1987 Mercedes-Benz W126 560 SEC - project

1987 Mercedes-Benz W126 560 SEC - project

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bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Thursday 23rd January 2014
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Just ordered a new ignition module thing and distributor, my mechanic pal reckons it has the wrong ones on it. Hopefully that will sort the rough running. Just gotta wait for them to arrive and be fitted...

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Thursday 13th February 2014
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Small update, new ignition module fitted, car fires on first turn of key now. No cranking or throttle required. Elec windows work and seal fully - should help keep it dry! Elec seats work - both were just dirty contacts on fuses. Only electric issues now are no wipers/washers and no dash lights....

Hoping to have a new distributor delivered shortly. Then its install that and the other new fuel pump, weld sill up and MOT time... Fingers crossed!

Dr G

15,177 posts

242 months

Thursday 13th February 2014
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timolloyd said:
Re German Motor Co, I ran a Golf GTi bought from a friend in Putney. He and the previous owner to him had put the car through years of servicing there. Judging by the thoroughness of the service history and the overall condition of my car, I'd say they are good news.

Think they are still in business. I've seen a few German cars around South London wearing their sticker in the window.
My (old) MK2 Golf was also serviced here in its early life if I recall.

Enjoying reading about your progress, keep it up and don't forget Sunday Service(s) once it's up and running proper.

r129sl

9,518 posts

203 months

Sunday 16th February 2014
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Dash lights: try wiggling the knob for adjusting brightness before you try anything else.

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Sunday 16th February 2014
quotequote all
r129sl said:
Dash lights: try wiggling the knob for adjusting brightness before you try anything else.
Will do, thanks!

Markgenesis

536 posts

132 months

Sunday 16th February 2014
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Good luck with the MOT smile

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Wednesday 19th February 2014
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Thanks MOT target date is Sat 1st March......

Couple of pics;

New (second hand) ignition module from the states;



New (second hand) distributor from the states;



New distributor with new cap and rotor arm fitted;



Air intake pipes (very kindly provided by and sent to me by PH'er "R129sl" - thanks again Jonathan);


SitCet

105 posts

141 months

Wednesday 19th February 2014
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Is that the correct ignition model? My 89 model has 8 prongs on the plus, which I understood means Euro model, with the 4 prongs meaning US spec.



Edited by SitCet on Wednesday 19th February 17:36

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Wednesday 19th February 2014
quotequote all
SitCet said:
Is that the correct ignition model? My 89 model has 8 prongs on the plus, which I understood means Euro model, with the 4 prongs meaning US spec.



Edited by SitCet on Wednesday 19th February 17:36
I don't know! I hope it is. But it has come from the US (it was cheap £17).

Any chance of a picture of yours?

I think my mechanic has installed mine already - and he said it made it run better? I will try and call him later.

The wiring on my car did seem to have been bodged about a bit, so not too sure what is what!

r129sl

9,518 posts

203 months

Thursday 20th February 2014
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bmthnick1981 said:
SitCet said:
Is that the correct ignition model? My 89 model has 8 prongs on the plus, which I understood means Euro model, with the 4 prongs meaning US spec.



Edited by SitCet on Wednesday 19th February 17:36
I don't know! I hope it is. But it has come from the US (it was cheap £17).

Any chance of a picture of yours?

I think my mechanic has installed mine already - and he said it made it run better? I will try and call him later.

The wiring on my car did seem to have been bodged about a bit, so not too sure what is what!
I did an engine transplant on my 500, replacing the stock 5.0l with a 300bhp 560 engine. I used the existing 4 prong ignition control module with absolutely no issues. At £17, you've nothing to lose: going rate for a used one is about £300!

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Thursday 20th February 2014
quotequote all
r129sl said:
I did an engine transplant on my 500, replacing the stock 5.0l with a 300bhp 560 engine. I used the existing 4 prong ignition control module with absolutely no issues. At £17, you've nothing to lose: going rate for a used one is about £300!
Yes I saw a couple of ones on UK eBay and there were indeed in the order of £300. Lots on US eBay but I did have to wait for one with compatible part numbers to come up - I checked some old threads on MBClub forums and they suggested the one I have acquired should be ok...... Glad to hear you used one on a 560 with no issues.

I also bought my used distributor from US eBay for £60 with good cap and rotor arm (replaced them anyway though).

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Thursday 20th February 2014
quotequote all
bmthnick1981 said:
Yes I saw a couple of ones on UK eBay and there were indeed in the order of £300. Lots on US eBay but I did have to wait for one with compatible part numbers to come up - I checked some old threads on MBClub forums and they suggested the one I have acquired should be ok...... Glad to hear you used one on a 560 with no issues.

I also bought my used distributor from US eBay for £60 with good cap and rotor arm (replaced them anyway though).
See here for ignition module part numbers and inter-changeability;

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/81299-w...

I have 003 545 9132 so hopefully is ok.

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Saturday 22nd February 2014
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Little update, condensation free windows;



Sunroof works;



Wipers do not work, motor/linkage seized. Found second hand one on ebay for £35.

slippery

14,093 posts

239 months

Saturday 22nd February 2014
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thumbup Coming along nicely. smile

vrooom

3,763 posts

267 months

Saturday 22nd February 2014
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Very nice! classy motor.

harry kular

2,770 posts

226 months

Saturday 22nd February 2014
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Great stuff, following with interest.

What was the cause of the condensation- blockage?

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Sunday 23rd February 2014
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harry kular said:
Great stuff, following with interest.

What was the cause of the condensation- blockage?
Not sure it was condensation, as both windows were down ajar when I got the car, its as if they had been left open to allow the interior to breath. Not ideal when it was outside. It's dry now though since my mate sorted the fuses.

Harry - do you have a thread on your V12 W124 build? I'd be very interested.

harry kular

2,770 posts

226 months

Sunday 23rd February 2014
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bmthnick1981 said:
harry kular said:
Great stuff, following with interest.

What was the cause of the condensation- blockage?
Not sure it was condensation, as both windows were down ajar when I got the car, its as if they had been left open to allow the interior to breath. Not ideal when it was outside. It's dry now though since my mate sorted the fuses.

Harry - do you have a thread on your V12 W124 build? I'd be very interested.
I'm in the process of investigating condensation on my S124- looks like the estate windows and rear door seals in my case.

The v12 hasn't got a thread as such- thought I'd wait until I'd got it running....

carpetsoiler

1,958 posts

165 months

Sunday 23rd February 2014
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So glad to see this is coming along. One of my favourite cars from the '80s, and one I'd love to own/drive/experience at least once before petrol becomes far too expensive for such a dinosaur!

Good on you for sticking with it, love it on those wheels too- looks amazing. smile

bmthnick1981

Original Poster:

5,311 posts

216 months

Sunday 23rd February 2014
quotequote all
harry kular said:
I'm in the process of investigating condensation on my S124- looks like the estate windows and rear door seals in my case.

The v12 hasn't got a thread as such- thought I'd wait until I'd got it running....
I'm expecting I might need to do window/door/sunroof/boot seals but it seems to be dry at the moment. From what i've read on mbclub the seals are only available from MB and are quite expensive...