One of a kind
Fan pulley (reduces A/C capability).
Vacuum leak (this retards locking and shifting smoothness of the trans).
Lower ball joints.
Extraordinary vehicle that is in pristine condition.
All original... nothing on the body has ever been tarnished.
Showroom ready from interior to exterior.
Perfecto!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st January, 2013
A fine car with style and reliability
When I got the car earlier this year from my aged mother, it needed vacuum fixes in the door lock system, valves adjusted, new belts, and an oil pan gasket. I changed shocks, put on new tires, CV axle boots, guide rod mounts, differential mount, and subframe mounts.
I love this car. It runs great. After it is warmed up, 1-2nd shift is rather hard, but otherwise it is a terrific car - a nice cruiser.
It has been with my family since 1992, and my mother bought from the man who purchased it originally. She loved it, and now I love it too. It is smooth, agile, and reliable. Everything works, even the original antenna, cruise control, tach, radio, and speakers; all the stuff that many owners report has broken down.
The only leak I have is through the bolts on the vacuum pump. I guess that is next.
I highly recommend these cars. MB got this one right.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 23rd November, 2012
Wunderbar
Installed new shocks tires, had tune up and transmission serviced, minor cosmetic repairs and restorations.
Old school solid and fun to drive. Very lovable auto.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th October, 2011
Engineered like no other car on the planet
Carburetor was clogged, resulting in high fuel consumption.
Power steering box leaking.
Air conditioning blew hot air.
Worn suspension.
Saggy driver's seat.
Timing chain rattles
Boot floor rusted
Ghastly looking sec front grille (replaced since). Not an original item.
Bought this car off the used car dealer in surprisingly good nick. It was love at first start. The interior was in perfect order courtesy of the previous wealthy owner's garage. What started out as a practical choice turned into a love affair with the car. I still turn around to stare at it as I walk away in the parking lot.
The W123 is an engineering marvel of all time. Mercedes should consider remanufacturing these cars. It has only left me stranded once when the fan belt snapped. After 29 years on the road, that's just fine by me. Forgive me if I'm not much of a wordsmith, there isn't enough superlatives to describe what a blessing this car has been to me. Hence a full body restoration last year that cost me quite a bit of money. Even with all the bills added up over the years, it just amounts to a year's depreciation cost of a new car here in Malaysia.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd July, 2011
Fun, safe, and practicality all meet with this car
The radio and speakers have all rotted away as expected. Just took the speakers out of a 90s Caddy, and got a custom radio wired in.
The back window leaks water into the rear lid. This is an issue I have yet to fix; I have epoxied the entire window inside and out to no avail. Not a major issue though.
Replaced glow plugs this winter; really helped for Indiana cold weather, since I had no access to plug in at Purdue University.
Leaks in the vacuum system used to have the vehicle running after I have taken keys out and walked away until I locked the vehicle, then it would turn off.
RPM gauge no longer works as well as some of the dash lights.
Cruise control is extremely annoying with lots of acceleration and deceleration in an effort to keep the desired speed.
Air went out too. But for $1000 car, it isn't that bad with the biggest sunroof ever.
Minor rust and the paint has worn away from being left for 5 years under a tree before I got it. A repaint would be in order if I can save up enough this summer.
Hood ornaments keep getting stolen off of it. No fix except to keep replacing it.
Despite the minor issues, this car is a blast to drive. It struggles to hit 75mph on the highway, but the turbo makes driving around town quite fun. Gas mileage is probably close to 23mpg city and 28 highway.
Paint job may look bad, but this car gets lots of comments from the older crowd who recognize the vehicle, or even younger people because of the amount of chrome and design put into it.
An absolutely amazing turn radius! Parallel parking has never been easier! Campus police have taken a liking to it, letting me know when hood ornaments have been taken or helping me out when I had to move car for snow removal. Handles really well in snow with studded snow tires.
Gas may be $4.30 a gallon, but this car gets really good mileage. Turns heads just for being alive nearly 30 years. Classy and luxurious with an amazingly low price tag, and built like a tank... They don't make cars like they used to.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th April, 2011
4th Jan 2013, 20:10
Also MPG is great, runs about 27 MPG... local/some highway. Virtual "D"/self maintains if oil/filter changed every 3000 miles... should be a great buy for anyone, even when 31/32 years old!