picked up another W123 N/A 300D! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

6603 · #1 05-31-2007, 06:36 AM

Ever since I was given my first 300D from a relative, I fell in love.

Unfortunately, the engine seized after I let someone take care of it when I deployed.

Well, I just picked up another one. 1980 300D automatic.

Its in really good shape, not pristine like my '81. The engine runs smooth; so does the transmission. Hasn't been hit, everything is there and works.

Originally I was going to swap the engine into my '81, but I think I may keep it how it is and add some euro head lights, polished wheels and lowered suspension. Everything works great except for the odometer and sunroof. Reverse is a little sluggish until the engine (or tranny?) warms up.

I read the DIY on here, this time I will not procrastinate and change oil+filter, primary+secondary fuel filters and air filter. I still have not found a DIY to change transmission fluid and filter.

I also like the color combo (my Jetta is black on black, my Beetle is flat black on black, my bike is black and red). Is this a oem color combo?

Here's my '81.

Jim B. · #2 05-31-2007, 08:03 AM

I just love the looks of a white W123, it highlights their chrome trim so beautifully.

Whether to stick the engine into the '81 though, is something only you can decide.

The '80 is sounds like a good runner,(But please ditch the palm tree license frame on the back, it looks kind of tacky!) and installation of euro lights is ALWAYS a good looking and functional improvement for them.

If I was going to throw a little money at the car, I'd get some weathertech Macneill floor mats and a factory W123 skid plate to protect the car. Wheels and stereo are a matter of taste, but I love the steelies with the color matching hubcaps more than the bundt cake wheels personally. Sheepskins, the 2 piece fitted ones, are really good too, they work as advertised, look sharp, and they really last.

The color looks like anthracite, but you can ask here if you need to know for sure, just provide the 3 digit color code here, someone will know what it is.
The amount of knowledge here on these wonderful diesel cars is just stupendous.

I can't think of any good reason to lower these diesels, though, stock height looks just fine on the sedans and you won't be autocrossing them or carving corners with them.

They may never be classic cars but the W123 diesel sedans are among the best cars Mercedes ever made, and so long as they aren't rusted or wrecked, they will run just about forever, and parts are still readily available

If you need help, there are some really good mechanics and MB shops down in your area, too. I used Prestige Imports in Santa Ana, on S Richey.
I still would if they are still there, and I lived there.

Enrique at Mr.MB in Tarzana is supposed to be the very best of the best though. (see "Good shops")

And by the way, thank you for serving, it is appreciated more than you know!

vstech · #3 05-31-2007, 10:58 AM

sorry your deployment resulted in the demise of a 123, but hey, now you have a parts car!
is the paint on the car as dull as it looks in the photo?
I second the thanks for your service!
John

pawoSD · #4 05-31-2007, 11:11 AM

Your '81 looks like a real nice car! Are you planning on swapping in another engine to get it going again? A car that nice should be repaired....

6603 · #5 05-31-2007, 10:52 PM

Well I did the oil change per the DIY. I also Changed the air filter.

When I did the air filter change I noticed oil in the air box and filter. I am going to search it on here, see if I can repair it.

Also, when I changed the oil filter I unplugged one of the small hoses on accident that were right next to it. I did not notice. I turned on the car and when I turned it off it kept running!

Then when I drove it would shift really harsh and could not get the highest gear. It started in a gear and switched to another. That's it.

I am going to search these up on the forums,but if any of you know what I did let me know.

6603 · #6 06-02-2007, 06:16 AM

the '80 is running back to normal. While I was working on it my son was playing in the car (2 y/o) and hit the A/C buttons. The heat was all the way on and the fan was on full blast. I did not noticed after I drove it for 20 minutes trying the get in 4th gear (it would like at 55mph).

I turned off the fan and set the temp to the white. Than she began shifting nice and smooth at the appropriate shift points.

Well I have decided to install the '80 engine into the '81. The paint is really that dull and the interior has a lot more wear. I am just need to absorb as much knowledge on this forums and repair manuals. Then I will attempt the install, for now I will drive the '80 as it is. Once I swap the engines I will keep the '80 as a parts car, whenever a part fails swap it off from the parts car.

ImBroke · #7 06-02-2007, 12:30 PM

I like the Anthricite over Black. Almost the perfect color combo, IMHO. Black over Black would totally excite me.

t walgamuth · #8 06-02-2007, 02:35 PM

i agree on lowering.

i have the 1" lowering springs from h and k, i think.

i put them on my 280e and am autocrossing it. i wouldn't want them for the street but with the 225/50r 14 slicks it carves a corner pretty well and has maybe 4" clearance under the oil pan.

tom w