Faults:

Had to have the driver's seat reconditioned.

Replaced the radiator.

Had the muffler welded back together.

General Comments:

I bought this car in 2008 when fuel prices went to over $4.00 per gallon.

This car is amazingly simple. The 240d is notoriously slow, but when coupled with the 4 speed manual, this is a really fun car to drive. Fuel mileage varies from 23-30 mpg depending on how the car is driven.

The car has been almost entirely trouble free in the time I've owned it. Not bad for a car pushing 30 years old! Parts are still very easy to find, and I use an independent diesel mechanic for service.

With the super low cost of maintenance, insurance, and the fact that the 240 is relatively fuel efficient, this is a super inexpensive car to own, and a pleasure to drive.

Faults:

Had to replace the A/C compressor, and the alternator.

General Comments:

This had to be the very best model Mercedes ever made.

It gets very good fuel mileage; over 28 miles per gallon.

The car is made of solid steel, and runs great.

Many W123 cars have over 500,000 miles on them.

Faults:

So far nothing mechanically. I've only had it 2 weeks so far.

Driver seat sags a bit. Needs restuffing.

Wood trim inside is cracked a bit due to old age.

Gas gauge jumps around a lot. I'm told it may need a new fuel sending unit, but really doesn't bother me.

RPM gauge sticks sometimes.

Vacuum locks stopped working, even though previous owner had all vacuum lines replaced.

Automatic tranny makes a bit of a rough "clunk" sound and feel when downshifting into first. The car still has the original tranny.

Runs a little rough i, e, jerks when first started and cold out. Also blows quite a bit of white smoke when cold. Im a little embarressed considering you could probably smell the smoke a couple houses down. This also resolves after warm up. Kind of wondering if that's normal or not?

General Comments:

Great gas mileage so far.

Starts great even in teens and twenties weather.

Paint is nearly perfect. It has been repainted in the past.

Previous owner put close to 8 grand into the car replacing tons of parts.

A/C works good... for now.

Parts are cheap.

I've put high mileage 10W-40 oil and filter in, which is recommended for this car in the owners manual. It can also use 10W-50 or 15W-40 among others, however the 10W-40 is the best all-around oil for all temperatures. I also added some Marvels Mystery oil to the crankcase and fuel.

Changes air filter.

Changed spin-on and in-line fuel filters.

Topped off the coolant.

Changed a couple of bulbs, and ordered a new bulb socket.

By the way, partstrain.com carries almost every part for this car, and have good prices... highly recommended.

I absolutely love the look of this car. It rides superbly and has great fit and finish. This car feels like your driving a tank. Definitely heavy and safe.

I know these cars are probably the most reliable cars ever built, and certainly I think I'll have this one a long time.

Faults:

Water pump (about $65 +labor) has been replaced every 65,000 miles.

Glow plugs have been replaced as needed.

Fuel injectors have been replaced.

Lots of oil changes (about 40 by now).

Fuel filters replaced at 30,000 mile intervals.

Cruise control has been repaired.

Valve adjustments every 30,000 miles.

Headlights upgraded to halogen.

Vacuum leaks to door locks.

Front seats re-stuffed.

Dash cracked down the middle.

General Comments:

I like the body shape, and the flat floor in the trunk.

Seating is very good for my back.

Performance is noticeably fast for a diesel, has really good passing acceleration.

Fuel economy has been steady at about 22 in town, 28 on the highway.

Resale value has held very well, still retaining about 1/4 of it's value after 27 years. Perhaps more as fuel prices increase and bio-diesel becomes more available.

Paint has held up really well, as has the chrome.