1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 250 Saloon review from UK and Ireland

Rust! Lots of it, mostly sills. Water leakage into car body and boot.

Ticking camshaft due to one worn lobe, have not replaced as it works fine.

Drivers winding window.

Panel lights.

Auto transmission had slight hesitation problem in 30c+ Spanish heat, drained off some fluid and problem went away.

Vacuum operated central locking must be used within a minute of turning off the engine or else "loses" vacuum.

South African model, although only glass and interior were made in SA, most of car made in Germany.

Suspension is set for comfort rather than handling. Comfortable, roomy interior is basic, tough and hence in very good condition.

Only 3 gears so must be revved to keep up with modern traffic.

Rust will be the death of it.

Carb' the size of a dustbin! 15-19 mpg (imp') in UK, but oddly got 21-23 at 75mph+ on long runs across Spain!

1970s models often seem to have strange paint colours.

I have many German friends with these cars and the consesus is; 240D and 300D(non-turbo) are the strongest engines, manual 5 speed box always breaks, 4 speed box is unbreakable albeit a bit crude, they all rust after about 15 years.

Also they go a surprisigly long way off road when driven by young Germans who just don't care. Watch out for the sump though...