1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D 3.0 liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

It would be a great car for a first time driver, or for someone who is in no hurry

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2012

8th Jan 2020, 21:21

There should be square or diamond shaped lever near the top of the engine (pretty easy to see) with a stop sign at the top, says 'ENGINE STOP'.

Press this lever down (at the red sign) towards the engine and hold it down and the engine *should* stop. Saw a YouTube video about restoring an old I want to say 1983 Mercedes 300D (YouTube poster is called "mercedessource", all one word) and he had to do this to check the engine for a suspected misfire.

p.s. Of course wear gloves and exercise caution, the engine may be hot!

Happy motoring!

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 3.0 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

300D - The best car ever built

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2012

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D 3.0 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Best, safest, and most reliable car humans ever created

Faults:

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.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2011

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 240D 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Other than minor issues, I LOVE IT!!!

Faults:

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...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2010

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 E200 from Malaysia

Summary:

It's love!

Faults:

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..

General Comments:

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!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th August, 2010