Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

Post by **AMG** » Mon 05 Mar, 2007 10:52 am

Post Pictures of your car here!

Don't forget to include details such as year, colour etc.
If your car has a story, for example; how you came across it, - put it in here with the pictures. It's always nice to read someone else's experiences.

If you've done any modifications / improvments, Here's the place to show them off - Post lots of pics!

It's not a bad idea to revisit your post every now and then, to make sure your pictures are still up. We'd also like to encourage those who do post a Project car, and supply us with updates, to come back to your original post and edit it, rather than make a new post each time, by replying. It will help keep all your pictures and progress in one spot!

It also makes your post MUCH easier to view.

If you're unsure on how to upload pictures, go to the posting tutorial on the main board and try the test posting page, Don't forget to sign yourself up for a free account on imageshack / photobucket etc.. if you haven't already.

Show us ya Pics! :)

Make those Stars Shine!

Post by **Boyracer** » Mon 05 Mar, 2007 10:32 pm

Good idea, Joe! I too enjoy reading about other people's cars, how they got them and what they've done to them.

My father bought this 230E as a new car in 1985. The colour is Nautical Blue, Metallic.

It now has 210,000kms on the clock and has lead a very sheltered life. It was always garaged at home or parked
in security undercover parking at his office.

It's a very original car and totally standard except for the factory-optioned sunroof, metallic paint and alloy wheels.

In the last couple of years, the car has been getting quite a few appreciative looks and attracted a few unsolicited
offers to purchase. On one occasion, my father was followed for three kilometres and into a shopping centre carpark
by someone who wanted to buy it. He'd also received a couple of offers while filling up at fuel stations. I guess
the W123 has come of age. 8)

My father passed away last year and the car has now come to me.

Post by **MB300D81** » Mon 05 Mar, 2007 10:58 pm

Great looking car Michael.

Here is my first 123. I was drive our Mitsu sheapy car to pick up my wife from work and I drove past it. As I look at it in the mirror I saw a sig for sale. I took the first round about back and rang the number and organised a time for inspection. Back then I had no idea about diesels but I liked how the car is in a very good condition with 234.000 kms. Here I am now with two diesels both running happily on vegy oil.

Post by **Des** » Tue 06 Mar, 2007 10:33 am

Here is my 1977 W123 230, Orange, 335k on the clock and still going, bought it for $500, have put new wheels and brakes on it recently (I tend to be a bit hard on cars in this department)

Post by **kaiser** » Tue 06 Mar, 2007 2:58 pm

this is my 82 model 230E ("Charlie")

He's a really good original example. Flawless service history and really reliable.

Dont have many pics yet.

Post by **bahnstormer109** » Tue 06 Mar, 2007 8:20 pm

[/img]

this is my 81 280TE- now sold

P1040028.JPG

The SuperTruck

Post by **pastelgrey300D** » Sun 11 Mar, 2007 3:11 pm

Here's a few photos of my 1980 300D (pastel grey of course!). Purchased it earlier this year from a chap in Strathalbyn with 406,000kms on the clock. Luckily it has been very well looked after and done lots of freeway kms, hence the better than expected condition of a car with this mileage. With a bit of elbowgrease it has cleaned up beautifully and is in very original condition, with the exception of a CD player and towbar. Aside from fixing a few rust spots and a few mechanical repairs I haven't had to do much and all the bits on the car are working fantastically! ATM there are just a few leaks and things I need to do (preventitive maintenence) and as you can tell from the pics I need a new rear bumper, but that's about all for now!

She's now my daily driver/workhorse. I've been really impressed with this car overall - it has shattered my preconceptions that mercs were just something you buy for prestige! The build quality, attention to detail and condition of the car is fantastic, even though it is 27 years old!

Many thanks to all in this forum who've helped me out on my learning process and pointing me in the right direction (especially with parts from MB spares!).

If you live in the Adelaide Hills (blackwood/coro valley) I'm sure we'll cross paths as I drive up and down shepherds hill road every day!

+ More Images Here:

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/ ... /300d2.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/ ... /300d3.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/ ... /300d4.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u92/ ... /300d5.jpg

Post by **Helga** » Sun 11 Mar, 2007 10:56 pm

Hi, My name is Helga and I'm a vegaholic Diesel.

Some of you may know me already through my adventures listed on the biofuels forum but for those of you whom with I am yet to make my introduction, let me tell you a little about me!

I was spotted in the Trading post in November last year and my old owner was paid the princely sum of $900 with 5 Months rego on me to go home with a new Family. My new owner didn't want me because he thought I was going to be way too much trouble and have far too many problems. The boss (AKA, Her indoors) made him come for a second look and a drive which made him really not like me! The power of a woman or wifeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s persuasion should never be underestimated so to greener pastures I came....Eventually.

Due to my fuel system being so full of rubbish I couldn't get more then 5Km even with my filters and hoses changed, So I had to get a piggy back on a car trailer from the central coast to Sydney so I could get home.

My new master pulled out my fuel tank and has been feeding me from 25L drums and has not had a moments trouble since, save for changing my disposable $2 filters. I save the family heaps by running on a vegetable oil/ unleaded blend.

Unfortunately I'm not the prettiest example around and although I was well taken care of and serviced in my early years as the trusted steed for a manager of a big company in Sydney. The last few years haven't seen me so well looked after. My initial problems ( apart from a fuel tank fill of Sh,,, Well a lady doesnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t say things like that!) were a big hole in the fire wall that must have been there for years seeing I have had all my carpet ripped out and some rust in the foot well from all the water that came in. I also had an incontinence problem and left black marks everywhere but this was fixed and due to my sump hitting the ground, ( frequently) has come back again.
My other Major problem is that probably every component in my front end (and quite a few round my nether regions) need replacing.

Since having my fuel tank removed, getting me to go has not been a problem but stopping me has been a different story. So far I have had my master Cylinder renewed and my front wheel cylinders have been also been rebuilt by my master. I have had a set of new pads installed but need new disks as well.

I have had a home made water injection system fitted to my engine which although basic, has done wonders for my get up and go. With a bit of methanol added, I can even get ahead of the traffic at the lights! ( as long as they don't know I'm racing them and don't try to get ahead of me).

Although the intention in buying me was to feed me used cooking oil or bio diesel to save some money running round the local area, my so far impressive reliability has made me the family favorite and the kids now whinge when we take out " Normal" car, which isn't too often any more. I take longer to get places but that can be a perfect excuse to spend Less time with the relatives when we have to go visit them.

Planned improvements are very extensive. Tomorrow I'm getting a valve job ( not many girls can say they have had one of those!) and if that goes well, I might even get my radio connected! Most of my rust is superficial but the few cans of fish oil that have been emptied into me hopefully will work as a cure for my cancer, or at least put it into remission for a while.
Once I get some components in my front end that mean I only go in one direction instead of wandering down the road like I am on Alcohol not oil,
I'll be a lot nicer to go out with.

On the up side, my self leveling suspension works great and so does my central locking. Some ^%$&**! Person that is destined to meet his maker if my master ever finds him, jammed some sticks in my boot lock the other day so that now doesnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t work but luckily is OK with the central locking setup. My master is collecting bits and pieces to convert me to a 2 tank system ( will my arse look fat with a 60 and a 20L tank instead of just the normal 2x20's?) Which he says may be better than he thought seeing he fixed my Temp gauge the other day and I now get hot ( but never Steamy) a lot faster than he realised.

I'm no model but am getting to do photoshoots with a few and help the girls not much older than half my age look good. If you must know, I was born in December'78 but I don't look a day over 27! I am so jealous of all the other beautiful girls here... If only I had carpet!

Post by **W123** » Mon 12 Mar, 2007 6:41 pm

Helga, your pictures are fantastic! Maybe you can take a photo of my cars one day. Or perhaps give us some hints about the setting up as well as the technical details :)

Anyway, here is my W123, it's a 1982 230 E.

This is my first Mercedes-Benz ever. It has 256k km on the clock out of which 10% has been done by me. It has been very reliable, that is it has never let me down. That is probably the only car that I have owned that has been so reliable.

cheers
dimitris

Post by **MB300D81** » Mon 12 Mar, 2007 11:50 pm

David your 300D looks good even without any birds around it.

Now here are my trio ...

I admit I am so in love with DIESEL Mercs.

I had the blue one since Mid last year, Five months later I bought the cream on and I promised my self to buy TD with a hot colour and sun roof.

Last week I managed to keep my promise. Now i can help couple of friends with wheel chairs.

Post by **Evanlw85** » Wed 14 Mar, 2007 6:56 pm

Here she is, in all her freshly cleaned glory.

Cost me $1800 on ebay last September and besides a recent messy incident involving the Oil Pressure gauge she has been nothing but a great car to myself and my girlfriend.

The least i can do is post some pictures of her looking her best.

That'll do pig... that'll do.

-Evan

Post by **Jez280CE** » Thu 22 Mar, 2007 5:39 pm

No coupes yet... He's my 1983 CE with 261,000km on the clock.

Bought it from the forum sponsor 2 years ago, hasn't put a foot wrong!

Post by **StreekG** » Sun 25 Mar, 2007 6:18 pm

Coupe #2

Post by **420 SE** » Sun 25 Mar, 2007 6:34 pm

Looks tidy (not soooo sure about the dice) is that Andrew from Mornington Peninsula's SEL next to your car?

Post by **StreekG** » Mon 26 Mar, 2007 12:30 am

420 SE wrote:Looks tidy (not soooo sure about the dice) is that Andrew from Mornington Peninsula's SEL next to your car?

Thanks, and yes it is

Post by **Brad34** » Mon 26 Mar, 2007 11:43 am

And another coupe.... our 1977 280CE.

Purchased in December last year to allow our Finnie to be retired from daily use, our second Benz is just as great as our first. (And we were lucky enough to win our class in club concours with this one too, so do we need another daily driver? :roll: )

Post by **kaiser** » Mon 26 Mar, 2007 11:52 am

Looks gorgeous. but the Hirschmann needs fixing

Kai

Post by **Brad34** » Mon 26 Mar, 2007 11:57 am

Oh, yeah, it's on the list!

Any quick and easy tips, or do I just throw money at it and get a new unit?

Post by **kaiser** » Mon 26 Mar, 2007 12:05 pm

I pulled mine apart and lubed it all and removed some corrosion and it worked for about six months more.

Then i just bought a pair of new ones (also one for the 6.3) off Ebay from the US - quite cheap. been great for a year or two now.

I assume John has them too.

This is a pet hate of mine. it seems most benzes around have stuck or non functional aerials. :roll:

Kai

Post by **Boyracer** » Tue 27 Mar, 2007 10:03 am

Replace the aerial mast, not the entire unit. A new mast is cheap!

Post by **AMG** » Tue 27 Mar, 2007 10:40 am

Does john have the masts?

i need a new one since I bent the crap outta mine

Post by **bahnstormer109** » Wed 28 Mar, 2007 9:30 pm

with the antennas, if you can hear the motor whirring and or the antenna moves the you just need to replace the mast. i got a new mast for my 300TD. you just undo the bolt on the end that pokes out of the car and pull out the old mast and slip in the new one. they have a plastic "tape" on the end of them that gets wrapped up inside and pulls the antenna up and down. turn the radio on so the motor stops at the "up" position and feed in the tape and turn off the radio and it should just grab the tape and pull it in and wind it all up.

if the antenna motor doesnt do anything, no noise or movement then you may have more serious issues.

Post by **MB300D81** » Wed 28 Mar, 2007 9:56 pm

Where do you get a new mast from please?

Post by **AMG** » Wed 28 Mar, 2007 11:33 pm

remind me to go downstairs and show you what I did to the Hirschmann the other night.

Not happy Jan!

(new mast please- John do you have them in stock?)

Post by **Boyracer** » Thu 29 Mar, 2007 9:26 am

The last time I got a new mast was from the dealer a couple of years ago.

Post by **John Green** » Thu 29 Mar, 2007 9:09 pm

Does john have the masts?

yes, basically there are two types, ones with a smooth nylon coil and ones with a toothed coil. There is also sometimes a number stamped ito the head of the mast.

Post by **4heckssake** » Fri 30 Mar, 2007 1:27 pm

admin wrote:
Does john have the masts?
yes, basically there are two types, ones with a smooth nylon coil and ones with a toothed coil. There is also sometimes a number stamped ito the head of the mast.

Can you tell which one is needed if the nylon coil is no longer visible? I think the previous owner may have pulled the coil out of mine and shuffed the broken mast back in as a temp fix. The motor still works everytime but no sign of the coil to be seen inside.

I guess a photo of the motor unit might help hey?

update: there is no little number but there is a symbol on the end of the mast...it like a lower case 'h' with a little line on top. again a photo would be the go i guess.

Post by **AMG** » Sun 20 May, 2007 7:25 pm

mines an 04 with the teeth, I got it out a while back, was somewhat difficult since the thing was bent so badly.

John,
If you've got a new one please, let me know how much.

Post by **John Green** » Mon 21 May, 2007 1:56 pm

About $48 or 58, ring me for the explaination.

Post by **Tony From West Oz** » Tue 12 Jun, 2007 10:02 pm

Here are some photos of the Fatmobile:

Elisabeth:

Elisabeth and Josephine:

Post by **Tony From West Oz** » Tue 12 Jun, 2007 10:04 pm

Here are some photos of the Fatmobile:

Elisabeth:

Elisabeth and Josephine:

Post by **StreekG** » Sat 23 Jun, 2007 2:21 pm

Post by **ejukated** » Tue 26 Jun, 2007 10:07 pm

Hello Diesel fans,

below are some pictures of my OM616 custom turbo w/ 4spd manual in a 280CE body.

Post by **MB300D81** » Thu 28 Jun, 2007 11:20 pm

Congratualtions mate. This is a lovely car.

I am wondering where in Sydney are you? I'd really love to see your car in person. I have a 300D running on waste cooking oil for almost a year now. It not a turbo but I'd fit it with a turbo charger if I found the right workshop to do it.
Thanks for sharing mate

Post by **Boyracer** » Fri 29 Jun, 2007 2:05 pm

ejukated - do your number plates start wit the letters aeg...?

If so, I spied your parked car while I was out getting my lunch.

Post by **Dweezil** » Mon 03 Sep, 2007 11:12 pm

Hi, ejukated,

I'd love to hear the story of the OM into petrol 123 as everyone I talk to with the exception of Tony thinks I'm mad for sharing the same idea. I'd also like to see/hear it in action. The diesel-heads on this list should possibly organise a little excursion...

Thanks

Dweezil

Post by **Hendrik** » Mon 03 Sep, 2007 11:55 pm

It is not a good idea to fit a turbo on a Mercedes NA Diesel.
Mercedes tried this and found that the pistons could overheat if the motor was worked real hard, thus they fitted piston coolers to their turbo Diesels and lived happily ever after.
In light to medium use it would be alright, to get more efficiency out of the motor, but...........
Also if the fuel system was tweaked up too much, then the problem of holey pistons was increased.

Post by **Dweezil** » Fri 07 Sep, 2007 10:33 pm

Yeah, I've heard the melting stories about the non-factory conversion jobs. Ideally I'd get a factory US/UK import (+ gearbox) and stick it into something nice, a CE, or something practical, a TE. Only problems concern trusting the Yank or Pom involved, and paying for the damn thing to be freighted and fitted.

Dweezil

Post by **ejukated** » Thu 08 Nov, 2007 8:38 pm

sorry about taking so long to reply, its not often i get a chance to browse the forums.

In answer to your questions, I did it to try something different, I dont think theres another MANUAL 240CD out there :D Its been turbo for over a year now and I used to drive it everyday through the summer, the pump has been tweaked alittle and with the manual makes it quite useable. No problems so far... I'll try post some more details in a few weeks when i have more time. Feel free to send me a reminder if i dont deliver

ejukated *at* gmail *dot* com

Cheers,
Ben

Post by **Des** » Sat 10 Nov, 2007 9:23 pm

Just to clarify, so its not a 280 motor with a turbo but a 240 diesel?

Post by **Des** » Sat 10 Nov, 2007 9:25 pm

This is my 1977 W123 230

344k's and still drives great, good reliable car I use quite often

100_0784.JPG

Post by **Des** » Sat 10 Nov, 2007 9:30 pm

This is my other W123, a 1980 250 from South Africa

100_0781.JPG

100_0801.JPG

100_0807.JPG

100_0829.JPG

100_0836.JPG

Post by **Des** » Sat 10 Nov, 2007 9:31 pm

I don't know if the telesonic radio is original to the car?

should be a becker I thought?

Post by **ejukated** » Sat 10 Nov, 2007 9:32 pm

Just to clarify, so its not a 280 motor with a turbo but a 240 diesel?

280CE body, 240D Turbo engine, 4spd Manual gearbox :lol:

Post by **Des** » Sat 10 Nov, 2007 10:01 pm

ejukated wrote:
Just to clarify, so its not a 280 motor with a turbo but a 240 diesel?
280CE body, 240D Turbo engine, 4spd Manual gearbox :lol:

What is the performance like, if any?

240 diesel by itself doesn't have enough power to pull your hat off.

Post by **ejukated** » Sun 11 Nov, 2007 10:23 am

well.... i've had

auto 240d - couldn't really keep up with traffic
manual 240d - reasonable, you couldnt go zipping in and out of traffic though :P
manual turbo 240d - no problems day to day, including cruising, merging, etc.

that said being a manual, performance really depends on how you drive it. There are still some tweaks i'd like to do, intercooling, more pump tweaking etc. but i've yet to find the time

Post by **pangit99** » Wed 02 Jan, 2008 3:26 pm

Here's my 1979 300D, bought specifically for running biodiesel which I was already making for my other car. I've had it since March last year, and it has been used as the main family daily driver ever since. 131,000kms when I bought it :shock: and in excellent condition, particularly the interior which is immaculate.

About the only work I've done on it so far are:

Change the brake pads all round and front brake disks
2 new tyres
Changed all fluids
New AC compressor and re-gassing
Oil & filter change every 5000kms
New CD player (with the original speakers and wiring!)

Everything else worked perfectly when I bought it and has given me no problems since. I'm intending to get it converted to run on WVO at some stage.

Post by **Tuppy** » Wed 09 Jan, 2008 9:57 pm

Here's my girl, 1981 300D in silver, has done approx. 480,000km (shows 434,000 but clock did not work for approximately 50,000) is is in original unrestored condition apart from the rear end which was hit by a ford laser doing 80km/h when we were at standstill, still driveable then $8000 later it is serving me well as my first car.

Post by **Des** » Fri 11 Jan, 2008 5:57 pm

Some very nice 300D's there guys

:)

Post by **Boyracer** » Fri 11 Jan, 2008 6:04 pm

Hi Tuppy, I'm just curious. What are those things under the tail light lenses?

Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

bahnstormers chariots 123 edition

My car...

Coupearama

my 280CE with OM616 Turbo & 4speed manual

Re: Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

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Re: Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

Re: Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

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Re: Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

Re: Star Shots! - Show us your Ride

Re: Star Shots! - Show us your Ride