Faults:

Heat A/C controller wasn't working at purchase, but was an easy Do It Yourself fix.

Alternator was replaced after 6 months of purchase, then changed again six months later due to broken belt.

Wiper blades act up sometimes after repeated use.

General Comments:

I love the ease of maintenance that diesels provide, but needed more room than my Jetta had. I searched for a year before I lucked into a lovely W123 turbo diesel. It's a grey metallic with sienna interior. Rare and beautiful, with good power, comfort and fuel economy. The seats are MB Tex and were a bit dirty, but had no rips and were restored to new condition by magic eraser. The car rides smooth and after long hours on the road leaves me feeling fine.

The quality of these vehicles is clearly evident when you are up close to it. Washing it and such lets you see and feel the craftmanship that went into it. It drives great in all weather and has conservative good looks with chrome detail that makes newer cars look cheap in comparison.

The passing power can shock other drivers too. The turbo engine and tranny are gems and the gearing is great for highway cruising or bruising.

Considering these cars had sold well all over the world, parts are easily available and fairly priced.

W123s have a first rate reputation and remain few in number today, so my car makes for a great usable daily driven collectible.

Faults:

Needed upper control arm bushings

Sunroof drains clogged

Cracked vaccum lines.

General Comments:

Hands down the best car I have ever owned. I picked up this car from a dealer that got it cheap at auction because it was sideswiped. After the body was repaired and painted It looks and runs like new. I have always wanted a MB since I was a kid, and now I have one. The car rides incredibly smooth and turns a lot of heads even for a station wagon. It's a definite keeper.

Faults:

The ball joints and tires had to be replaced at 130 thousand miles. Additionally, a full alignment was called for.

The brake pads needed to be replaced at 132 thousand miles.

The alternator needed to be replaced at approximately 140 thousand miles.

An exhaust component, between the manifold and catalytic converter, had to be replaced at 151 thousand miles.

The two fuel filters needed to be replaced at 152 thousand miles.

The original Webasto sunroof had failed before my ownership.

General Comments:

512 miles on one tank of diesel fuel.

Slow yet steady, it has yet to fail me.

The wide, comfortable cabin is supported by excellent materials.

The dashboard is very ergonomically correct, yet the radio is placed rather low.

The wide diameter, thick, steering wheel is a refreshing departure for a car.

The antiquated seat architecture (springs and horsehair) has caused the passenger's to cave in. The remaining four positions are remarkably comfortable.

The excellent chassis is let down by the less than robust engine. This car handles well, and is very steady on the interstate.

Cruising at eighty miles per hour is possible, yet somewhat taxing on the car, after hours of use.