Time to cut my losses.

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Martyn_n

Active Member
Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Messages
928
Location
Leicester
Car
W124 E320, W163 ML270 & W166 ML350
At the end of last year I had welding done at the front end to get the car though it's MOT (front spring seats) and refreshed the front suspension with new arms and shocks. Since then I have had problems with the ECU, documented elsewhere on the forum, which has stopped me putting it through its MOT. So, I decide to drop the rear subframe to fit all the new parts I have had in the garage for ages (All new arms and newly purchased shocks).
Unfortunately when I took the subframe out and had a good bang around I found the horror story that is in the attached pictures, both sides are about the same and all four jacking points are the same.
I have come to the conclusion (too late) that I am simply throwing good money after bad and need to take all the parts off that I can sell and scrap what is left. I have been here before and should have listened to my common sense side before I started the welding last time.
So, try to convince me that I am wrong and should plough on regardless but preferably support me in what MUST be the right way forward.IMG_2330.JPG
 
I guess it's all down to how much a labour of love it is. Most things are doable, but not necessarily the logical choice. If you're particularly attached to the car and can justify spending the time and money then crack on. I'm sure you know that the corrosion you've so far found is probably not the end of it. From the comments in your post, I'm also guessing that you know the real answer is to cut your losses.
 
Mate , your heart is just not in it otherwise you would not be asking us lot- who will not have to spend time and money on it- our opinions. Nice that you did , but I think you know where this is going.
 
Only someone with a welder and the skills to use it should tackle that.

My 26 year old 190e wasn't half as bad but it was clearly heading in that direction so I reluctantly let it go before spending anything on it. Mine had no visible rust on the exterior bodywork at all, just underneath in the same place as yours. There will most likely be holes in other places too. In my opinion the tough underseal is a curse because it hides the rust until it's too late. You would have to take it all off to discover the extent of the rust which is a bear of a job.
 
Got a guy coming over tomorrow to give me a price on welding it up. I just have to work out overnight what I can justify throwing at it.
worst bit is I’ve already stripped the subframe down, including removing all the bushes, so there is still a fair amount of work (and expense) putting it back together to get it towed onto a trailer!
 
Looks like that deserted starship in Alien. They thought it was sending out an SOS but it was a Stay The **** Away warning.
 
Looks like that deserted starship in Alien. They thought it was sending out an SOS but it was a Stay The **** Away warning.
I haven't seen the film so don't recognise the quote, but I certainly understand the sentiment!
Having seen the pics the welder wasn't phased by what he saw, he's been welding for over 50 years so he should have seen it all by now (and survived into his 70's so he's avoided the aliens well)
 
I understand your dilemma but there is a time to cut your losses. By the sound of it now is that time. Unless it's a rare car increasing in value then when it's that rotten I think you need to let go. Sell what you can, scrap the rest, and get something with a bit more of a future.

Interestingly for two cases in my family I advised both people to put the car on ebay or gumtree with loads of photos. Both sold the car for more than they expected and the purchaser was happy to collect!
 
he's been welding for over 50 years
Years ago the bottom fell out of our W123 280TE. An old boy, nearing 80, was brought into the local garage here in France and he reformed the floor and welded it in.

The UK specialist who saw his work was very impressed by what he'd done.

Good luck, whatever route you choose.

RayH
 
Cut your losses, pull out the items of value for resale - many items will be in demand - scrap it and buy something to last you another decade.
 
BEYOND ECONOMIC REPAIR-and even if the the visible rust is repaired sadly much more likely to fold like a pack of cards in a collision if the monocoque is subjected to major stress
 
BEYOND ECONOMIC REPAIR-and even if the the visible rust is repaired sadly much more likely to fold like a pack of cards in a collision if the monocoque is subjected to major stress
That had not even crossed my mind.
 
Cut your losses, pull out the items of value for resale - many items will be in demand - scrap it and buy something to last you another decade.
I have absolutely no doubt that the parts are worth more than the car will be worth but the wife isn't keen on me breaking it on the drive. I would go as far as to say the interior (4 seat sportline) and wheels (proper 124 AMGs) are worth twice what the car is!
 
I have absolutely no doubt that the parts are worth more than the car will be worth but the wife isn't keen on me breaking it on the drive. I would go as far as to say the interior (4 seat sportline) and wheels (proper 124 AMGs) are worth twice what the car is!
Completely understand. My father was a hands-on Engineer who loved his (great) cars but ran them until their death.

I was only advocating a minor strip, for example interior, radio and a wheel swop, as you're clearly not worried about getting a spanner out.

Or just offer it for sale for someone else to step in and strip it for key parts - there are plenty out there doing precisely that.

But, most important of all, transfer your love to something for the next decade. Could be an immaculate version of the same thing - from Japan, perhaps - or something from the next generation.
 
Well if as you say major parts are worth more than the car,remove the internal trim and anything else you think you can sell and then make certain you have a scrap yard who will crane lift cars onto their recovery vehicle and then remove the wheels leaving it on bricks or wood and then get the car scrapped out and sell the parts
 
That's so sad ! I keep reading words like "justify" and " logical". not relevant, depends how you feel about the car, bit of a heart breaker looking at that pic but if YOU value it then carry on, you've gone a long way already. The W124 is still well regarded as the "Last" Mercedes. As others say, good luck whatever your choice, let us know. PS, I like the colour.
 
sell it to Mike Brewer for the new upcoming uk series of wheel dealers.. then buy it back once fixed ;-)

Good luck with whatever you decide 👍 :)
 
Well if as you say major parts are worth more than the car,remove the internal trim and anything else you think you can sell and then make certain you have a scrap yard who will crane lift cars onto their recovery vehicle and then remove the wheels leaving it on bricks or wood and then get the car scrapped out and sell the parts
That is looking like the most likely outcome unfortunately.
That's so sad ! I keep reading words like "justify" and " logical". not relevant, depends how you feel about the car, bit of a heart breaker looking at that pic but if YOU value it then carry on, you've gone a long way already. The W124 is still well regarded as the "Last" Mercedes. As others say, good luck whatever your choice, let us know. PS, I like the colour.
You are right, there is no rational way to justify it and it falls way short of logical to have spent what I have already, let alone keep going. BUT we are not always logical are we? The welding guy didn't come today because of the weather so I can put the decision off for another day (Or more, looking at the forecast). After looking at the photos he quoted £130, but it will be north of that when he sees it in the flesh as the pics don't do it justice! If it's close to that figure (or even double) I'll go for it, much more and I'll be looking at breaking or selling as spares / repair.
 
Just sell it complete as a parts car no need to get spanners out
 
Just sell it complete as a parts car no need to get spanners out
Still a bit of spannering to be done, the subframe is currently on the floor with no bushes, arms or diff installed!
 

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