Let’s cut the charade. Classic cars are a pain. Not some classic cars. All classic cars. When you’re dealing with an automobile that’s more than 20 years old, you’re dealing with a completely different animal than a car from the 2000s that’s just fallen on hard times. Cresting the 20-year mark – or the 200,000 mile mark – typically means a myriad of failed seals and gaskets, non-functioning parts that are no longer manufactured, and general distaste for consistent running. Mechanical and electronic systems from the 90s and decades prior present a unique challenge to even the most adept wrenchers, and the same goes for the much-lauded and much-maligned W123 Mercedes-Benz. Which is precisely why I bought one.
Enthusiasts far and wide know the legend of the W123 Mercedes-Benz chassis. The timeless design, venerable engine, classy interior, and overall stylish appearance make this one of, if not the most sought-after German classics. But like any classic, these recognizable German saloons—and coupes and wagons—can become quite the bug-bearer for any driveway mechanic worth their salt.
Enter my 1983 300D, a car I’ve lusted after for quite some time. I’ve been on the hunt for any variation of the W123 Mercedes-Benz chassis for nearly eight months now, and I finally settled on a 36-year-old example that I found less than 10 miles from me. Despite all its problems, it’s already the best car I’ve ever owned. I know, predictable.
Let’s get the specs out of the way. The W123 Mercedes-Benz chassis was produced from November 1975 (for the 1976 model year) until January 1986. Within that run, Mercedes produced a four-door saloon, a five-door wagon, and a two-door coupe all on the same unibody platform. Engines ranged from 2 and 3-liter diesels (with a turbo from 1980 onward) to a 2.8-liter gasoline inline six. This was the executive car to have in its day, costing nearly $70,000 in today’s money. I nabbed mine for, well, a lot less than that, mainly because there are just a few things wrong with it.
Here’s what’s right: the color is a cheery, albeit faded shade of yellow; the engine is relatively strong with only a moderate amount of blowby; the interior and exterior are pretty well-sorted with no accidents to report; and there’s almost no rust to speak of. That I’ve found, at least.
As you might have guessed, the list of what’s not right is much more extensive.
Almost every seal and gasket on this drivetrain needs replacing. Take a look at all that oil under the car. Yikes. The previous owner threw his hands up at the idea of repairing the vacuum system and its leaks, which is why I’ve got door locks with a mind of their own and a transmission that clunks harder than a G-Wagen striker bolt. The turbo is in desperate need of a rebuild or replacement, evidenced by the wet inlet tubes on the air cleaner and the outlet manifold that drips oil onto the passenger side motor mount. The differential seeps gear oil, and the rear passenger side CV boot has decided to let go on both ends. Hopefully that doesn’t necessitate a whole axle replacement, but we’ll see. The brakes are so worn that they’re certifiably dangerous. There’s a knock and a rotational whirr from the driver’s side front suspension that gets worse with steering lock, which could be a ball joint or a wheel bearing. We’ll find out. And lest I forget, there’s a sheared spring that’s come through the driver’s seat that unleashes pain on a rear end fiercer than a LS1 in a Miata.
I’m far from a professional, especially when it comes to driveway wrenching projects. It might even be a stretch to call me a weekend wrencher, but this car has ignited something within me. Maybe it’s the undeniable respect that the W123 commands, or the plucky nature of this faded yellow chariot that has me desperate to bring it back to a state closer to its glory days. Either way, I’ve already spent a fair amount of time and money replacing the fluids and filters in this car, which showed me the incredible difference clean fuel filters can make in a compression-driven car. On my first drive, this nearly 3,500 lb. German sedan could barely get up a hill. One NAPA-brand pre-filter and Mann main filter later and it rides boost like a freight train down a mountainside. Thank god for the small fixes.
We’ve sorted a major vacuum issue that prevented the four-speed automatic from being shifted manually – an original vacuum line to the switch on top of the valve cover had been plugged with a deck screw. For something like the EGR, that fix could be overlooked, but for something as active as the vacuum-controlled transmission, it’s a death sentence. I’m still experiencing some hard shifts, but I suspect a simple VCV modification and a kind word with the Bowden cable could net some appreciable results.
The car starts fine, but she’s not a big fan of the first turnover. The first glow of the day nets a relatively low and rough idle, something that should be remedied by a long-overdue valve adjustment. Additionally, the tachometer doesn’t work. This is a common problem in these cars, and might be fixed by a simple amplifier hack, or a very expensive replacement. We’ll see what happens.
The rest are just bits and bops that need replacement as you crack into a near 40-year-old automobile. Some might say I picked one expensive test bench to flex the extent of my wrenching knowledge, and you’re right. But what better way to get started than on a stylish old Benz that looks and sounds like a school bus past its prime? Wish me luck.
the seat spring is a known issue too. I read somewhere about ways to fix it, but of course can’t remember where. Hit the google and you can figure it out.
That Accord EX though! Hot. Great article.
I love this so much, bring on the pain haha
I have a 1985 300tdt if anyone is interested
Hey Klaus, if you’re in the PNW, I’m interested!
Welcome to the w123 world! Looks like you have real leather seats which is rare. Most every unit came with MB tex. You can put a little paper in the tach connector under the hood. That usually does the trick. There’s a Mercedes w123 (north america) group on the face book that you should join. BTW the yellow color is actually Light Ivory. 🙂
I love the w123 model and I am at present looking for one if its not too expensive
Regards
Mara
Hello my name is Kenneth Corbett. I have a very beautiful 1981 Mercedes 300 D in great condition. The price is $4000. Everything works. The door locks the air conditioner. How do you do this girl how do you respond to someone
I am in Myrtle Beach South Carolina I could possibly work out delivery. I can send you a video and pictures if you like. My telephone number is 843-450-7779.
Do you still have it? Email me keathwalker@gmail.com
That’s a light Ivory shade 623, and I’ve got the same colour albeit a 200D. I disagree with the pain of owning one, a well kept w123 is only only only a pleasure and with regular simple maintenance this car is indestructible! Pain is my 2019 bmw 3GT and Cars as such or the newer generation, too much electronics and build to fail in time unlike the 123s which were build to last and time has proven this adage right! Enjoy this pain as you describe it coz no other motoring pain can be as sweet as owing a 123 ! Cheers mate
Thanks.
I also heard it is possible to replace with compatible Benz engines when original parts become impossible to get. I’m getting one and keeping it forever.
@ Vikram – You mean it’s not “faded yellow”? 😉 Poor effort by the author there, as it takes about 30 seconds of Googling to find the official names and codes for the colors. 681 Manila Beige also was popular in my neck of the woods.
I suppose this is true of any model, but I think there’s some survivorship bias with the W123. A classmate’s family drove their wagon for about 15 years in an era when most of our neighbors were trading in their cars every 2-4. However, a relative had a W123 sedan that with frequent minor issues. Nothing that would leave you stranded, but it made for an annoying ownership experience. His widow much preferred the early Acura Legend she replaced it with. (All cars bought new, needless to say. Please spare me any criticism of a particular car that was abused by previous owners.)
Having owned a 123 body Benz for most of my adult life I thought I’d comment on the ease some of the repairs. Keep in mind that this one of the last cars designed by engineers, not marketers.
The hood can be raised straight up by your person. The brake pads can be replaced without removing a tire in about 10 minutes. All of the fuses are in an easily accessible box in the easily-accessible engine compartment: not under the steering wheel or in the passenger footwell which require you unto lie on pavement to replace.
With regular maintenance this car will outlive you..
I also just acquired a W123 in the shape of a 1983 300TD. They are wonderful vehicles and I look forward to getting mine back into top running shape. Check out Mercedessource.com for awesome videos and step-by-step manuals on how to repair your W123. Enjoy!
DO YOU STILL HAVE IN STOCK THE mercedes BENZ 300 D turbo with auto automatic transmission ?
Have 1982 300cd for sale with 250k mil. If anyone interested. Everett WA. romanr_medical@yahoo.com.
1982 300cd with 250k mil is for sale if anyone is interested. $6000 romanr_medical@yahoo.com
Have 1982 300cd coupe for sale with 250k for 5k