1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 240D review from Philippines

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.

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?!