W124 complete bush replacement

[3ps]

OK.

I have to decide on whether to keep my W124 300TD long term, or switch it over to something else (probably a W124 200T!).

I've done some exhaust work on it, engine is fine, gearbox seems fine.

It needs seeing to the front wings, rear arch, and the rear windows are leaking and some rust is starting. Also, som elacquer peel on bonnet, tailgate is matt, and some panels have faded. But the rust repairs are more important.

Also I feel that at 220k and 18yo it will need alot of bushes etc replaced.

Has anybody ever done a full suspension/bush replacement and how much did it cost?

I guess I'm asking solely about rubber components and not shocks as they would have to be done anyway every 8 years or so.

Is anybody able to give a guideline on what parts I will need and how many hours labour would be normal at an indy?

Do I need to provide more information?

 

[television]

Once the rust gets a hold, then things start to get expensive, put the money saved on bushes towards a car with a good body

 

[rpe2]

Don't swap a 300D for a 200T, you'll regret it...

 

[3ps]

The road tax in Ireland on a 300D is €1293 per annum.
It's my wife's car and she doesn't really care what engine she has!

I bought the 300D for longevity but if bodywork and other costs are too high then what can you do.....

 

[LNM]

blinking flip !!! and we moan about £180 a year.....

 

[roofless]

try euro car parts http://www.eurocarparts.com/ i did the front end on my 124 est last week 2x springs 2x balljoints 2x wishbone repair kits & anti-r bushes £150

 

[Bolide]

try euro car parts http://www.eurocarparts.com/ i did the front end on my 124 est last week 2x springs 2x balljoints 2x wishbone repair kits & anti-r bushes £150

Try a main dealer: springs are about £55 each, balljoints £13, ARB bushes £4.50 x 4

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[roofless]

Try a main dealer: springs are about £55 each, balljoints £13, ARB bushes £4.50 x 4

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

euro is handy for me as it's close to my place of work & it still worked out at a better price & i got a wheel bearing for that price too

 

[3ps]

thanks guys, parts prices seem ok so!

Yesterday I dropped it into my local fix it all garage as I coudl wobble the front wheel and suspected a wheel bearing. They said they were able to repair it rather than replace?? Thumbs up anyway.

They couldn't however track it. They said the track rod ends were seized. This is a UK car I imported so I suspect the dreaded salt has rusted everything up.

Anyway I will get new rods ends fitted instead so this will be the start of me replacing everything.

The reason I asked was that I heard that some wishbones/balljoints (not sure) were very expensive and that replacing things on the rear could be very expensive too.

 

[Rideaday]

I had a similar choice to make a few years ago with my 300td, I ended up selling it and buying a c250td, this went the same way as the 300td, and the interior started to show signs of ware, so I had a change and bought a Jag 2.7d.
If I had just kept the 300td I would have been up on the deal by about £10k as thats how much I have lost in five years in depreciation on both cars.
Perhaps I would have spent £2k on repairs to the 300td.
The worst thing about it is every so often I see a gleamming blue 300td with no rust looking fantastic, its my old car, oh how I laugh ( or cry)...

So to make amends to this dire situation I am returning to the fold with either a 280 or a 300td.

 

[3ps]

yes I suppose even with my high road tax I might be better off just keeping it and making it better over time. If the interior got a good valet it would be like new, it's not too bad. There are a few pieces of trim like door cards that have been on and off a few times so are buzzing a bit but I can fix that.

I also plan to refub the wheels myself.

My plan then is to fix mechanical things over time and at some point get the rust seen to and possible a new coat of paint (nothing major). My only concern is that by the time I get all that done perhaps the engine will die!