The other day my 87 spontaneously combusted in my driveway. Hadn't been driven in 12 hrs-passerby alerted me to the fact it was burning. This is a legit 177k car with little rust and I have done everything to it-it ran like a watch. The car had comp so the ins co is going to pay something(?). I was wondering if anyone had an idea of the feasibility of replacing the wire harness/fuse panel/vacuum lines or do you think I should try to find another one and part this. Thanks guys

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Describe how much was damaged by the fire. This might determine a suggested course of action by more knowledgeable people than myself. Winshield gone? smoked bad inside? Interior fires are usually pretty damaging unfortunatly.

windsheild gone -stinks BAD inside-no physical damage however-I just cant seem to find a low mile replacement anywhere Thanks

fire damage is the worst, can never get that burnt smell out. looks like some severe damage.
If the windshield is as bad as it looks by the picture, there is some serious damage to the dash and related wiring and vaccume stuff.

If you have the room in your yard, buy it back from the insurance, sure they will total it. Part out the good stuff, and look for another good one.

shame to see another good MB go down, but at least no one one was hurt. I feel for your loss.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Sorry to say, but it looks like shes toast. (sorry). hopefully your ins company will be fair with you. There looks to be significant damage to the wiring harness etc.

I would not think about repair, i would look for a replacment, there are some out there.

Are you able to determine the cause? heater resistor? short circuit in the starter?

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1984 Euro 300SDC, (4spd standard)
1986 Toyota Landcruiser Diesel HJ60 5spd X2

Gone but not forgotten (some sold, some stripped)
1983 300 SD, 1985 300 SD, 1983 240D, 1986 300 SDL, 1985 300 SDL, 1983 300 D, 1984 300 D, 1985 300SD, 1987 300 SDL, 1983 300 SD, 1985 300 TD Euro, 1983 380SEC, 1990 300 D, 1987 300D, 1982 300D, 1982 300D, 1994 E420, 1987 300 TD, 1987 300 D, 1984 300 D

Looks like leaves or other combustible debris was built up between the primary and secondary firewall.

To all W126 owners, CLEAN THAT SPACE OUT regularly or this may happen to you.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!

Ture, mine had a lot of crap in that area... but the resistor unit for the climate control was moved to the inside of the car in 86: the climate control fan blows on it to keep it cool.

-Jason

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

With the interior stinky, many of those parts are worthless, hood is worthless, but there'll be plenty of people looking for those driveline parts. Has anyone asked which cylinder head it is yet? I can hear the vultures circling.

It is a shame, but it happens. It'd cost much more than the car's worth to repair that, if you can even get the smell out of the interior. Ozone might work eventually, might not. I wouldn't even consider having it fixed.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

looks pretty bad, I would take the good parts and transfer over to another sdl or 350SDL perhaps

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1986 300SDL, 211K,Dealership serviced its whole life
1991 190E 2.6(120k)
1983 300D(300k)
1977 300D(211k)

Exactly what I was thinking as I read this. I would find a very nice rod bender that has already done it's bending and install your engine in that. Much nicer car surrounding you then.
Good thing it wasn't in a garage at the time.....

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Your new body?

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=239175

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine