Faults:

As purchased its problems include:

-Missing hood star and broken (jury rigged for now) hood latch pull.

-Driver's side rear window doesn't work.

-Heat and A/C don't blow into the car (blower motor probably blown)

-1 speaker works, CD deck is after-market and cheap.

General Comments:

Those things are extremely minor in comparison to what DOES work well on the car.

-Cruise control, all gauges (including clock, which is perfect), lights and switches work great.

-Interior in fantastic shape, sunroof large and properly working, no cracks, tears or stains, heavy duty rubber mats.

-Original paint still shiny and presentable, only a few imperfect spots and 1 dime sized paint bubble.

-Engine starts every time with minimal cranking, strong power, no smoke (except a few light colored puffs on cold starts that seem to be normal for MB diesels)

-Transmission is smooth shifting yet firm, responds quickly and uses the pulling power of the turbo diesel engine effectively.

-Runs excellent on #2 all or combinations all the way to B100, custom 2 tank Veg system coming soon.

It is just a fine running and driving car, the suspension and sprung seats make for a ride that is unrivalled in its control of all bumps. It will run at 80mph all day on the freeway and return 22mpg. 100+ mph is possible as well if the situation calls for it.

I have a lot of respect for the designers of this car, because while it's luxurious and well equipped, it is simple and easy to repair. Parts are reasonably priced as well and the diesel engine requires nothing but regular preventative maintenance (adjust valves and check timing chain every 12k, change oil and filter every 3k along with fuel filters) and it will just keep running the same day in and day out.

Though this car is considerably slower than my previous Audi A6, it has so much character and is so rewarding to drive that I don't regret it for a minute. The 28mpg average (compared to 19 on premium for the Audi) makes a good case for it as well, even with more expensive diesel/bio-diesel fuels.

I recommend these cars highly and I think mine will be a trusted companion for years to come. I'm learning each day about its design and care and hope to be able to keep it on the road to 1 million miles!

Faults:

Everything still as new.

General Comments:

The best car I have owned in 30 years.

Starts first time every time.

The car of my dreams.

Parts so cheap and easily available if required.

Easy to service yourself with bags of room under the bonnet.

Not the most powerful car, but everything else makes up for that.

Absolute pleasure to drive.

Faults:

My automatic shift had a leak. First I got the filter, packing and ATF (automatic transmission fluid) changed. Then a leak on the cooling drain started so got that fixed as well. Now engine and automatic gearbox are okay.

I have to change one seat, is worn out.

Engine and gear will run 4ever, I guess so only thing I need to worry is the chassis and paint.

General Comments:

The W123 from Mercedes is the best car made in my humble opinion. I drove a few company cars mostly VW Golf TDI highline/ sport. But I like the stationwagon of the W123 more. It is styling, full of comfort, and the turbo diesel is one of the first turbodiesels made. It has enough power to get along in traffic.

The 3 litre turbo diesel engine was the top-of-line car back in the 80ties in Europe (although standard in USA) and has all the features most cars have standard now such as ABS, steering/break assistance, central locking.

I like the station most because of its space and the shape of the car with the rear trunk, the automatic level controller on rear axle.

This car belonged to a dentist for years so is still in reasonable condition. One wheel arch must be fixed soon because of rust increase. I have to get rid of that Broccoli look!