14th Apr 2008, 18:11
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.
30th Jun 2008, 07:56
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!
24th Jul 2008, 11:08
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?...
31st Oct 2008, 05:27
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.
7th Nov 2008, 01:29
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.
3rd Mar 2009, 21:02
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
24th Jan 2008, 04:59
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!