1982 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D review from Lithuania

Nothing, I own it only 8 weeks.

I was looking to buy W123 Mercedes for about 6 months and finally gave up cause there were no suitable cars in the adverts, used car-market, etc.But then one day I found one on Internet. It took me about 3 minutes to decide. The most important thing was bodywork as it is most expensive part of the car. It belonged to elderly man and wasn't used for few years. Her interior is fine as is the engine and bodywork. There are some rust spots on front and rear wings and underneath rear lamps, but that's OK compared with age of the car.

Once I had her, I restored front and back suspension, but there are still few squeaks coming from front. I don't know what's the reason. Mechanics say it's fine, but I don't believe them. Maybe lubricants will help?.

Then changed about 15 light bulbs in total (good fun).Was thinking that there was a fault with wires cause after engaging rear gear, the lights didn't come up. But to my big surprise, in the plastic frame of the rear lamps, there were no bulbs at all. Same with rear fog lamps. Then changed all dash bulbs and now it looks and works perfectly.

Changed 1 glow plug as the indicator (yellow spiral) on dashboard wasn't working. Once the glowplug was replaced, now the green indicator next to yellow spiral is coming up once you want to start the car.Don't know if that's OK, cause preheating indicator still not working. Hope to sort this thing soon.

Changed thermostat, oil (Castrol Magnatec, fully Synthetic),all filters and now the engine warm ups quicker than my wife's VW Polo 1.4.Added Special Injector Cleaner with fuel and noticed that acceleration has increased after about 1000kms and fuel consumption (about 9litres in the city and about 8-8.5ltr/100km on open road (100-110km/h) ) decreased. I am very happy with these figures as she is heavy and I don't thing in 70's constructor's priority was aerodynamics..

Oh, the footbrake is working as new and she spins wheels easily even though this is not my driving style.

Normally I use this car to commute to work, but once I did all repairs and alterations, I caught myself that I started looking for smallest reason to drive her, because driving this car, even if it is only 4 speed is special event. I had and drove lots of cars (even though last 4 years lived in UK and didn't have the car at all), but W123 Mercedes is like in different league. I am not talking about performance or handling which is not bad, but it is comfort, space, simplicity, design and secure feeling inside (even though this car is 2 years younger than me) inspires me to say such words.

I just can't understand why not all drivers or owners understand this and treat cars badly. I can't get why the carpet and noise isolation inside the bonnet (bought good one from Lexus GS as couldn't find original) has been cut off, the carpet inside the boot is outstanding, plastic cover to cover el. wires underneath instruments is missing, central locking system wires has been cut off (does anyone know how central locking system is working in W123, as someone told me it is activated from the engine???)

I know that I will never sell this car and sometimes I think that would like to show it to my children one day what cars used to be and what followed after.

Once the winter will be gone here in Lithuania I will take her to professionals for colour respray (it is light ivory) and will finish to put all outstanding bits and pieces (thankfully the original chrome is still shining as are original MERCEDES chrome wheel covers and both bumpers, and mirrors).

Driving her home after long office hours helps me to relax and finish the day on high note and I think this is the best thing to say about Mercedes W123...