nazrat

My sister has recently started a career as a real estate agent. I'd like to help her dress up her car a bit so that when she's driving clients around, they feel less like they are in a 20 year old car with 275k miles, and more like they are in a Mercedes.

I already know that I need to glue some of the wood back onto the dash. What other things will make a good difference? Are there seat covers in existance that don't look horrible? She has TEX now, and it is cracked in a couple of places.

A wash and wax is on the table, as well as washing the carpets.

What else should I do/look at? It's been a while since I've had an older Mercedes (I truely miss my '83 300D), so I'm open to suggestions.

Did this car have the vibration absorbing engine shock (that by now probably needs to be replaced)?

Tune up wise, are there steps that I can take in a weekend with this car? I'll be changing the fuel filters, and checking the belts/hoses. I don't think that I'll have enough time to adjust the valves, but I think that she had that done last summer. What else should I check for her?

Thanks,
Tad

moa4r

As far as updating the look of the car, I'd start with a thurogh cleaning and a sport steering wheel and shift knob. Then, upgrade the stereo to a discreet but modern looking black headunit (I'd suggest the nakamichi in dash 6cd changer).
As far as vibration, I'd suggest changing the engine mounts, this will drastically reduce the feel of the vibration i nthe cabin. Then, you should definately get the valves adjusted. GL, HTH, etc...

w123_w126

If you have not upgraded the USDOT lamps to Euros yet I’d do that – if you still have the bundt cake rims, I’d get rid of those as well for newer 16-inch rims – it will be like a miracle.

howdosaymercede

How much do you want to spend? probebly needs alot of work if she's trying to impress people.....mostly just make sure the cars stearing, brakes, engine, exhaust and stuff is proper, wouldn't worry to much about the radio but if any of the mechanicals are out of whack then it'll be truly embarrassing!

pwogaman

The only thing I added to my 85 300SD is a center brake light. If you try updating with something that is cheezy and a potential Real Estate client recognizes it as such ,they might be less likely to trust your sister's candor - an important attribute in closing a deal. You cannot, however, go wrong with the original equipment.

howdosaymercede

How did you put a center brake light in thats a good idea, was it hard to do? Any links?

benz car

I'm a realtor and have a 86' 300sdl. It's completely stock except for a tape player. I get complements everytime someone rides in it or sees it. The only thing I would recoment is treating the seats with some sort of leather conditioner and putting good diesel in it so it will not smoke as bad. Good luck to your sister.

pwogaman

I got a used center brake light fixture from mercedesdismantlers.com (they've got oodles of stuff like that) for next to nothing. You just need to poke a couple of holes in the back panel (the one with the first aide kit and other storage compartment) and screw in down. Run a wire through to the trunk to near the antenna and tap into the wire bundle running back to the brake lights. Splice it in. Also run a ground wire. That's it.