My car blog!

This project was started in January of 2010 when an uncle of mine wanted his Mercedes Benz w124 series restored. The car had been sitting in his factory neglected for quite a few years. Apparently forgotten.

Anyway the car was delivered to me in Islamabad and work started slowly due to lack of time. Below is what the car looked like when I got it. The pictures actually look worse then the car really is. The car has been neglected all these years but it is in original shape with all panels in genuine paint and never been dented.

Listing some of the work that will go into the car.

• Taking the dents out and paining the bonnet
• Exterior needs a new grill, side view mirrors, new indicators and the later model smoked tail lights.
• Interior is in pretty bad shape with broken seat springs and cracks on the dash. Thinking of installing the later model dash with wood panelling.
• The manual windows will be replaced by all four power windows
• Rear headrests will be installed with a new parcel shelf.
• Engine seems to be in good nick as the car has only done 110,000 kms from new.
• The manual gear will be replaced with an auto box
• Air con will be updated to accomodate the newer 134a gas.
• New alloy wheels, preferably pristine set of genuine 8 holes with new Michelin tyres.
• New ICE installation
• Zebrano wood steering wheel – maybe
• Both front and rear suspensions will be renewed.
• And the car really needs a professional valet.

I will try to keep updating this page with new latest pictures on the project. Do drop by from time to time to see where the project stands.

Since work started on the car, it has had the body work straightened out and brought back to life. Because of not being polished and standing outside the paint had layers of grime and dust. It took 3 times as long to clean it and wax it properly. Now I’m thinking of installing the later model body panels/side skirts and painting the bumpers in the marble gray paint.

Body work all sorted out. Sorry about the quality – iPhone pic.

The dashboard has been replaced with the later model w124 dashboard which has a zebrano wooden strip in the middle. Thinking of ordering a matching zebrano steering wheel and a gear knob.

I took out the instrument cluster and installed the chorme rings – They make the cluster feel a bit newer IMHO. Comments welome!
Before:

After:

The mileage need correction. The car has done about 100,000 kms. But I had to change a few plastic gears behind the rollers since the trip meter was not working properly. While correcting the problem, the rollers changed and I did not notice until later. Will take it back to the correct mileage later.

New alloys have been source. I really wanted the 15″ 8 hole design but could find a set. So in the end went for the 5 hole 16″ ones. New tires will go on them soon.

March 30, 2010
Worked on the aircon today. Someone previously had fidgeted with the wiring and had installed an aftermarket thermostat and new wiring etc with a Japanese relay. It was tough to find the original wiring – used the Mercedes WIS to get the original wiring diagram and then wired everything accordingly. Using the original control modules already in the car. Everything is working fine now. The aircon fan comes up when the head pressure reaches the triggering point. The engine fan clutch engages a bit late – will see tomorrow exactly what needs to be done. (SOLVED)

The complete aircon circuit was flushed and charged with new gas. The car now has a working aircon and the inside controls work as they should. Quite happy.

March 31, 2010
The new wheels and tires are on. The car has a meaner stance now. It needs to be lowered now.

April 6, 2010
The car is now tinted with 25% tints all round. But then it died on me. Refused to start. Had to call a low loader and sent it to the workshop.

Problem is now solved – there was loads of grime in the carb. Took the carb out and cleaned it. The car is running much smoother now. Idle is also much better.

April 8, 2010
Suspension work has now started both front and rear are being taken apart. Almost everything will be replaced with new.

April 20, 2010
Alot of work done on the carb – now it runs much much smoother.

The springs have been replaced by the Euro style springs which has reduced the ride height exactly to where I wanted. This has also stiffened up the suspension. Pictures to follow – its raining outside.

April 21, 2010
New headunit fitted. Plays all files plus has Bluetooth connectivity for handsfree phone operation while driving. Pretty impressed with it so far.

April 24, 2010
The automatic antenna was taken apart and made to work. Everything was totally jammed.
The side view mirrors have now been replaced by color color coded power mirrors. A new wiring loom is being made to work for the drivers door mirror as the previous one was hand operated.
New pictures as of today:

The front grill will be replaced in a day or so. Contemplating whether to stick with the amber indicators or change them to the later model clear ones.

April 28, 2010
The wiper motor/arm was taken apart and greased. Everything was jammed because of zero usage for a long long time.
The front speakers were replaced with genuine Blaupunkt ones. Although they dont sound as good as they should. Maybe because of the HU is more powerful now. I might replace them with 4″ JBL ones which sound much better.
The powered side mirrors were fitted before. A brand new wiring loom was made for the driver side mirror to make it work. The center console switch was also changed to the one which controls both mirrors.