I've heard that Mercedes created an 'Africa Package' for W123 series cars that went to the 'Dark Continent'.

I know that these cars were given Bilstein HD shocks, but does anybody know what other elements were included in the package, and if it's possible to still get the parts?

I also wonder if the successful 280E rally cars of the 70s used this package, and if things like strut bars were used to brace the engine and trunk compartments?

My 280E needs attention in the suspension department, and I'm looking at uprating this area without spending megabucks on mods such as the Sportline conversions.


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Chris Hunter

1977 W123 280E auto
Cayenne Pepper orange
289,000km and goin' strong ... touch Zebrano.

[This message has been edited by AucklandGuy (edited 11-27-2000).]

Chris: I don't know what mods were on the Africa package - I have seen a pic of a South African w124 and one from India. Each of them seemed to sit pretty high off the ground, with visibly more body/wheel clearance. I suspect different springs, sway bars, shocks - in short, a sport line package (at least) worth of parts and cost. I have also heard forum members refer to items like steel belly plates on these cars. Go to the page http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/5350/mbcodes.htm for a list of all the part codes on various taxis, police cars, smi or completely knocked down SKD/CKD export cars, parts left off african cars, etc. Also, some of the components may have been installed by local distributer/importers as packages. Hope this helps.


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JCE
87 300E, 65k miles
Smoke Silver

Figure these cars are int he desert on unpaved roads.

Mostlikely the stuff mentioned above including rock guards and mud flasp.

I'm from South Africa originally, but Grew up in Los Angeles since I was two years old. so couldn't help ya with the whole africa edition. I'd assume paint colors were also part of this though.

Alon

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
16x7.5 Chrome Speedline 5 Star Wheels
79k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" EVO II's in 7.5" or 8.25" Width
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust

Click here to Go To My 300CE Page