1982 Mercedes-Benz W123 240D review from North America
"If you need a car that can be mended with a brick and a piece of string... This is it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A little rust around the edges.
Vacuum locks no longer work.
Cruise control no longer works.
Transmission linkage needs adjustment.
Heater blower motor switch broke stuck on '2'.
Threw a set of glow plugs in right after I bought it. Now I don't have to use my block heater at all!
General comments?
These w123 cars are fantastic. This car was bought for $800 as a winter beater, and it has turned out to love the punishment.
When I purchased the car it was slow and smokey. I have driven it hard, and it has become a clean burning, relatively quick (for a 3,500lb car) ride.
Maintenance is super easy, and cheap to boot, so long as you stay away from specialists and dealers. These cars were designed to last forever, and it shows.
I have started this car down to 8˚F and it starts easier than most gasoline cars. I expect it would start at temperatures below 0 degrees as well. BUT YOU MUST FOLLOW THE OWNERS MANUAL! Mix the diesel with kerosene (70/30 at temperatures between 15 and 32˚F below 15˚F= 50/50 mix) pump the accelerator 3x and hold to the floor. Crank the engine and it will start.
See video for example in 8˚F:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h9ubmwIHPg
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| 1982 - W123 240D 2.4L diesel OM616.912 A simple, safe, high-quality car that will last forever |
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| 1981 - W123 300D 3.0L I-5 diesel Solid, stately, and smooth - truly engineered for the long-haul and unfailingly reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1982 |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 litre diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 130000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 150000 miles |
| Previous car | Volvo 740 |
| Date of Entry | 26th February, 2008 |