W124 useful TLC and upgrades?

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velocette

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Aug 27, 2003
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We have just returned from a 2000 mile trip around France (Tomtom was a revelation by the way!) where my 1995 E class W124 multivalve diesel clocked up 100k miles whilst performing faultlessly. On long autoroute runs it delivered 39mpg and around town does 35/36. I have done around 23k stress and trouble free miles since buying it around 15 months ago. With a complete absence of rust together with leather/aircon/auto I am delighted with the car and want to keep it for the foreseeable future - where else can you get all this for just the few grand I paid for it? So I would welcome any ideas and suggestions that will contribute to its longevity and driving satisfaction. Two issues in my mind are that I am not at all sure when the ATF was last changed, the gearchange is a bit clunky until it warms up. Also I understand that the suspension bushes and shockers get a bit loose with time and the ride quality slowly declines. Would it be worth getting the suspension rebushed and shocks changed to give it that magic carpet ride quality? Longer term I would love to put a five speed auto box in it, but that is something of a pipedream at the moment. If there is anything else that those in the know can suggest I would really welcome your suggestions.

Many thanks, Velocette
 
i know what you mean about wanting the 5 speed auto, my 300d revs quite high at motorway speeds. With the bodywork make sure all 4 arch inner edges are kept free of mud build up. same applies to jacking points under the plastic covers. if you havent already then order a touch in paint from merc and a set of carpet mats. very reasonable price and protects the car. As for suspension if it aint broke dont fix it!
 
4 speed stronger than the 5 speed ??

My only comment is that I would stick with the strong relatively uncomplicated hydraulic 4 speed box rather than the partially electronic 5 speed box which can give more problems?? An ATF fluid and filter change at a specialist shouldnt be too expensive and a good OEM fluid like FUCHS Titan ATF 4000 should be just fine. see http://www.opieoils.co.uk/performance_lubricants/fuchs.aspx
Some folks advocate changing the power steering fluid and filter after very high mileage, likewise the brake fluid and anti freeze should be kept in spec every 2 years or so. Changing the steering damper certainly helped the feel of my steering, but if yours is OK then fine. The MOT test should check your front suspension bottom ball joints but worth keeping an eye on in the long term since they are a crucial component. Might be worth lubricating the single wiper mechanism, there are several posts about this on the forum.
 
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I don't think 5sp autos were made for 300d's . There was some discussion about joining a 5sp autobox, an ECU from an E320e and a 300d engine but it would be a project as no-one has done it before. Maybe the 300d was offered as a 5sp on the continent - but no-one really knows - so far.
Les
 
AFAIK there are no 5-speed auto 300 Diesels. Nor are there 5-speed auto 220s - only the 280 and 320 had it as an option from 1992. I suspect the 5-speed requires a signal from the ECU to switch to 5th gear, top gear being electronically switched. No ECU in the 300D, so no 5-speed auto

Early W210s had a non-turbo or turbo 606 engine. What box did that have? Did it have 5 speeds?? I will research it

Currently I have a 5-speed manual E300 Diesel and 4th is very similar to 4th in an auto. So 5th is pretty much a pure overdrive. It pulls 5th very easily so I think a 5-speed auto in an E300 Diesel would work exceptionally well

In my experience the ARB bushes are the most critical thing in the front suspension. The front ball joints will need replacing at some point so I recommend doing them at the same time

At the back end the camber control arms make a big difference to how floaty the car is in a straight line - if your car tends to wander, replace them

The big difference between a 100k car and a 200k car is the ride. At higher mileages the ride is harder and the cars tend to bottom out more and thunk over drain covers. Springs don't seem to affect this (I replaced the front springs on my 200k car) so I suspect a mixture of bushes, links and shockers may be the cause

I drive different cars all the time and am always surprised at just how good a good W124 is. It's difficult to put your finger on but a good one should ride like a magic carpet


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk
 
Many thanks indeed for all your comments folks. I am pretty fastidious with my cars about keeping them clean of general grime and filth, I wax regularly, touch up any stone chips and always hose off the wings and underside during and after the winter to keep the salt out but will certainly check the liners and especially jacking points, hadnt thought about that. The interior is remarkably clean and well protected by mats although the odd decomposing sweet turns up, the previous owner obviously had a brood of youngsters. Judging by the comments the suspension is in good trim, no floating or wandering and the steering is tight, I know the dampers can be problematic but no sign of that yet. It was arrow straight on the french autoroutes at sustained high speed. I will certainly check the wiper, it does amaze me how the car lurches with the wiper action, glad I dont get in the way of it when it is sweeping! I will get the ATF and brake fluid changed next time round, coolant has already been done. When thinking about the gearbox I understand the late W124 280s had a 5 speed, but I dont recollect the W124 diesel having one. However I am sure I saw an early non-turbo W210 diesel with a 5 speed box,as Nick says, which is what put me in mind of it. Not a huge issue for me, but at 80/85 it is doing 3500 revs and another gear would be more relaxing. However I dont intend to wear this box out for some time yet but the idea of doing it intrigues me. My brother has a 93 manual with 180 k on the clock and it drives very much like mine. Other than satisfying my need to check all is well perhaps I ought to take the advice of dr1ver and leave well alone!

Cheers, Velocette
 
As Nick says no 5sp auto in diesel 124, only on the petrol 280, 320 and 300-24. Neither in a 210, as the first diesel to have it was the 290DT.
 
Being curious, I looked on mobile.de and autoscout24.de for w124 300d automatics and some ARE listed as being 5 speed automatics!!! This may just be misdescription though. If I could be @ssed I could look at the well photo'd ones and squint at the autobox selector thingy. Just a thought.
Les
 
Don't bother, definititely NO 5sp auto in diesel 124s.
 

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