Faults:

This car has been great. I've only had it a few months, but nothing has gone wrong yet. It runs really smooth and quiet, except at idle like most diesels. No real squeaking sounds or off key engine tones. Interior is in mint shape besides a little bit of black "cancer", as my friend called it, on the side of the driver seat. Air conditioning blows ice cold still and the heat works great! The cassette player wasn't working when I purchased the car, but I have since replaced it. Overall, very good condition.

General Comments:

I had a 2000 Ford Focus, and reliability was non existent. Even with a warranty, I was constantly pulling my car into the Ford dealer. I like Ford cars, but the Focus just wasn't doing it for me. My dad suggested that maybe we sell my car and get a different one. So I tossed the idea around a bit. Then my dad told me that a friend of his had an 85 Mercedes that he wanted to sell. This man had bought the car brand new in 1985. Its always been garage kept and maintained by a specialist. All records are in the glove box. He even had an extra set of 5 wheels with studded tires for use during the winter months. When I first test drove it, I almost said "No WAY!" just because the car seemed so slow and sluggish. I am 18 and I want a fast car! But, after driving the car a bit more and taking it on the highway, I fell in love with the handling and feel of it all. Plus the style of rolling around in a Mercedes. I've had the car for a few months now and I am hooked on Mercedes. I don't know if I'll ever buy any other make of car again! I paid $4500 for my Mercedes which seemed a good deal for what condition and history the car had, not to mention the spare set of wheels with tires. Overall, I'd recommend this car to anyone, even if you are wanting a fast car. This car will change the way you look at cars from the day you get one. Try and find one that has been babied and garage kept and you'll be very pleased!

Faults:

For a 15 year old car, it has done quite well. But here is a list anyhow of major problems.

The hydroneumatic pump that lifts the tail end of the car upon added weight had to be replaced.

The master brake cylinder froze on the highway locking the brakes.

The A-frame on the left rear wheel snapped right along the weld line causing the wheel to tilt into the wheel well rendering the car undriveable (very unusual occurence).

Many things in the engine have been replaced - hoses, lines, oil compressor, a new AC system with the new type of freon retrofitted ($900), etc. She is now going on 210,000 miles on the original engine with outstanding acceleration and smooth transmission.

I just recently had to replace both of the rear window regulators. One got so bent after 15 years of lifting the heavy glass that when I lowered the window, it shattered.

General Comments:

Please e-mail me - estarr@starmail.com

Peyton, my 300TD, has been an outstanding car. Some noteworthy things about this particular car of mine. It is certified as the 'last of the line' W123 wagon to be produced and shipped to the USA. It is a beautiful original black with tan vinyl interior, sunroof, 3 rear headrests, 3rd seat with shoulder belts. Cosmetically, the car is in excellent shape, almost immaculate. The wheels have been repainted to the original astral silver based alloy paint

Things I would like to do to the car:

Replace the rear struts that hold the tailgate up when opened. It stays up most of the time, but sometimes falls on your back - unpleasant surprise.

Replace some springs in the drivers seat which leans slightly down to the left. The rear seats are floppy and sink down. They too could use springs and padding.