Faults:

The ignition switch went out at 250,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is extremely well built; fit and finish are 1st rate.

The one I bought had been a 1 owner and well taken care of. She'd been garaged since new and the original paint still looks nice.

The 123 model handles very well; mine has over 250,000 miles and tracks true, brakes true, and is a pleasure to drive.

The driver's seat springs and padding are about due to be replaced, and the cover on the drivers side is showing some wear, but for 23 years old, it's still in presentable shape.

Around town she'll get 20 to 22 mpg, and on the highway around 30 with the A/C off, and 25/26 mpg with the A/C on.

I've seen some of the Mercedes diesel cars with over 1 million miles on them with the original engine. Like I said earlier, she is 23 years old with 250,500 miles on her, but she keeps going, and going, and going on and on; the Energizer Bunny could learn a thing or two about endurance from a Mercedes diesel!!

Faults:

Air conditioner failed and so converted it to modern refrigerant.

Rubber boots torn on rear axles.

Driver seat sags on one side.

The automatic transmission was rebuilt at 350,000 miles.

General Comments:

Hardly fair to list things that have 'gone wrong' with this car considering the miles on it. This really is one of the most reliable, comfortable good looking classic cars on the road. If one looks after it ie changes oil/filters every 3000 miles and has a garage that knows what it's doing around vintage german autos maintain it - I see absolutely no reason why I will not get 1 MILLION MILES out of this vehicle. Absolutely one outstanding piece of machinery. And the stories I have heard of survival from horrendous accidents are legendary. I honestly cannot imagine why anyone would buy a new car when these cars are available for under 5k USD.

Faults:

Air conditioner stoped blowing.

Vacum locking system does not work.

Car shakes violently, anyone know what causes this.

I can pull the key out of the ignition even when I'm doing 80mph.

Shocks squeak.

Slow to shift into reverse.

Slow to go into 2nd gear.

Car will not start sometimes when in park and I have to put the car into neutral to get it to start. Anyone know what causes this.

General Comments:

Aunt owned the car and gave it to me for my 16th birthday. This car is very slow, but once that turbo kicks in it can boogie. Passes many newer cars on the freeway. Most people think a car without air conditioning must be hell, but I live right on the coast in southern California. Open the windows and sunroof and drive like a bat out of hell and you have your own air conditioner. Seats are comfortable and rear leg room is great. Trunk space is abundant. I would never buy another Mercedes. My mom has owned 2 newer ones a 1997 E420 and a 2001 S500 and has had nothing, but problems.