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.

Faults:

Engine died?

Tapping and used tons of oil the valves went.

Transmission jumps and doesn't get in to gear.

Steering went and needs a new steering block.

Radiator went.

General Comments:

I fell in love with this car after driving a van for years I wanted to buy a good solid reliable car that was comfortable and would last me for years. A Beirut taxi as friends call the w123"s. I was in one that had done 900,000 Ks yes true

Mine broke down on the way home from the dodgy geezer I bought it from. The first car I ever bought, as the other one which I still own was a present.

The thing is it looks great. when it drives it drives well although max speed on the motorway is only 80mph a little slower than my Maestro van! Do I put money in to it?

Needs a new engine new steering block and possibly new transmission which will be the costliest. so I'm really torn on this car.

I just don't know if it"s worth it

However I don't blame the car.

Partly my naivety and partly the crook I bought it from.

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.

Faults:

The brakes were sticking.

Seats need to be re-foamed/repadded.

Changed the tie-rods and drag link.

Replaced the engine supports.

It needs a new steering box.

The front flooring is rusted out, especially on the driver's side.

Changed the temperature gauge (whole cluster).

Will probably need new coil springs and shocks soon.

It will need some new weather strips.

I think I need new ball joints.

It needs a new chain tensioner.

General Comments:

The car, for me, is short on power but it is sufficient enough for normal city driving. Speed is acceptable on long stretches. It's very economical.

It offers a very comfortable and stable ride that is better than the Japanese cars my family members have can offer.

Road noise and suspension noise are kept at a minimum.

Parts are relatively inexpensive and readily available.

I would say that it is very prone to rust though. Some cars are actually better in this area.

Price-wise, this 1980 240D is good value. If I were to sell it today, it would fetch the same price as a 1994-1996 Sentra, Corolla, Lancer, or some other Japanese make.

Being in this car gives you a sense of security because you know it's sturdy and well-built.

The W123's for me and for a lot of people, are the best Benz series made. It is a true classic, timeless in design. In-spite of its age it still gives its owners prestige and recognition.

My wife and I will never part with this car if we could help it. We are currently saving up to do a proper restoration on it. We want it to be as fresh as the day it came out of the factory in Germany. It is truly a superior automobile.

Lastly, our car is still all original. We even have the original owner's manuals (written in German though), and the original Becker radio-cassette manual all in it's original plastic case. How's that?!