Underneath my front bumper is a rusted mess. The rest of the 240D is in beautiful condition - and I got to thinking..

Look at the attached photo, and let me know what you think. W123 on the right has the front fender piece, car on the left doesn't.

What purpose does this part of the front fender have? Also, what do you think about this aesthetically?

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Rusted to the point of not being able to wire wheel and repaint? The center part screws onto the fenders so you could fab one or replace it.

Rustoleum Almond is a perfect match paint.

Thanks for your response, supercub. I'm more interested in the possibility of cutting off the steel altogether. I cannot think of a purpose for that piece, and I believe it benefits the car aesthetically.

I am talking specifically about the piece that is missing on the left car in the attached photo. I don't see how that would play a role in keeping the bumper up.

On my 83 240D that piece is kind of beat up. I never thought of taking it off, but it does seem to look good. It would have helped if the picture of the two cars would have used the same perspective for both cars. Makes it a bit difficult.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

IF you take it off you loose the smile..

BTW, I have this piece here, in great shape from my 85 I'm parting...

Lose it or paint it black!

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

I like to keep stuff stock and repair if possible. Then there are no suprises later. Also looks better for resale. I think the assembly as a whole makes the fenders stiffer as the bottom piece adds support to the overhanging sheetmetal.

Ngarover!!!

I never saw "The Smile" - I laughed so hard when I looked at it that way for the first time. That's a GOOFY looking smile..

Staying true to your name, I didn't think of just painting it black! Thanks!

Check out the original picture if you want comparison. Attached.

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There I fixed it:

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$60 OM617 Blank Exhaust Flanges
$110 OM606 Blank Exhaust Flanges
No merc at the moment

Man,

After seeing the two pictures above - I'm thinking about keeping it on for structural purposes, but painting it black. Thanks Simpler=better.

TWO euro headlight sets, with bumpers... nice.

the "cars" smile at ya! Now I'm hearing towmater and lightning giggling at me...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I hear it too, but maybe because my son ALWAYS wants to watch it. Or Mater Tales... But I least I know he'll be a car guy.

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'85 300TD "Puff The Magic Wagon" - Rolling Resto
'19 Mazda CX-9 Signature - Wife's sled
'21 Morgan 3-Wheeler P101 Edition
'95 E300d - SOLD
'84 300TD "Brown Betty" - Miss this one
'81 240D "China Baby" - Farm grocery getter

Yup, sure is

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Current Stable

• 380SL (diesel)
• Corvette C5
• Manx
• Baja Bug
• F350 Powerstroke
• Auburn Boattail Speedster replica