weekend fun with the AMG W124

[s class]

[Big_Richard]

shouldnt there be some text with this group of pictures, or are we expected to use our imagination

what was the reason for removing the engine ? 

[s class]

I was tired after removing the engine - so no text.  In any case I thought it was self evident what was happening.....

Engine has been removed for several reasons :

a) the left front chassis leg is going to be straightened after a previous accident
b) paint engine bay
c) transmission rebuild
d) engine reseal with new timing chain etc etc etc.
e) replacement of all water hoses, hydraulic hoses etc etc
f) general cleaning up and beautifying which may include WA-bling....

The actual engine removal went pretty smoothly considering the M103 is so long, and clearance in the W124 is very tight . Prior to that however, it took HOURS to get all the wiring harnesses out.  As part of the preparations for the chassis repair work, I've had to completely strip the engine bay including all the ABS and engine management stuff, A/C equipment etc etc. 

[oscar]

Prior to that however, it took HOURS to get all the wiring harnesses out.  As part of the preparations for the chassis repair work, I've had to completely strip the engine bay including all the ABS and engine management stuff, A/C equipment etc etc. 

Man, the second photo looks a nightmare.  I'd be so full of proud after that I'd take a week off.

I'm sure it'll look a million bucks when finished.

[TJ 450]

Nice work!

That wiring is insane... I wouldn't have thought that it would have been that complicated on a 124.

A rebuild of one of these transmissions should be quite economical as well as being "rebuilder friendly". At first I was skeptical of the mono housing, although I have since discovered many benifits of that setup.

Tim

[s class]

TJ, as part of the conversion to AMG spec, the car has been fitted with an ex-W126 500SE transmission. 

What are the benefits of the one-piece system?

Oscar, I assure you, that wiring harness is as scary as it looks.  Among other things, its an umbilical cord between the ABS, engine, climate management systems located behind the battery, at the base of the windscreen, and the ABS hydraulics, A/C equipment and igniter located towards the front of the left inner fender.  It also branches out to include linkups to the engine sensors (many of them), lighting, windscreen wiper, plus the other direction out to the fuse box. 

[TJ 450]

That single housing combines many parts that were once separate on the earlier units. You don't have to worry about removing a bellhousing to remove the front pump or even the gear assembly. The base of the valve body is also integrated, so you don't have to worry about the "plug pipes". The input and output shafts are supported by sleeve bearings in the main casing, with the only ball bearing at the extension housing.

As a result of all these features, it only takes about an hour to pull one of these down. No doubt you have seen that most parts, including the renowned B2 piston are available from AutohausAZ etc.

Does it have the FGS modification? That would be insane on this beast.

Tim

[s class]

TJ, no FGS mod, but it kicks down to first easily at stop streets with a firm throttle. 

It has all the goodies - the engine management units and igniter have the MB part number scratched out and an HWA...... number engraved under it. 

[s class]

Here at last some updated pics of the project, taken just before the car went in for chassis repairs :

Final preparations, cleaning and degreasing done :



This is the right chassis leg which is basically correct - just a very mild deflection in it :



This is the left chassis leg which is terrible.  Bent into an S-shape, and bent downwards.  Note the previous bodged repair to the anti-roll bar dropper. 



And a view of that dropper from under the chassis leg :



Butchered left headlight bucket :



Butchered inner left fender :

[s class]

Getting the car out of my property, on its way to the chassis straighteners :

[TJ 450]

I see there is indeed a bit of mangulation going on there in the chassis. I'm sure it will look a million dollars when complete though.

Tim

[nathan]

this car gets me excited in a way a father of 1 and a third children has long since forgotten!
awesome vehicle, i  would love any mint or unique wagen like this made by MB! keep us informed

[s class]

Nathan, I hear you about the 'having forgotten' thing.  Thats why we need cars....

Anyhow, I will say this, you should just hear this engine.  Man, its awesome.  Lightened and balanced, at idle it sounds like any normal M103.  Just touch the throttle though and it screams to readline immediately, and totally without any harshness.  Then as it spins down again to idle, the overrun sound is just as good....

[pompy]

S class, you are a luckily man for being able to work on these cars. I would love to be able to do restoration work on 116's and the like for a living - strip and fix and make them 'new' again. If ever you want to start a Benz restoration business I'll be your right hand.

[s class]

I had a progress meeting this morning at the chassis straightener's workshop.  They ended up cutting apart the left front chassis leg, repairing everything, and welding it all back together.  They have done some beautiful finish work on the inner fender.  it certainly looks like a lot of manhours have gone into it.  Now they will finish and paint the engine bay.  I should have the car back at my place in 10 days or so.