What sort of upgrades have you done to your MB? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BoostnBenz · #1 12-22-2003, 01:55 PM

Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone out there has came up with some great idea on how to upgrade the little things on these cars. I've done quite a few of the normal meredes upgrades like the rack damper bolt, new plunger primer pump, new style blowby hose, inline vacuum filter, and other things which are associated with maybe going the extra step with general maintenance but what I am wondering if there are any ideas a person came up on how to improve something no matter how big or small.

A couple ones I came up with off hand are on my stock filter housing I got this wing nut which is made for GM vehicles and fits perfectly with the perfect color so no tools are required in getting access to the filter. Another idea I just followed through with was after all this time of getting my hands all scraped up by those sharp edges on the fuel line clamps I rounded all the edges with a bench grinder then by hand filing them down. In the next month or so I may be ditching the stock filter housing and going to a K&N filter to simplify things. My 84 had silicone hoses rather than the rubber ones to connect the plastic lines with, worked very well. A couple more I just thought of are my heated seat install as well as a lumbar support in the driver's side seat. Have you done any improvements or do you have any ideas on things to improve upon for your diesel MB?

sixto · #2 12-22-2003, 02:44 PM

I put a later model cylinder head in the SDL and it hasn't cracked yet :p

Mobil 1 fluids all around if that's an upgrade.

I plan to upgrade to Euro headlights next year.

As I posted in another thread, downgrading to fabric covered seats and manual AC would be a plus in my book.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD ... $950, see cars forum

BoostnBenz · #3 12-22-2003, 02:53 PM

I suppose those are all upgrades, I have Euros with 55/100s, and all Mobil 1 fluids as well. Yes fabric would be nice, I've never been a fan of leather, at least this stuff is no maintenance MB tex.

300SDog · #4 12-22-2003, 04:19 PM

On the highly prized, rare and valuable air filter housing wingnut..... the power steering reservoir wingnut is perfect match on 123's.

#5 12-22-2003, 04:34 PM

I replaced the intake with a K&N custom pipe.
Removed the exhaust to a straight pipe after the flex pipe.
Boost gauge in the center air vent hole.
Replaced mechanical fan with an electric.
Advanced IP timing 2*.
Changed the door locks to an electric vacuum pump drom an SD.

R Leo · #6 12-22-2003, 04:42 PM

...let me count the ways.

Improvement stuff done:
1) Limo tint on the wagon's windows.

In the werks:
1) Installation of a manual transmission in Marlene (to be started after the first of the year).
2) Fitting/adapting manual HVAC controls from a 240 in Marlene

So, I guess there's three things worth changing on a W123.

OTOH, it sometimes seems like I work on my cars constantly but, it's not on upgrades. Most of my work is related to PM ...getting all the things that can leave you on the side of the road worked into a known maintenance cycle.

PM, etc
Marlene—
Replace/rebuild front seats
Replace driveshaft and flex disks
Replace leaking power steering pump
Install offset woodruff key

Lilly—
Citric acid flush cooling system, replace all coolant hoses and belts
Replace worn fan clutch
Restich upper seat cover in back seat
Replace front and rear window gaskets
Replace front windshield
Replace flex disks
Replace shocks
Replace sub-frame bushings

Can you tell I'm more interested in making sure that SWMBO isn't on the side of the road?

jcd · #7 12-22-2003, 05:02 PM

A zebrano wood cupholder.

Best $50,,,,,yes $50,,,,I ever spent.

Jim

Mercedes Man · #8 12-22-2003, 05:19 PM

The upgrades on my 1984 300SD:

Electric engine fan
Additional auxiliary condensor fan
Third brake light
Trio gauge set

BoostnBenz · #9 12-22-2003, 06:07 PM

I'm seeing some pretty good ideas here. High on my list of to dos for the upcoming 04 year is have the heated seats finished, installing amp with small sub or perhaps 6x9s, tinting the windows, adding that third brake light, getting that K&N system to replace the stock one, advancing the timing a degree or two, and make sure it is running 13psi.

A cupholder sounds nice, perhaps I should consider that. Where did it install? I don't know if I have the heart to drill a couple holes in the door panel.

Did the straight pipe gain much in power or lower the EGTs much so you could raise the boost?

Could you just wire the third brake light in or did you have to relay it for the cruise control unit as it is supposed to be quite sensitive to the resistance. Perhaps I'll get a LED third brake light so the resistance difference should be minimal.

Zoonhollis · #10 12-22-2003, 06:15 PM

I'm thinking of 2 important upgrades for the coming year:

1) A parallel condensor, depending on the results of one of the other forum members here.

2) Possibly replace the oil cooler lines with steel braided hoses

One improvement I am constantly fiddling with is cabin noise reduction at speed. Minimal results so far...

BoostnBenz · #11 12-22-2003, 07:59 PM

Yea I'm going to try something for cabin noise as well. I have 3/8" padding which I'm going to run from the firewall to the rear seat on each side (already cut), I'm just waiting to pull the seats to finish up the seat heaters.

I figure if the cost is minimal so if the gains are anything at all I should be pleased.

Zoonhollis · #12 12-22-2003, 08:38 PM

Boost, please keep us posted on the results of your noise-reducing efforts.

BoostnBenz · #13 12-22-2003, 08:45 PM

Will do. I'm not sure if I'll remember how it sounded before though, it has drove my daily route twice in the last month or month and half. I've been busy, um making pictures for my site.

Tirebiter · #14 12-22-2003, 08:53 PM

1984 300D:
Alarm w/electric solenoid on driver's door lock
Prestige wheel locks
Rebuilt engine @ 200,000

( dropped a ramp & broke a chain )
Outside (empty) tail light installed as extra running light
SEV Marchal Ampilux H-1 headlights w/80/100 bulbs ( sepearate relays )
Brake and tail light cut-off switches ( don't ask )

Rebuilt front suspension & HD Bilstein shocks
Aux fuel tank
Had IP rebuilt and new (tested) injectors
boost gauge ( set KKK turbo @ 10 - 12 pounds )
all new exhaust system
K&N filter in modified MB filter housing
Sony radio & CD w/200 watt amp & upgraded speakers
All Mobil One
Entire vacuum system rebuild
Replaced axle shafts ( bad boots )

NEXT:>>>>>> Porsche turbo intercooler and ABS BRAKES

More comfortable front seats ( NSX? Porsche? Bostrom? )