~RUST~ Major issue, but easily reparable. look for floor pans near rear seats, as well as front sub-frame.
Had pans completely replaced @ 238000.
~Starter, common dead spots. not yet replaced but still functional.
~Slave Cylinder 242000 miles.
~Incredibly Slow.
~About the same mpg as a 300D turbo or N/A.
~ ultra reliable.
~block heater isn't necessary.
~ brakes can get temper-mental.
No ABS : (
4 speed manual is AMAZING.
Ha we also had a 1979 240D and our experience was about like yours, but the rust we had was a result of a bad paint job done by the "restoration" shop. The only other problem we ever had was the A/C compressor failed when the car was 18 years old (~wow~). You say no ABS, but ours did have "anti-skid" brakes, a primitive form of ABS, only difference being that they were not electronically controlled. Ours was also incredibly slow, and you're right about the mileage; the same can be accomplished in the 300D/TD versions which are much more powerful. Great cars, will have another W123 one day hopefully.
I don't understand this primitive ABS system. All of the w123 ABS are electronic.
I'm looking at buying one of these cars. What is the mpg?
I've heard of mid 40's with these on average.
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