Questions for W123 veterans

[Numbskull]

Just bought a '85 300D turbo. After reading a lot of posts and otherwise skulking in the forum background, I'm thinking I might be able to do a bit of work on it myself. So, if you don't mind, here are few questions that I hope you can help me with.

1. I should probably get some sort of repair manual. What do you recommend?

2. I'm not a fan of Bundt wheels and would prefer painted wheel covers. Based on my reading in this forum, I should:

- look for 14" steel or aluminum steelies
- make sure that the wheel covers are designed to fit the type of wheel I get.

Is this correct?

3. I've read that aluminum wheels are better. Are they better enough to be a big deal?

4. Should the wheels be 5.5" or 6"?

I'll be grateful for any thoughts you offer. Thank you.

[BWhitmore]

Mercedes aluminum 14” wheels can be quite expensive. If you decide to go that route make sure and get the hub cap clips also. Quite often the hub caps will need to be painted to match the car. A special masking set is available. Try to get a W123 factory service manual (FSM). Post a wanted ad on this forum for the items you need.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by Numbskull

Just bought a '85 300D turbo.
1. I should probably get some sort of repair manual. What do you recommend?

Go to tonk.ca - https://www.tonk.ca/models/w123/Main.html

[Numbskull]

Many thanks, BWhitmore and Graham!

[RobertFini]

My vote for the answer to question #1 is a complete set of factory manuals; even when you're not chasing after a repair, they still make for interesting casual reading in your spare time. I haven't had a 123 in well over a decade and still pull mine out every now and then.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by RobertFini

My vote for the answer to question #1 is a complete set of factory manuals; even when you're not chasing after a repair, they still make for interesting casual reading in your spare time. I haven't had a 123 in well over a decade and still pull mine out every now and then.

Good luck finding those. At least for a reasonable price. Maybe a past owner who no longer needs them could donate Numbskull a set

Regarding the wheels, size depends on which 123 model. They are all listed in the on-line manual - check section 40.

The 1985 300D (I also own one) uses 6" rims. Model code is 123.133. It came with bundt rims. For steel or alloy, I think you would need to find rims off an earlier 123 or even some other MB model.

[cornemuse]

they still make for interesting casual reading in your spare time.

Keep 'em in the bathroom!