1982 Mercedes-Benz W123 300D from Lithuania - Comments

Nothing, I own it only 8 weeks.

I was looking to buy W123 Mercedes for about 6 months and finally gave up cause there were no suitable cars in the adverts, used car-market, etc.But then one day I found one on Internet. It took me about 3 minutes to decide. The most important thing was bodywork as it is most expensive part of the car. It belonged to elderly man and wasn't used for few years. Her interior is fine as is the engine and bodywork. There are some rust spots on front and rear wings and underneath rear lamps, but that's OK compared with age of the car.

Once I had her, I restored front and back suspension, but there are still few squeaks coming from front. I don't know what's the reason. Mechanics say it's fine, but I don't believe them. Maybe lubricants will help?.

Then changed about 15 light bulbs in total (good fun).Was thinking that there was a fault with wires cause after engaging rear gear, the lights didn't come up. But to my big surprise, in the plastic frame of the rear lamps, there were no bulbs at all. Same with rear fog lamps. Then changed all dash bulbs and now it looks and works perfectly.

Changed 1 glow plug as the indicator (yellow spiral) on dashboard wasn't working. Once the glowplug was replaced, now the green indicator next to yellow spiral is coming up once you want to start the car.Don't know if that's OK, cause preheating indicator still not working. Hope to sort this thing soon.

Changed thermostat, oil (Castrol Magnatec, fully Synthetic),all filters and now the engine warm ups quicker than my wife's VW Polo 1.4.Added Special Injector Cleaner with fuel and noticed that acceleration has increased after about 1000kms and fuel consumption (about 9litres in the city and about 8-8.5ltr/100km on open road (100-110km/h) ) decreased. I am very happy with these figures as she is heavy and I don't thing in 70's constructor's priority was aerodynamics..

Oh, the footbrake is working as new and she spins wheels easily even though this is not my driving style.

Normally I use this car to commute to work, but once I did all repairs and alterations, I caught myself that I started looking for smallest reason to drive her, because driving this car, even if it is only 4 speed is special event. I had and drove lots of cars (even though last 4 years lived in UK and didn't have the car at all), but W123 Mercedes is like in different league. I am not talking about performance or handling which is not bad, but it is comfort, space, simplicity, design and secure feeling inside (even though this car is 2 years younger than me) inspires me to say such words.

I just can't understand why not all drivers or owners understand this and treat cars badly. I can't get why the carpet and noise isolation inside the bonnet (bought good one from Lexus GS as couldn't find original) has been cut off, the carpet inside the boot is outstanding, plastic cover to cover el. wires underneath instruments is missing, central locking system wires has been cut off (does anyone know how central locking system is working in W123, as someone told me it is activated from the engine???)

I know that I will never sell this car and sometimes I think that would like to show it to my children one day what cars used to be and what followed after.

Once the winter will be gone here in Lithuania I will take her to professionals for colour respray (it is light ivory) and will finish to put all outstanding bits and pieces (thankfully the original chrome is still shining as are original MERCEDES chrome wheel covers and both bumpers, and mirrors).

Driving her home after long office hours helps me to relax and finish the day on high note and I think this is the best thing to say about Mercedes W123...

Congratulations on your recent purchase. I can fully appreciate your sentiment regarding the W123 Mercedes 300D. It is well worth it to take good care of these cars, considering that they've lasted this long and are still running. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to show them as you say "how cars were REALLY built." I discovered the appeal of Mercedes cars when I bought a 1983 300 Turbo Diesel and have a review on this site. My car needed a little bodywork also, but it was done inexpensively and looks beautiful today. It gets so many admiring glances and comments that I realized lots of ppl love these cars and just cannot find good examples. Since this is the case, I also do not want to sell. W123 Benzes represent simple, but very durable, beautiful and comfortable cars. They are CLASSIC and we are lucky to have them. Have fun and happy motoring!

Oh yea, good review too!

Thanks for reply. As I understand you own 300 turbo diesel, which was made for American market, so you should be from States.

Fully agree with you about future generations, and this determination only helps me look after my Mercedes more carefully.

Happy motoring!

The central locking system, as well as climate and shifting in automatics is controlled by vacuum, chances are the diaphragm is worn or cracked and is easily replaced, you probably don't need the entire assembly. Mine was failing to return to 1st gear when decelerating and it was traced to a vacuum actuator on the trans.

This is a superb car. Don't ever sell it. I am currently restoring my 83 300 Turbodiesel and I am planning to keep it forever.

Thanks for all comments. I am not planning to sell her, even though one of my friends is asking to sell her for the last 2 months. Actually I am preparing her for restoration and don't drive it now. (just bought C180 Kompressor Year 2002).Nice car to own and to drive, but somedays I really miss my old W123.

Happy motoring!

Nice review and good car. Why has some muppet cut all your central locking hoses?

Hi All.

Another thing what I noticed is that she was originally built as a Taxi for German market. One of my friends-ex-mechanic with computer bright mind and golden hands found word "TAXI" underneath the dashboard on some of the electrical wires. He also told me that the shock absorbers,- (I think made by "Sachs") are still original...

He also said that W123 cars originally built as a Taxis were made on the higher standard and normally can do higher mileage than other "normal, but extremely tough" W123 Mercs.

If there is some objective truth in my words and if I look deeper in to build quality subject for this model, then where is the limit for these cars? How come Mercedes lost the plot later?So what cars are we driving now? I don't think the answer is only "developing and production costs", it is people's attitude as well,-not only Mercedes engineers, but the owners as well...

Sad in some way, isn't?...