Just purchased a 1984 300D. The car has visible negative camber on the two front wheels. I haven't actually measured it, however, the fact that the bottoms of the front tires is further apart than the tops is quite obvious. Is this the normal setup or am I in need of some serious front end work?

You're in for some serious front end work. This is very common on older W123 chassis. Most likely the control arm bushings, and/or ball joints. I just rebuilt my 1984 300D front end. I replaced EVERY moving part in the front suspension & steering - c/a bushings, b/j's, tie rods, drag link, idler arm, steering shock, guide rod mount (inner & outer), etc. Cost me $425 for the parts and a weekend to install (spring compressor rental required for lower control arm bushings).

It also has new calipers, rotors, hoses, & Bilteins. Anyway after the dealer alignment, the camber is perfect and the car handles GREAT! Not as nice as a 124 but hey, I wasn't expecting that! Photos of the project are here:

http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W123_suspension/



Regards,

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