Mercedes W124 E300D estate - progress, or not...
Discussion
If I'm wrong about the glow plugs, I'm wrong (and I'll be the first to admit it). It may be that the combination of injector spray pattern and lack of glow - which, in itself, I reckon is more than the one plug out that the mechanic thinks it is - may be to blame.
But, once the car is up to temperature, as far as I can tell it runs perfectly with no smoking even under heavy load. If new plugs can replicate, from cold, that hot-engine scenario, that'll be good enough for me for now
Ian: if only it were 'just' £570! Plus the plugs (£60) plus viton o rings.....plus the Labour of around two days on the ramp at £50/hour. That's the really expensive part of this job, but it can't be helped. If the work comes in under £1500 total and I have a car with repaired subframe & decent starting from cold, I'll be okay with that. After a stiff drink.
If the injectors do need doing, that's another couple of hundred plus labour, but I believe they can be removed without the intake manifold coming off, so hopefully that could be done later if the glow plugs don't sort it out.
But, once the car is up to temperature, as far as I can tell it runs perfectly with no smoking even under heavy load. If new plugs can replicate, from cold, that hot-engine scenario, that'll be good enough for me for now
Ian: if only it were 'just' £570! Plus the plugs (£60) plus viton o rings.....plus the Labour of around two days on the ramp at £50/hour. That's the really expensive part of this job, but it can't be helped. If the work comes in under £1500 total and I have a car with repaired subframe & decent starting from cold, I'll be okay with that. After a stiff drink.
If the injectors do need doing, that's another couple of hundred plus labour, but I believe they can be removed without the intake manifold coming off, so hopefully that could be done later if the glow plugs don't sort it out.
Well it's like r129sl says they get under your skin and once you're hooked your hooked, I've spent more on mine than I ever planned for a second car, it was just meant to be for me to do the 7 miles a week to work and a bit of running about with the dogs/tip with minimum spend 3yrs later and she's off for the mot next Saturday so I could be in the same boat as you, keep going you know it's worth it 
I've had 'fun' with the parts. One of those things, but annoying nonetheless, particularly as its been a tough week at work with two more to come, I'm working away & abroad for the next two weeks, and a teammate died at the weekend so I'll be going straight to the funeral from the airport when I get back. But there we are.
Anyway, the parts: ordered on Wednesday, ready on Friday. I mailed the parts guy yesterday to mention that it's the chassis bits that are more urgent, and I'd gladly pick them up if they were ready earlier than the underbonnet bits. Got a response that everything was in, so I spent the third lunchbreak of the week on car parts duty (sound familiar?) by collecting a pitifully small box of parts for the money paid, then taking them over to the mechanic.
Thought I'd sort them out into the chassis pile and the engine pile and.... one of the two subframe mounting sections was missing. Arse. Mailed the parts guy again.
Thought I'd head over today to double-check I'd reported the correct part number as missing. The mechanic is closed at the weekend, meaning a mile-long footpath walk to get in around the back. Decided to check everything off against the list..... and five line items missing, one random extra part, and one fuel line damaged. Double arse.
Not heard anything from the dealer, so toddled over there for a chat. Apologies were made, subframe panel found on a shelf, other parts were reordered, apologies made, and back I went to the mechanic.
He's now got what he needs from me for the welding repairs (except the money bit at the end) so hopefully that work will be done by next weekend.
Not that I'll be in the country to experience it.
Hopefully, the following week will see the fuel lines & glow plugs done, and the car will be back on the road and working when I get back from the States with a bagful of sweets and a significant sleep deficit.
Anyway, the parts: ordered on Wednesday, ready on Friday. I mailed the parts guy yesterday to mention that it's the chassis bits that are more urgent, and I'd gladly pick them up if they were ready earlier than the underbonnet bits. Got a response that everything was in, so I spent the third lunchbreak of the week on car parts duty (sound familiar?) by collecting a pitifully small box of parts for the money paid, then taking them over to the mechanic.
Thought I'd sort them out into the chassis pile and the engine pile and.... one of the two subframe mounting sections was missing. Arse. Mailed the parts guy again.
Thought I'd head over today to double-check I'd reported the correct part number as missing. The mechanic is closed at the weekend, meaning a mile-long footpath walk to get in around the back. Decided to check everything off against the list..... and five line items missing, one random extra part, and one fuel line damaged. Double arse.
Not heard anything from the dealer, so toddled over there for a chat. Apologies were made, subframe panel found on a shelf, other parts were reordered, apologies made, and back I went to the mechanic.
He's now got what he needs from me for the welding repairs (except the money bit at the end) so hopefully that work will be done by next weekend.
Not that I'll be in the country to experience it.
Hopefully, the following week will see the fuel lines & glow plugs done, and the car will be back on the road and working when I get back from the States with a bagful of sweets and a significant sleep deficit.
Incidentally, I may have over ordered on the subframe bushes. Consequences of not looking at the quantities listed.
A124 350 03 41 looks to contain the bushes & fixings for both sides of the car, whereas I bought two because I thought it'd be one side per unit. No great problem - I'm hoping they'll waive the restock fee given I'll have to have made three visits to get the parts that were 'all there'.
Unlike, it would appear, the parts guy who'll be getting an earful from his boss on Tuesday.
A124 350 03 41 looks to contain the bushes & fixings for both sides of the car, whereas I bought two because I thought it'd be one side per unit. No great problem - I'm hoping they'll waive the restock fee given I'll have to have made three visits to get the parts that were 'all there'.
Unlike, it would appear, the parts guy who'll be getting an earful from his boss on Tuesday.
They are a bit useless. I have just this very moment gone through the five items I ordered for my 129 (at a cost of £260). One of them, a £40 headlamp wiper blade (£10 per inch), is wrong. I even gave them the right part number...
I'm guessing your work commitments mean our fantasy road trip is a no-no?
I'm guessing your work commitments mean our fantasy road trip is a no-no?
Not to p1ss on your carrots here so please dont take it that way but spending thousands on this car just isnt worth it. If it was just mechanical issues its not so bad throwing a few quid at but with extensive corrosion its better to just sell it on or break it for parts. There are better ones out there without all these expensive issues..
A1VDY: I know what you mean, but I think that fundamentally this is a good car. It's not going to be concord without a lot of cosmetic spend, but with this spending done I'm (as) confident (as anyone can be with a complicated inanimate object) that the car will do a good few miles before needing anything else significant. The paintwork isn't good and I need a wing, but otherwise everything works.
Famous last words!
r129sl: now hold on there, sunshine. I'll respond shortly, but it's not a no from me. Just a bit of a challenging week. I didn't get ranty with MB because (I'm a wuss at heart) I think I have an understanding with the parts manager, and things will be okay from here out. I guess the peril of giving part numbers - aside from the numpty factor, which is a constant - is that you've told them what you want so, if you've got it wrong, that's not their fault.
If it comes down to it, I'll sling the extra subframe bushes on ebay or offer them on here, but I'll offload them if they're surplus... and that brings the parts bill down to a hugely more reasonable level.
Or so I tell myself.
Famous last words!
r129sl: now hold on there, sunshine. I'll respond shortly, but it's not a no from me. Just a bit of a challenging week. I didn't get ranty with MB because (I'm a wuss at heart) I think I have an understanding with the parts manager, and things will be okay from here out. I guess the peril of giving part numbers - aside from the numpty factor, which is a constant - is that you've told them what you want so, if you've got it wrong, that's not their fault.
If it comes down to it, I'll sling the extra subframe bushes on ebay or offer them on here, but I'll offload them if they're surplus... and that brings the parts bill down to a hugely more reasonable level.
Or so I tell myself.
After a few weeks of barely being in the area (I've covered 11,000 miles in a month by air, sea, train & road) and with my mechanic working on the car when he could, I have the car back.
Glow plugs and fuel lines are not yet done, but the car has a nearly-advisory-free MOT. I took it out to get it cleaned this morning, as the six weeks with the mechanic hadn't been a dust-free experience. It's much better than it was, albeit showing its usage both inside and out.
.... unlike the car I've spent the most time in recently: r129sl's strikingly similar, but strikingly different E300D.
It's an incredible machine, and a testament to the man (and The Man)'s tireless titivation work.
I'll add more on my trip to Cannes and back on that car's thread, but how do I feel now I'm back in my car?
Well, the glow plugs and fuel lines need changing. Hopefully that'll sort out the rough running from cold, and the smoke.
The exhaust is knocking on something now.
The interior and exterior are showing their use.
But there are several things I appreciate about the car: first of all, it too has that indefinable gait that I've only experienced in a 124 (which is to say mine and J's cars). It's comfortable. Capacious. It has (a somewhat faded) elegance. It's a nice place to sit and spend time.
What about differences between the two?
I'd love electrically-adjustable seats, for changing position on long drives.
Cruise control may well be a route I go down - not sure I'd want to drive to the south of France without it.
I prefer my walnut wood trim (and J prefers his zebrano).
I very much like the black leather of the other car, but I equally like the lightness of the pale grey in mine (grubby marks notwithstanding).
Mine has remote central locking! I do appreciate that.
My car is unlikely ever to be as together and clearly well-looked-after as r129sl's car, but there's a consistency joining the two, and I've very much enjoyed driving both.
Glow plugs and fuel lines are not yet done, but the car has a nearly-advisory-free MOT. I took it out to get it cleaned this morning, as the six weeks with the mechanic hadn't been a dust-free experience. It's much better than it was, albeit showing its usage both inside and out.
.... unlike the car I've spent the most time in recently: r129sl's strikingly similar, but strikingly different E300D.
It's an incredible machine, and a testament to the man (and The Man)'s tireless titivation work.
I'll add more on my trip to Cannes and back on that car's thread, but how do I feel now I'm back in my car?
Well, the glow plugs and fuel lines need changing. Hopefully that'll sort out the rough running from cold, and the smoke.
The exhaust is knocking on something now.
The interior and exterior are showing their use.
But there are several things I appreciate about the car: first of all, it too has that indefinable gait that I've only experienced in a 124 (which is to say mine and J's cars). It's comfortable. Capacious. It has (a somewhat faded) elegance. It's a nice place to sit and spend time.
What about differences between the two?
I'd love electrically-adjustable seats, for changing position on long drives.
Cruise control may well be a route I go down - not sure I'd want to drive to the south of France without it.
I prefer my walnut wood trim (and J prefers his zebrano).
I very much like the black leather of the other car, but I equally like the lightness of the pale grey in mine (grubby marks notwithstanding).
Mine has remote central locking! I do appreciate that.
My car is unlikely ever to be as together and clearly well-looked-after as r129sl's car, but there's a consistency joining the two, and I've very much enjoyed driving both.
Quick cross-posting of r129sl's experience of my car a couple of days ago (as much for my future benefit as yours!)
Also wondering about how to get the glow plugs & fuel lines changed. I'm happy to get my mechanic to do it, but the recent bill was more than planned (even though he's cut the labour hill in half) and I wouldn't mind learning more about the engine side of things, but would need a competent adult to help me. I've got all the parts (hopefully) and should have the tools - it's a question of having enough of a chunk of time, and some experienced help.
r129sl said:
His car was strikingly different to mine. It felt lighter and more agile than mine, not so much faster as easier to rev; I also thought it quiet. The steering was markedly lighter and I felt the suspension was softer. It tracked straight and true. I think there is some work to be done replacing worn out bushes and sorting out the smoke and so on, but it seems fundamentally sound.
Front ARB bushes are en route (£30ish incl a couple of spare brackets, Febi). I'm pondering whether it's something I can do myself, and likewise whether to change the steering damper while I'm in that neck of the woods. Also wondering about how to get the glow plugs & fuel lines changed. I'm happy to get my mechanic to do it, but the recent bill was more than planned (even though he's cut the labour hill in half) and I wouldn't mind learning more about the engine side of things, but would need a competent adult to help me. I've got all the parts (hopefully) and should have the tools - it's a question of having enough of a chunk of time, and some experienced help.
Modena, 1,300miles.
It is perfectly do-able but unless you're psycho, that's a minimum of two days' solid driving by motorway, probably more like three. Step off the motorway (as I would urge you) and you need much more time. Whereas you can do 300miles in four hours with ease on European motorways, I'd say the same time will buy you no more than 150miles on the back roads. But there is something terribly therapeutic about having a prolonged period alone at the wheel. I always find I get to know myself again. And hey, if you're in the E320, I could be tempted to drive it back...
This series is quite inspirational and useful, there are several volumes, not just this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CURVES-01-Frankreich-Mart...
Glowplugs &c
Getting the manifold off its definitely DIY. I've had the cross pipe off. A rubber mallet is a useful tool. Getting the glowplugs out I am less sure about. It would be just my luck to snap one. Getting injectors out requires a special tool (a socket with a cut-out, about £20) and you need new heatshield washers when you reinstall them. If you do take the manifold off, you should do all the jobs that can be done underneath it, in particular replace the plastic fuel lines. Also get the manifold and cross pipe cleaned out.
It is perfectly do-able but unless you're psycho, that's a minimum of two days' solid driving by motorway, probably more like three. Step off the motorway (as I would urge you) and you need much more time. Whereas you can do 300miles in four hours with ease on European motorways, I'd say the same time will buy you no more than 150miles on the back roads. But there is something terribly therapeutic about having a prolonged period alone at the wheel. I always find I get to know myself again. And hey, if you're in the E320, I could be tempted to drive it back...
This series is quite inspirational and useful, there are several volumes, not just this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CURVES-01-Frankreich-Mart...
Glowplugs &c
Getting the manifold off its definitely DIY. I've had the cross pipe off. A rubber mallet is a useful tool. Getting the glowplugs out I am less sure about. It would be just my luck to snap one. Getting injectors out requires a special tool (a socket with a cut-out, about £20) and you need new heatshield washers when you reinstall them. If you do take the manifold off, you should do all the jobs that can be done underneath it, in particular replace the plastic fuel lines. Also get the manifold and cross pipe cleaned out.
Edited by r129sl on Monday 10th June 07:03
Thread trip to/from Modena...? 
Getting things off is easier, I find, than getting things working afterwards. That's where I do not excel.
I have the heat shield washers, although I'm thinking of leaving the injector side well alone when furtling the glow plugs (I do have the return line, so that could happen if it were needed). I also have the fuel lines, and most of the breather pipework connecting to the main part of the I'm (Sod's Law it'd be the expensive pieces that will break). Hopefully that's all that'd be needed on this delving under the bonnet.
Getting things off is easier, I find, than getting things working afterwards. That's where I do not excel.
I have the heat shield washers, although I'm thinking of leaving the injector side well alone when furtling the glow plugs (I do have the return line, so that could happen if it were needed). I also have the fuel lines, and most of the breather pipework connecting to the main part of the I'm (Sod's Law it'd be the expensive pieces that will break). Hopefully that's all that'd be needed on this delving under the bonnet.
0a said:
I am due in Modena in late July. I was about to book the flights to Bologna, but then thought I should drive instead. 'Only' 1,300 miles each way. I am considering it...
Do weekdays in July, South Wales to between San Marino and Ancona (so well past Modena) most years via Gotthard in Switzerland with one overnight (usually Nancy). Long driving days but easily doable - kind of driving I like though.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff