1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D from North America - Comments

I am actually hoping to get some advice...

I am thinking about getting a 1984 Mercedes-Benz 300D for $2000...I know it would last me a long time (it has less than 200,000 miles) but I don't know if I should get such an investment now. I am only 20 and my parents are only willing to put some money down for a starter car. So if there are some major repairs that need to be done within the next few years I might have to give up on it.

I do know the previous owner, he took VERY good care of it, and was always down in florida over the winter and up in connecticut in the summer. The only problems are that there is a little bit of rust on the side of the back (not close to the window or trunk or anything that moves) and there is some water in the backseat because of a door that isn't sealed. Also the brakes are kind of rusty because it was left outside all winter (the first winter in Connecticut for the car). So do you think these problems are small enough and do you think repairs over the next few years will be cheap enough (under 1000 dollars over the next 3 or 4 years) to deem it fit to drive for this college student?

I'm really hoping to do the veggie oil conversion, but it's an investment that I don't know if I have the money to maintain right now, I might just get a late 90's toyota or honda... but convince me otherwise because I want this sweet mercedes!

I am also a college student and I drive an '87 bmw 325e with 257,000 miles, which is also a very well made reliable German car. Over the past year and a half, the car has been very reliable and has never left me stranded. However, you shouldn't expect to drive an older European car maintinance free. Unlike a newer car, the true cost of owning is spread out over its life with maintiance.

To date I have spent well over $1000 on relatively normal maintinance items. Overall I don't regret it, I think owning an older german car can be a good deal considering that you are still driving a very nice automobile. However, the true cost of ownership is higher than an older Toyota or Honda or any reliable non-luxury car. An older MB diesel could be a great car for you, but you can't just change the oil and drive it like a newer car. It's really a question of whether or not you are willing to put in the effort.

Hello.

It's hard to have the full story without seeing/knowing more about the car, your financial situation, etc. However, I'm going to rely mostly on what you've stated so far:

At first glance the car does seem reasonable. 1980s era Mercedes Benzes were simple enough that repair costs shouldn't be too extreme. However, it is a Mercedes, so this will be no Toyota Corolla or VW Golf in terms of part costs for cars of the same vintage. Certainly if you're knowledgeable about cars (or are willing to learn to turn a wrench by joining a club), that can sure cut down costs. A good, honest independent mechanic who know Mercedes would be an asset as well.

However, a bigger question to ask yourself would be whether you can afford a car, any car, period. The way you describe it, it sounds like your parents will help you out. If so, by how much? Taking on a car is no cheap endeavour: what with fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, etc, etc, do you know what you're getting into? If you have a part-time job plus about $1000-$2000 in the bank, you should have no problem paying for regular upkeep as well as some larger repairs that may crop up. Less than that, and I think you can see you may be putting yourself into a stressful financial situation. I don't want to discourage you, but it's just something to think about.

Your veggie conversion sounds great. I've heard of people running their diesels (VW, Mercedes) on the equivalent of McDonald's grease with very little modification!

Good luck.

Mercedes are good cars, but when they get old they have major reliability problems and parts and repairs can be very expensive. You may even be spending $1000 after the first few months of ownership.

If I were you, I would buy something newer and maybe a car that'll last longer even if it's a little old "I recommend no older than 10 years." You may be better off with a Lexus or Acura. Those are the two most reliable luxury cars you can find. Even though diesel powered vehicles last a long time, it'll still be expensive to maintain.

Anyway, there are nicer Mercedes-Benz cars today than back then like the new S-Class. My question is would you rather have an old Mercedes that could make you go broke or a brand new Mercedes that you can afford to own in the future? Think twice before you make this purchase.

I have been driving used Mercedes Benz cars for my entire life. Each time I have driven the cars past the 250,000 mile mark. I currently have a 1986 300E and 1984 190E both of which have 100,000 miles and have given me NO problems whatsoever.

These old cars were built to last with the strong body-frame and well-engineered mechanics. What most people fail to realize is how reliable and powerful these cars still are. This is quite evident by the large amount of these cars that are still registered on the road today.

I think that it would be a great idea for you to get a 300D as these cars are known for running to near 300,000 miles. If you find a car that is in good condition (take the car to a good mechanic and have him check it out before-hand), then you will have almost no problems. The running costs are cheap and with a diesel, you'll be sure to get around 35mpg.

As a student, a diesel would be perfect and having driven them and knowing many other people with them, these cars are the best bet.

Listen to the words of the previous posters comments. Speaking from experience, I agree with them fully. The MB diesels are the best in the world! The cars may be old, but that is a testament to their durable and reliable nature.

I personally drive an 83 300D Turbo with close to 300k miles on it. It is a dream to drive as it is very quiet and comfortable. The interior shows no aging and it has no rattles or squeaks(Amazing). It was my first Benz and now I have a CLK also. These cars remind me of the fact that there is no substitute for good taste. You will learn from MB ownership that their cars cruise very similarly. That is quietly and comfortably.

My diesel has a 10 yr. old suspension and is slower off the starts, but MBs are the best cruisers available because they are built SOLID and meant to last at least 20 years.

Considering that the one you are interested in was well taken care of, you should buy it asap!

Modernize it a bit with some Euro lights and clear corners, then get some polished 15 hole rims from the 80s S-Class and you will see just how gorgeous your old joint can be!

Expect to perhaps change an alternator or battery and to clean the window switches and/or maybe change the water pump or some similar renewable parts, but that's a small maintainance price to pay for comfortable, reliable, safe and economical transport.

Also, as a diesel it is far easier to maintain than a gasser. The reason is that all you need to do is change the oil and keep your coolant and Tran fluid levels up.

Buy that 300D and enjoy many years of relaxed motoring, then when you are finished you can sell the car and get exactly what you paid for it. :)

lol... now that's what I call a great CAR!

I had the exact model and regret selling it for my current 300CE model. I would check for oil leaks, and repair list from the owner and have it check by a Mercedes shop to make sure it was service properly. The price is not too bad if the car is in good condition including the body for damages. Make sure the interior seats are in good shape the blue interior is easier to find and the 300SD model is comparable to the 300D turbo model. Good luck and enjoy that car if you do get it. Harry of Georgia.

Don't hesitate to look at and drive the car. As stated previously, the cars were built with optimal integrity, longevity and ease to work on yourself. I own a 240D and a newer 300E and can't even think about owning a different car.

The cars that were made in the 80's have much better rust protection than the previous decades and not a lot goes wrong with them if you are willing to change the oil and filter, the fuel filters, air filter and you could even adjust the valves at the recommended times.

My wife has an Infinity Qx4 (SUV), but just accepted a job that would entail her to drive about 1oo miles round trip in Atlanta. Guess what type of car she is looking at...89 300D. You really can't go wrong with this car if the previous owner has maintained it properly. One more thing. There are several web sites dedicated to showing you, through other owners, how to work on your car yourself. There is plenty of help.

Rahn--Atlanta

79 240D

89 300E.

The W123 chassis diesel mercedes is perhaps the most reliable diesel mercedes made. The Mercedes benz E-Class Bible lists on how the engines can make it to 500,000 miles without the head being removed for service. I've been working on them since I was 17 (20 now) there is really nothing to working on them... you replace the filters.. oil.. and occasionally the glow plugs, and you have a car that will pretty much take you anywhere. I have a 1987 300d which has proven to be a great car, not to mention not too horribly expensive to maintain, that is.. if you do the work yourself.

I own a 1981 240D equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. I bought my 240D from the original owner. It was a well-maintained, garaged vehicle with a documented service history. Within six months of buying my gorgeous Mercedes diesel, I replaced the water pump, radiator, and coolant hoses. I believe I replaced the original parts.

My 240D has been bullet-proof reliable since I overhauled the cooling system. It is a sturdy, well built vehicle. I wouldn't trade it for any contemporary car. Parts are easily bought from many I nternet vendors.

My 240D is simple and easy to work on. I've had the car about two years and it has never left me stranded. The

odometer quit, a common problem on these cars, at 174,000

miles. My 240D has about 200,000 miles right now. It

starts instantly in any weather. It has only slight blow by.

I'd drive this car anywhere right now with unfaltering

confidence.

I also own a two-owner, regularly maintained 1984 300D Turbo. I've replaced one diesel injector, the diesel return lines, a few bulbs, a few vacuum lines, a ball joint, a transmission O-ring, and tires. This magnificent German sedan cruises easily all day at 70-80 miles per hour.

My 300D Turbo has never left me stranded. My turbo, at

118,000 miles, has no blow by and starts within a second

in any weather.

I do most of the maintenance--oil changes, filter replacements, valve adjustments, and other mostly routine

work. I have plenty of time to lavish on my German diesels.

I also have a reliable, top-notch Mercedes Benz mechanic who

does the work I cannot do. I can afford to keep my diesels

in top condition.

The simplicity, sturdiness, structural integrity, ease-of-

maintenance of my 240d and 300D Turbo suit my needs and personality. If you want to buy a diesel, I strongly recommend you find a one-owner car with a documented service history to avoid deferred maintenance costs.

You must also consider how much time you have to keep your

diesel in top shape. You must adjust the valves every 12-15,000 miles and change the oil and oil filter every 2,500-3,000 miles. Check the Internet for prices on common

replacement items-starters, alternators, axles, brake parts.

Top quality replacement engines are expensive, $3,000 to

$5,000. Automatic transmissions run about $1200.

Driving my Mercedes cars gives me joy and pride

of ownership. The solid, quiet ride, the strength and build

quality, and the German engineering makes me reach for the

Mercedes keys every day. I also a Toyota Corolla and a Nissan Pathfinder. As good as these reliable Japanese cars are, they don't have the character of the steel and cast iron German sedans. These W123 cars were built to high engineering standards without the interference of accountants. Modern cars, tethered to the dealers for repairs, just don't have the same feeling.

As good as these diesels are, I would not recommend one for

a college student. You may have to wait days for parts if

your local supplier does not have what you need in stock.

The vacuum systems can be quirky and troublesome. If you

buy a car with a dubious service history, you will have to

pay for parts that haven't been replaced and service that

hasn't been done. One-owner cars with a documented service

history are rare.

A soulless, light-weight, but modern and reliable Toyota or

Honda would probably be a better choice. A college student

has plenty to worry about besides maintaining a car older

than the student. Find yourself a nice Mercedes diesel after

you've graduated and have some money in the bank.

The fabulous Internet will provide all the information

about Mercedes diesels that you need.

I'm keeping my diesels for the rest of my life. I will

not buy another car--unless it's a pristine 300CD or 300D

Turbo wagon.

I've found that people pay too much for these diesels on

eBay. I found my cars advertised in the L.A. Times. I

paid $2200 for my 240D and $2100 for my 300D Turbo. Both

these cars would have sold for more than double on eBay.

Hello, I am a Mercedes Benz Mechanic. In my opinion, the 617 diesel engine in the 300d / 300td and the 616 diesel in the 240d are some of the most durable engines produced for any vehicle ever. I regularly see these vehicle with 300k + on the odometer. As far as parts cost... many parts are very comparable to GM products I.E. brakes, water pump, belts, hoses, filters, etc. Some parts (injection pump, engine, transmission) are expensive. check, or have checked the major assemblies... these engines and transmissions leak, no need for concern. The most problematic area for these vehicles are pneumatic systems (vacuum system) and electrical systems. they are simple and easy to fix, but with age can be a little aggravating. In my experience 123 diesels can be abused and still last a long time. If te he vehicle you are considering purchasing is in really good shape and all the systems are operating as designed, then you should have good, inexpensive reliable transportation for as long as you keep it. good luck.

I own an '84 300CD. It's a great car and super reliable; it's been with me for about seven years. I've owned a Toyota that was newer with fewer miles, but it didn't hold up the way this thing did. You can easily get 400k out of one; maybe more if you don't live in the rust belt.

That said, if you're thinking of doing a veggie conversion, be very, very careful; it isn't as simple as dumping McDonald's friolator oil into your tank and you could wind up ruining your engine if you don't do things properly, especially in a cold climate. Even if you do the conversion right, it's still messy as Hell and you get food grease all over your trunk. It's your call, but a W123-bodied Mercedes is a great place to start.

I would say go for it if it is really in nice condition. The thing you have to remember with an older car is that the rubber items should be replaced as soon as possible as they are usually what causes failures. Hoses and seals fail more than anything else. Rust in many cases is caused by plugged body drains and accumulations of dirt and sand inside of box sections or by leaking seals and weatherstripping that lets water in. If it sits under the carpet for too long, you have rust.

The best thing about these cars compared to modern cars is the lack of electronic controls on the engine and transmission. Plus, there is very little plastic under the hood with the exception of the vacuum systems. I do not own one yet, but I am trying to find one I can afford right now. I do everything on every car I currently own and have compared parts prices on many items. Parts for them seem to be on par with a Nissan Sentra and better than most VW's. Not to mention, they are more reliable than the newer TDI VW's. You have to remember that it was the most successful model Mercedes Benz ever made with more than 2.7 million W123's made from 1975-1986. Because of that the economy of scale takes over to keep parts prices cheap. If you want a more modern vehicle that is reliable and long lasting, the Nissan Frontier is a good choice. Mine is one owner and has 275k miles of city driving on it and has never left me stranded. Get a 4 cyl/5speed and you can't go wrong.