After 16 years hibernating...

[219]

allabasi[/B], you've lost me on the orthopedic seats bit?

Haynes Manuals seem to cover everything BUT a W123 230: there appears to be one for '76-'85 W123 diesels, one for '76-'83 250 & 280 W123s (I hadn't seen this one before), one for '77-'81 USA 280 W123-models, and then it goes to '85-'93 W123 petrol and diesels. Engine apart, I guess the second one would be the most useful, although the diesel one mentions estates?

Orthopaedic seats have inflatable bladders in the backrest , and can be recognised by the little control box next to the seat belt buckles - I don't see this in your pictures - here's one from a 190

As for the Haynes manual , it has been a while since I has a W123 ( had all three variants of the 280 ( E/CE/TE ) as well as a 200 saloon so it was probably the 250/280 manual I had . I think I gave the manual away when I sold the CE to a friend .

The manual for the W201 ( 190 series ) or the W124 does cover your engine since it appeared in both those models .

I haven't had time to scan pics of my 280TE yet , but just came across these in my photobucket album whilst looking for the seat thingy

 

[kpon126]

WICKED!!

Probably one of the nicest W123 around, 20k mileage is another huge plus!!!!

Love ya car.

 

[B325YUD]

Thanks Derek, that looks nice in gold. I actually went to buy an early '80s estate (I'm guessing a 230) back around '95, but it drove like a '70s American Ford wagon and was rusting away as I watched. I bought a Volvo 240 estate instead That rusted away too, eventually, although only at the back.

The Haynes manuals are cheap enough online that I might get a couple to see if I can glean some useful info from them. I had a play with the self-levelling yesterday, extending the link, but it didn't seem to make any difference whatsoever. The Brookland manual only tells how to check the oil level!

 

[bh13coupe]

Awsome thread, I always enjoy reading about barn finds. Reminds me of the Signal Red 300 SL that was found a few years back with a few hundred miles on the clock.

 

[timk]

What a find. Definitely too good for a daily driver I would have thought....

 

[B325YUD]

What a find. Definitely too good for a daily driver I would have thought....

Well, that was the conclusion I was coming to, and after discussing buying some minor parts with an acknowledged W123 expert, it has now gone to a new home. One where it'll get the full, expert attention it deserves, so won't be just run around for a few years, slowly deteriorating.

I don't know their exact plan as I think was better than they were expecting (in fact I know it was). You may or may not get to see it at Brooklands at some time in the future.

As for me, well it wasn't in my ownership for as long as I'd hoped, so now I'll just have to go and look for something a bit more usable/abusable.

 

[trapperjohn]

124 Estate.

 

[BlackC55]

I would have bought it in a shot. Can I be rude and ask how much?

 

[B325YUD]

I would have bought it in a shot. Can I be rude and ask how much?

I'd rather not say - it was however more than I paid for it

I'm happy, the new owner is happy (or he was when he left with it!), but I suspect the next owner will be paying quite a lot more for it


@trapperjohn: Are there rust-free ones out there? I'm not a fan of oil-burners, but was advised that the petrol 2.3 was a bit wimpish, and the 2.8 was a bit thirsty. I might have once told some car-mates to shoot me if they ever saw me driving a diesel!

 

[Smarties]

I would have bought it in a shot. Can I be rude and ask how much?

Me too. Have been looking ages for such a clean, low miles find. Would have paid Strong...very strong money for that. Shame us club members didn't get first shout

 

[trapperjohn]

I'd rather not say - it was however more than I paid for it

I'm happy, the new owner is happy (or he was when he left with it!), but I suspect the next owner will be paying quite a lot more for it


@trapperjohn: Are there rust-free ones out there? I'm not a fan of oil-burners, but was advised that the petrol 2.3 was a bit wimpish, and the 2.8 was a bit thirsty. I might have once told some car-mates to shoot me if they ever saw me driving a diesel!

Once you have had the wings (inner and outer) on any 124 sorted, rust should not be an issue. Choose with normal care though.
I never saw myself driving a diesel but now I'm a full convert.

 

[GP801]

The 2.8 does around 25-26 mpg in general use. 32-34 on a long run driven sensibly. The difference in fuel consumption between all the 124 engines is minimal. Unless you do a lot of miles not really that significant. Buy on history and condition rather than focus on any particular engine.

 

[219]

Glad to hear it has gone to a good home . Was it Mark C by any chance ?

I'll hope it turns up at the next national W123 day then .......