Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

Post by **AMG** » Sun 20 Feb, 2011 11:28 am

cake tins = Bundt alloy wheels. i.e. Bundt Cake, which is a cake that looks remarkably like the shape of the Bundt alloy rim. If you ever see a Bundt Cake tin, you'll see why particularly the Americans refer to them as Bundt Cakes. I'm pretty sure the actual name of the alloy rim is 'baroque', and that Bundt Cake is just an alternative commonly used reference.

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Post by **Boyracer** » Sun 20 Feb, 2011 11:41 am

Thanks for the quick reply, Joe.

Our's was delivered new with the alloys. I think MB Australia would've been ordering in cars with certain spec levels for stock.

My parents weren't the kind of people who waited for something specific to come in. That's how we ended up with a champagne colored 300TD in 1980! They would've preferred blue, but champagne was all that was immediately available with a sunroof. It had the alloys too, by the way.

Post by **stumpjumper** » Wed 30 Mar, 2011 12:01 am

I've posted this elsewhere, but here she is for the benefit of this thread. Bought from Barrie Green, MB mechanic in Norwood SA. I'm very happy with my purchase, which is in very good shape inside and out, and mechanically. I will be doing something about the dirty wheels very soon.

Post by **BradA** » Sun 29 May, 2011 5:47 pm

G'day all,
I'm a Mercedes, and OzBenz, newbie. Growing up in the late 60's and early 70's, my dad had a couple of Benzes (a 220SE followed by a 250S) and I've always thought that 'one day' I too would enjoy the delights of the 3 pointed star. Well, that day arrived all of a sudden in April. Aimlessly surfing eBay one evening I spotted her, a 1984 280E for not a lot of cash. It was being sold as part of a deceased estate and had a service book full of stamps. Despite having an awful lot of miles on the clock (325k!), the selling agent assured me that this car was almost too good to be true. I decided to risk it, sent a deposit of $1000 and jumped on a flight to go and take a look. I was somewhat nervous before seeing the car; what if it had been misrepresented and was in reality a tatty old dunger requiring vast sums of money to turn it into a decent car? Would I be able to get my deposit back if I refused to buy? Well, I needn't have worried as it exceeded even my best hopes. With an unmarked interior/exterior (including as-new original carpets), a smooth and strong motor, good tranny and cold aircon, I was smitten! Could this car really have 325k on the clock? Paying the balance in cash, I drove it the 1300km home back to Canberra. OMG!! Why aren’t all cars like this? Smooth, quiet, poised, comfortable and powerful where it counts. The ultimate long-distance cruiser! Modern cars, with their 'sports' suspension, big rims, ultra-low profile tyres and compressed foam seats are just torture by comparison!
After arriving home, we suffered a minor hiccup. The mandatory pre-registration mechanical inspection highlighted some transmission leaks that would have to be fixed. I took it to the guys at MB Spares who looked after me really well and fixed the problems for a very reasonable price. On re-testing, the inspector complimented the quality of the work. Thanks MB Spares!
Since then, I’ve had to deal with a few issues such as eliminating play in the steering and worn front brakes discs, but the repairs were incredibly inexpensive (thanks again MB Spares!). Whoever said Mercedes maintenance was expensive?
I now have a car that the missus has difficulty prising me out of. Talk about being hooked....why did it take me so many years to get one?

Brad

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Post by **KimB** » Wed 08 Jun, 2011 5:50 pm

Welcome BradA. That's a great looking 280E. Also an excellent plug for MB Spares. I'm sure they will continue to look after you.
Cheers
Kim

Post by **markb** » Wed 08 Jun, 2011 7:39 pm

Welcome Brad, and what a great W123 example you have there. A Benz (60's, 70'sand 80's in particular) is one luxury that everyone should indulge in, but then again it's also a secret best kept to those in the know !!

Post by **V8Finny** » Sat 11 Jun, 2011 8:43 pm

I gave the Mrs' old tractor a wash to sell it, so here's a pic!

(For Sale in the marketplace section)

Post by **Rufus** » Wed 15 Jun, 2011 2:47 pm

Last weekend I competed in an adventure race in Katherine, 300km south of Darwin. Having recently sold my ute, this caused a bit of a transportation challenge.

However, my '77 280CE stepped in and did what it isn't really designed for, acting as a workhorse....

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Fully loaded with three people and heaps of gear I cruised approx 1000k, sat comfortably at 110-120kmh on the Stuart Hwy, great.

There is an EOI post somewhere in the for sale section, but I'm not sure I want to sell it.... who needs a wagon :dance:

Post by **GrampiansMerc** » Fri 26 Aug, 2011 10:55 am

Hey there

"Anna" has been a part of our family for 2 years, she has 390,000Km and going strong
She has been drinking straight vegetable oil - mostly new safflower oil for about one year.
As I travel throughout Western Victoria for work (I am an environmental consultant) she does lots of kilometres on and off road.
We live in the back blocks of the Grampians, so heaps of her travels are on unsealed roads, hence chunky tyres.

What can I say that other w123 users do not already know, get ride, economical, strong, reliable, good safety, roomy, cool....

My daughter calls her "dad's cool car", mums car (forester) does not get a second thought if she has the opportunity to ride in style with Anna.

happy cruising
Grampiansmerc

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Post by **John Green** » Sat 27 Aug, 2011 5:39 pm

Thought I should post up some pictures of my 1984 230E. It will be this years entrant from M.B Spares at the ACT club Concours. Spent this afternoon detailing the boot and polishing the insides of the bumper bars!!

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Post by **benzfan** » Sat 27 Aug, 2011 10:23 pm

Very spiffy, John!

Post by **Hendrik** » Sun 28 Aug, 2011 10:44 am

GrampiansMerc wrote:Hey there

"Anna" has been a part of our family for 2 years, she has 390,000Km and going strong

Perhaps you could treat "Anna" to a set of mudflaps?

Post by **Yuri** » Mon 29 Aug, 2011 9:18 pm

John, it makes the "new" 240D look downright shabby! Oh if I could have some time off and drive it down to Canberra next month and put it side by side with your 230E...

Yuri

Post by **GrampiansMerc** » Tue 30 Aug, 2011 10:34 am

Hendrik wrote:
GrampiansMerc wrote:Hey there

"Anna" has been a part of our family for 2 years, she has 390,000Km and going strong
Perhaps you could treat "Anna" to a set of mudflaps?

I actually took the mudflaps off, because they were holding mud and increasing rusting in the guards!
I give Anna a good clean out under the wheel archs every now and again, with a high pressure hose.

Post by **John Green** » Tue 30 Aug, 2011 6:22 pm

Yuri wrote:John, it makes the "new" 240D look downright shabby! Oh if I could have some time off and drive it down to Canberra next month and put it side by side with your 230E...

Yuri

Stuff work, bring it down for the Concours weekend...

Post by **Greg in Oz** » Tue 30 Aug, 2011 6:57 pm

Yuri wrote:John, it makes the "new" 240D look downright shabby! Oh if I could have some time off and drive it down to Canberra next month and put it side by side with your 230E...

Yuri

You wouldn't be the only one making the journey from Queensland for the event in Canberra.

Post by **John Green** » Wed 31 Aug, 2011 7:04 pm

Greg in Oz wrote:
Yuri wrote:John, it makes the "new" 240D look downright shabby! Oh if I could have some time off and drive it down to Canberra next month and put it side by side with your 230E...

Yuri
You wouldn't be the only one making the journey from Queensland for the event in Canberra.

Ah, breaker one-nine, this here's the Rubber Duck.
You gotta copy on me, Pig Pen, c'mon?
Ah, yeah, 10-4, Pig Pen, fer shure, fer shure. By golly, it's clean clear to Flag Town, c'mon.
Yeah, that's a big 10-4 there, Pig Pen, yeah, we definitely got the front door, good buddy. Mercy sakes alive, looks like we got us a convoy...

Post by **AMG** » Sun 25 Sep, 2011 12:40 pm

John Green wrote:
Greg in Oz wrote:
Yuri wrote:John, it makes the "new" 240D look downright shabby! Oh if I could have some time off and drive it down to Canberra next month and put it side by side with your 230E...

Yuri
You wouldn't be the only one making the journey from Queensland for the event in Canberra.
Ah, breaker one-nine, this here's the Rubber Duck.
You gotta copy on me, Pig Pen, c'mon?
Ah, yeah, 10-4, Pig Pen, fer shure, fer shure. By golly, it's clean clear to Flag Town, c'mon.
Yeah, that's a big 10-4 there, Pig Pen, yeah, we definitely got the front door, good buddy. Mercy sakes alive, looks like we got us a convoy...

no not CONVOY....

instead.... pics.

BEFORE the car was cleaned...

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Post by **AMG** » Sun 25 Sep, 2011 12:56 pm

cleaning before concours...

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Post by **John Green** » Sun 16 Oct, 2011 8:37 pm

As many of you will know last month I took out a clean sweep of the MBCACT Concours, winning Best Paint/panel, Best interior, Best engine bay, Best in class and Best Outright with my 1984 230E. So for your viewing pleasure here is a sellection of shots of the car that I have posted on the M.B Spares website.

http://www.mbspares.com.au/Gallery/W123 ... inner.aspx

Post by **John Green** » Sun 16 Oct, 2011 9:02 pm

Forgot to mention that the car is now for sale..

Post by **petermc236** » Mon 17 Oct, 2011 2:38 pm

Nice set of photos John. Amazing 230E.

... and thanks for solving my mystery. Safetycar has a similar set of paint drips on the driver's side.
Clearly visible - although not as pristine as the 230E.

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I assumed it was just some dodgy repair job - but surrounding area is all original.

Post by **AMG123** » Wed 11 Jan, 2012 9:28 pm

For years I've considered converting my trusty and much-loved 230TE to dual fuel, but the LPG tank thing with a wagon just never made sense, so it never happened. The answer presented itself recently, when I purchased a 230E sedan already converted some 4 years back. The conversion was done well on the gas side, but lacking in intelligence on the petrol side (such as the fuel pump continuing to operate trying to push fuel through the closed petrol solenoid valve the whole time the car ran on LPG), but the car is low mileage, and worthy of the sorting I've now done. It is also very photogenic! Not that I'm biased, of course...

For the full pics and details see http://www.grouseguitars.com.au/mercedes/230E

Post by **Zej** » Tue 17 Jan, 2012 9:53 pm

Hi there. Thought I'd put our red 1978 250 down on the record :)

Post by **Zej** » Wed 18 Jan, 2012 10:02 pm

One last one.

Post by **Dr Know** » Sun 19 Feb, 2012 2:28 am

Hi everyone. I found and purchased a W123 1983 300D (Diesel) sedan and I love it! I believe the colour is cream and it has brown trim. The car has done just over 171,000kms, which in line with the wear and tear on the rest of the car I was inclined to believe.

I have been keenly detailing the car and I'm planning to give it an oil change this Sunday. The car seems to attract respect and interest around the city- given its age and condition I suspect. I initially had second thoughts after buying the car, yet when I came out of Franklins late last Friday night and saw this beautiful car dazzling under the city lights, any reservations I might of had since buying the car have since disappeareded ...Really disappeared! The car oozes with class, style and character. I love everything about the diesel engine- the longevity and uniqueness of the diesel engine and its economy astounds me.

The cars not as slow as I thought it would be, especially at freeway cruising speeds. I was a little apprehensive in city driving, however most people seem pretty patient with the car. It's also a relief to know people other than myself are wizzing past and risking license and limb for a change!

Post by **T-Modell** » Sun 19 Feb, 2012 3:35 am

Hi,

great car and congrat's ... love the dice ... good luck with your first traffic light race :whistle:

Thomas

Post by **Tony From West Oz** » Sun 19 Feb, 2012 3:50 am

I just love your "fuzzy dice"
The engine looks so clean it could have been recently overhauled.
I second your addition of a lumbar support for the drivers seat. There was an option for the W124, for adjustable lumbar support in the seats (my wife's W124 300D has this), but I don't know if this was available in the W123.

Lookin Good,
Tony

Post by **Starman** » Sun 19 Feb, 2012 10:33 am

Owned and drove this baby for four years. 383 Magnum 68 Dodge Charger in midnite blue on Centerlines. My folks said they could hear it coming from the freeway a mile away... Sold it to a father/son team in Huntington Beach to restore in 1995.

Post by **Dr Know** » Sun 19 Feb, 2012 9:13 pm

Thanks for you're comments guys.

Yes I think I found a very good example. It has just one spot of un-noticable rust at the base of the right hand side window, I will have to have fixed.

Unfortunately I cannot take credit for the added lumbar support or the dice ...These are photos I saved from the advertisement, so they belonged to the previous owner! (I'm a hopless camera man)

The engine is very clean by 123 Diesel standards, but I am going to degrease it tomorrow and use metal polish to bring it up like new! I am really enjoying this beautiful car... Don't think I'll be racing the Dodge Charger however

Very nice, I bet you miss it.

Post by **coronawitlime** » Fri 27 Apr, 2012 3:10 pm

what up just scored up a W123 300D a few weeeks ago

So far i have lowered it and drive it as my daily driver

Post by **230EW123er** » Fri 06 Jul, 2012 12:35 pm

My second W123 1983 230E Sahara Yellow purchased in Melbourne 2009 with 190,000k on the clock + all books and service records from new, (a testament to its condition).
Aside from a bit of a tidy up, recon gearbox, water pump and sundries it was a real gem.
Aircon inoperable, central locking (for 10mins)....
The only W123 I've owned that would start straight up cold/ hot / warm, just as the key was about to enter the barrel ... !
After gearbox finally sorted it went like the clappers,gear change point adjusted to rev out to around 5,500 when pushed.
Sold Nov 2011 with 230,000k ($3600)
Love that color.

Post by **Tony T** » Thu 02 Aug, 2012 1:58 pm

A few of you know the story already, but I bought this car for a very small price and after a total investment of $575.00 including rego, I'm now quite pleased with how it's come up.

Post by **ANF** » Thu 02 Aug, 2012 2:22 pm

230EW123er wrote:My second W123 1983 230E Sahara Yellow purchased in Melbourne 2009 with 190,000k on the clock + all books and service records from new, (a testament to its condition).
Aside from a bit of a tidy up, recon gearbox, water pump and sundries it was a real gem.
Aircon inoperable, central locking (for 10mins)....
The only W123 I've owned that would start straight up cold/ hot / warm, just as the key was about to enter the barrel ... !
After gearbox finally sorted it went like the clappers,gear change point adjusted to rev out to around 5,500 when pushed.
Sold Nov 2011 with 230,000k ($3600)
Love that color.

It looks a GEM too! Yellow being my fav colour, that does not look too bad at all

Cheers

Post by **ANF** » Thu 02 Aug, 2012 2:25 pm

Tony T wrote:A few of you know the story already, but I bought this car for a very small price and after a total investment of $575.00 including rego, I'm now quite pleased with how it's come up.

Another one rescued!

Post by **Greg in Oz** » Thu 02 Aug, 2012 9:34 pm

Tony T wrote:A few of you know the story already, but I bought this car for a very small price and after a total investment of $575.00 including rego, I'm now quite pleased with how it's come up.

Tony,

That looks fantastic, especially considering how it looked before. I may be biased but the wagons look so good in white too.

Greg

Post by **DieselJames** » Mon 03 Sep, 2012 7:04 pm

Hi everyone,

I joined the W123 club a few weeks ago with a very fine 300D. It's a '78, has Mimosa Yellow paint, Moss Green trim and just ticked over 230,000 Ks yesterday.

It's more or less a time capsule, perfect dash, trim, paint etc. Everything is factory and working great. Some things are getting tired but not one would expect a 34 year old car to be like new.

Apart from a blocked fuel filter that left me stranded it's been a pleasure to drive.

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In fact I like the 300Ds so much that last weekend I bought another one. Knowing how old cars can be I bought a 1976 Orange/Ivory trim 300D as a parts car but after provisional tinkering it seems too good to wreck so I may well restore it. And I'm still after the right 300TD..

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looking forward to learning more about these great machines!

Post by **jackafrica** » Sun 09 Sep, 2012 9:08 am

That's a beauty with the green interior, couldn't be too many of them remaining in that combination.
Congratulations on the purchase.

BTW, we're ALL looking for the perfect W123 :drool:

Post by **Jake** » Sat 06 Oct, 2012 6:28 am

You guys all have such wonderful examples of w123 , I'm envious.

Here is my rough old '82 - 300D , 396000km very strong engine , non working central locking , LOL .

Post by **DieselJames** » Thu 18 Oct, 2012 11:55 pm

Ok, my dream has been realised, I'm now the pround owner of a 300TD! The blue whale appears to have been born in England in 1983, then brought to Australia in '86 by the original owner who kept it in Canberra until last week when he traded it in to a dealer last week. All of this info is accessable due to the wonderful service history, from new a stealership service every 10,000Ks. She has alot of factory options; sunroof, cruise control, alarm/immobiliser, power mirror, luggage barrier, extra rear seats etc, as well as one very stange option; delete stereo, has anyone heard of this before? a factory benz piece of plastic is blanking out the stereo port and I don't think there are speakers in the dash..

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After 314,XXXKs it is in alarmingly good mechanical and structural condition, no blow-by, no rust.

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The paint has seen better days though, however a cut-polish has yielded promising results.

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Will keep you all posted with developments, hopefully not problems..

Post by **Jake** » Fri 19 Oct, 2012 5:35 am

DJ , that wagon looks fabulous.

You know there are some of us who are now green with envy .......................... :)

Post by **Yuri** » Fri 19 Oct, 2012 12:30 pm

And China Blue of course

Yuri

Post by **julian** » Sat 20 Oct, 2012 10:10 am

I saw this wagon while James was working on it yesterday. It was a jaw droppingly good find.

Post by **DieselJames** » Sat 20 Oct, 2012 11:10 am

Cheers buddy, thanks again for the hydraulic hose!

Post by **Brass Munky** » Thu 01 Nov, 2012 6:08 pm

A quick pic of my Daily 77 280

I will probably be selling this if I buy a w114 I am looking at, with the Bundt's off the 114 on it.

I also have a collection of Aircooled Volkswagen's, which are my real passion, the Merc's are daily driver material

Post by **New123** » Tue 20 Nov, 2012 2:57 pm

Hey, I'm new to the world of Mercedes-Benz. Here is my latest (and first) MB!

1981 230e W123, auto, a/c. Looks great, drives great! Just a few minor (hopefully) tweaks to get her into top condition. I've been lurking and reading a lot of good info on here for a while, so I'm sure any help I will need will be available.
Cheers!

Post by **pastelgrey300D** » Tue 20 Nov, 2012 5:06 pm

Very nice! I had an '81 240D in that exact colour combo - but that paintwork looks way shinier than mine ever did! I sold that car to a bloke in Mt Compass so you may very well see it around if you're in McLaren Vale - it has the number plates 'SWD240' so you can't miss it (not that you can miss an english red W123 in the first place!)

Nice whitewalls too!

Post by **julian** » Tue 20 Nov, 2012 6:21 pm

That is a beautiful example mate. Great work.

Post by **New123** » Tue 20 Nov, 2012 6:49 pm

Thanks!

First, but not worst, the welting around the front door openings needs replacing. There is also a felt-like material about 3-4cm wide that goes around the top/front of the door jamb that could also need replacing.

Does anyone know of a good supplier of stuff like this?

Post by **Hendrik** » Wed 21 Nov, 2012 8:20 am

New123 wrote:Thanks!

First, but not worst, the welting around the front door openings needs replacing (obvious from the photo). There is also a felt-like material about 3-4cm wide that goes around the top/front of the door jamb that could also need replacing.

Does anyone know of a good supplier of stuff like this?

There is a mob in Canberra that specialise in parts for Mercs, can't remember the name of the place right now, I know it's something spares and is run by a fella called Johnny Blue I think, however I do know they have a toll free number to bother them on, it's 1300 787 300