Lost in Translation W123 Euro - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MrMom · #1 08-16-2007, 10:15 AM

Morning, a newbie here to Benz's. I picked up a 1984 280TE Euro as a project. The engine was swapped out with a 2.8 from a Sedan (more on that in a bit) I was shipped over by an individual in 1984. Two owners later, I have it. The motor was installed, but never finished. (More on that later too) The rear hydro system is in-op, no pump hook up. So I'm going the spring/shock route. My question is, it came with extra springs, they are color coded, 3 green dashes, 3 red dashes, and a blue marking on one end. Any idea what the colors mean?
The cars papers are all in German, Owners manual, accessory books, papers from the Dealer in Germany. I have all the customs papers, Bill of Ladings, and receipts from 1984 to 2001 of all that has been done.
I think the motor is from a sedan, as mentioned. The vac lines are all cut. I have a Bentley Manual coming, hoping that will clear that up.
Its oddly spec-ed out? power windows only for the front windows, no Cruise (VDO Cruise added, most parts now missing) Leather interior, 40/60 split rear seat, and a strange looking trailer hitch. (with German papers from dealer on install)
So, the spring thing? Vac line schematics?
Thanks

I also have a 2006 C230 Sport Sedan. (Thats how this all got started! LOL) I know old Porsches a lot better LOL
Mr. Mom

Dee8go · #2 08-16-2007, 10:19 AM

Welcom to the forum MrMom. Check here on the vacuum system.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=192440

It covers the 123. Hope that helps. Good luck with your project.

Chas H · #3 08-16-2007, 10:20 AM

The pump can be installed in the front of the cylinder head. The passenger side camshaft drives it thru a coupling. It's the same pump the diesel cars use. A friend did this conversion and the parts were available from the local dealer.

david s poole · #4 08-16-2007, 10:42 AM

there's only one problem with that,the wagon engines had a special head so that the pump would mount.you may have lucked out,i'm sure in germany they had springs available to replace the weak ones for self level and that may be what you have.you can't use the sedan ones---not strong enough---tail will drag,but you may have correct ones if came with car from germany.

Chas H · #5 08-16-2007, 12:11 PM

The pump mounts to an M110 engine on a boss covered by a plate that most certainly exists on US models. As I mentioned already, a friend has done it. The parts needed are few and he got them thru the local dealer.

david s poole · #6 08-16-2007, 01:15 PM

you're right it was the diesel engines that had the diff head.i still think you should check out those springs .

300GD · #7 08-16-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMom

... Its oddly spec-ed out? power windows only for the front windows...

I have an '85 Euro 300D (parts car, not the one in my sig) with power windows for the front only. I don't think that was too unusual. It kind of goes along with having a powered side mirror on the passenger side but not the driver's side.

MrMom · #8 08-17-2007, 07:53 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The real issue is going to be the Vac line mess. All were cut to remove the old motor, and some?? of the ones on the replacement motor are there. Sorting this mess out will be a real pain. Also where does the "Fan" on the motor mount? I see no place for it to go? (Motor was installed by past owner)

"It's like building a puzzle with no picture in the dark"

MrMom
MBUSA. Lonestar Chapter,
Central TX.

t walgamuth · #9 08-17-2007, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300GD

I have an '85 Euro 300D (parts car, not the one in my sig) with power windows for the front only. I don't think that was too unusual. It kind of goes along with having a powered side mirror on the passenger side but not the driver's side.

common in euro cars.

tom w

Jim B. · #10 08-17-2007, 03:35 PM

Sounds like a typical euro car of the time, as many of them had factory trailer hitches, because towing caravans (house trailers) is popular there, and the euros very often had front electric window but with rear wind windows.

Your'e fortunate to have all the euro and import history of the car, most have been lost by now on these cars.

You can pick up an English language owner's manual by calling the dealer, Classic Center or looking on ebay for a bit.

Likewise, a shop manual in English would be a good idea. Not expensive.

It sounds like this is a car well worth bringing back. Good luck with it.