1981 Mercedes-Benz W123 D review from North America
"Reliable, cheap, and fun to drive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Oil filter housing gasket leaked.
Left (rear) axle shaft CV-joint boot failed, so I replaced the whole shaft with a used, but still good one.
Cruise control "amp" was causing the cruise control to stutter. Re-soldering the joints on the circuit board solved the problem.
Heater "mono valve" failed so the car had heat only when driving slowly. A mono valve insert fix it.
General comments?
I think this car will run until the body rust finally overwhelms it! It is tough, long-lasting, easy to work on, comfortable, and cheap to operate. I like them so much I own a number of them. The cars without turbos are only just able to keep up with city traffic, but the ones with turbos are much faster - and often get _better_ fuel economy. A wonderful car!
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1981 - W123 300D 3.0L non-turbo diesel Comfortable reliable tank |
| The Mercedes diesels are the best cars I have ever owned |
All 1981 Mercedes-Benz W123 reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 300 turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 180000 miles |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz W123 |
| Date of Entry | 12th May, 2004 |