The W123 series was my first exposure to Mercedes. We have had one all throughout my upbringing.
I had a 280CE coupe until a few years back.. Lord knows what possessed me to sell it... Space was the reason at the time I recall, but I really miss it.
It was a lovely 59K mile example...
I have been casually looking for a replacement for a while. Nothing has even come close.. Unfortunately most are now rusty or badly restored.
My requirement was 5 Speed Manual and preferably a 230 engine.
Flicking through one of the classic car auction booklets, I saw a few for sale.
Not having time to attend, I trusted an auction representative to run me through the cars offered over the phone.
As suspected he confirmed that the "restored" cars had issues...
However the white estate was described to me as the most original he had seen in a long time... And it was a 5 speed, 7 seater (handy with young kids)... Only 2 owners and 78K miles.
It had to be the one for me.
It didnt get a lot of attention on auction day and although I was the highest bidder, it didnt reach reserve.
Strangley the auction didnt seem to interested in orchestrating a deal.. The seller took the car home.
So over the next few weeks I pestered the auction and we worked out a deal.
The seller kindly agreed to deliver the car to me for a small fee.
When it came, I was over the moon. The car is very original, obviously well cared for by its two owners. No dodgy paintwork, no welding, all original stickers and marking present.
So it was to be a keeper and I set about the below works...
I had a 280CE coupe until a few years back.. Lord knows what possessed me to sell it... Space was the reason at the time I recall, but I really miss it.
It was a lovely 59K mile example...
I have been casually looking for a replacement for a while. Nothing has even come close.. Unfortunately most are now rusty or badly restored.
My requirement was 5 Speed Manual and preferably a 230 engine.
Flicking through one of the classic car auction booklets, I saw a few for sale.
Not having time to attend, I trusted an auction representative to run me through the cars offered over the phone.
As suspected he confirmed that the "restored" cars had issues...
However the white estate was described to me as the most original he had seen in a long time... And it was a 5 speed, 7 seater (handy with young kids)... Only 2 owners and 78K miles.
It had to be the one for me.
It didnt get a lot of attention on auction day and although I was the highest bidder, it didnt reach reserve.
Strangley the auction didnt seem to interested in orchestrating a deal.. The seller took the car home.
So over the next few weeks I pestered the auction and we worked out a deal.
The seller kindly agreed to deliver the car to me for a small fee.
When it came, I was over the moon. The car is very original, obviously well cared for by its two owners. No dodgy paintwork, no welding, all original stickers and marking present.
So it was to be a keeper and I set about the below works...
- Wiper Blades A2018201545 x 2, A0008244027
- A0004662104 Steering Filter
- A0099975392 V Belt, A0069970992 V Belt
- Exhaust Manifold Gasket A1021421480 x 4, A6039900840 Washers
- A0031590603 Spark Plugs
- A0001802409
- A0024774501 Fuel Filter
- A0021845501 Oil Filter
- A1239880378 clips for side seals, A1267250365 x 4 Door Window Seals
- Rear Tailgate Seal A1237400278
- Air Filter A0020943104/67
- Rear Wiper Rubber A0008244027
- Battery A0009823008/26 62AH
- Fuel Sender A1235420304
- Dash Potentiometer Rheostat -New Genuine
- All Brake Hoses A1294280035 x 2, A1264280335 x 2. Spring Clips A0004280673
- Rear Suspension Spheres A1233200215
- Rear Tailgate Shock Absorbers A1239800064 x 2
- Changed Engine Oil & Filter Used Shell Helix 10w40
- Changed Manual Gearbox Oil, used Mercedes ATF134
- Changed Coolant - Mercedes Blue
- Changed Differential Oil - Used Genuine Mercedes Fluid
- Changed Brake Flexi Hoses and Brake Fluid, used Genuine Mercedes Fluid
- Changed both Fan Belts
- Changed Spark Plugs, Leads (Magnecor), Cap & Rotor Arm (Bosch)
- Changed Suspension Spheres and flushed genuine ZHM Fluid
- Flushed Power Steeering Fluid & Changed Filter
- Greased All Door Hinges etc
- Exhaust Manifold A1021420401 sent to Zircotec for coating
- Pair of original Roof Boxes sourced
- A1236900880 OSR Door Moulding
- Front Wing Trims A1236900480 & 0380
- A1021421480 Exhaust Manifold Gaskets, A6039900840 Washers, A0009903250 Nuts, A1029900305 Screws
- Zircotec Manifold Coating in Black
- A1238201466 Rear Tail Lamp
- Full Underbody Protection. Used Dinitrol 4941 on exposed and ML3125 in cavities
- Clutch Master Cylinder A0012954406, Slave Cylinder A2012900311, Shim A1242950087
- Fitted Clutch Master & Slave, Bled Clutch System
- Rear Fog Lamp & Reverse Lense A1238263290, A1238263390, Seals A1238260658 x 2
