Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

Post by **bahnstormer109** » Sat 24 Nov, 2012 2:08 pm

Here are some pics of my 84 280CE now that it is finished. It has been my daily driver for a year now and has been perfect.

280CE50%1.jpg

280CE50%2.jpg

280CE50%3.jpg

Post by **markb** » Sat 24 Nov, 2012 6:07 pm

That's indeed a beauty you've got there Paolo

Post by **bahnstormer109** » Sat 24 Nov, 2012 8:25 pm

Thanks Mark, it was worth all the work I did to it. Im very pleased with it.

I had it on display at Concours this year, but not entered for judging and it won the encouragement award for the car that they felt should have been entered for judging, so maybe I will next year.

Post by **MR300TD** » Wed 27 Feb, 2013 3:51 pm

Paolo, That is a beautiful car. Well done, really cool CE must make you smile every time you see/drive it. Being a 280 must make it a lovely cruiser. I hope one day to add a 280CE to my fleet.

Enjoy and once again well done :occasion5:

Post by **ANF** » Wed 27 Feb, 2013 4:49 pm

MR300TD wrote:I hope one day to add a 280CE to my fleet.

You would lose your licence too quickly with all that extra go.... :whistle:

Post by **eri67** » Wed 27 Feb, 2013 6:02 pm

ANF wrote:
MR300TD wrote:I hope one day to add a 280CE to my fleet.
You would lose your licence too quickly with all that extra go.... :whistle:

Bahaha ;)

Post by **mckenziedad** » Sat 09 Mar, 2013 6:37 pm

Hello all, here is my first Mercedes Benz,
I have been hunting a good hobby car for a while, looked at w108 and w114 but decided on w123 coupe as my research suggested a easier restoration.
Its a 81 w123 280ce.

Bought without inspection (risky)
It arrived on a truck (melb to Bris CEVA transport)
Its paint and chrome are fantastic.
Lots of things to restore though.
Decided to start by replacing most of the suspension rubber, new bilstein shocks, new brake rotors. A couple of k in parts so far. Have not got the mechanic to do the work yet though. Anyone know someone North Brisbane?
Safety Cert has been a pain. Said I needed to fix the aircon?? (its siezed without a belt)

Anyway. checkout the pics

Stu

ziegfried.jpg

Post by **Hendrik** » Sat 09 Mar, 2013 9:24 pm

[quote="mckenziedad]
Safety Cert has been a pain. Said I needed to fix the aircon?? (its siezed without a belt)

Anyway. checkout the pics

Stu[/quote]
Sure it's the air con, might be the smog pump

Post by **cuisses** » Sat 09 Mar, 2013 10:01 pm

Hendrik wrote:[quote="mckenziedad]
Sure it's the air con, might be the smog pump

[/quote]

The climate in Queensland has become so unbearable that Working AC is now a matter of safety. :think:

Nice looking car. Certainly in better shape than most W108's or W114's. It looks new.

Post by **Jovachini** » Thu 28 Mar, 2013 8:52 am

Mercedes-benz w123 300d 1984 by Jovachini Serbia

I spent a lot of time and money to build him this look

Post by **scorchi0** » Wed 01 May, 2013 5:11 pm

Just acquired this ol' girl. A 1980 280E for my other half.

This car has been owned by my family's workshop as a loan car since 1997 when it had 175,000km on it. It now has 303,000km and is as strong as ever. It's been serviced regularly with a full service book from new.

It's pretty original, the only things that have changed is that some bundt alloys were fitted and it has a 90's Sanyo cassette deck in place of the Becker. Even the rear speakers are the original pair. The paint is good, the seats are very good with no tears and there's also a full unused first-aid kit on the parcel shelf along with a pair of genuine M-B rubber mats in the front.

There's a few things to be done on it. The radiator is leaking so we'll get that sorted pronto. Also, the heater core has been blocked off because the return water pipe broke off right at the firewall. Very annoying, but I have access to a replacement core (need to remove it from another car so there's a few days work to replace this one!). Otherwise it's really just trim pieces: Someone bumped the rear fender above the RHR tail light, which has pushed the tail light in and some water leaks into the boot. RHR window winds down about 10cm before stopping (even though the handle continues to wind!). Some rust in the bottom of the LHF door and one chrome grille bar missing.

Also on the to-do list is fit a tachometer and some centre console wood from a post '83 model if I can find some good stuff. It needs some rear tyres, so in the mean-time I'm going to fit some 16" BBS RS wheels that are around and wear those tyres out before replacing the tyres on the bundts.

Trent

Post by **Jake** » Wed 03 Jul, 2013 5:02 pm

Latest addition , a beautiful '77 280CE , my wife and daughter are driving down from Auckland to ChCh as I type.
Low miles with air, cruise and self level.
She is STOKED!! :dance:

"English Red" LOL ........... orange :Doh:

Post by **New123** » Thu 04 Jul, 2013 1:31 am

Congrats!

It's the best colour of them all! ...and nicely fitted out.

I'm a bit jealous! :dance:

Post by **Jake** » Thu 04 Jul, 2013 4:53 am

Thanks , we took a risk and bought it sight unseen , listened carefully to how the seller presented himself and how he talked about the car , believed him . Wife says it is nicer on the road than our w126 SEL so it must be good , eh.

Post by **Hendrik** » Thu 04 Jul, 2013 9:46 am

Jake wrote:Thanks , we took a risk and bought it sight unseen , listened carefully to how the seller presented himself and how he talked about the car , believed him . Wife says it is nicer on the road than our w126 SEL so it must be good , eh.

Looks like you got half of NZ sheep on the front seats

Anyway, good luck with it but with the price of fuel over there, I would be scared to own a M110.

Post by **Jake** » Thu 04 Jul, 2013 3:32 pm

Hendrik, the other half of the sheep are on the rear seats

I appreciate your concern about the running costs , the price of gas has gone to $2.23/L and that is always going to suck .
However , the CE is #8 in the yard so is never going to be a daily driver. That might be famous last words , never say never ...

edit; The seller put $50 fuel into the tank , wife stops a bit further down the road to top up........

Post by **Hendrik** » Thu 04 Jul, 2013 4:26 pm

Last time we where over there we borrowed a BMW 318, NZ$100 bucks to fill tank.

Post by **Aegean** » Fri 05 Jul, 2013 6:55 pm

The "new" 170s finally in the garage

Post by **Hendrik** » Sat 06 Jul, 2013 9:38 am

Aegean wrote:The "new" 170s finally in the garage

Ummnh that's a mighty fine looking W123 170

Post by **Jake** » Mon 08 Jul, 2013 6:30 pm

When my wife got back with the car , I finally got a drive of it , I found there was a "clonk" in the rear somewhere. I did the easy bit first , changed the swaybar links (Ihad some on the shelf) then pulled the rear seat to check the shock bushings. (fixed that) BUT !!! imagine the smile on my face when I saw the condition of the floor .......

Yep ........ very happy :dance:

Post by **GrampiansMerc** » Fri 20 Sep, 2013 8:43 am

Thought it was about time I put some pictures up of "Anna"
More pictures are also on Anna's Blogg http://overlander300td.wordpress.com/

I purchased the car from the 2 owner for a easy 3 grand
First owner was a Doctor in Sydney, who then retired to Adelaide. Doctors in the 80s loved these cars
Our local MD, has a beautiful red 300D with low kms - not sure if he bought it new but it is superb.

Where I bought her, from the Second owner, who wanted to "upgrade" to a Subaru Forester wagon - I still think I ended up with the better vehicle

(I actually have a forester and it is OK)

Anna was showing 300,000kms when purchased and I have put on 150,00kms, in 5 years - Most of this is running on Straight Vegetable Oil. :color:

I have also found original roof cross bars for $20

Then a roof rack basket for $100 :dance:

Then found an alloy bullbar on another w123 (sedan) that was custom built, so some money quickly changed hands.
While the purists would be aghast at the sight of a classic merc with a bullbar but it paid for itself within a month of fitting when I hit a boomer on a back road.
And previous to bullbar fitting, replaced headlights and grill after a roo give us a liverpool nod.

We do heaps of backroad driving, so it needed an upgrade of offroad tyres and driving lights (period chrome hellas) as well.
I have also fitted a sump guard (from MBspares), after I buggered the sump on a rock.

The addition of some 15" bundts would be great, for some extra clearance, so I am on the lookout.

I recently got a work ute so Anna is now on Historic registration (in Victoria for $50 a year) - and mainly does weekend cruises and trips.
We mainly drive back roads to interesting places and stay away from tacky tourists traps when possible.

I have got hold of a cruise control unit and a tacho, thanks Tim, to fit when I get time (and the weather warms up).

Anna is getting on in years and is showing some wear and tear but she has character by the wagon full.
The Kids love her, the dogs hardly ever get in her, my mates think she is uber daggy - but still Classic.

It is not a chick magnet but I am not a roster any more, so I can live with that.

This is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned and I am always on the look out for a low milage example to keep nice.
(for less than 10K!)

Safe and happy cruising
Adam

Post by **GrampiansMerc** » Fri 20 Sep, 2013 9:28 am

When I am travelling on my own - I do alot of driving in Victoria as I am a evironmental consultant/contractor.
I take my swag, if the weather is crappy there is heaps of room in the back with the seats down.

I can also get away with free camping this way.
And some free fuel if I take my own or pick up some from other Veggie oil collectors along the way.
For more information on Veggie oil or chip fryer oil see:
http://www.biofuelsforum.com/

Anna is often loaded up with kids, bikes and all out gear for trips to the coast!

I have always wanted an older classic car (pre war) but seat belt regulations and kids restraints are prohibitive.
So might have to wait until kids leave home :whistle:

Post by **nilshay** » Fri 29 Nov, 2013 2:15 pm

Behold The Tank!

This picture was taken a couple of months back on the QLD/NT border, during a drive from Cairns to Darwin.

She's a 1985 230TE, and my father bought her new (from the factory in Germany) back in '86. I'll hit 630,000ks next week, so suffice to say - she's been around.

I 'inherited' her about 18 months back and - having grown up with the car (and because I'm just in awe of how indestructible she is) - I can't bear to part with her; I want to be in the driver's seat the day the odometer hits 999999. The car will last that long, I just hope I do!

Post by **Greg in Oz** » Fri 29 Nov, 2013 10:00 pm

630,000km. I'm impressed.

Just the other day the question was asked around here as to how far the M102 will go and I replied that I had heard of some going more than 700,000km. Yours is not off confirming that.

Post by **GrampiansMerc** » Mon 02 Dec, 2013 10:17 am

Nice Tank!
I like that colour - watch out for the boomers, they might prevent you achieving the million kilometer goal.

all the best

Post by **mud666** » Mon 02 Dec, 2013 2:06 pm

heres some pics of my baby :)

Post by **mud666** » Mon 02 Dec, 2013 2:17 pm

shes only just begun in with air ride air bags with 500mm travel and drop to the floor took out all bump stops next comes custom exaust with flame thrower kit and a crap load more chrome from fendortrim then off to mates at chrome masters for full chrome grill and need to find chrome outer door handles :) :)

Post by **JohnnyB** » Tue 03 Dec, 2013 3:03 pm

What a wonderful looking car

Post by **stumpjumper** » Thu 03 Apr, 2014 10:36 pm

Small world! I've just bought mud666's cool ride.

I have a set of new leather seat covers from GATT to go in it. I have a set of 14in bundts and a set of 15in bundts but I'm giving the dumped question some thought. I'm getting used to the chopped springs.

The car's as good as mud666 says. A minor vacuum issue, fixed, usual clock and odometer trouble, to be fixed soon, query CV joint rumble but generally mechanically sweet and in excellent condition. The dash is cracked but I have an uncracked one on the way. It's nice having to practically step down into the car! Top sound system too. Bitchin', in fact. :dance:

Post by **stumpjumper** » Mon 07 Apr, 2014 3:15 am

The 230E is a little less cool now, with a set of 14" bundts fitted:

The next step will be to refit standard springs. I quite like the lowered look, and the compliments from females way too young for me, but I'll have to do without both. Especially the low clearance, given the roads I have to use, and the long term effects on the suspension. The only imperfection on the bodywork is the slight damage to the top of the front left wheel arch from full lock turns. That doesn't happen any more with the standard Continentals now fitted. Apologies to prev owner mud666 if you're reading this. Had to be done. I'm keeping the bitchin' sound system though. :dance:

Post by **Jake** » Fri 11 Apr, 2014 12:31 pm

^^^^^ All Hail the Bundts ^^^^^ :dance:

Post by **dapper1970** » Wed 21 May, 2014 10:03 am

Hello

Here's Izzy....

She's a little rough round the edges and has definitely put in the hard yards carting the previous owners fours sons around down the years. I picked her up in Canberra a week a go and took the long way back to Melbourne (Cooma - Lakes Entrance - Melbourne) and 10 hours later she delivered me to my door having not missed a beat. The odo gave out a couple or three years ago apparently and sits on 260K. MB Spares did an engine rebuild back in 2006 which shows. I won't tell you how much she pulled on the Princes Freeway (late at night) but it was plenty I can tell you and she felt as solid as an ox.

Unfortunately next morning I took her to work and she seemed to show a bit of torque converter slippage. That was it for the week until Sunday morning when my brother sat with a pad whilst I went round finding everything I want to do/get done.

I forgot to pull up the carpets which I did this morning. A bit sweaty in the drivers footwell but no sign of rot.

Anyway, she's had a bit of a clean and tidy so I'll get a pic up soon. She's certainly not up to the standard show by so many of the rides on OzBenz but I reckon she's got potential. Intentions are (in the extreme distant future) to do some non original spec changes to wheels and suspension and maybe just maybe, one day fit some thing like a late W210 TD under the bonnet. We'll see. Oh, and get a respray.

So, anyone know of a blue dashboard? This one's shot to pieces.

Post by **pastelgrey300D** » Wed 21 May, 2014 10:40 am

remove pimp-ass wheel arch chromes

That's a decent looking list, but nothing really scary on there. If your central locking is not functioning, you can easily repair the actuators. If yours is the later type with the actuators that look like this:

Then you can buy the rubber caps to repair them for about $3 each - I've just bought two from this seller: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321119062710 ... 1497.l2649

Much cheaper and easier to repair your own than buying the complete assembly or trying to scrounge a good one from a wreck.

Post by **GrampiansMerc** » Tue 10 Jun, 2014 4:53 pm

Just picked up my third merc. A nice silver sedan from a forum member.
Great car, I originally bought it to salvage the transmission for Anna but it seems too good a car to do that!
Great engine (was replace with a new one! not reconditioned about 100,000kms ago)
There are some paint issues and rust in drivers door but no where else

So a door and bonnet (has peeled clear coat) replacement will make it a very presentable vehicle. At least from 10 metres.

So I am going to fix this one up and look for a roughy to get a transmission from...

A few before pics...after ones to follow.

Post by **mathuisella** » Fri 13 Jun, 2014 3:38 pm

Here's mine :)

Post by **Jake** » Fri 13 Jun, 2014 5:59 pm

That's a lovely car , I like the color combo. :)

Post by **rusty69911** » Sat 29 Nov, 2014 11:36 am

just picked up this old girl,
odo stopped at 455K, motor rebuilt in 2000,
had sls hose leak so fixed that, drove 450km home to Albany without an issue,
although I think the fan switch maybe dicky as it was running on 100, 39 deg day but
paid $1100 for her with a months rego,
has the 7 seat option, needs a lot of work but rins and drives great with almost no rust

Post by **Tony From West Oz** » Sat 29 Nov, 2014 2:02 pm

OK, I could use more details - Model? Year?
More photos please.

Tony

Post by **rusty69911** » Sat 29 Nov, 2014 3:06 pm

230TE, 1985, I dont have any more pics and I am away for work

Post by **rusty69911** » Sat 29 Nov, 2014 3:08 pm

I see Fatmobile in your lineup, I think we have met Tony, I bought some bits for a mates 300D a tail light and a rear trim, I was in the e39 BMW wagon heading back to Albany,
cheers Russ...

Post by **Tony From West Oz** » Sat 29 Nov, 2014 3:37 pm

I remember,
Good to see you have a 230TE now. I am sure tht it will cost you less in the long run and last longer than your Beemer
Regards,
Tony

Post by **rusty69911** » Sat 29 Nov, 2014 6:30 pm

haha, I doubt it, its just clocked over 380k on the original driveline, it was only $6k and Ive put 80k on it in the last 3 years, its cost nearly nothing to run, super reliable,
I have a wagon fetish so I just had to have a w123, not really a comfortable long distance car compared to the beemer, the trip back to Albany near killed me haha,
no cruise no air and seats that are as comfortable as sitting on a milk crate, but hey it looks kool

Post by **AMG123** » Mon 29 Dec, 2014 10:34 pm

After an extensive respray and tidy-up, the 300D with turbo and 4-speed conversions I purchased from a farm near Rochester returns to the road.

A great vehicle, and a much-valued addition to my W123 collection!

See more photos here

Post by **Tony From West Oz** » Mon 29 Dec, 2014 10:46 pm

Link takes me to Grouse Guitars, but no 300D shows there or in their sitemap either.

Can you please check your link.

Ta,
tony

Post by **AMG123** » Tue 30 Dec, 2014 1:21 am

Tony From West Oz wrote:Link takes me to Grouse Guitars, but no 300D shows there or in their sitemap either.

Can you please check your link.

Ta,
tony

Whoops, sorry Tony. I missed one vital bit. All fixed now.

Cheers,

Neil

Post by **New123** » Tue 30 Dec, 2014 1:59 am

That red is Beauty! A really red car is a sight to behold, no matter what kind it is. That one is especially nice! :love4:

Post by **markb** » Tue 30 Dec, 2014 5:54 am

New123 wrote:That one is especially nice! :love4:

X 2

Post by **T-Modell** » Wed 31 Dec, 2014 1:10 am

AMG123 wrote:After an extensive respray and tidy-up, the 300D with turbo and 4-speed conversions I purchased from a farm near Rochester returns to the road.

A great vehicle, and a much-valued addition to my W123 collection!

...

You just have to add a blue and red yoghurt cup on top

... I had a signal red car once, a S124. Fortunately the colour's coming again, there's a really nice bright red available for the new SLK ...

Thomas

Post by **cjl** » Mon 19 Jan, 2015 8:53 am

So, close to finishing the resto now...

Post by **pastelgrey300D** » Fri 23 Jan, 2015 4:38 pm

Wow! Very hard to do but I think you've matched the perfect rims to that car. Great stance too.