1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 Reviews

Had to replace the electronic ignition system - mechanic adapted one from a modern car (cheap fix), but this was acceptable as the car was inexpensive to buy, and was obviously in need of attention.

Ingress of rainwater from holes in the front bulkhead - very annoying, and difficult to find and plug.

Replaced front damper units.

Driver's seat needed re-stuffing as the springs were rather tired.

I bought this car for 2500 dollars - considered cheap in Chile, where vehicles are "overpriced" in comparison to the US/Europe.

Paid around 400 to put things right, and have since used it as a daily driver, plus have been on really long trips across the Andes mountains, Argentinian desert regions, Patagonia and South Chile, up and down the length of Chile (500 miles each way), and the car has been flawless.

It's taken us across deserts and gravel roads, and has even forded small rivers!

This was the (rare) manual transmission model (stick shift), so no worries about aging belt drives in the auto box etc.

This vehicle is Excalibur like - forged from minerals stolen from a sacred mountain, lovingly assembled by greasy overalled elves.

It's not a fast car for overtaking etc, but it will drive for hours at high speed without complaint.

Sadly I had to sell it because I needed a truck for a construction project.

Key stuck in the ignition due to steering wheel locking mechanism failure... common at around 300000 miles. Required some minor dash removal, a new key, tumbler, extraction of the wheel lock, some grinding and pounding, but it is better than new.

I accidentally started the car with no way of turning it off (no ignition switch installed). Can't pull the plugs, the battery, the coil wire, etc. as there are none. Even pinching the fuel lines was absurd. I was freaking out.

Comfortable, safe, although this is my 2nd, and both cars had the same ignition switch problem, and this one has the vacuum door locks not working, no dash lights, no overhead light, and no heater/ventilation unit working.

AC didn't work when I bought it. It was a $500 repair.

I had to replace the flex discs. I did the work, $80.00 for parts.

The start solenoid went bad. $40 part on eBay and one Saturday afternoon to replace it.

I rebuilt the front suspension and steering system. $300 in parts plus $90 for an alignment. I probably spent 16 hours on this job.

This is an awesome car. Probably the best production vehicle ever built, in my opinion.

The car looks great. It has a real classic look to it. It has real bumpers!!

It is a little slow to start, but it just zooms along the interstate. It has great passing speed.

Tie rods needed replaced at 315,000 miles.

Transmission flares badly between second and third gear upshift (started recently at 320,000 miles).

Rubber fuel lines needed replaced.

Heater stops occasionally.

This is by far the best car I have ever owned. It handles real nice, and is very reliable.

It has the usual maintenance issues, due to the fact that it has over 500,000 Km.

Minimal oil consumption, and good mileage.

New alternator pulley installed wrong, oscillated & snapped.

Rebuilt alternator, belt snapped after 100k. I put it on too tight.

Can't determine if the new battery isn't being charged, or the positive terminal is grounding out via contact with the hood.

Sun-roof will not open.

I LOVE this car. I plan on owning it forever...

When running, it is a dream...

I haven't had any major repairs made to the car yet. The usual maintenance issues and wear down parts need replacement.

As per all older model W123's, its steering box needs replacement, and I will replace the whole lower arm assembly at the same time.

The rear passenger side tail lights are erratic and need a little love too.

Besides that.. Hmmm?

I haven't much to fix in this 26 year old stunner. The rest of the car's good to go.

It was built like a tank.

And a beautiful tank it is too..

It's the best OLD car I've ever driven.

It's a beauty to look at, sleek lines, nice trim and an interior that's remarkable.

The seats are plush and extremely comfortable.

After 26 years and probably a weekend trip to the moon, all the electrics work. Now, that's engineering at its best.

I bought the Merc for a steal from a car body shop owner, so all bodywork is in mint condition.

I couldn't have asked for more.

I find myself driving the Merc more than my other brand new car.

It's a great drive every time.

And to the guys out there.. Me missus doesn't mind me tinkering with it at all. Brilliant!