1982 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D review from North America
"I wish you could buy a new one exactly like it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water pump (about $65 +labor) has been replaced every 65,000 miles.
Glow plugs have been replaced as needed.
Fuel injectors have been replaced.
Lots of oil changes (about 40 by now).
Fuel filters replaced at 30,000 mile intervals.
Cruise control has been repaired.
Valve adjustments every 30,000 miles.
Headlights upgraded to halogen.
Vacuum leaks to door locks.
Front seats re-stuffed.
Dash cracked down the middle.
General comments?
I like the body shape, and the flat floor in the trunk.
Seating is very good for my back.
Performance is noticeably fast for a diesel, has really good passing acceleration.
Fuel economy has been steady at about 22 in town, 28 on the highway.
Resale value has held very well, still retaining about 1/4 of it's value after 27 years. Perhaps more as fuel prices increase and bio-diesel becomes more available.
Paint has held up really well, as has the chrome.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1982 |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 litre turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 242000 miles |
| Previous car | Audi 5000 |
| Date of Entry | 8th June, 2009 |