1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D Turbo Diesel 3.0 ltr. 5 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

Anyone who knows cars, knows that W123s Mercedes are the best!

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.

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

Review Date: 4th January, 2006

5th Jan 2006, 12:51

I must correct the ranking for operating costs as a 7 rather than a 3. Only because genuine MB parts like any OEM parts, are priced at a premium. Aside from the durability, there is one particular aspect of owning these old cars that is very appealing. That is the steering feel. The big steering wheel and recirculating ball set-up make for a car that is very nimble and tactile. This is the greatest enjoyment of these cars, the driving experience.

View 12 more comments

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300TDT 3.0 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Mercedes engineering at its best

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd October, 2005

20th Jul 2007, 15:00

I own a 1981 MB 300 TDT. I would not sell, trade or give up this automobile for any other MB station wagon (or any other station wagon, SUV or cross-over vehicle). It has 225,000 miles on the odometer and it has never been garaged. It has been driven in the Carolinas and in Florida. Yes, it requires maintenance (what car does not?). Yes, critical parts wear out and need replacement from time to time. But reliable? This car is the definition of reliable. Hauling? No other passenger car I know of whatever the make, model, or year equal it.

I concur with the first commentator as to clogged drains and cracking vacuum lines; but, this car is twenty-seven years old and has been kept out-of-doors in Florida!

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 230E 2.3 Litre petrol from Oman

Summary:

Sleek and silent car

Faults:

The radiator hose cracked after about 6 months. Got it replaced cheap from a duplicate spares shop.

Overheating was a serious problem with the car.

Head lights, odometer and other electrics went off all too often.

The car consumed a lot of petrol. I wouldn't recommend going around town in this car.

General Comments:

At 17 years old, the car always gave a smooth ride.

The car always started with just one twist of the key.

Nice and quiet car for the family if you are looking for a long drive around the country.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2005