W124 260e auto, scrap or save?

[rrobson]

Hi, new member looking for a bit of advice about a car I have the chance of buying.

Bit of an odd story, but the car has be owned from new by a bloke who lives down the street. He developed Parkinson's about nine years ago, and it finally took his life Christmas Day. Now, as it all comes out in the wash, I've got first and final refusal. So here are the details

1990 260e auto saloon
Unknown mileage, but not high I've been told
Full merc service history
No panel or window damage
Obviously well looked after while he used it

But here's the clinch, it's been stood outside for probably 4 years unused.
At this moment I don't know if the engine turns over, could have seized over that length of time. Don't even know if the gearbox actuators will let go. And the entire body is now green with moss and stains from the nearby tree it's parked beneath.

Now, it's mine for scrap value, so I'm tempted but my question is, what will I have to do to bring it back to life if its viable?
A rough list I knocked up would be

All fluids (gearbox, brakes the lot) and filters
Tyres
Brakes
Some suspension components
Look over and check all electrics

And that's to get it running, let alone mot (unless I've missed something)

So opinions please fellas

 

[dog68]

Go for it! You know you want it!

 

[bolide]

Chuck a new battery in and clean the rotor arm & distributor and I think it will start. If it's damp inside it's probably not worth saving

See how much water's under the passenger floor mat

Nick Froome

 

[Tiff]

Connect jump leads, if it rolls, take to MOT station. Hopefully it's not been parked on grass.

 

[sinewave]

Simple logic states compare what a 1990 VGC Car is going for on Autotrader and then decide if it's even worth your time looking, never mind fixing up!

 

[grober]

The 260e was one of the sweetest engines Merc put in the w124. If you are serious about saving it, I would in addition to what's been said- drain the old fuel from the fuel tank and lines and discard it safely or use it for cleaning in the future. Remove the spark plugs and put a good shot of upper cylinder lubricant or equivalent 25-50ml into the cylinders and leave overnight. After checking its got oil in the sump and coolant then turn over by hand initially followed by the starter . Replace the plugs and then see if it will start. If reluctant a little *Bradex Easy Start* may coax it into life Halfords | Bradex Easy Start 300ml

 

[Mr0a]

Running an old merc isn't entirely about logic - see if you can get her to start, then give her a good clean and assess from there.

I'd be worried about lots of rust and damage to the interior.

 

[Tiff]

Easy Start *shudder*

 

[grober]

Easy Start *shudder*

I know - but only "in extremis" ! Certainly wouldn't use on a routine basis.

 

[Tiff]

Be very careful with Easy Start on a K Jet, or L jet equipped car- if you get a backfire- quite possible on an unknown car which has been standing, you can damage the flap or metering unit, and possibly lose your eyebrows...

I tend to dampen a cloth in brake cleaner and hold it against the intake, only if I really really need to.

 

[grober]

be very careful with easy start on a k jet, or l jet equipped car- if you get a backfire- quite possible on an unknown car which has been standing, you can damage the flap or metering unit, and possibly lose your eyebrows...

Good point! I now remember this backfire issue use to sometimes cause problems on the initial single point injection LPG systems on the early MERCS- perhaps best avoided then?

 

[Dieselman]

The engine or gearbox won't be seized and rust would be the real issue, depending on your mechanical abilities.

 

[300CE]

All good advice from the chaps above - go for it! Could even get it looking like this with a little (alright a lot) of elbow grease!!

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/detailing/110265-who-said-you-cant-polish-turd.html

 

[horatio]

Give it a whirl!

I love a challenge like this, if you are nearby I'm more that happy to give you a hand on a sunday.

 

[rrobson]

wow, thanks for all your helpfull posts and views
youve given me lots of reasurance about it.
so where do i start in replying?

nick, ive got no idea about the condition of the inside. the keys are 'somewhere' in the house so untill they are found i cant have a good nosey around.

tiff, no its been parked on a driveway but unfortunately the driveway slopes quite steeply down to the house so getting it off is the first hurdle really because it cand stay on the driveway if i buy it.
anyone got a 7.5tonner knocking about

sinewave, i had a look the other day and they seem to fetch more money than i thought, and i cant believe someones after 4500 quids for one on the trader...

grober, thanks for that, i would have done all whats been mentioned as a matter of course anyway. would give the chain a quick lube up while im there if its easy enough to access.
and i will stay away from easy starter then

if a french car can stand for four years and sail through its mot, theres hope in the old merc yet

must admit, after just finishing one project (engine swap in a rover 25) im looking for something to sink my teeth into.
but horatio, thats a very kind offer from you. such a shame were so far apart! (by the time this is read, i should have updated my profile information)

few questions, given its 23 years old, how easy is everything likely to come apart?

and someone mentioned it but how well do these engines take to lpg? id like to use the car as it was designed to, ie cover lots of miles so if i was going to run it id like to install the system.
i know peoples opinions on fitting lpg, which is why i simply want to know if they are compatible.

i wanted to know a few other things but theyve escaped me so i will post when i remember

thanks again

 

[Ian B Walker]

Just my bit. Take heed of what others have said as I tend to agree with them. If the engine starts (which it will) assess the interior and exterior. Both of which are replaceable. What is becoming more difficult to find are W124 260E's. Your preserving this car could reap benefits a few years hense.