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Disrupted Crashed E320 (A very bad day) - Now 190E Project/Restoration

GSXR,

Thank you. I was trying to save as many of those as possible. They are expensive.

Not that I mind spending the money, just saving for transmission and other things (seats)
 
This better be worth it! I'm soaked...

Bottom is much cleaner. Not concours, but cleaner.


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Now, I need a plan for this.

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There's a rear cover from Kangaroos which will allow mounting the W124 diff. Needs custom rear halfshafts, and custom hubs.

Might as well replace all the control arms while I'm in there.

Anyhow, next is media blast the trouble areas, treat and prime. I'm figuring two weekends, as there are many areas which need attention.

My brother suggested metalux (spelling) from Finish Master. Another option is Jason. He claims they both spray well, and are forgiving for an occasional (35 years ago) painter.

I just want anything which might be viewable to be the correct color.

Saturday had me in a poor mental state over this. Started really questioning my sanity.

I told my brother if anything happens to me he HAD to finish it 🤣🤣🤣

I'm hoping for an agreed value policy of around 20k when I'm finished. I will not have another situation as last summer.
 
Sooooooo.....

Last weekend was camp crawl.FB_IMG_1691979190661.jpg

Yes I'm in there somewhere.

This weekend.... Ummm...

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Covered in blast media. Don't judge me too harshly, I know the risks of this activity.

Lessons learned;
Blast hood is a necessity. I have already purchased one. Real respirator is on the way also.
Blast media will enter every inch of your clothing. Eye protection this simple works until you touch the goggles, then it's in your eyes.
Your ears will fill with media also.

I assumed with the small areas under the car, it would only take minutes. Wrong.

Eastwood AfterBlast is not the product to use in this situation. It is for long term storage of cleaned parts. Also, it should be washed off before it gets. It attacks paint, and you cannot paint over it as there is zinc which precipitates out. It must be removed by re-applying, then agitating while rinsing with water. Metal prep, rinsed before drying, then fresh epoxy primer is the way.

Argon CO2 25% has become super expensive. And I haven't touched the MIG in years (25+). Looking for some thin steel coupons for practice.

So the plan is to spend this week collecting the supplies I still need. I just hope to have the problem areas sorted before winter.

On a lighter note, found these:

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I like the grey and green.

I'm sure there's more I've forgotten. This whole project has my head swimming. I cannot wait to reach critical mass with this.

Shaun
 
Not much to report. Blasting and refinishing continues.

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I finally have a process down. Left vent replacement came in this week. Took two tries on The Bay. One never arrived, so luckily I found one in the States from another seller. Saved $80.00 too.

I'm now starting to ponder other parts of the project. I do not want the vacuum economy gauge, so I have removed the clusters from both cars. The W124 cluster has developed white dot disease in the year plus it's been sitting, so I'm not sad to take parts from it.

Stainless nuts an bolts, along with nutserts on the way. I'm replacing all the sheet metal screws with this hardware. I've got tons of brackets to sandblast.

I've been staring at the rear subframe. I want the W124 differential, but not too sure it's worth the trouble. I saw an interesting post where someone had installed a Chrysler diff (300). That would allow for different ratios.

I'm intending to use the factory ECU with the initial engine install.

On another note, the dash is PACKED behind the 190 cluster. It really is a small car. It is much harder to remove the speedo cable. In the 124 you can remove the cable clip under the carpet, and pull the cluster out far enough to reach behind it on the right hand side.

Also the light pipes for the dash switches in the 190 are a pain. I was very careful not to break them.
 
Just met up with Drew (sheward). Purchased his EVO steering box and euro headlight lens. He was kind enough to give me three complete taillight assembly's, along with a low mileage cluster.

His 500 is insanely gorgeous. Absolute perfection.

I also saw Jim's 500. Not sure of his handle here on the board. Very nice.

Absolutely worth the road trip to CT to meet up with a fellow enthusiast.

Would have loved to spend more time, but I did not want to slow Drew down on his return trip.

This weekend is camp. So, no car work this weekend. I'll be back at it soon enough.

Thanks again Drew!

Shaun
 
Well, well, well.....

How is everyone?

Busy busy time. My company let the Most senior technician go a couple of weeks ago.

Which leaves me the only tech with component level skills.

My wife recently paid to replace the torn and broken bumpers on the E500 (W211). So now, I'm going to spend some $$ on the car.

On the 190 front;
Headlight level adjustment switch and bezel finally in my hand. Took three tried, so I have a couple of broken ones. No worries, I won't try to resell them.



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Grill cleaned, polished, and painted black (like my stolen one).

Car washed, polished and waxed.

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Vents cleaned and re-installed. Filler door re-installed.

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Wax applied, new jack point pads installed. Rocker covers cleaned. Would be installed, but new stainless hardware misplaced ATM.

If anyone has a clue to the correct antenna bushing, I would appreciate it.
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Wow, it's been a hot minute. I am still working on the project.

Headlights are in pieces. Wailing for a day in the winter where I can spend some time on them. Yellow fog light capsules are located and in the queue.

Clustermania is in progress. I want a 160 MPH speedo, and I want the vacuum gauge gone.

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I've been disassembling the W124. This is a most difficult project. I expected to drive this one forever. There has been a little corrosion starting over the last four winters. Had the repaint happened last smer, this all would have been addressed.

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I've disposed of most of the interior. Too bad, four nice door cards in parchment. ☹️.

I've saved the door mirrors, as I hope to install them on the 190.

I will remove the entire wire harness. I'm not sure what I will need. I still have the DEPO headlights, along with two sets of clear lens aftermarket headlights. I was planning projectors, and the first set was for pre-update as the seller misrepresented them.

On a lighter note, I have one flower bolt available for free if anyone needs it.

IMG_20231124_135708174.jpgShaun
 

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Love seeing the progress on your w201. Of interest…

Hagerty’s Carmudgeon show/podcast…recently a Cammisa/Tam-Scott tribute (and love fest) show to the w201. Fun listen if you have a long drive (as I did before the holiday) or chores around the house:
.
 
Got the dash removed this morning. No pics. ☹️

Forgot about the hex bolt for the center vents. It popped apart. Vent slats everywhere. I cannot wrap my head around the job of the assembler whom installed the wiring harness. 😳😳😳

It's cold and windy where the car is, so I have to work in small time increments. I plan on finishing some of the smaller projects over the winter.

Tomorrow, I need to replace the front left axle shaft in the 500e.

I've also found another 500e. It's been sitting several years. I want to time an offer a little closer to the holidays. We'll see what happens. I've grown to really like the W211 chassis. Driven a six cylinder model and it did not feel underpowered. With a V8, they are fast and smooth.

Also, not having an extra car adds a little extra stress.. I've driven older cars most of my life. An extra runner is gold on those days when things go wrong.
 
Took a couple of photos today.

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Dash is stained. I think it was window cleaner with acetone. I was pondering a replacement during the respray.

I love driving the 4-Matic cars. They are, however more time consuming or some repairs.

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IMG_20231126_165726923_MF_PORTRAIT.jpgif you need a slide hammer, this is the one. Good quality, reasonably priced on Amazon. The ABN part pulled the left front axle shaft easily.
 

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Love the commitment on the 201! I had a red 2.0 with two options, seat heaters and sunroof - a typical Swedish spec to make not twice the price of a Saab or Volvo... Loved that car, it was in fact my first own Mercedes. Traded it for a 300CE, straight trade no money between - they guy needed four doors. Those were the days. :) Always regretted not buying a 2.6, I've had several opportunities when they were cheap AND in good condition.

Looking forward to the progress on your car!
 
Finally a warm day!

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Rear subframe out. Now I've done two recently, on the ground. Last time before this project, I removed a rear subframe on a lift, with a transmission jack.

I'm beat... I'm getting too old to do this kind of work on the ground.

Enough complaining. Next is the driveshaft, and the fluids. Hoping to have the engine out before the end of April.

I plan to take an entire week off in early June to make up for lost time.

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Parts everywhere. This is a small part of what I have. Ignore the mess. I need two whole days to organize.

Just wanted to show the progress I've made lately. The headlights are in progress also. I'll get some pictures at some point.

Shaun
 
The weather was not the best yesterday. After attempting to do some work outside, I decided to move indoors. I decided to start with the front suspension. I cleared an area where I could work. The barn is totally filled with AMC cars and parts in various states of completion. Unfortunately, the curator of these vehicles passed away nearly three years ago. I was a GM disciple, so I have no real knowledge of these cars, and am not inspired by them.

I cleared a small area to start some work. The front suspension is where I need to begin.

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I'm using the recently new LCA's from the 124 along with the spindles.

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I have poly bushings to install. I hesitatingly started removing the stock bushings. I was doubting myself as these LCA'S are nearly new, and were some of the last factory parts available.

When the first bushing finally popped out, I started to feel better. I sliced my finger open, but continued to work.

It's terrible, how I have to fight the project creep. My thoughts of "I have to paint all these parts." have to be converted to "This can bee a weekend project sometime in the future.".

Some things will have to be done now. The rear subframe is nasty. I won't want to drop it again in the future. Others can wait. Project management is something I despise.

Anyhow, stay tuned...

Shaun.
 
Left front partially installed. I have to remind myself this is not a nut and bolt restoration.

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The remaining bushings came out fairly easily. The poly bushings pressed in by hand. The center pivot was more difficult. I used a small hammer to start it, then a large clamp to drive it home.

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The bushings are slightly wider than the stock bushings.i used a bolt, but and washers to spread the mounting tabs.

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More next weekend.

Shaun
 

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I just wanted to say "Thank You!" To everyone here.

The W124 knowledge here is amazing. Gerry's thread made my head gasket journey smooth.

I had a S500 for a bit, and the m119 knowledge helped me get it running. sold it for a small profit nearly three years ago.

And the interest in the 190 is unbelievable.
 
Last weekend.

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I mistakenly installed both rearward bushings in the left LCA.

When I attempted to remove the bushings from the right LCA, they wouldn't budge. Used a 5/8 drill to remove the connecting dowel pin. Then they hammered right out.

Corrected the bushing placement error, and installed the right LCA and strut.

Not sure what the next step is, but I'll figure it out.

Shaun
 

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Wow it's been a hot minute....

I don't have any recent pictures. Work continues, the M104 is ready to pull from the 124. Everything is disconnected, just sitting on the unbolted mounts.

W208 16mm rear sway bar on the way.

Waiting for complete tie rods from Pelican. The order is a complete disaster. I know they'll make it right though.

Once the engine is out, I can find the W201 mounts, and start the install. I was going to reseal the engine, but I've decided I'd rather get it running, then attack the other issues.

I have four doors with no rot, and only a couple of small surface rust areas. I'll post a for sale ad, but if you're local, they can be had for beer money.

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There's still room in here...

Also, the front clip will be available if anyone in the northeast can use it.

Shaun
 
So.....

It fits. I'm not happy with the engine setback. I used the m103 mount arms as I've read most people do. The clearance between the AC compressor and the radiator will be literally millimeters. There's 3 inches between the back of the cylinder head and the firewall. It looks like if I were to use the w124 mount arms it would actually move the engine back an inch I need to do some research. These photos are with it sitting on the mounts and the tail of the transmission jacked up underneath if any of you know are have talked with anyone who has done this swap any advice would be appreciated.

One other thing if anyone knows the torque spec for the four bolts that hold each mount arm on, I would appreciate the information!

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And yes, I've done this all alone!

I'm going to have to remove it again that was a mouse nest above the transmission in the w124. So I'm going to pressure wash most everything replace the oil level sensor it could use some other gaskets to reseal it but I'm going to live with it as I'd like to have it running next summer.

The biggest thing is to get it running. The last time this engine ran was last October.
 
So.....

The clearance between the AC compressor and the radiator will be literally millimeters.
This WILL NOT WORK. The powertrain moves forward/back, and under hard braking, if you only have 2-3mm to the radiator... yep, the compressor will kiss the radiator.


There's 3 inches between the back of the cylinder head and the firewall.
Yep, you need to figure out how to move the whole thing back a couple of inches. Remember to leave space for a cooling fan.

:sawzall:
 
I've been very slowly working on the same swap...'94 M104 LH engine into a '90 190E. I'm pretty sure I used the 190E's original M103 mounts...I did a 3.0 M103 into this car in 2010 or so and I'm using the same mounts on the M104. Everything fits fine. I'll post some pictures tomorrow.
 
Thinking about it, I must have used the mounts from the 2.6 M103, that makes the most sense.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the fitment.
 

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All the wiring is removed from the W124.

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Now the fun begins. I'm thinking about adding a fuse panel to power the new circuits in the 190E. There will be quite a bit of integration. I want the cruise control. Also there is a diagnostic module. I'm not sure if the diagnostic port will work correctly without it.

I'm swapping the remote mirrors, and the adjustable steering column. The ECU, Cruise/Idle Controller, and Diagnostic module will all need power.

I'm going to look for an eight circuit fuse panel. This should leave me with three extra circuits.

I'm not sure how much will get done tomorrow. I've got some work to do on another vehicle.

Shaun
 
The diagnostic module is only needed for the CEL. If you need the CEL to function, you need the DM. Otherwise, it's useless. All the DM does is monitor the engine computer data and trigger the CEL (along with a stored code) when it senses emissions-related faults.

:cel:
 
The diagnostic module is only needed for the CEL. If you need the CEL to function, you need the DM. Otherwise, it's useless. All the DM does is monitor the engine computer data and trigger the CEL (along with a stored code) when it senses emissions-related faults.

:cel:
Thank you so much for this info!
 
Cruise control idle control and diagnostic module harness separated from the main harness. It appears other than the connections to the ECU harness, it requires one switched hot input. I will have to verify that though.

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Spent the last month collecting parts, and more hours on the wiring. I'm ready to merge the two wiring harnesses. Spent some time organizing my work area.

Decided I need the 190 to be a roller.

Since the front suspension is hung, the rear subframe is the next project. The axles are frozen in the hubs, and the suspension bolts are very crusty.

Went to grab the small acetylene setup, and decided to install the backflash arrestors I purchased last fall. After installation, the O2 arrestor was leaking, and the output gauge was pegged.

Disassembled the regulator, and found this.

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Teflon seat split wide open. Couldn't find a rebuild kit online, and the local gas supplier was no help. New Victor regulator on the way.

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Removed the center section along with the hubs and control arms. Most of this is going away anyhow.

Since I had no hot wrench, I tried the MAPP gas. I consider this gas merely very warm. Not really effective on really crusty stuff. Used the needle scaler on the worst nuts. All the 21mm stuff was now half size. Ran to AutoZone and grabbed a 3/4 impact. DuraLast worked well. Lifetime warranty. 🤔

I hammered it on the crusty nuts, and went full gorilla. Success.

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AutoZone on the left, MAC on the right. They're both chonkier than the SnapOn, but I'm not a rich man...


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Here's where I am. Sandblast cabinet repaired and working well. Hope to remove the bushings and get it cleaned up tomorrow. Then disassemble the 124 rear subframe. I have new bushings for all the control arms. The press is buried in the rear of the shop. The wash tank also needs love.

So much to do.
 
Rear subframe bushings easy-peasy...

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Front bushings... The struggle is real!

Over an hour from start to finish. One more to go.

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Wish me better luck with the last one.

Second one went much better aside from spraying the wall of the garage with the black oil.

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Got to this point.

IMG_20240622_163406686.jpgI'll


Rain started. The axles are truly seized in the hubs. I was planning on using most of the W124 parts anyhow. The subframe needs cleaning, I hope it will fit into the blast cabinet.

I have polyurethane bushings for the rear, along with a CLK430 rear sway bar and metal links. Hope to get some time in tomorrow, as we have plans for next weekend.
 
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