C126 AKA Uncle Phil

[mike-81-240d]

Just pop the oil cap. Does it have dual chains or a single? If it has a single, list the car on Craigslist tomorrow, or find a m117 to swap in.

'83 was the change over year. My mom was a baller in the eighties and had a black 380SL (r107) it had the dual row from the factory. My dad bought another one about 20 years later, and it also had the dual row.

[keitsby]

lovely c126

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

yeah the homie AMGwheelwhore told me the same exact thing. i have to look into it more. do you know exactly what all goes into replacing it?? Im sure i can just google it. Btw your w124 is sexy. Followed you on IG the MAE's compliment the black very well. Looks super Yakuza Boss style.

Thanks dude, I appreciate it!

I know very little about the M116, so I'm afraid I can't be much help about the specifics. I do know that timing chain is like 6 feet long (no joke, it's ridiculous), so I'm assuming every sprocket it runs over would have to be swapped for the dual-row version. It sounds horrendous to me.

If it hasn't already been swapped, I would be very tempted to take Mike's advice above and seriously reconsider where you're going here, at least if MB's repair program isn't still going on. And, given that they've discontinued the free roadside assistance program and a bunch of other niceties...

Anyway, sorry to piss on your parade.

[volkswagger84]

showing some love for the big coupe

cant wait for the wheel choice

i cant really afford any nice wheels at the moment. as much as id love to its just not realistic right now. i hope ill get a set of wheels to refinish by h20. but i have talked with esm and they are going to do a partial sponsership. so i may go with that for the time being.

[volkswagger84]

Yacht club. Glad the tires worked out for you, and forreal your dude did a number with the detail. Literally looks like a new car compared to sittin on the farm. Keep it up man.

hell yeah!! thanks for the tires cat. the wheels look butter on your car. alot better than what i anticipated.

[volkswagger84]

Thanks dude, I appreciate it!

I know very little about the M116, so I'm afraid I can't be much help about the specifics. I do know that timing chain is like 6 feet long (no joke, it's ridiculous), so I'm assuming every sprocket it runs over would have to be swapped for the dual-row version. It sounds horrendous to me.

If it hasn't already been swapped, I would be very tempted to take Mike's advice above and serious reconsider where you're going here, at least if MB's repair program isn't still going on. And, given that they've discontinued the free roadside assistance program and a bunch of other niceties...

Anyway, sorry to piss on your parade.

lol, its all good man. i went to mb dealership today. they say its about 5k. i actually applied to work there. did an interview today that went well. they said as soon as the couple guys move up to line tech ill be able to begin working there. i want to start as oil lube in which the service manager said i will be eligible to enroll in the mb elite tech school after working 14 months if i show good production and learn quickly. either way. i have to check and make sure that the chains are either single or dual ill probably do today. if it is still single i talked to one of the techs who told me that he would work a deal out with me for replacement.
at the end of the day if it doesnt work out. there are a couple good deals in my area for w123 240d that are in good un-molested condition. that would be my only reconsideration.

[volkswagger84]

lovely c126

Thank You!! it has a long way to go!

[volkswagger84]

Here are some pics i took today. Just bored. Not much funds to do alot but i plan on cleaning up the engine bay.

[volkswagger84]

My original plan changed from getting wheels and tires to actually doing a bit of a restoration on the car first.
I've noticed since driving it around town the past couple days that there are a little bit of issues. I noticed a small coolant leak underneath the radiator where the trans cooler lines hook up. Also I want to fix the power steering pump leak because it makes the areas surrounding the pump all grimey and dirty. I want to figure out the wiring issue with a/c compressor is and also do some regular preventive maintenance. Also since slamming the car i smelled what seemed like a melted wax smell. i looked underneath the car today and noticed the exhaust pipe has melted a small hole in the axle boot and it has been leaking a bit of grease. So heat wrapping the exhaust pipe and replacing the axle is a must. Last but not least, I plan on replacing all the cracked burl wood trim on the inside of the car. Reupolstering the Bolsters in the rear seats. and also redying the two front seats to get the interior back to pristine condition.

Onto the list of stuff to do:
1. new rear axle
2. new rotors and pads
3.spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil filter, and oil
4. valve cover gaskets (maybe)
5. heat wrap for exhaust
6. KYB gas struts for more stiffness
7.new windshield (current one is all pitted)
8.new headlight buckets
9.european style bumpers (if i can find some)
10.respray hood and roof and blend corner panels and fenders
11.new headunit
12.new window gaskets
13. Sand,scuff, and polish trim
I'm sure ill come across more things to do. Also i still have to keep in mind the Single chain issue. I popped the oil cap and couldnt really see down inside.
I hope to have it all done so i can travel down to SOWO.
I most likely will not be able to have some nice wheels by then but if i do I want to run a 17x8.5 in the front with a 205/45 tyre and a 17x10.5 in the rear with a 215/45 tyre.
If anyone has any suggestions, tips, or positive insight that would be awesome! I really like this car and i want to do this one right. Not like my others where it was just a dump, wheels, and cleanup and then flip it. I may keep this one for the long haul and really bring it back to life. Thanks everyone for subscribing. I'm going to try and keep a daily update on this thing to all that is interested!!!

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

I recommend Bilsteins over KYB for your platform. While I loved the AGXs on my old Nissan, most people report they don't seem to hold up well on W124s, and I'd guess W126s are similar. Bilsteins get rave reviews. You'll want B8 shocks / struts, as they're both shorter and stiffer.

Look to see if Depo has Euro lenses for your car. They won't be quite as nice as Hellas, but most people are satisfied with them, and the Euro lenses just look so much nicer than even very clean US headlamps.

Regarding the trim, if it's like the W124, the clear finish can be chemically stripped very easily and then you can stain and re-lacquer the trim. Most people report that's the best way to handle cracks in the finish.

[volkswagger84]

I recommend Bilsteins over KYB for your platform. While I loved the AGXs on my old Nissan, most people report they don't seem to hold up well on W124s, and I'd guess W126s are similar. Bilsteins get rave reviews. You'll want B8 shocks / struts, as they're both shorter and stiffer.

Look to see if Depo has Euro lenses for your car. They won't be quite as nice as Hellas, but most people are satisfied with them, and the Euro lenses just look so much nicer than even very clean US headlamps.

Regarding the trim, if it's like the W124, the clear finish can be chemically stripped very easily and then you can stain and re-lacquer the trim. Most people report that's the best way to handle cracks in the finish.

Do you have a link for the Depo site? Also the wood on the dash near the sides are actually peeling. The Center console is cracked and warped as well. The interior was shot being that the previous owner drove it around on a farm and left windows down etc. My buddy steam cleaned it and got it back pretty good. I just checked out the bilsteins and they are actually 20 dollars cheaper than the KYB so ill just go with the bilsteins then. I really appreciate your insight keep it coming!!!!

Follow me on IG!!!!! @uncle_rickey

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

I think a lot of people get them off eBay. You will have to do a bit of rewiring at the headlamp socket, but it's nothing too arduous: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126EuroLights

[GTShunter]

The KYB gas struts suck in my opinion. I do not like how they ride at all. Your car is coming along nicely. I look forward to seeing it's progress.

There's a white late model c126 in my neighborhood that's been forsale for months. I think it'll look good on the centra wheels i have Laying around.

Also, where in VA are you from? I'm from the 757 area.

[volkswagger84]

I think a lot of people get them of eBay. You will have to do a bit of rewiring at the headlamp socket, but it's nothing too arduous: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126EuroLights

im gonna have to check that out man. wiring doesnt seem to be that hard. i really appreciate the help man! love your car too lol (i think ive said that already)

[volkswagger84]

The KYB gas struts suck in my opinion. I do not like how they ride at all. Your car is coming along nicely. I look forward to seeing it's progress.

There's a white late model c126 in my neighborhood that's been forsale for months. I think it'll look good on the centra wheels i have Laying around.

Also, where in VA are you from? I'm from the 757 area.

Yeah i just read a couple reviews. Im going to go with the Bilsteins like Sam had suggested. Send me a pic of your centras man. Id like to dream a little bit. And if the price is right i may just buy them haha. Also, i live outside of Richmond, Va in Mechanicsville. Im originally from Maryland though. I moved down here about a year ago for work and end just recently lost my job. Boo Hoo right? lol