1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D 5 cylinder turbo diesel

Summary:

Anyone who wants a great used car, get one of these!

Faults:

Air conditioning didn't work when I bought the car. Had the air conditioner converted to R134 for $102. That's right, I have only about $200 invested in this car!

General Comments:

Bought this near show-room car for $100 from a friend of my mother. She and her late husband were the only owners, and always took the car to a Mercedes-Benz dealer for all maintenance and repairs. Her nieces and nephews were fighting over the car, so she sold it to me for the low price to keep it from them.

This car is nearly flawless! Yes, it's old fashioned. No, it's not a race car. I get more stares from people than I ever expected (not a bad thing for an overweight, single guy). The car is black with the camel leather interior. Very classy, looks like something you'd see at an embassy.

May change the rims to something a little shinier, but still Mercedes-Benz. Other than that, very happy!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2004

12th Aug 2005, 03:00

Yes, I also bought my 300D following a death, in my case a family friend. All maintenance records and the window sticker. These cars are totally indestructible and totally stylish and cool. Congratulations. I intend to keep mine forever, as I'm sure you do.

14th May 2006, 10:16

I purchased one of these cars last week. It needs some work, but really drives and rides great.

The turbo diesel is slow, but steady.

15th Dec 2009, 18:52

I also have this same car and am the original owner since 1984 when I bought it brand new in Los Angeles. It runs perfect up to now, and I drive it twice a week to the golf course.

My odometer reads 108,000+, and is temperamental because sometimes it runs and sometimes not. I think it needs a replacement or repair, but will not bother with it as long as I can still drive it around.

My air conditioner needs to be converted, but the heater runs excellent. Someday soon I will have to find a new owner for it, since I am too old to maintain it. All I do is change oil and filter every 6 months, and this car will live longer than me.

1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D 3.0L 5 cylinder turbo diesel

Summary:

Quality, durability, economy, and distinctive class, all wrapped up into one affordable package

Faults:

Air conditioning compressor froze up at 148.000 miles.

Starter went out at 168.00 miles.

General Comments:

The W123 300D Turbo-diesel is practically bullet proof. The car is put together like a tank. Solid construction, incomparable fit and finish, constructed of high grade materials, and does not exhibit any signs of aging that would normally be expected of a 20 year old car. There is no shimmy or shake in the body, no out of character vibrations, and absolutely no rattles or squeaks from the interior. It's as though the car was carved from a block of iron.

Engine has plenty of power with the turbo, and has ample amounts of torque.

Highway cruising at speeds of 70mph and up is effortless, and has handled many 500+ mile trips without trouble.

The interior is very comfortable, seats firm, but well sprung. There is ample space for four adults, and the trunk is very spacious. Windows are large, and allow for maximum viewing pleasure from inside the car. The design of the dash is quite striking, with its round air vents, timeless clean lines, and ergonomics lending to a very simple, elegant, un-cluttered, open view through the windshield.

With its high reliability record, ability to run for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper maintenance, and excellent fuel economy thanks to the diesel engine, it is perhaps better than any new car available on the market today. It's an extremely economical classic car that can be driven anywhere, and looks the part as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2004

7th Sep 2004, 00:22

Amen, brother! I also own a black 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D W123 with only 116,000 miles on it. Bought it recently for only $100 from a family friend (she has a new C230 with free maintenance). Spent another $100 to convert the air conditioning. So, for only about $200, I have a classic, inexpensive-to-run, comfortable, quiet, luxurious, and good-looking car that will probably last me most of the rest of my life (I'm 44). What more could you ask for?

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1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D T 3.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

One of the best sleeper cars of all time

Faults:

Minor problems with electric windows, soon to be repaired. Just tired and in need of cleaning.

General Comments:

One of the most stable and comfortable cars I've ever owned. Solid, dependable, and ready to go almost anywhere.

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

Review Date: 24th March, 2004

1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 300 Turbo Diesel 3.0L turbo diesel

Summary:

A luxurious, prestigious, reliable steal

Faults:

The sunroof stopped working at about 230K.

Needed new rear brake lines at about 230K.

General Comments:

An incredible car.

Built like a tank, and built to last.

This car will cruise at triple digit speeds (yes, no kidding) for hours on end, and deliver good around town driving in comfort. I can't believe this car. 240K and still no real problems beyond normal maintenance. Plus, with a sunroof, a decent aftermarket sound system, and tires worth driving on you're dealing with a serious cruiser. Not to mention it has the "I work at an embassy" look to it.

Its kind of a sleeper cool car if you're image minded.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2003

29th Nov 2006, 21:37

The 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 Turbodiesel is an engineering marvel. 250k and going.

10th Jan 2007, 17:30

I've had my 300d for about a year now. I love this car! I just replaced the fuel filters and now it runs like a dream. it always has more to give on the highway and it's very easy to work on. I'm in love.