Bismerc update… Cylinder 5 at 75 PSI whilst the others are 140. Milk in oil. Bottom ends on M103s are indestructible so sure it’s the head gasket or even a crack in the head given it’s only one cylinder. I’ll have the head off for more investigation but sure it can be sorted!
Bismerc update #2: Turns out the headgasket is fine, the poor starting was actually a faulty (not worn) rotor arm, the water leak was a thermostat housing and water pump (which is a nightmare to change without removing the inlet manifold) and finally my wife has found out about the car :-/ The poor compression was actually bore wash on that cylinder and once we had it running turns out it's cleaned up fine once running. It's now serviced, MOTed, has new front brake pipes (corroded) and is in (almost) daily service!
So sorry to see the mighty Bismerc fatally holed and taking on water below the gasket line! I’m glad you were able to ship her out to a good home; long May she sail on. Next week will be better!
Another fan sorry to see the Bismerc's denouement. And we wish Chris all good fortune in, 1) hiding the purchase from his wife (who among us hasn't been there?) and, 2) getting her up and running in good and proper fashion. A revisit and eventual test drive could make for an interesting episode.
It's gone and that frees you to get on with cars you want to play with. Maybe no profit in Bizmerc, but fun us watching. You did the heavy lifting, kept it from the crusher, and now a new owner can play with whatever needs to be done, but they have a very handsome car to do it with. Onward.
I am really saddened by the turn of events. The BisMerc was a great project car and you did lavish lots of time on it. Good effort on it. Perhaps we can be kept up to the moment by the new owner. Now, on to the next car!!
Sadly a far from rare and very familiar story Jack. If Head Gasket Damage ( they rarely fail on any car ) is allowing coolant to enter the combustion chambers, that could explain the difficult cold starting until that spark suppressing liquid is expelled by the long periods of starter cranking. Only then the sparks can do their work. Time consuming work renewing these gaskets on large heavyweight lumps. A work colleague sent his otherwise nice BMW six-pot 5-Series to the Breaker yard with the same issues. Yes, a lot of DIY work renewing damaged Cylinder Head Gaskets but surprisingly, not on Rover's much maligned K-Series contrary to what some would have you believe. An engine very satisfying, easy and rewarding to work on. Years ago, using my power tools, my son changed one on his "project" Rover 200 in three hours with the car on the hard standing in front of my garage. That car still in regular family use as his runabout hack. Mind you, his forty year old MG Metro can do the same job within an hour. The A-Series so DIY easy to work on. Surely gaskets should last more than forty years. British rubbish apparently according to some. Not every aspect of modern automotive so called progress is beneficial by a long chalk. A very long chalk. Labour hours cost.. Big time. That so called "failed" A series head gasket on removal revealed the cause. Poor quality coolant in previous ownership over the years had corrosion slowly eating away the fire rings between cylinder 2-3. That allowing compression gasses to escape and pressurising cooling system. I have an image of that aged gasket somewhere. A-Series Cylinder Head gasket loose change a few quid off ebay delivered to your door. Car still does 40+ mpg. Whatever became of economical motoring? In the name of progress really is a thing of the past.
I sold my W126 300E two years ago. It started having a small head gasket leak. I never regretted getting rid of it. There are cars that are much more fun to drive. That includes my GM landyachts of the Sixties. They are more powerful and a much more relaxed ride! You will not miss it a long time. What about a probably unreliable but special Italian car like a Lancia Thesis? It is a vehicle far from the mainstream.
Had a similar hard start issue with my son's Miata and it turned out to be a faulty fuel pump not sending enough fuel. It was only giving about 20PSI and needed 38PSI. As soon as we changed it out it started on the slightest blip of the key. Ran fine. Leaking water from a head gasket you would smell out the tailpipe, see a plume of steam and the oil would look milky after running it. Check those first before selling. I would put a bit of cardboard under the engine and see if you see the drip too.
Just an FYI. These are prone to issues with the dizzy cap. When left for a while they get condensation and the points corrode. Will struggle to start and cough and splutter and misfire. Worth popping off the dizzy cap just to check. Only four Allen bolts!
Sounds like water is getting into the cylinders too…… does it white smoke? And when them engines have a intake leak or vacuum leak they run like poo…. An easy way to check the coolant situation is with a coolant pressure check…. And camera in the cylinders
What an utter shame Jack, after seeing it in fine fettle at Bicester and discussing with you the fixing of the headlamp condensation. Cue melancholic music. Can Chris keep us updated on the BisMerc's progress Jack??
Shame it’s died this way given the work that went into bringing it back from the state it was in. Hopefully someone will take it on and sort the issues out.
GM sells something called "GM tabs" you drop in the radiator that was a "solution" to the factory new GM cars made in the mid 90's that had run of bad head gaskets on certain 350ci V8's made during that time....thing is I've used them for an old conversion van of mine with incredible success. They are super cheap here in the US(under$10) and far more effective than other solutions that were far more expensive and new......might be worth a flyer for you for the small cost if you can source them in the US. I had a W124 300TE wagon....it was constantly needing attention too before the timing chain jumped....the car body itself was well made, but the rest....eh . I only bought it because it had 3rd row seating and the wife liked the way it looked...
Happy Days, Chris - and there's half a tank of fuel in it, which must make it an even better bargain! Jack, it's what should happen on the channel: we've all been there, so no regrets. Thanks for the memorable transformation. And if Chris wants to start his own channel off the back of a Bismerk Resurrection, who knows? (Always remember we'd never have got an Iain Tyrrel if Harry's Espada hadn't gone on the blink 😎).
I have the same w124 300CE, the head gaskets are known to go on the M103 but they are not difficult to work on. The bosch KE jetronic is a little bit of a fiddle to troubleshoot and any vacuum leaks in the system make it run pretty bad.
Sad to see the Bis Merc go, I put forward the name Bismerck back when you first purchased it. Looks like it'll get sorted though and keep running with its new owner
That’s a shame. Still, if Chris discovers that it’s worse than it seems it’d be the perfect starting point for an OM606 super turbo diesel conversion, Diesel Pump UK style…
usually the most obvious fault seems to be the problem in cars :< I´ve replaced many parts before going for the most obvious thing, and that turned out to be the problem. Would have saved money x>
I’m sorry to see it go Jack, but I must admit I’m looking forward to seeing more content with your other cars although I’m also enjoying your recent car reviews.
If that starting problem persists for any length of time, a replacement for a burnt-out starter will be on the list too. If Chris finds the problem(s), the diagnosis will be interesting,
and thank you for reminding me why i can't go back to this era of mercedes.... used to have w140, got so bad that even the mechanic said stop giving me money for this, let it go. haha.
If the oil is milky then head gasket it is. It is likely to be losing compression, that is why it won't run. Just a shame you don't have the time to fix it. A day's work would be good for an engine swap but not to be. This lad will fix it in no time then there is the small problem of the wife, we won't go there! Walking this week then Jack? 👍👍
Cars can be very dis heartening .Spend money and time on them and they still give issues .Gets to the point where you can not be bothered and can not wait it see the back of it
I'm very sorry to see you've parted company with the BisMerc. I hope that the new owner sends you 📽 once properly up and running..... It would make this bitter pill just a tad easier to swallow.
the head gasket is a common necessity mid life in this model, especially 1992-95. The trick is to buy one with atleast 125,000 miles, because someone else has done it.
Seems a bit rash to suspect head gasket with no diagnosis?! Surely one of those devices that measures combustion gases in the coolant would take all of about 5 mins to check.
I had a few E Class Mercs of that era. They were 4 cyl petrols and they all stretched their head bolts and blew head gaskets. I was told the 6 pot engines were better. Sorry to hear it's to go. I'm sure someone will get the spanner on it
Is this a common problem for the 12 valve engines? I thought this was more of a known issue on the 24 valve engines? Really liked the outro with a good overview of what the car went through in your possession. As always, your enthusiasm is wonderful. Thanks and have a nice Sunday!
Is there no diagnostic plug on it? Possibly just a leaking hose rather than a head gasket? Other problems - old fuel which has gone stale or even the maf sensor. Such a shame after you've had it resprayed.
As an ex W124 320 convertible owner let's be honest, they're a bit of an old bus to drive. Much nicer cars to drive out there and there's always the engine bay wiring loom issue lurking in the background. Nice looking mind.......
Such a shame been a good car , personally I would have pressure tested the system first for any leaks before deciding if it was not cost effective to fix
Dropping water levels does not necessarily mean head gasket - if your exhaust is clean, it may well be just a leak. My car had been losing water - almost imperceptibly - for some time and finally blew off ALL its water a few weeks ago; it turned out to be the expansion tank that had cracked around an aluminium plate. However, I for one will not be sad the Bismerc is going. Always had the feeling it was a poor man’s pimpmobile (couldn’t quite afford the CL of the time…)
![Why I Bought the WORST Example of the BEST Mercedes Ever Made! [300CE W124 Coupé]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/S_hu95FhjN4/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why I Bought the WORST Example of the BEST Mercedes Ever Made! [300CE W124 Coupé]](/img/tr.png)
Bismerc update… Cylinder 5 at 75 PSI whilst the others are 140. Milk in oil. Bottom ends on M103s are indestructible so sure it’s the head gasket or even a crack in the head given it’s only one cylinder. I’ll have the head off for more investigation but sure it can be sorted!
Thanks for the info and have good time with the old lady 😅
Nice one Chris. Could be a Bargain, I can only see the values go up on these👍
I had one of these 20 years ago, was a bit troublesome initially but marvellous for years after. So classy.
Await further updates with interest Chris. That way we all learn.
Upload an update please
Bismerc update #2: Turns out the headgasket is fine, the poor starting was actually a faulty (not worn) rotor arm, the water leak was a thermostat housing and water pump (which is a nightmare to change without removing the inlet manifold) and finally my wife has found out about the car :-/ The poor compression was actually bore wash on that cylinder and once we had it running turns out it's cleaned up fine once running. It's now serviced, MOTed, has new front brake pipes (corroded) and is in (almost) daily service!
Poor compression is always a sign of damage. There is no way you clean it out of the equation. 🤷♂️
Bravo!
Thanks for letting us know - so basically it was just a faulty rotor arm, no second hand engine needed. 😁
So sorry to see the mighty Bismerc fatally holed and taking on water below the gasket line! I’m glad you were able to ship her out to a good home; long May she sail on.
Next week will be better!
A glorious flotilla of nautical references. Well done, Sir! :)
I sea what you did there
hahahaha
Nein, nein, nein, nein, nein! The Steiner counter attack will save us! Good to see it going to a good home. Onwards & upwards! 🙏🙏
Finally the Bismark has been sunk under the Hood!
All the best for future battles...
Another fan sorry to see the Bismerc's denouement. And we wish Chris all good fortune in, 1) hiding the purchase from his wife (who among us hasn't been there?) and, 2) getting her up and running in good and proper fashion. A revisit and eventual test drive could make for an interesting episode.
Very sad to hear this news. Was a big fan of the Bismerk project. You brought it along way, so be proud of that.
Oh Dear. I wasn’t a fan to start with but, in the way of these things, I grew fond of it.
It's gone and that frees you to get on with cars you want to play with. Maybe no profit in Bizmerc, but fun us watching. You did the heavy lifting, kept it from the crusher, and now a new owner can play with whatever needs to be done, but they have a very handsome car to do it with. Onward.
Fair play to you the time and money you have spent have made the car worth saving and made it a good base to keep going for the new owner .
Sad to see it go however excited for the new luxobarge project. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
Condolences for your loss of the Bismerc Jack, it was one of my favourite projects especially the paintwork side of it.
What a shame. Hopefully the new owner will be able to sort it out. These things happen.
I am really saddened by the turn of events. The BisMerc was a great project car and you did lavish lots of time on it. Good effort on it. Perhaps we can be kept up to the moment by the new owner. Now, on to the next car!!
Sadly a far from rare and very familiar story Jack.
If Head Gasket Damage ( they rarely fail on any car ) is allowing coolant to enter the combustion chambers, that could explain the difficult cold starting until that spark suppressing liquid is expelled by the long periods of starter cranking. Only then the sparks can do their work.
Time consuming work renewing these gaskets on large heavyweight lumps. A work colleague sent his otherwise nice BMW six-pot 5-Series to the Breaker yard with the same issues. Yes, a lot of DIY work renewing damaged Cylinder Head Gaskets but surprisingly, not on Rover's much maligned K-Series contrary to what some would have you believe. An engine very satisfying, easy and rewarding to work on. Years ago, using my power tools, my son changed one on his "project" Rover 200 in three hours with the car on the hard standing in front of my garage. That car still in regular family use as his runabout hack. Mind you, his forty year old MG Metro can do the same job within an hour. The A-Series so DIY easy to work on. Surely gaskets should last more than forty years. British rubbish apparently according to some. Not every aspect of modern automotive so called progress is beneficial by a long chalk. A very long chalk. Labour hours cost.. Big time.
That so called "failed" A series head gasket on removal revealed the cause. Poor quality coolant in previous ownership over the years had corrosion slowly eating away the fire rings between cylinder 2-3. That allowing compression gasses to escape and pressurising cooling system. I have an image of that aged gasket somewhere. A-Series Cylinder Head gasket loose change a few quid off ebay delivered to your door. Car still does 40+ mpg. Whatever became of economical motoring? In the name of progress really is a thing of the past.
I remember driving past you on the m25 almost a full year ago when it was still sporting the full bizmerc livery
I sold my W126 300E two years ago. It started having a small head gasket leak. I never regretted getting rid of it. There are cars that are much more fun to drive. That includes my GM landyachts of the Sixties. They are more powerful and a much more relaxed ride! You will not miss it a long time.
What about a probably unreliable but special Italian car like a Lancia Thesis? It is a vehicle far from the mainstream.
That’s a shame after all that work. However, it will make a superb project car, I’m sure!
Are you sure it's a headgasket? Could just be a water leak for the water issue and and air leak for the running issue.
I'd suspect the water pump first in general, but he's close to the car... Startup issues wouldn't generally go along with that...
Well, I suppose it’s one less thing to worry about and now eagerly looking forward to Bismercs replacement 🇮🇹🇬🇧
Good oil pressure though, Chris will fix if and have a lovely car for the winter.
Saad, would be a fun project car to watch
The end of a great series, the transformation was huge and great credit to you in that.
😞 sorry for your loss Jack.... very sad... Best of luck with selling the old girl!
Had a similar hard start issue with my son's Miata and it turned out to be a faulty fuel pump not sending enough fuel. It was only giving about 20PSI and needed 38PSI. As soon as we changed it out it started on the slightest blip of the key. Ran fine.
Leaking water from a head gasket you would smell out the tailpipe, see a plume of steam and the oil would look milky after running it. Check those first before selling. I would put a bit of cardboard under the engine and see if you see the drip too.
Just an FYI. These are prone to issues with the dizzy cap. When left for a while they get condensation and the points corrode. Will struggle to start and cough and splutter and misfire. Worth popping off the dizzy cap just to check. Only four Allen bolts!
Perhaps a blessing in disguise Jack!
Sorry to hear this - you did an amazing job transforming the aesthetics of the poor old car. It deserves a good new home!
I'm sorry to see it go. It's a lovely car. All the best! Thanks for the great content!
Sounds like water is getting into the cylinders too…… does it white smoke? And when them engines have a intake leak or vacuum leak they run like poo…. An easy way to check the coolant situation is with a coolant pressure check…. And camera in the cylinders
Such a shame. You've done so much to improve it.
Sad day but enjoyed the videos. Pity, it looks great now.
Huge improvement was made during your ownership! The car looked like a trash can from start. Sorting head gasket is not too big project for new owner.
What an utter shame Jack, after seeing it in fine fettle at Bicester and discussing with you the fixing of the headlamp condensation. Cue melancholic music. Can Chris keep us updated on the BisMerc's progress Jack??
Shame it’s died this way given the work that went into bringing it back from the state it was in. Hopefully someone will take it on and sort the issues out.
I own a 93 with AMG 5 spokes. The clear coat is failing but it's such a gorgeous car. I just can't part with it.
GM sells something called "GM tabs" you drop in the radiator that was a "solution" to the factory new GM cars made in the mid 90's that had run of bad head gaskets on certain 350ci V8's made during that time....thing is I've used them for an old conversion van of mine with incredible success. They are super cheap here in the US(under$10) and far more effective than other solutions that were far more expensive and new......might be worth a flyer for you for the small cost if you can source them in the US. I had a W124 300TE wagon....it was constantly needing attention too before the timing chain jumped....the car body itself was well made, but the rest....eh . I only bought it because it had 3rd row seating and the wife liked the way it looked...
Definitely sad news, the Bismerc was one of my favorites. Please do an update if when it's back on the road. Thanks for sharing 👍
The 3.2s are notorious for blown head gaskets, not so much the 3.0s, so some bad luck there...
Happy Days, Chris - and there's half a tank of fuel in it, which must make it an even better bargain! Jack, it's what should happen on the channel: we've all been there, so no regrets. Thanks for the memorable transformation. And if Chris wants to start his own channel off the back of a Bismerk Resurrection, who knows? (Always remember we'd never have got an Iain Tyrrel if Harry's Espada hadn't gone on the blink 😎).
I have the same w124 300CE, the head gaskets are known to go on the M103 but they are not difficult to work on. The bosch KE jetronic is a little bit of a fiddle to troubleshoot and any vacuum leaks in the system make it run pretty bad.
Sad to see the Bis Merc go, I put forward the name Bismerck back when you first purchased it. Looks like it'll get sorted though and keep running with its new owner
That’s a shame. Still, if Chris discovers that it’s worse than it seems it’d be the perfect starting point for an OM606 super turbo diesel conversion, Diesel Pump UK style…
Noooo …. goodbye Messersh*te, we will miss you !
Yet another fan sorry to see the loss of the bizmerc 😢
All that work, time and money! It seems sad to give up on it. Onward and upward.
What a shame Jack! I think all the symptoms you've mentioned all point to the head Gasket buddy 👍
usually the most obvious fault seems to be the problem in cars :<
I´ve replaced many parts before going for the most obvious thing, and that turned out to be the problem. Would have saved money x>
suddenly keeping the lexus wasnt such a bad idea..
I’m sorry to see it go Jack, but I must admit I’m looking forward to seeing more content with your other cars although I’m also enjoying your recent car reviews.
Sorry to hear about the Merc , your doing the best thing, not worth throwing anymore money or time on it.
Did look pretty good in that new color
It did.. but glad I’ve thinned down the fleet! Hope you’re good buddy!
If that starting problem persists for any length of time, a replacement for a burnt-out starter will be on the list too. If Chris finds the problem(s), the diagnosis will be interesting,
I reckon it's just the car having a hissy fit over the wonky rear number plate.
Good luck with the sale
What a pity your Mercedes has a head gasket issue such a nice car l gave changed a few head gaskets on various cars on older OHV engines
Why not get that frau lady involved... maybe she could be your car wizard!. Just thinking out loud. Cheers. Love your channel.
Are you sure it's just not a coolant leak and not the head gasket ? 🤔
Well things happen Jack, at least is going to a good home :)
Its a days work to replace the gasket. Although you would have to skim the head. But would be great content !
and thank you for reminding me why i can't go back to this era of mercedes.... used to have w140, got so bad that even the mechanic said stop giving me money for this, let it go. haha.
Lovely car. Sad to see her go, but I feel Chris has got a real bargain there.
Pull the distributor cap and check it’s condition. Common for rotor to corrode, especially if car does not get driven very often.
If the oil is milky then head gasket it is. It is likely to be losing compression, that is why it won't run. Just a shame you don't have the time to fix it. A day's work would be good for an engine swap but not to be. This lad will fix it in no time then there is the small problem of the wife, we won't go there! Walking this week then Jack? 👍👍
w124 is built like a tank, it's mostly reengineered, the only thing that destroys them is engine overheating due to a bad head gasket
For 1500, this is a great buy for a DIY guy. Sorry for your loss.
It was a great buy… he hasn’t fixed it yet
From what you described sounds like the head gasket, but i'm sure we all want to know the eventual diagnosis. Thanks from Rome✌️🇬🇧
I’ve got say that Bismerc was a bloody good name.
Cars can be very dis heartening .Spend money and time on them and they still give issues .Gets to the point where you can not be bothered and can not wait it see the back of it
I'm very sorry to see you've parted company with the BisMerc. I hope that the new owner sends you 📽 once properly up and running.....
It would make this bitter pill just a tad easier to swallow.
Bad luck, particularly after all the work you've done on it.
the head gasket is a common necessity mid life in this model, especially 1992-95. The trick is to buy one with atleast 125,000 miles, because someone else has done it.
Too bad. Sell it to that Mercedes Benz parts lady, she'll appreciate it. Edit: whoops, didn't watch it to the end, glad you found someone to buy it.
Jack, a quick in-out with a replacement motor: must be hundreds of them around...cure all the evils !!!!!
It is a sad end as you really turned the car around
Seems a bit rash to suspect head gasket with no diagnosis?! Surely one of those devices that measures combustion gases in the coolant would take all of about 5 mins to check.
I had a few E Class Mercs of that era. They were 4 cyl petrols and they all stretched their head bolts and blew head gaskets. I was told the 6 pot engines were better. Sorry to hear it's to go. I'm sure someone will get the spanner on it
I see it has zebrano wood trim, but wats with the piano black trim along the dash.
Oh no! So sad!😢
Feel like I should give it a salute :)
I liked the Bismerc was decent content on that one from when you bought it
Onwards and upwards 👍
Is this a common problem for the 12 valve engines? I thought this was more of a known issue on the 24 valve engines?
Really liked the outro with a good overview of what the car went through in your possession. As always, your enthusiasm is wonderful.
Thanks and have a nice Sunday!
Is there no diagnostic plug on it? Possibly just a leaking hose rather than a head gasket? Other problems - old fuel which has gone stale or even the maf sensor. Such a shame after you've had it resprayed.
Head gasket! Well you have the head still! Go on! It is a car you know!
As an ex W124 320 convertible owner let's be honest, they're a bit of an old bus to drive. Much nicer cars to drive out there and there's always the engine bay wiring loom issue lurking in the background. Nice looking mind.......
Jack stick a bottle of K seal in it , it’s worked for me
Right decision mate
If head gasket, your oil will look like mayonnaise, but the point is now moot.
Painful to see but at least a mechanic has got it!!
I'm sure someone will be happy as hell to get the Bismerc!
I’d love that car it’s my favourite merc for sure but times are not right just now to be buying projects lol
Ah no Jack, do a quick pressure check, just make sure it's not a hose or gasket, I love that car.
Such a shame been a good car , personally I would have pressure tested the system first for any leaks before deciding if it was not cost effective to fix
Same thing just happened to my W202 C280 :/
Hope it finds a good home
Hopefully it will make room for something new
Dropping water levels does not necessarily mean head gasket - if your exhaust is clean, it may well be just a leak. My car had been losing water - almost imperceptibly - for some time and finally blew off ALL its water a few weeks ago; it turned out to be the expansion tank that had cracked around an aluminium plate.
However, I for one will not be sad the Bismerc is going. Always had the feeling it was a poor man’s pimpmobile (couldn’t quite afford the CL of the time…)
Absolutely gutted for you after that cracking respray.
I did suggest when you bought it taking it to 4809N 01607W and get the Royal Navy to sink it alongside its namesake.
Poor bismerc she's lovely, glad to see it saved 😊
Have you checked the distributor cap? It is a common problem with them and not difficult to fix
Such a shame been a fantastic series loved the merc looked well when it was resprayed