004, 10:49 PM

I have a 1987 300D that stopped movement at 223K due to a failed head. "Cracks"

I am the 3'ed owner and have installed today, a new replacement OM603 from out of a SDL.

A test drive tonight has revealed good results and I feel confident that there will be many more miles in my new 300 D to come.

It has it's original paint, "Desert Taupe" creme white MB tex seats and a dark brown dash panel.

The Zibrano wood has been stipped of it's original finish and been recoated with marine spar varnish, 6 coats, and I have stitched the steering wheel with a tan leather hide made to fit.

All that see my car say that it looks mint and I am happy that it looks as such.

The original paint will shine new with good wax, but fades very quickely if I don't keep it up. I don't want to repaint this car as I want it to be as original as possible.

On an open honest resale market, I think I would be able to get $3.500, but I plan to keep it. I have plans on a 95 E300 diesel, color green, next year!

Sooty Taillight