Mercedes-Benz W123 Reviews from UK and Ireland - Page 3 of 4

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 230CE Coupe 2.3

Year of manufacture1983
First year of ownership2001
Most recent year of ownership2001
Engine and transmission 2.3 Automatic
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 8 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.8 / 10
Distance when acquired151000 miles
Most recent distance152300 miles
Previous carTriumph 1500 FWD

Summary:

A low budget executive coupe

Faults:

When I have done a short journey from cold, I try to start it again and it doesn't want to. It does eventually start, I suppose you could call it a characteristic.

You cannot take it through a regular car wash. Due to the way the windows part in the middle, some water leaked in and left a watermark on the seats. I learnt from that and only hand wash now.

On the driver's seat the cloth has become a little worn on the lower edge of the back rest. I expect this is down to the car being 18 years old, and used regularly.

General Comments:

I have only had this car for a short time now and it is definitely the car for me.

It is the most comfortable ride I have had for a long time. The seats are more cushy than the ones in my lounge.

It accelerates very quickly for a heavy car and is quite good around corners, it does wallow a little but I don't mind. If I wanted good handling I would have bought a Mini.

I didn't really know much about this type of car before I owned one. It's the small things which make you realise you are driving a Mercedes, like the driver and passenger sun visors which both contain light-up Vanity Mirrors. The First Aid kit on the rear parcel shelf has never been used. The carpets are of a fine quality that even after 18 years still feel like new.

There is only one thing I'm not sure about with this car - the size of the steering wheel. It makes you think you might be driving a bus.

Something I have to mention about the car are the looks it gets. Never before had Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover drivers glanced at me in my old Triumph 1500, let alone let me pull out in front of them at a junction.

This car makes you feel special.

When you mess about with the windows - which puts on a good show - making the front an back slide together so smoothly looks really nice, You do hear the odd "oh look at that" which makes me even more smug!

I love this car and have only had good comments from others too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2001

23rd Sep 2001, 13:16

That starting problem you've got -- I take it your car may have a K-Jetronic injection. I had a similar problem with my '85 Audi and the car electrician found it was a hairline crack on a solder on the fuel pump relay.Comes with age. Give that a try.

13th Nov 2002, 12:06

I will recommend you to replace the stuff in the first aid kit if it never have been replaced... In 1994 I had to use the kit from a 1985 W123, and it was practically worthless... The first aid kit gets old with time... And it is pretty good to have a working first aid sometimes!

1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 230E 2.3 petrol

Year of manufacture1980
First year of ownership1997
Most recent year of ownership2001
Engine and transmission 2.3 petrol Automatic
Performance marks 7 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 9 / 10
Dealer Service marks 6 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.0 / 10
Distance when acquired118000 miles
Most recent distance185000 miles
Previous carVolvo 240

Summary:

Tough

Faults:

Power steering box (excess play).

Rust and water leaks to the interior now starting to take their toll.

Generally monotonously reliable! (but do keep it serviced)

General Comments:

A very pleasant, comfortable and super reliable car.

Quite economical and fast for its size and weight. I'm told 230E is the best engine for economy/power balance.

Cabin is well designed.

Only cost £1800 privately - what a bargain!

Previously a Jaguar / Volvo person I am now a Mercedes convert.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2001

1979 Mercedes-Benz W123 230C 2.3 petrol

Year of manufacture1979
First year of ownership1990
Most recent year of ownership2000
Engine and transmission 2.3 petrol Automatic
Performance marks 8 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 9 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.5 / 10
Distance when acquired48000 miles
Most recent distance68000 miles

Summary:

An example of superb engineering

Faults:

Zero.

General Comments:

Rust, what is rust?

It's just a very good comfortable coupe with style and grace.

Always starts, firm, positive ride with a massive boot.

I am interested to know if it is the only 230C in the Mimoseb 618 colour?

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

Review Date: 14th December, 2000

Average review marks: 7.6 / 10, based on 12 reviews