off to the shop on the morrow

[Grey Ghost]

the muffler finally went, making GG sound even more like a lobster boat than she usually does

time for lubrication service (160,000 mi) at which time I have the tires rotated and re-balanced (per Spiderman's suggestion). Don, it's been 15,000 miles since my last alignment. The car does wander a bit, should I re-align??

I'll have them service my self-leveling suspension (fluid/filter change) and check the ignition cylinder (glow plug light doesn't always light when key is turned to the right)

Also, driver's window may need a new regulator. From the bottom position, I see that the passenger's window beats the driver's side window on the way up by a good 2"

Per Tom Hanson's suggestion, I'll have them clean & oil the throttle linkages as well

[zak]

Sound like it's going to be a big ticket $$$$.

[mbzjag8090]

I seem to learn something new everyday on this forum. Had no idea that the old W123 wagons had a self-leveling suspension system.

[Grey Ghost]

Zak - for those of us that aren't handy (or lack the time), these cars DO cost money to maintain/fix. I use an independent foreign car specialist in Mamaroneck, NY (Doug's Foreign Car). Doug, Ron and Andy each have >30 years' experience working on German cars.

I have them do even the basic maintenance (oil change) because they are always on the look out for other items that may need attending to.

The bill for this service, which included a full exhaust system, two new tires, and an oil change, was >$1,000.

Since I plan to keep the car for the next twenty years, I don't mind making investments in new parts and preventive maintenance. What I mind is bringing the car in more than once for a specific complaint (and being charged each time they look for the problem again). That doesn't happen with Doug.

[zak]

Skip, you are right. It's worth every penny. Nothing like the silent and secure sound of a new exhaust system after the boat sounds. Next you will refinish the buntecake rims.
What size tires are you running- 205 70 14's or the 195's ?

[Grey Ghost]

I'm running the 195/70R14s...I'm going to put two more Mich "Harmony" on to give me a complete set. my mechanic tells me that 14-inch wheels are really becoming rare on new cars...15" is the minimum these days

I'm also thinking of upgrading to the Bilstein shocks in front. I'd be interested to see if they improved handling and body lean during turns...shocks were last replaced 40,000 miles ago by the dealer (OEM, I presume)