When it comes time to purchase a replacement part for your older European vehicle, such as the Mercedes-Benz W123 models that will be discussed here, there often isn't much of a decision making process involved. If you need suspension components, there are usually high quality and reasonably...

The venerable W123 chassis produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1977 through 1985, especially the diesel variety, has a reputation for being unstoppable. “They will just run, and run, and run!” As a result many new owners of these classic vehicles find that the previous owner(s) have deferred...

It often seems that coolant is one of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind maintenance items even for most DIY mechanics. Especially with modern coolants that have extended lifespans of 5 years or 100,000 miles, it can feel like an item that needs little or no attention. However, neglected cooling...

Whenever an automotive manufacturer produces a vehicle, they publish what is called a Factory Service Manual (FSM). The FSM provides step-by-step procedures for completing maintenance and repair tasks on that make or family of cars. The FSM is used by the technicians at the dealership to perform...

Many a DIY'er has been there before - you've just completed several hours of hard labor replacing several key suspension components and all you have to do is get the wheels on before you can drive off in to the sunset when disaster strikes! What type of disaster? None other than a stripped thread...

The OM616, OM617, and OM617a inline diesel engines came equipped in a variety of Mercedes platforms starting in the mid-1970's on through the mid-1980's, at least in the U.S. marketplace. With over a decade of production you can imagine the sheer number of these engines that were produced, but...

Anyone who owns a car understands that typical wear parts need to be replaced - things like brakes, shocks, belts, etc. Generally these are things that move, compress, switch, twist, grab...they work hard to keep your car going or under control and it stand to reason that after enough hard work...

Since you are here reading this blog I imagine that you have a sense that doing your own car repairs can save you money, but what if I told you that doing some DIY diagnosis before jumping in and replacing parts can pay off just as much? I do not know many DIY’ers born with an innate mechanical...