Just Bought a W124 1991

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hk_1

New Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2012
Messages
12
Location
Canberra
Car
W124
Hi, I have just bought a 1991 W124 with no service history;
its my first experience with a Merc always loved this car, I would like some advise on what things should I check/change in this situation? besides following are the problems I have noticed so far.

1- One rear power window not working, I can hear a click sound within the door upon pressing the power window switch but the window doesn't move.

2- a little leak of trans oil from trans oil pipe attached to the radiator. should I replace it?

3- nothing happens upon pressing the AC button. I mean no load on engine and no cooling.

any suggestions will be highly appreciated.
 
First thing is give folks a little more detail about the car saloon,coupe, estate, petrol or diesel, engine size/type.
Window - probably new motor required.
transmission oil leak--- check gearbox fluid level for a start [ there's a very fixed procedure for this- stick exactly to it or you will get a false reading]
AC may be a biggy- as the car may have had the old style refrigeration gas in it- which you can't get now- may need a new compressor and other components just depends on the problem/s
 
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1- One rear power window not working, I can hear a click sound within the door upon pressing the power window switch but the window doesn't move.
It will be the motor if you can hear a click as there will be power to it,you will have to change the regulator and motor (complete unit).
2- a little leak of trans oil from trans oil pipe attached to the radiator. should I replace it?
Yes they weep normaly at the connection to the rad.
3- nothing happens upon pressing the AC button. I mean no load on engine and no cooling.

probably needs re-gas,but as mentioned could be complications,see an air-con specialist.
 
Thanks Grober, Balge and Martyz,

My car is (burgundy) Sedan 300E-24 petrol, I think M103 engine; interior/exterier as new. I live in Australia (Canberra) and here weather conditions are perfect for keeping old cars so even after so many years this car is in excellent condition.
 
you can buy a kit to recharge your aircon yourself which works with the older system. there is a thread on here about it
 
So today I have removed the two worn out trans oil hose pipes from the car; its labour day today so tomorrow I will either get them repaired or buy a new pair if I got a good deal. Please suggest after getting the new hose pipes fitted will it be a good idea to drain all the old trans oil and fill new oil ? I don't want to get into changing the trans oil filter because it will take more time and seems a bit more complicated. Also I see there are 4 similar bolts on each wheel however one's shape is different on each wheel,
how do u open it? please bear with me as I am learning.
 
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Honestly. Please do change the filter - its easy to do, its a push fit, also change the gasket around the sump - it costs buttons. You probably wont have to do it again in the time you have the car. Its peace of mind.

The only problem you may get is the bolts that hold the sump on shearing on a 91 car. Just take it easy.

Best of Luck and welcome to the forum.
 
thanks trapperjohn, Offcourse you are right. Can anyone please tell me the details of my car by this vin? its first 12 digits are" WDB1240312B5 " . I have seen other people asking for this info however I dont know how to obtain it.
 
So today I have removed the two worn out trans oil hose pipes from the car; its labour day today so tomorrow I will either get them repaired or buy a new pair if I got a good deal. Please suggest after getting the new hose pipes fitted will it be a good idea to drain all the old trans oil and fill new oil ? I don't want to get into changing the trans oil filter because it will take more time and seems a bit more complicated. Also I see there are 4 similar bolts on each wheel however one's shape is different on each wheel,
how do u open it?
please bear with me as I am learning.

Sounds like anti-theft locking wheel-nuts, you should have a special socket that matches them to remove the wheels.
As to the fluid, it's almost certainly due for a change and new filter anyway so consider a change while you have the opportunity? The screws holding the pan are very low torque, need to be careful with them, otherwise it's straightforward enough

Try this one for VIN? Mercedes-Benz Forum - BenzWorld Model Guide

cheers
 
This is how to drain the auto-transmission fluid. http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/howto/23969-howto-change-atf-97-w210.html It for a slightly later model but same principles apply [ slightly different filter] . There is another "how to" by one of our resident experts but applies to gearboxes without a torque converter drain [ your car will have one.] so would be confusing. I would however sound a note of caution here. IMHO this is not a job for the novice DIY man. 2 reasons--- 1. because things have to be scrupulously clean its best done up on a ramp with good access underneath--- and 2. Get it wrong and you may end up with a bill [ =recon box] which is equal to the value of the car. If on the other hand you are a tech savvy DIY man then as others have said its pretty straight forward .
 
Will get new trans oil hose in an hour.I have decided to top up the trans oil according to the laid down procedure and soon enough get its trans oil and filter changed by a professional only because you need a clear access to the oil pan, trying to open it without standing exactly under the car will always increase the chances to end up getting a broken bolt or something else.

Thanks balge and grober.
 
So I have replaced the trans hose pipes and I can't see any leaks now. The guy at the spares shop said they should last for five years, I hope so.
I would like to know what operating temperatures are considered normal for 300E? the following link says:

What is normal engine operating temperature for Mercedes 320


(The normal operating temp for any Mercedes is between 80°C and 100°C (the next line after 80°)

Anything over 100° and you should have it checked out.

Mercedes are different, in that, the temp gauge is constantly moving because it provides true engine temp data... not just (normal) or stuck in the middle of the gauge.)


Do you guys rocon that?
 
Running temperature is dependent on several factors. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE being the obvious one- I imagine in OZ things may be a little warmer than here! the temperature range you quote seems about right. Things that effect it.:- thermosat efficiency, water pump efficiency, pressure cap, state of radiator [ blocked with dust or internal deposits] main engine cooling fan [ viscous coupled fan] auxilliary electric fan/s for aircon cars and their control circuitry. The main one I would venture is the viscous coupling on the main engine fan which MUST "engage" as engine temperature rises in slow traffic. Your running temperature will depend on several of these factors but you will soon get a feel for what's normal for your car. If the temperature starts to climb into the red in heavy traffic is the time to get worried. Quite often the temperature will rise till a "trigger point" is reached and then if everything is working the viscous fan will kick in or one of electric fans and you should then see a "braking effect " on temperature rise. It's when temperatures continue to rise inexorably that you have to worry.
 
Hi friends, three days back my W124's sunroof got jammed while closing from tilt position, its closed now but a bit depressed from left side; upon using its switch I hear the motor's noise and it tries to pull but the roof doesn't open.
seems like the roof is out of track or something is stuck in between. Is it a big problem? will not try to open it as I have no experience with sunroofs but want to know a bit more before taking it to a pro,

Thanks.
 
Today I was playing with the sunroof's switch and suddenly the sunroof opened. There was
a small broken piece of plastic and metal found on the right track, after removing it the sunroof started tilting/closing, opening/closing normally however there is a metal rod right in the middle of the sunroof that is not going back along with the sunroof as it opens.
Any ideas most welcome.
 

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