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adile220

Active Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2011
Messages
341
Location
South London
Car
1996 W124 E220 Coupe
Hi All,

Been here for a little while now, and have been the owner of a 1996 e220 w124 coupe for the past year, which is now my DD.

Got a list of things to do on the car, but at 68k it still feels like it has a lot of life still left in it. The lacquer has reacted to something in the past, so the bodywork looks cloudy, plus a few battle scars from over the years in the form of nicks and dents.

Had it fully serviced, including replacing the front lower arms with all bushes, and a set of springs to reduce the ride height. Then replaced the wheels with a set of 18inch AMG wheels - love the look, but can feel the effect it has had on the ride quality - I am happy with the compromise :)

A question to all - there are two issues which I will need to address, and would appreciate some insight on both...

1. The gearbox doesnt change as smoothly as it should - it holds when cold, and I feel it jumps slightly when changing into 2nd/3rd this is only when driving in 'D'. When in gear '3', this does not occur - the change is smooth. What could this be? How can I help reduce the effect?

2. My brake copper pipes were flagged up on the last MOT, as they have corrosion on them. After checking them out, they are looking tired - does MB have complete pipe kits, or is it best to have the copper piping replaced for stuff off a reel?

Not something I would like to attempt on my own in any case, but would anyone have an idea of what is involved, and an indication on what to expect in labour hours/cost?

3. It has a funny idle - sometimes with the car in drive and my foot on the brake it surges forwards. The idle is not very stable, but not erratic enough to need to be seen to. Thought this may be to do with it being a 4 cylinder...

Finally a recommendation to a garage to have this kind of work done would be most appreciated - I am based in South London.

I am in love with my Coupe. I have other cars which are preferred by onlookers and friends, and am often chastised for my love of the old barge - but I prefer over most, if not all the cars I have owned over the years! From the era of what I feel are the proper Mercs!

Thanks all,

Adil Ismail
 
Last edited:
For the gearbox issue, firstly change the fluid if it has not been done for a while. Check the vacuum pipes to and from the box
 
Replace the pipes with copper. Its much easier and if it's just the rear it takes 2-3 hours max. I've seen plenty split and leave you with no brakes. This job is a priority IMO.
 
The idle could be a missfire or a vacuum leak etc etc. There are many things it could be. Needs checking properly. I am sure there is a specialist in south London called TM motors that I hear is pretty good.
 
that generation merc will hold from cold to give the cat an opportunity to
warm up to reduce emissions.

Mine takes about half mile.
 
Hello, glad you're enjoying that coupe.

I also own a '96 E220, but mine's the estate. Some of your problems sound familiar...

Firstly, as stated below, the transmission does always hold a low gear for longer when starting from cold. I have heard other complaints from other owners about this, they fear an expensive transmission fault is developing but though annoying it's quite normal.

It may be worth considering a transmission fluid and filter change if you feel that your box isn't shifting as sweetly as it should, but some specialists advise to leave well alone if there's no evidence of regular changes in the past.

First, check the fluid level is correct at the engine bay dip-stick (search around here for instructions) and ensure it's not under or over-filled. The fluid should be red in colour, free of visible particles and sweet-smelling - allow a drop to fall onto a paper towel and check it out. If it's a little brown but clear you might choose to leave it alone, but if it's dark and / or smells burnt then it certainly will need changing asap.

It may be worth checking out your rubber transmission mounts when you do find a mechanic, as well as the prop mounts - they all need doing eventually.

As for brake lines - my specialist spotted the beginnings of corrosion on some of mine too, but did a great job of cleaning them up to prevent further damage and was convinced they were still safe. Been through an MOT since with no advisory, but take no risks with yours.

I have posted tonight about a poor idle on an M111 engine. I reckon at least half of all remaining E200's / E220's idle badly, it's such a common problem with so many potential causes. Sometimes very simple to fix though, so don't lose heart. Have a look here, perhaps it may be of help to you. There are many other related threads around too, you're definitely not alone with this issue.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/135857-w124-m111-poor-rough-idle.html#post1530850

I'm in North London and use Automerc in Hornsey... very happy with their attitude, their work and their knowledge of these old cars but it'll probably be too far for you to go regularly.

Good luck with the car. It's taken me a year of ownership and much more money than I had expected to finally get to the point where there's nothing wrong with it, but I've never enjoyed my driving more (especially long-distance cruising.)

Cheers

Tim
 

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