1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D review from North America
"My Mercedes SAVED MY LIFE!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The car had trouble with the heater. It would only come on if I said a special prayer or whacked the dashboard.
It leaked oil like the Exxon Valdez.
I had to replace the motor mounts.
General comments?
Okay, my Mercedes sounded like a truck and smelled like a semi, but I LOVED THIS CAR! My kids always joked that it was a piece of junk and they hated to drive it because it was so heavy.
What I learned is heavy metal is where it's at. October first, I was hit by a drunk in an SUV going 70mph. She hit my back and then she hit me again driver's side. My heavy metal ate up her front end. Although I have spinal injuries, had I been in any other car, I could have been dead.
When it was time to get a replacement vehicle everyone said get a Japanese car. I am the proud owner of a 1979 Mercedes 300 Diesel.
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![]() ![]() | Classic reliability that's hard to find in today's cars! |
![]() ![]() | 1982 - W123 300D 3.0 turbo diesel The definition of automobile |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 246000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 279000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 7th November, 2006 |

