1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD 3.0 non-turbo diesel

Summary:

AWESOME, but don't be in a hurry when driving one

Faults:

Both the heater and air conditioning work, just not effectively. I've been told this is normal, however uncomfortable for the South Carolina climate!

Transmission shifts rough. Dealer has checked four times and says everything is functioning to factory standards. Replaced a valve in transmission for $450.00!

Ignition switch acts up randomly, but never on trips to the dealer for service!

General Comments:

The car is awesome! Not a week goes by that someone at a service station does not offer to buy it from me. Super dependable, indestructible, very good ride quality, gorgeous interior with leather and wood. The car gets thumbs up and nods daily from other Benz drivers. Also gets the middle finger from impatient people who get stuck behind me!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2002

1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D 3.0L

Summary:

Definitely the best car ever for $1500

Faults:

Lock cylinder stuck in crank position once, I just took it out and use a screwdriver. I'll get a replacement soon.

The valves need adjustment a lot in order to keep it running just right. This is easily done.

Change the oil a lot. This car likes new oil.

General Comments:

I love this car, at first it ran terribly slow, but then I gave it an Italian tune-up, where you run it really fast up steep hills, and it burned all the carbon out of the prechambers and now this car rules.

The handling and ride quality are very nice.

The motor sounds really kewl it's very tight.

I have never thought I'd find a 4 speed 300D, this is the first one I have seen. The dealer told me it was imported from Germany as a German model, and it has in the door jamb a plate with a VIN number assigned by the California Highway Patrol. A unique car.

Has power windows, which are tinted really dark.

The body is straight and without rust.

Only fifteen hundred dollars, not bad.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2002

1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD diesel

Summary:

A nice local road cruiser

Faults:

Passenger side, back right passenger side, and back left passenger side windows came off their retractor.

Driver's seat was very worn.

Driving light and backup lights broke.

We couldn't budge the driving mirrors.

Gas gauge didn't work.

The air conditioning had to be replaced.

General Comments:

The engine and transmission in this car were indestructable. They will last for another 200,000 miles.

This car is very comfortable. I really like the big sunroof.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th August, 2001

1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 300CD 5 cylinder diesel

Summary:

Two door car with a bit of a wild streak

Faults:

It was wrecked when I bought it, we have totally had to re-manufacture the front end on the left side, that is it except tires and filters.

General Comments:

It is the two door model in case you haven't heard of a CD. I was told that because of it lacking a turbo, that it was like Titanic with 5 horse power pulling it. But when you put your foot to the floor like I have (I'm only a teenager), it will throw you back in the seat. I have surprised a lot of people with this car including my mom who spilled coffee all over herself when I had to get in front of a guy who would not move.

I am very pleased with the car, I paid $125.00 for it and paid $250.00 to fix it, and she purrs like a kitten, and roars like a tiger when you put your foot down hard.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2001

8th Jun 2001, 11:39

Hey.

I also just purchased a 79 300 CD. I loved it the moment I drove it. I had to do a little work to make it purr perfect. I had to put in new engine mounts, Arm Brushing, Steering Damper and Primer Plunger pump. I have a few other things I need to do. You may think this is a lot, but it kinda feels like I am putting money into a vehicle I will have for a very long time. I don't doubt that I will have this Benz for a long while. Those diesels just go forever, if they are well pampered.

You are right about the pick-up though. I have found that the amount of acceleration depends upon how quickly and how severely you depress the gas pedal. If you press it slow, it up-shifts sooner rather than later, and if you press it quickly, it runs 2nd gear out very high, then shifts. This gear ratio can be touchy, but I like it. Because, lets face it, NO 5 cylinder engine is gonna be a killer out of the gate, especially when its pulling 3200 lbs. So I am thankful for the pick-up I have.

I am also thankful every time I pull away from a diesel pump knowing I paid.20 less a gallon than every one else at the filling station!

Like the other guy said. Just keep it well oiled, well fueled, and well maintained, and you may be giving that car to your kid someday. In the meantime - HAVE FUN!

Nothing like a little over-engineering to make you feel safe and permanent on the road.

12th Sep 2001, 10:02

I recently crashed my 300CD. I had minimal insurance on it.

So I am between a rock and a hard place. I loved the car so much that crashing it feels like descrating a holy relic.

They way it was going I bet I could have put another 100,000 miles on it!

16th Dec 2001, 08:17

I bought a 300cd a few years ago and am having problems with the back lights.. the fuses are hard to find... any suggestions? but I love my car because it is silver, 2 door, sun roof and is totally sexy.. it's a perrrrfect car for a woman.. I love my 300cd.. and plan to leave that car to my granddaughter or grandson.. . in about 25 years.. because I am only 38!

10th Jun 2002, 00:45

I have a '78 300CD with about 170K miles on it. Love it. Only problem I'm having right now is some rust along the rear window. Like you said, it's fun to just slam the pedal all the way down and listen to the engine take off. Regarding the post about fuses, I've never needed to change the fuses for the tail lights, but if they are with the other fuses, then they would be in the engine compartment mounted on the right side of the firewall. There are two knobs that stick out and those unscrew to remove the lid for the fuse box. Happy motoring.