Back on the road
 

My aging 1989 260E just came out of the shop after some surgery. I had a valve job done (guides/seals), full tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor) all fluid replaced, minor adjustment to transmission modulator, new radiotor and hoses, new belt and tentionner, new timing chain. I also had to replace the cam shaft and valves rockers.
It is unbleivable. The car has found a new life. it looks as if re-gained the lost power and smootness that slowly eroded over the years and miles. Cylinder walls were found to be almost as new. No wear whatesoever after measuring the bore.
No more leaks, no more oil burning (I hope), back to normal power and smootness.
Drives like a new car.
JackD

That must feel very nice and I can feel your grin! My 87 260E has almost 304,000 miles and am facing the same situation. Am using oil, no leaking, and needs some form of attention to the seals/valves. I am uncertain if I will sell it or foot the bill for the necessary repairs. I bought it quite cheap and has been paid for for some time. I still enjoy driving it (especially with the resistor removed!) and it has many other new parts including the a/c conversion. It is my daily driver and it sees a lot of miles so I'm not sure I can justify payments for the same thing in a newer version. It has almost become a game to see how long this car will go!

Anyway, thanks for letting me think out loud as I teeter on the threshold of indecision!

Glad to hear you are enjoying the new life you have given your MB!

I struggled for a while between trade or fix. I looked and drove several other 124 during the last month to try and find something that would really be much better than my old faithfull. The only one I found was a 1993 400E, which was priced well over market price.
Looking at the economics, how much more car would I get for the amount of money I needed to make my old 260E happy again???
My car is paid for, still looks the same it did when I bought it in 1993, rides like a charm.
What is really unbelievable is the found-again-power and smoothness after the job. I did not remember this car could perform so well. Having everything done at the same time (valves, timing chain, camshaft, full tune-up) probably gave me back 25HP/35HP that were gradually lost over the years.
That car is good for an other 150,000mi. or more.
JackD

Thank you for the insight!

I don't know how many miles you drive a year, but if you put on 20,000 miles/year at 150,000 miles that would get you 90 months worth of driving, or 7.5 years! I'm sure the money invested in the work spread out over those 7.5 years comes out to be pretty small. Even if it were $3,000 for your repairs, that's a whopping $33.33 per month...beats the hell out of a new payment! Especially if you plan on keeping the car for any amount of time.

You're making the decision easier for me! I too love my older 124!

Thanks again!

Resistor Removed?
 

Brian, you made a remark about removing a resistor. I have an '88 260e and am just curious what resistor you are referring to. Is there something I don't know about?

Thanks!

John

Pls. tell me more about the resistor removal. I,ve read it here but I'm still not sure.
Does it really makes such a difference.?
Do you simply leave the hole empty?
JackD

John Plut, check the thread titled "free HP for 124..." in the performance paddock. It will explain most everything there.

Jackd, I removed mine and yes it did make a noticeable difference. You must run 91+ octane fuel which it sounds as though most people do. I simply put fresh electrical tape around the holes where the resistor was to keep debris out.

Try removing it, putting in your ashtray just in case, and see what you think. Mine runs like I feel it should have without the resistor! Evidently it makes up for the lesser octane fuel found in the States.

Good luck!