1982 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D from Lithuania - Comments

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...

Congratulations on your recent purchase. I can fully appreciate your sentiment regarding the W123 Mercedes 300D. It is well worth it to take good care of these cars, considering that they've lasted this long and are still running. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to show them as you say "how cars were REALLY built." I discovered the appeal of Mercedes cars when I bought a 1983 300 Turbo Diesel and have a review on this site. My car needed a little bodywork also, but it was done inexpensively and looks beautiful today. It gets so many admiring glances and comments that I realized lots of ppl love these cars and just cannot find good examples. Since this is the case, I also do not want to sell. W123 Benzes represent simple, but very durable, beautiful and comfortable cars. They are CLASSIC and we are lucky to have them. Have fun and happy motoring!

Oh yea, good review too!

Thanks for reply. As I understand you own 300 turbo diesel, which was made for American market, so you should be from States.

Fully agree with you about future generations, and this determination only helps me look after my Mercedes more carefully.

Happy motoring!

The central locking system, as well as climate and shifting in automatics is controlled by vacuum, chances are the diaphragm is worn or cracked and is easily replaced, you probably don't need the entire assembly. Mine was failing to return to 1st gear when decelerating and it was traced to a vacuum actuator on the trans.

This is a superb car. Don't ever sell it. I am currently restoring my 83 300 Turbodiesel and I am planning to keep it forever.

Thanks for all comments. I am not planning to sell her, even though one of my friends is asking to sell her for the last 2 months. Actually I am preparing her for restoration and don't drive it now. (just bought C180 Kompressor Year 2002).Nice car to own and to drive, but somedays I really miss my old W123.

Happy motoring!

Nice review and good car. Why has some muppet cut all your central locking hoses?

Hi All.

Another thing what I noticed is that she was originally built as a Taxi for German market. One of my friends-ex-mechanic with computer bright mind and golden hands found word "TAXI" underneath the dashboard on some of the electrical wires. He also told me that the shock absorbers,- (I think made by "Sachs") are still original...

He also said that W123 cars originally built as a Taxis were made on the higher standard and normally can do higher mileage than other "normal, but extremely tough" W123 Mercs.

If there is some objective truth in my words and if I look deeper in to build quality subject for this model, then where is the limit for these cars? How come Mercedes lost the plot later?So what cars are we driving now? I don't think the answer is only "developing and production costs", it is people's attitude as well,-not only Mercedes engineers, but the owners as well...

Sad in some way, isn't?...

My neighbor has had a 1982 Mercedes 300D Turbo sitting in the driveway for over a year. I own and have owned several newer Mercedes (2005 Sprinter 3500, 1999 E320 4Matic, 1994 E320 Wagon, 1992 190E. I absolutely love and truly appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering of these fine cars.

I approached my neighbor about selling his 300D and although hesitant, he is willing to sell it for $1000. He had planned to keep it and fix it up but no time.

The car appears to be in good condition. Body is straight, no rust, ~250K miles, new tires. He states there are some mechanical issues that will need to be addressed. Due to sitting, there is a water leak - I am not sure where yet. CV joints may need attention, and leaks some oil. The exhaust is on the ground - the four rubber bands deteriorated and gave way.

We are to meet the first part of November 2008 to revive her from hibernation and test drive, etc. I am encouraged by reading all of the positive comments re: W123 on this site.

I would be grateful if you folks would reply with items to look for as I become familiar with yet another Mercedes. Also, I welcome any other general comments.

Looking forward to acquiring this car!

TMc.

Hello again.

If the car was looked after, then the mileage you are stating shouldn't be any problem. My Mercedes has done over 1200000kms (over 750000 miles) and still runs fine. The most important part, and expensive, off course is bodywork. Water leak might be in windscreen area as with the time the rubber sills give up, but that's OK if only leakage hasn't done major damage to floor (or wherever it leaks) area. Please check the electrics. My old mate mechanic advises to switch everything on and to check if the smell inside the car hasn't changed. I know this is little bit weird and funny, but helps. You could have to restore the suspension as well. As this car is heavy, from standing in one place the rear springs become weak and it looks as if someone has loaded the car's trunk with bricks.

Once on the move, please also check the brakes if under braking the car doesn't pull to one side. If so, then one of the brake cylinders has stuck ed from long standing as well.

I know that my comments might not apply for to the car you planning to buy...

Final advice: If you have the passion and courage to take her in to your hands, please do so. I am sure the car will not let you down and give you memorable moments.

All the best!

Renaldas, Lithuania.

I absolutely agree with most of you. My love for the W123 began over some years ago. Something about this shape. It's so inviting. I looked one for years. At one point I thought it was impossible, thus it became my dream car.

After many years, I finally found my dream car on craigslist. I couldn't believe it. I live in northern Canada. It's quite hard to keep cars in good shape cuz of the dreadful snow, as a result it's very hard to find a good example of this model. And like you said, it only took a few minutes to make the decision.

I called the owner and told him to hold it for a couple of days so I could sell my then current car a 2004 Subary Legacy wagon. Funny how I sold my Legacy the next day and the same day I was the owner of my dream car.

It's such a cool car. It was pretty much in museum condition. No problems at all. You see most Canadian w123s were brought to Canada from California. And they rust pretty fast and they don't seem to work in the sub zero weather. My one was made for Canada. By just looking at one, you just know it was properly built. These cars are the very example of honest to god engineering. It's funny, my car is even older than me, and yet it's in better condition.

I bought it last November I believe. In Calgary Alberta the weather conditions are so bad sometimes. In December it went below 30C'. And this freakin thing started. It had a block heater of course, but still it's amazing to me.

It's light petrol blue, with all the bells and whistles. PW everything with heated seats which can burn your ass literally LOL, and leather interior.

When I bought the car it had bad brakes. But I replaced it. This car has its own mechanic. Its been taken cared by the same man since it came out of the dealership. And he has records of maintenance done to the car through out its life time. I just took my beast to him again today for a service and brakes.

I love my 1982 w123. It's amazing how it makes you feel. It's not the speed or the slushy gearbox or the terrible handling. It's just something beyond. My friends laugh at me saying that I have gone backwards in car evolution. And I argue with them. I used to own 2003 Jettas and Subaru Foresters, Legacies. None of them can compare to this car. I feel a bit more better off in my tank in a traffic jam surrounded by plastic boxes...

Hail the W123.

Here are some shots of my beast.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/new-member-introductions/1424461-my-1982-300d-t-w123-some.html

My 1983 240d has the words Minton Clagery stamped on the side of the engine, and from what I have been told this means it was due to be exported to the US military. The only 5 speed W123's to go to the US were these special military exports. It's a left hand drive and also has ABS, which was not often specified because it's expensive. It has done over 270,000 miles, but is using 2 litres of oil in between the 10,000 mile oil changes, so I will let her go before she hits 300. A local metal dealer says he will give me £200, so that's not bad as I only paid £4000 over ten years ago!