Titivating my Mercedes 124

[r129sl]

I filled mine to the brim with logs, quite fresh cut ones at that, and it was fine.

[Blackpuddin]

Yes I've done two bootloads of fresh logs already with newly-cut wood up to the level of the top of the back seats but I don't want to overtax the old girl if it's going to crock it. Had new spheres put in a few months back and the car is 100% sound chassis wise.

Edited by Blackpuddin on Wednesday 27th January 13:23

[Blackpuddin]

mercedeslimos said:

http://www.w124.co.uk/dimensions.html

That might be of use. I usually have a look at the unladen weight and the GVW. By that, you've 650kg of wiggle room, but that will presumably mean fuel and driver/passengers too. Interesting how they don't give your GTW, as this tells you what weight you can tow a trailer.

If in doubt throw up a pic of your data plate, can have a look. It's something commercial vehicle users have to check all the time to stay in the green.

Sorry, I'm not ignoring your kind offer to check the plate, the car's not here at the mo but when it is I'll take a snap. Thanks.

[mercedeslimos]

Blackpuddin said:

Sorry, I'm not ignoring your kind offer to check the plate, the car's not here at the mo but when it is I'll take a snap. Thanks.

You're fine I know the feeling!

Couldn't find one online or I would have checked.

Well used to doing it as there's no excuse for an HGV or PSV to be over the plated weight. That = a big fine for the driver and operator. Also, the plate pretty much sums up how any weight added should be spread over the axles of the vehicle or vehicle and trailer.

[crosseyedlion]

Now I've got a job working from home, and some accident history on my latest policy (1 at fault 1 none fault!) means I'm basically an insurance nightmare for a bit (no NCB) its turned my head back to the possibility of my 4th 124! Insurance basically works out at £25 per month vs. the £130 of my current Range Rover.

The temptation to get a 300ce-24 is strong. Hopefully depreciation free, lower road tax and cheaper insurance means quite a maintenance/restoration budget!

[Blackpuddin]

Brushing the snow off the bonnet and the star snapped off. Are they weldable, or is it a blob of epoxy and hope for the best?

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Replace it. They're delightfully cheap from a dealer.

[Blackpuddin]

Is the whole assembly needed or can the star be replaced separately? I'm guessing no to the second part of that.
Forget that, I've just found a million full units on ebay for about £12 a pop.
ETA: Got a genuine one for £30.

Edited by Blackpuddin on Tuesday 2nd February 12:11

Edited by Blackpuddin on Tuesday 2nd February 12:23

[Northbrook]

I'm somewhat (extremely) late to the data plate party but, in case it's of use, here's the one from my scruffier iteration:

[Blackpuddin]

Northbrook said:

I'm somewhat (extremely) late to the data plate party but, in case it's of use, here's the one from my scruffier iteration:

Thanks! I took it easy on the old girl just to be on the safe side.

On another matter, does anybody know where a replacement electric aerial might be found for a W124 300 diesel estate? Motor is running but I think the gears might be knackered as it's not really moving any more (but it keeps trying even when the engine is off). I know these are hard/impossible to get new. Failing that, I'm thinking of just disconnecting it in the up position.

[Sebastian Tombs]

My S124 had a Beru much like this, which are fairly readily available.
https://www.beruparts.eu/find-my-part/24290/beru/i...

[loudlashadjuster]

I replaced whatever my 300TD had with a Hirschmann 2050, fitted perfectly.

[Blackpuddin]

loudlashadjuster said:

I replaced whatever my 300TD had with a Hirschmann 2050, fitted perfectly.

This is interesting info, was/is yours a straight non turbo W124 E300 estate? Only asking because the exact model seems to make a difference when it comes to aerials for these old Mercs.

[loudlashadjuster]

Blackpuddin said:

loudlashadjuster said:

I replaced whatever my 300TD had with a Hirschmann 2050, fitted perfectly.

This is interesting info, was/is yours a straight non turbo W124 E300 estate? Only asking because the exact model seems to make a difference when it comes to aerials for these old Mercs.

Not an E300, a 300 TD, one of the last half-facelifts. Registered in 1994 on an L-plate, with the old big grille and the non-turbo, 2-valve OM603, but with the door cladding and a few other tweaks compared to the pre-92 models.

[Blackpuddin]

Sebastian Tombs said:

My S124 had a Beru much like this, which are fairly readily available.
https://www.beruparts.eu/find-my-part/24290/beru/i...

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply, I will try the link.

[r129sl]

Blackpuddin said:

loudlashadjuster said:

I replaced whatever my 300TD had with a Hirschmann 2050, fitted perfectly.

This is interesting info, was/is yours a straight non turbo W124 E300 estate? Only asking because the exact model seems to make a difference when it comes to aerials for these old Mercs.

It's not that, it's rather that an antenna was an optional extra; many dealers steered customers away from the factory audio options towards (inferior but cheaper) dealer fit equipment. Cars with factory speakers and antenna tend to have an electric Hirschmann with a chrome mast. There used to be a chap on eBay, I am sure he is still there, Car-Masts-UK who was an excellent supplier of correct spares.

[Blackpuddin]

loudlashadjuster said:

Blackpuddin said:

loudlashadjuster said:

I replaced whatever my 300TD had with a Hirschmann 2050, fitted perfectly.

This is interesting info, was/is yours a straight non turbo W124 E300 estate? Only asking because the exact model seems to make a difference when it comes to aerials for these old Mercs.

Not an E300, a 300 TD, one of the last half-facelifts. Registered in 1994 on an L-plate, with the old big grille and the non-turbo, 2-valve OM603, but with the door cladding and a few other tweaks compared to the pre-92 models.

OK thanks, mine's a very late 1995 multivalve OM606. I've dropped that website a note, let's see what they say. I've looked at other ad sites for the 2050 and they don't all seem to include the W124 in the 'ok to fit' lists.

[Blackpuddin]

r129sl said:

Blackpuddin said:

loudlashadjuster said:

I replaced whatever my 300TD had with a Hirschmann 2050, fitted perfectly.

This is interesting info, was/is yours a straight non turbo W124 E300 estate? Only asking because the exact model seems to make a difference when it comes to aerials for these old Mercs.

It's not that, it's rather that an antenna was an optional extra; many dealers steered customers away from the factory audio options towards (inferior but cheaper) dealer fit equipment. Cars with factory speakers and antenna tend to have an electric Hirschmann with a chrome mast. There used to be a chap on eBay, I am sure he is still there, Car-Masts-UK who was an excellent supplier of correct spares.

Thanks very much, I found him on ebay and have dropped him a note too.

[0a]

I bought the 'right one' for my original green W124, and annoyingly, I think it had been replaced with the 'wrong one' before so it didn't fit without a load of work. Quite common as these cars get older.

[Blackpuddin]

Blackpuddin said:

r129sl said:

Blackpuddin said:

loudlashadjuster said:

I replaced whatever my 300TD had with a Hirschmann 2050, fitted perfectly.

This is interesting info, was/is yours a straight non turbo W124 E300 estate? Only asking because the exact model seems to make a difference when it comes to aerials for these old Mercs.

It's not that, it's rather that an antenna was an optional extra; many dealers steered customers away from the factory audio options towards (inferior but cheaper) dealer fit equipment. Cars with factory speakers and antenna tend to have an electric Hirschmann with a chrome mast. There used to be a chap on eBay, I am sure he is still there, Car-Masts-UK who was an excellent supplier of correct spares.

Thanks very much, I found him on ebay and have dropped him a note too.

Had a quick and very informative reply from Malcolm at Car Masts UK which says that they can supply an aftermarket aerial for an S124, namely this one:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t...
He says the Hirschmann 2050 is not suitable because its adjustable wing fitting is only suitable for wing angles up to 30°. Their aftermarket one is supplied complete with the factory fitted grommet to suit the factory cut 61° oval hole in the rear wing, so will restore the aerial to its original appearance. He also suggests that I check first whether the existing aerial is the original factory fitted Hirschmann AUTA 6000 aerial as it may be possible and preferable to repair this, rather than replace it, so I'm just popping out now to find out the answer to that.