It all begins with a vision! So before I introduce my second ride, let me give you an idea about it first.
The Mercedes Benz W 124
Originally built by Daimler-Benz in the 70s the W124 (later marketed as the E-series) was a really popular mid-sized vehicle up to the mid 90s. It came with lots of technical innovations, most of them focused on driver safety, that later got adopted through the whole industry, like the ABS or traction control. Its very own crash test configuration (a body designed to keep passengers safe during an off-crash at about 50km/h, a windshield that stays in place, doors that open easily without specialist tools…) became the model for the standard crash test configuration in the EU (Euro-NCAP).
The W124 also came with a more aerodynamic body including underlying plastic molding that significantly reduced fuel consumption (only 11L/100km) and windnoise. Finally Daimler-Benz introduced the iconic 15-hole flat face alloy wheels which lovingly became known as “Gullideckel”, manholes, because they really do resemble a drainage cover…
W124 alias Mercedes Benz E230
I found this particular lady quietly waiting at a German car dealer in 2019. The W124 has always been an iconic car to me, not only because of the looks but also because the engine is extremely sturdy (quality made in Germany hell yes!) and withstands almost every abuse. I mean there’s a reason they were widely used as taxis….
My beauty was biding her time, waiting to be found. At that time I was looking for a reliable and sturdy daily (sorry Rx8 baby, you are expensive) and I found her listed for way too cheap. Being me, I totally drove over to Germany to take a closer look at one of my childhood dream cars. Her specs were perfect: while built in 1988 she still had under 100.000km, no visible rust, original paperwork with revisions and work dating back to 1988, only ONE previous owner… She drove perfectly. Engine running smooth, seats more comfortable than your grandmas couch, very clean inside. Oh well. I brought her home the next weekend…
And this is how my intense love and hate relationship began. Its also how she earned her nickname “The German Bitch”.
After buying her I took her to my shop and had a closer, non i-am-so-in-love-with-you look…
To my utmost surprise (ugh me!) I found rust. Lots of rust. Actually the whole left underbody was rusted. And I don’t mean slightly rusted but I rather eaten alive by a demon rusted. My heart broke. And so began the endless cycle of finding a problem, fixing said problem, finding another problem…
If you want to know more about how much love and work I put in this partially ungrateful lady, have a look at my works & projects page!
As a little teaser, here the non-exhaustive list of work that already has gone into her:
New ignition (she once started burning WHILE i was driving her!!!)
New cooling circuit and thermostat
New radiator
Upgrade to an electrical cooling fan kit
New sparkplugs and coils
New front wheel bearings
Intense rust removal
…
Eaten alive by the rust demon…
