The fact that it might take say 10 min. to take the picture(s), upload and then email them @ $35 would have cost you under $6. For me it would be worth the 6 bucks but it is unusual to want to charge (I've considered it but never requested it :D) but I can certainly understand both sides of this coin.

The W123 steering gearbox w/o power assist is readily available in bare-bone European models, without much options. In this side of the pond (in the US or North America), they are hard to find.

Is there a reason why you would opt for this type of gearbox when the power assisted types are readily available, for a 300D Turbo that already came from the factory with the power assisted unit?

If the seller's time if being wasted by you in his eyes, then he can ask whatever he wants- if you don't want to fulfill his requests then don't buy the part. He has no obligation to you whatsoever. If you think he's out of line, tell him so- in public or private. I've sold parts to people who asked for this and that and this other thing and oh! ... another detail and so on. I've also not sold parts to some people because they were a hassle. Sometimes buyers and sellers just do not mesh. If you do not agree with his prices or tactics by all means let others know, but otherwise get over it. The seller ought to be able to withstand criticism without getting rude no matter how agro the potential buyer gets. It seems Terry did not get rude and I applaud him.

MBeige,

My present steering box is in great shape, no leaks, turns nice, et cet. I just want to get rid of the PS pump because the pump takes away power. That is my no thrills reason. The mechanical steering boxes overseas are very common AND not sought after. But, the shipping is the problem.

:idea:
Sounds like it's time to go on vacation to the Pick 'n' Pulls in Europe!:D

....Honey you don't mind if it put the 30 year old steering box in the suitcase do you?

Indeed shipping would be the killer.

I could go and buy one for you tomorrow though...

Army,

Could you give me any information on the shipping ? Costs, process, et cet. I once bought some parts from Germany, and it was a real hassel. Shipping was ALOT and it took FOREVER to get the parts. Please PM me for the total price. THANKS.

I don't know how heavy the manual steering box is. The power steering one comes in at about 14kg (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/303379-what-feeling-will-properly-adjusted-w123-w116-w126-power-steering-box.html)

UPS quote between 227 euros and 303 euros for a 30 X 30 X 30 cm package from here to LA!

I don't think it is going to be possible.

It is going to be cheaper to pay for the photographs!

Thanks Army,

You're right about the shipping being a killer. The Euro's W123 are here in sufficient numbers and I think most folks don't want the mechanical steering box, it is just finding one and keeping patience. I would rather pay the premium instead of finding one at Pull-A-Part where I can get the box for about $25.00. So, impatience will make my costs x4.

Hey Terry Meager -- I will pay the $6.00 for pictures, if you truly have a mechanical steering box for my car. I believe that raises my grand total to $96.00 which includes shipping and "handling". So, if you got the pictures, I will put out there in the public my offer for a good, working condition MECHANICAL, non-PS, steering box. That offer is good until Monday, 29th of August 2011 12 noon EST. If not, my search continues along with my patience. I guess it is not uncommon to pay for pictures after all...

I reckon the cost of a non power steering box would be about 75 euros here plus about 15 euros for them to send it to me...

As for the shipping to you; I think I can get it cheaper just through the normal postal service - it will take anywhere from 10 to 30 days - I guess it would be in the region of 100 euros with insurance. I can't give you an exact quote as the online post office system only seems to do European countries... (the wankers)

If I remember correctly it was nearly 40 euros with insurance to send another forum member a cross member that was about 3kg...

The cheapest I could possibly get it for you would be about 250 euros. Not really the best deal out there eh?

Sorry for the vagueness - I can't give exact prices until I know them!

Hey Army,

What is a Euro worth ? I assume because of our US debt issues, the US Dollar is taking a beating ? Where you are located? Do they have Pull a Part type locations ? Also, are you near a US Military installation ? If so, you can mail any item just like the USA.

Just cut the PS pump belt. remove pump and put capping bolts where the hoses go. Problem solved.

Simplest solutions are best.

OT: Did you make it to pull-a-part yesterday. I was there around 5(ish). Didn't see you. Didn't find anything anyway.

Today:-

1 U.S. dollar = 0.687899842 Euros

I'm kind of smack bang in the middle of the Netherlands.

Pull a part - no way the Dutch don't trust people that much! You have to pay premium for most second hand parts because they've gone through the trouble of taking them off for you...

...well that's a bit of a sweeping statement there are pull a part type places but the through-put is a lot quicker here as cars rot so much quicker. Older vehicles tend not to end up in those places - they usually end up in the more specialised "up market" scrap yards that have a counter and shelves system. There are several companies that import old Mercedes from dryer climates and strip them for parts. Those are the people I usually deal with 'cos it is basically a waste of time ringing up and driving about trying to find an old car in a scrap yard.

I'm not sure where the nearest US air force base is. There used to be one in Germany within reasonable distance from Arnhem but I think that it is shut now. As for getting on to a US air force base I don't have the ID necessary (any more).

I really prefer to go with the mechanical box which has different gearing than the PS unit (capped off or not). Plus, I don't want to run the risk of damaging my present PS unit. It works great, and no leaks at all. I will try it out running it very briefly to see if I like the mechanical feel anyway, although I understand the true mechanical box is slightly better than a PS unit without power. May be going with an electric pump hooked up to the box.