Can this 123 be saved?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rbarnes · #1 07-05-2004, 06:38 PM

My son ran his 1983 300D (Approx. 185,000 mi) off into a ditch Sat night. It ripped off the oil pan when he hit a culvert. It also jerked the transmission cooler lines off. I'm not sure what else. I'm not sure how long it ran after this happened. I pulled him out of the ditch and towed the car home. I'll have to get a jack and get the car up in order to see if there is any more damage underneath. He also clipped a sign and demolished the windshield.
Thank goodness the only damage was to the car and not him.
Is there any realistic hope ($ wise) of getting this car running or should I plan on parting it out? I just had the front end rebuilt. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Also, I don't really know where to start to see what else may be wrong. Thanks for your input.

Sooty Taillight · #2 07-05-2004, 09:07 PM

My opinion.......First: You will need to lift, or pull the engine out to replace the oil pan, for starters, second: You will need to determine if the transmission has been comprimised. Third: You should have the undercarriage inspected for other damage, and Forth: What does a new windshield cost installed?

Sounds like a lot of work, but if you part it out, you will also have a lot of work!

Sell the car whole, and settle with yourself the loss! There is no gain here!

Sorry, but this is only my opinion, I'm sure there will be more optimism amongst others.

rbarnes · #3 07-05-2004, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the reply. I was just hoping that there were some options.

.
I didn't realize that the engine had to be lifted up to get the oil pan changed. I'm beginning to see the light.
I'll have to check on the windshield, but I think that it may be fairly expensive without taking into consideration any other damage.
I may be able to salvage some parts for my other 300D.
Thanks again.
-Roger

Palangi · #4 07-05-2004, 10:31 PM

FWIW, the lower oil pan comes out easily without pulling the engine. The upper pan probably requires lifting or pulling the engine.

kmaysob · #5 07-05-2004, 10:52 PM

i say fix it. if its the lower oil pan you can do it without jacking the car up. i would check to see if any of the frame is bent or cracked and if nothing seems bent or cracked try getting it to run and take it for a test drive around the block

coachgeo · #6 07-06-2004, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kmaysob
i say fix it. ..take it for a test drive around the block

If your son's accident was a dumb move then tie him to the hood when you do the test drive. If it was an honest mistake then tie him to the roof.

jim16671836 · #7 07-06-2004, 12:19 AM

You don't need to pull the engine but you will need to lift the engine away from the cross member...it will be alot easier to pull the engine though...You probably have not hurt the transmission..If you used Mobil 1 oil then you probably did not hurt the engine either. Their is a good chance you have damaged your radiator...A windshield is not to expensive at a pick & pull or at a regular salvage yard....if the rubber gasket is still good that is a savings of about 70 dollars. If you need some parts let me know and I will price them to you...windshield, oil pan, hoses, etc... Jim

Brad123D · #8 07-06-2004, 01:56 AM

If your statement, "ripped off the oil pan" is not an exaggeration, I would think that the oil pump pick-up and the upper oil pan would be damaged also.

If this was driver error, it would be a good chance to implement the old "You break it, you fix it !" rule, or at least "you help fix it".
I'm done preach'n now !