1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 DT 3.0L OM617 from North America

Summary:

Beautiful, just beautiful handles like a dream

Faults:

Not much, bought from a little old lady from California who didn't drive it much and kept it garaged.

Had a problem with it starting, and after replacing the battery and starter, found out it was a $3 part the connector that goes over the battery cable...

Rebuilt the vacuum pump, only a $50 rebuild and got great instructions off of mercedesforum.com. Step by step instructions from people who love these cars like me.

Other than that, runs/drives like a dream, beautiful car, roomy interior, great engineering and performance, won't drive any other... it's a 123 for me!!!

General Comments:

The turbo model is the only way to go, the non turbo is too slow on take off, that was my first car, this is my 2nd 300DT and I absolutely love it... feels good to open the moon roof and see the stars... great cars.. best ever built.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2010

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

Summary:

The best and last car I'll ever own

Faults:

Air conditioning hose leaked. Had to buy a whole new system because we no longer use Freon.

General Comments:

This car is my baby. Already know who gets it when I'm no longer able to drive. Looks and drives like showroom condition.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2009

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D NON turbo from Belgium

Summary:

The finest saloon car ever made in the 70's and 80s

Faults:

Engine mountings perished due to age. Initially electric mirrors and windows were sticky, but use has brought them back to life.

General Comments:

Quite simply the best ' practical classic ' car I have ever owned.

Superb ride, vision and economy for a car 26 years old.

I find many excuses to drive it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2009

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 300d turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Great Car

Faults:

Air Conditioning needs freon and it costs too much to buy the freon.

The motor mounds have been replaced.

The motor would run when shut off.

The Tac is not working.

General Comments:

It has a lot of miles on the motor and continues to run great.

The clock still works and keeps good time.

The seats are still perfect.

The sunroof works perfectly.

The paint is pretty good, but is beginning to fade.

Body is perfect and the wheels still look great.

The cabin is good, but I am very big and it is hard to get in and out of.

The trunk leaks a little.

The seats are very comfortable.

Is too slow on the take off, but is great on the roadway.

Gas mileage is very good.

Sometimes hard to find Diesel gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2008

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 200 2 liter from South Africa

Summary:

They don't make them like this anymore

Faults:

Replaced timing chain and tensioner as soon as I got the car. Also replaced the radiator with a used, reconditioned unit. Overhauled the engine after about a year of ownership. Had driver's seat springs fixed Nothing went wrong ever since overhaul.

General Comments:

Unbelievable quality, very rigid suspension. Fitted a sony radio/CD changer, which came out of my beloved Peugeot 404 which was written off (another sad story..)

My car is very quiet, especially on the open road, considering the age and mileage. Low insurance and maintenance costs, as I do the servicing myself. Amazingly service spares are cheaper from the dealer than spares shops!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th July, 2007

1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 200T 2 Litre 4 cylinder petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Beautiful Classic

Faults:

Central Locking not working.

Clunk from exhaust.

Sunroof will not lock in place when open.

General Comments:

I bought this old Merc as a fun car to replace my VW Camper and I have fallen in love with it.

It is a very basic specification model with four speed manual gear change and cloth upholstery.

The doors close with an excellent quality clunk and the car is covered in lovely chrome details including roof rails and wheel covers (with body colour centres)

Since having the car I have repaired the broken drivers seat base and replaced the worn driver seat cover with a replacement from a Merc specialist in the UK.

The car is a real pleasure to drive it wafts down the road like only a Mercedes can.

I have had W124 and W210 E class Mercs before and they always have the same essential character.

People will always tell you that you shouldn't buy a Merc with a manual transmission or without leather etc, but at the right price an odd spec car can give you a great deal of pleasure.

The spares back up for W123s is excellent both from dealers and specialists.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st December, 2006