Thanks to all who helped with getting my 1978 28CE going again after 5yrs

I have now clocked up 500 miles and she is running quite well..........some suspension clunks to sort out, but now a 'daily driver'

Thanks again

David

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She looks good David. I see yours has the right side door mirror. Most all US cars don't. And the car came with the aluminum wheels too...nice. Hubcaps were standard in the US with those wheels an extra cost option. After $900 in front end work, mine still clunks too. Two mechanics have suggested it is the non original shocks...something about insufficient overtravel. I'm suspicious about this answer however and think the problem lies elsewhere. I have a bump at the beginning of my driveway, and get the clunk at low speed when making a right turn in from the street. But if I make a bit wider turn and go over the bump more head on, no clunk. Paying close attention and I get the sense the clunking is coming from higher up and further back than the front suspension. And on very few occasions when I've made a low speed right turn associated with an incline, there is a wierd humming-rubbing noise. Only happens rarely, and I've even returned to the same location and tried to repeat the noise without success. If you ever pin yours down, I'm most interested as to what you found.

.....right side door mirror

Look a little closer, Yorktown - the car is RHD.

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Last edited by 300SDog; 11-17-2003 at 07:38 PM.

Actually, the seagull looks like it's on a post behind the car...

David: Nice car. When was it imported?

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

re:clunks

Does the w123 coupe use a front subframe? If so, are the mounts in good shape?

Thanks guys..................we drive on the left in Australia, so I am missing the left mirror..........our junkyards would be a good source of right mirrors for your LHD MBs !

Couldn't resist lining up the seagull with the hood star

I have to admit to be becoming obsessed with listening to suspension clunks.........my 'clunk' comes on corners……........but not on a second or third etc. turn in the same direction……....'clunk' with the next turn in the other direction

Recent wheel bearing repack & adjust to spec with dial gauge when replacing rotors

Seems to have excessive movement when rocking wheel when holding at 12 & 6 o’clock and also pulling on upper section of the steering knuckle

This suggests to me to problem is the inner bushing on the upper control arm or the upper ball joint

Sometimes 'clunks' with braking while turning...........variable and difficult to reproduce.......first brake after change of direction(back to forward) most common factor

No clunk noted going over bumps

I have become so obsessed that I'm now not certain if the clunk is coming from the front or back............(a problem noted many times in suspension noises threads)


Any input on my clunks would be appreciated

David

Hmm, did you do a search? Probably some help there. Also, just a thought, check the steering box mounting nut tightness.

My .00002

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63 220S W111
76 300D W115
2013 VW JSW TDI M6

previously-
73 280 SEL 4.5
86 300E 5 speed
2010 VW Jetta TDI M6

That's a nice car David - I notice you are from Brisbane as well - which area if you don't mind me asking?

Regards

Richard

P.S. I'll take a punt on the pic location and suggest Manly ...?

I like the looks of the car...and have a few questions. There is at a dealer in my area (non-MB) a car that looks identical to yours, left drive, of course, a turbo diesel with around 200,000 on it. It is silver, a little rust along the bottom of both doors, none other visible, and it has round headlights and fog lights (yellow) without the square Euro look. It is silver with blue MB Tex, looks good, they want $2500. I know nothing about the car...is it a good price, is it a good car (don't know the year), how does the diesel go, etc? It is an intersting piece, maybe a project? Should I go for it?

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro

Zambo...........thanks.........'around the corner' in Virginia Avenue........I see you have moved on from the Carmen Ghia to a Benz...........the Manly seagull was very obliging!......must catch up sometime and swap Benz stories

Joshhol........no play in the steering.......everything feels tight.........my latest thought is the guide / track rod bushing......#20........seems changes in the longitudinal forces strain this bushing

"Sometimes 'clunks' with braking while turning..................first brake after change of direction (back to forward) "

Will have to work out a way to unload this bushing to check it.......will try the hand winch pulling the LCA forward at the weekend

Troverman.....can't help much.......I have a little rust at the bottom of my driver's door........window seals are a common problem I understand.......(the ones at the top of the door against the glass)..........also be sure to look under the lining in the boot/trunk wells

I hope my 1978 280CE is worth more than $US2500.......but cars are quite alot more expensive in Australia compared to the US.........others may chime in with advice

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I thought you might be "that" David Speed, but thought I should ask first.

No no, the Ghia went years ago - just sold (about 2 weeks back) my much loved 1800S Volvo after 11 years of brilliant service.

I am in a '72 3.5 - my first Benz - and it is proving a delight to drive, if a bit thirsty. (picture of mine below)

Back to subject though - can't help I'm sorry to say on any of the clunks - still trying to figure out whether the ones on my 108 are wear and tear or just normal mechanical noise as the car hits corrugations, etc on the road

Regards

Richard Zammit

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Richard

Nice car.......beautiful chrome

I think I saw her parked at M'side yesterday....looked spectacular !!

I've sent you a Private Message

Oops on the RHD, I didn't notice that. To the fellow asking about the silver one in New Hampshire, I can answer with a solid "It depends." A later 123 diesel coupe was turbocharged and nearly as quick as the gas models. The earlier ones were non-turbo with 87hp if I recall right, and were slowwwww but durable. If well maintained mechanically, $2500 with minimal rust is an ok but nothing special price. If the car needs any significant maintenance and you aren't do-it-yourself handy, steer clear. I have a no-rust 79 gas coupe that is mechanically solid with many new parts and with 170K on it. Even with doing much of the fix up myself, I've spent $2000 plus in the last six months, am not done and guess it to have a value of $3500 tops.