1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D review from North America
"Rollin' in a Benz.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This car has been great. I've only had it a few months, but nothing has gone wrong yet. It runs really smooth and quiet, except at idle like most diesels. No real squeaking sounds or off key engine tones. Interior is in mint shape besides a little bit of black "cancer", as my friend called it, on the side of the driver seat. Air conditioning blows ice cold still and the heat works great! The cassette player wasn't working when I purchased the car, but I have since replaced it. Overall, very good condition.
General comments?
I had a 2000 Ford Focus, and reliability was non existent. Even with a warranty, I was constantly pulling my car into the Ford dealer. I like Ford cars, but the Focus just wasn't doing it for me. My dad suggested that maybe we sell my car and get a different one. So I tossed the idea around a bit. Then my dad told me that a friend of his had an 85 Mercedes that he wanted to sell. This man had bought the car brand new in 1985. Its always been garage kept and maintained by a specialist. All records are in the glove box. He even had an extra set of 5 wheels with studded tires for use during the winter months. When I first test drove it, I almost said "No WAY!" just because the car seemed so slow and sluggish. I am 18 and I want a fast car! But, after driving the car a bit more and taking it on the highway, I fell in love with the handling and feel of it all. Plus the style of rolling around in a Mercedes. I've had the car for a few months now and I am hooked on Mercedes. I don't know if I'll ever buy any other make of car again! I paid $4500 for my Mercedes which seemed a good deal for what condition and history the car had, not to mention the spare set of wheels with tires. Overall, I'd recommend this car to anyone, even if you are wanting a fast car. This car will change the way you look at cars from the day you get one. Try and find one that has been babied and garage kept and you'll be very pleased!
Recommended reviews
| 1985 - W123 300 CD 3.0 turbo diesel Feels like the car was milled from a single billet of steel |
| Economical luxury that lasts and holds value |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 I5 turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 130000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 145000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Focus |
| Date of Entry | 9th September, 2002 |