1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 300CD 5 cylinder diesel from North America
Summary:
Two door car with a bit of a wild streak
Faults:
It was wrecked when I bought it, we have totally had to re-manufacture the front end on the left side, that is it except tires and filters.
General Comments:
It is the two door model in case you haven't heard of a CD. I was told that because of it lacking a turbo, that it was like Titanic with 5 horse power pulling it. But when you put your foot to the floor like I have (I'm only a teenager), it will throw you back in the seat. I have surprised a lot of people with this car including my mom who spilled coffee all over herself when I had to get in front of a guy who would not move.
I am very pleased with the car, I paid $125.00 for it and paid $250.00 to fix it, and she purrs like a kitten, and roars like a tiger when you put your foot down hard.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th May, 2001
12th Sep 2001, 10:02
I recently crashed my 300CD. I had minimal insurance on it.
So I am between a rock and a hard place. I loved the car so much that crashing it feels like descrating a holy relic.
They way it was going I bet I could have put another 100,000 miles on it!
16th Dec 2001, 08:17
I bought a 300cd a few years ago and am having problems with the back lights.. the fuses are hard to find... any suggestions? but I love my car because it is silver, 2 door, sun roof and is totally sexy.. it's a perrrrfect car for a woman.. I love my 300cd.. and plan to leave that car to my granddaughter or grandson.. . in about 25 years.. because I am only 38!
10th Jun 2002, 00:45
I have a '78 300CD with about 170K miles on it. Love it. Only problem I'm having right now is some rust along the rear window. Like you said, it's fun to just slam the pedal all the way down and listen to the engine take off. Regarding the post about fuses, I've never needed to change the fuses for the tail lights, but if they are with the other fuses, then they would be in the engine compartment mounted on the right side of the firewall. There are two knobs that stick out and those unscrew to remove the lid for the fuse box. Happy motoring.
8th Jun 2001, 11:39
Hey.
I also just purchased a 79 300 CD. I loved it the moment I drove it. I had to do a little work to make it purr perfect. I had to put in new engine mounts, Arm Brushing, Steering Damper and Primer Plunger pump. I have a few other things I need to do. You may think this is a lot, but it kinda feels like I am putting money into a vehicle I will have for a very long time. I don't doubt that I will have this Benz for a long while. Those diesels just go forever, if they are well pampered.
You are right about the pick-up though. I have found that the amount of acceleration depends upon how quickly and how severely you depress the gas pedal. If you press it slow, it up-shifts sooner rather than later, and if you press it quickly, it runs 2nd gear out very high, then shifts. This gear ratio can be touchy, but I like it. Because, lets face it, NO 5 cylinder engine is gonna be a killer out of the gate, especially when its pulling 3200 lbs. So I am thankful for the pick-up I have.
I am also thankful every time I pull away from a diesel pump knowing I paid.20 less a gallon than every one else at the filling station!
Like the other guy said. Just keep it well oiled, well fueled, and well maintained, and you may be giving that car to your kid someday. In the meantime - HAVE FUN!
Nothing like a little over-engineering to make you feel safe and permanent on the road.