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Old 24th June 2024, 19:38   #1
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Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123


Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-w1231979-de_9.jpg

Introduction :
It's a three pointed star that leads the way into happy dreams of the automotive kind. There's a used Mercedes to fit every budget, the downside is that spares and service come at a premium cost. Ageing beautifully, a W123 can be the weapon for a perfect entry into the classic car scene. Prices have been climbing over the years as well-maintained examples are getting rarer. In fact, it is the car which gave many Indians their first proper German car experience during the mid-eighties. Probably almost every cashew baron in Kerala owned one, along with a gold Rolex, more than three decades ago.

A recently restored W123 240D from Thrissur. This car was owned by ex-Kerala CM K.Karunakaran earlier.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_20240624_203043.jpg

W123s are solid purchases to make, and if you see a LHD version, the asking price does come down a considerable bit. Don't get me wrong, though the W123 generation is fairly reliable, it's not a cheap car to run. It still requires every drop of expertise from the mechanics and enough commitment from the owner. Multi-brand car workshops all over the country are familiar with its mechanicals, so you'll not have problems to keep it in good condition. After all, this is a special car that looks awesome, feels awesome and drives awesome.

BHPian Mr Perera's pristine W123 200D in a lovely shade of red.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_20240624_203452.jpg

Understanding the variants :
The W123 made its debut in early-1976, as a successor to the W114 generation. Mercedes officially christened it as 200-280 series, equivalent to the modern-day E-Class. The 123 range itself was available in various bodystyles : W123 (4-door sedan), S123 (estate), C123 (coupe) and V123 (long-wheelbase sedan). I want to stick with the W123 sedan throughout this thread because majority of the cars that came to India were sedans. A few estates too exist in our country, they are scarce however.

Pictorial representation of all bodystyles.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_20240610_154017.png

Speaking of the W123s in our country, diesel variants like the 200D, 240D and 300D are the most popular ones here. Petrol-engined models like the 230E and 280E are rare. While the base-model 200D diesel feels a tad underpowered, the 300D diesel is definitely a powerhouse to reckon with. A well-maintained 240D is not bad either, these are more common actually. W123s are widely available in the used car market and thankfully, most of those cars are in good shape too. Consider it your luckiest day if you find one such example.

Variant-wise engine specs of the W123.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-1000069248.png

300D, one of the most popular oldtimers out there.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_20240610_154052.png

Bodywork :
A lot of examples are available in the market ranging from unrestorable to just-driveable, quite a few others that have been restored. Remember, rust-proofing setups were not up to modern standards at the time when this car was produced brand new, so expect to spend a bit more in keeping its body in shape. Check the wheel arches and leading edges of the wings. One place that will rust in just about any driving environment are the undersides of the rear fenders. The shape and curve of the fenders just behind the rear wheels is such that the painted area is exposed to sandblasting from road debris kicked up by the wheels. Rear window rubbers deteriorates with age, letting the water in, resulting in rust bubbles around the rear window or the pillar trim finishers.

The rear window rust is quite common on W123, 126, etc.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-rear-rust1.jpg

Jacking points and the metal around it are common rust spots.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_0492-1.jpg

Rust on bottom of doors, spare wheel well, boot lid and jack points is a part of the classic Mercedes ownership. Battery tray is subject to acid leakage, slowly eating away the paint, and then begins rust cancer, a problem that means costly repairs. Keep in mind that the drainage slots directly under the hood hinges need to be kept clear. Too much water left there apparently can spill over into the floor pan. Lighter paint on some body panels may be hark back to a shunt. Stay away from such a car or bargain harder for it. Of course, the W123 can take a fair bit of beating, but it's wise not to pick up a rust box that's going extreme cheap and then spend a bomb on getting it up to shape. Mercedes will still supply original panels, but it can make a big dent in your bank account.

Check the connections on the battery for corrosion. The battery tray is known for obvious rust. Take out the battery for a better look at the tray.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-vgkppez2zfqa5eak.huge.jpg

This is how a partially rusted battery tray looks like.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_20161014_142913.jpg

Spare wheel well, another common rust spot.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_7059.jpg

Engines :
The two four-cylinder diesels and the single five-pot diesel seen in 200D, 240D and 300D models respectively are literally bulletproof engines that will last to half a million miles with proper periodic maintenance. Fact to be told, the 200D is terribly underpowered, but the 240D is marginally quicker. OM616 four-cylinder diesel engine on the 240D has a right balance between power and fuel efficiency. Simple yet over-engineered in typical Mercedes manner, it will run forever with regular oil changes. It is a very reliable and hardy diesel engine, the most famous weak point is the rear crankshaft seal in the form of packing, which often leaks, leading to oil starvation. Spares for this engine are easily available in India. Piston rings, timing chain, gaskets, oil filters, etc can be sourced even from shops dealing in Force Tempo Traveller spares if you are on a budget.

The famous OM616 diesel engine that did duty on W115, W123, W460 G-Class, MB100 and T1 Van.
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300D's OM617 unit is an inline-five diesel engine, which got turbocharging post 1981. Common leak points are the cam cover, oil pan, and fuel-return lines. Check all of the injection system hoses, make sure that they don't leak. These are easy to replace if they do, but any leaking of fuel could point to bigger issues later. Some play in the linkage between the acceleration and the injection system is normal, but excessive play demands a closer look. The glow-plug light should stay illuminated only for less than 10 seconds. It's quite normal for diesels to smoke out, but excessive white, black, or blue smoke indicates trouble. Oil should be changed at least every 8,000 kilometers.

Neatly restored engine bay of a W123 300D diesel.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-fd2a5dc5bd039fc368e4d70616410c30.jpg

Fuel return lines on the 300D were braided line and with age they do rot and develop slow leaks. The return lines go from one injector to the next.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-r1ryourj1ycexbjh.huge.jpg

Transmissions :
Most of the W123s that came to India had the 5-Speed manual transmission. This particular gearbox is not really the nicest by Mercedes standards. It is notchy and agricultural for a car of this kind. Only post-1981 cars get 5-Speed box (Getrag 717.4), older cars have a 4-Speed transmission. These transmissions, however, are extremely long-lived, so any whining or signs of vagueness means the car has probably been to the moon and back, and the chances are it hasn’t been serviced properly either. Rest of the transmission is very strong, which is just as well because a rebuilt diff is big money and so is an OE clutch kit. And once again, it’s always best to stick with OE parts. The 4-Speed automatic 722.1 gearbox starts in second as a matter of course, but engages first under kickdown or when L is selected. With four gears, it should behave as a three speed except under load. Differentials are known to be solid, but always keep an eye on the driveshaft seals just to be safe.

Check the transmission mount for wear. It is up inside the cross member behind the front flex disc.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-pxtapelugqjhjbjq.huge.jpg

Transmission vaccum diagram for the 722.1 auto box. The VCV and transmission vacuum modulator are no longer available from Mercedes.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-mercedes-240d-vacuum-diagram.png

Suspension :
Make sure there’s no excessive play for the steering wheel because if all the adjustment has been taken up, a new steering box will be required which is an expensive affair. Over-tightened steering boxes also wear out quickly, and often the actual issue is more likely to be with the steering damper arm. The comfy ride quality sometimes hide worn shocks, and coil springs can crack or sag. Axles growl if they require immediate replacement. Rear control arms are prone to rust where the shock rests, repairing it means stripping the rear fully. A special tool is required for rear wheel bearings, this is a difficult job that requires the expertise of good mechanic, a DIY job is hence not recommended.

Check the inner and outer axle boots. Shown here is a worn out boot which is ready to split.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-oopie1dwmb1nbtoo.huge.jpg

Steering box of a W123 with some of its parts labelled.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-1000072717.png

Brakes :
All W123s feature servo-assisted discs all round. This is a less-complicated system that shouldn’t give headaches, calipers can seize in the worst case, leading to a soft pedal and a lack of reassurance while applying brake. Master cylinders are prone to failure but replacements are neither difficult nor expensive. Apart from this it is simply a case of checking the brake fluid every two years or so, to ensure there is no water or air in the system.

Inspect the brake fluid reservoir and master cylinder for leaks. Inspect the condition of the fluid by removing the cap.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-fp4dkfwbf1kbhvzn.huge-1.jpg

Electricals :
While many W123s didn’t feature a lot of equipment, ones that got all these options fitted seems to be reliable. Extra cost options normally includes power windows, central locking, air-conditioner, cassette player, electrically heated seats and lot more. Mercedes even offered the option for upgrading to full automatic climate control and the most expensive option available for W123 was Becker radio telephone. The central locking system is vacuum-operated, this is cool when everything works fine. When the vehicle develops a vacuum leak, you will realize it quickly as it won’t lock, or unlock correctly. Air-con can develop leaks, I'm pretty sure that many examples will still be running R12 rather than R134a. Also, make sure to operate the power antenna, or do it yourself using the switch inside the car.

The original Becker Europa 663 radio that came fitted on W123s.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-1000085069.png

Power antenna should work smoothly without excess noise. Mast should be in perfect shape too.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-cjawtbh4mkdywgl6.huge-1.jpg

Vaccum locking system diagram for the W123.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-1000085075.jpg

Interior :
From what I've observed, there were five different options of upholstery offered for the W123 : MB Tex (the most popular one), leather, cloth, half cloth and velour. A wide variety of colour combinations were available, and finding a good condition interior to match your original is going to be difficult for sure. Tracking down matching replacement trim is virtually impossible. Check the condition of the front seat base, They’re of a special sprung design rather than relying on foam for support, but they can collapse – most notably on the outer edge of the driver’s seat base.

Picture of the original interior taken from the brochure.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-w1231982-de_11.jpg

The MB Tex is durable and lasts forever without much visible wear. A close up picture.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-1977mercedes450slmapleyellowmbtexcloseup.jpg

Scrapyards sometimes have seats in good shape on offer but they are rare in India, your best bet is to find a upholstery specialist who can rebuild the seat base at a reasonable price. Check for ease of movement of all air-con vents, try turning the knob to see if they open and close properly. Check the carpets and floorpans for any signs of previous water ingress. This is a sign of faulty front windscreen seal, it is a replaceable part. Note that loose interior plastic/wooden trims can be easily re-glued in most cases, while cracked or missing trim can be frightfully expensive to replace.

The aircraft-inspired air-con vents are prone to damage.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-irodnodhpj1fcjr1.huge-1.jpg

Loose interior panels can be re-glued.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-luwomdyrnlf1iclr.huge-1.jpg

Prices and availability :
In India, the W123 went towards a collectible status only in the past decade, it was known for steep depreciation at one point of time. I have seen these cars changing hands for dirt cheap prices back in the late-2000s. Some of them were sent to the scrapyard quite early when maintenance costs exceeded the resale value. 15-years old vehicle scrappage policy made things even worse for these old Mercs. However, interest for the W123 among enthusiasts have shoot up abruptly like a rocket in the recent past. As a result, used market prices also skyrocketed quickly.

A W123 featured in the movie Kaduva, to portray the rich and famous from the yesteryears.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-screenshot_2024062423564652_40deb401b9ffe8e1df2f1cc5ba480b12.jpg

Make no mistake, there's still a decent number of these cars around, starting out a fairly affordable price-point right now. While many examples are available ranging from rotten to just-driveable, quite a few others have been restored to showroom condition. This means that there's a used W123 in every budget. Post-1982 models are the ones to buy. The facelift in 1982 brought many upgrades to the car, including power steering as standard, improved rear leg room, a driver’s airbag and a 5-Speed manual gearbox.

Depending on the condition, let me divide the ranges into four categories :
• ₹ 1-2lakh - Neglected examples that require serious bodywork and engine overhaul at the very least. Be ready to shell out a bomb.
• ₹ 3-6lakh - Running examples in restorable shape, must be mechanically fine.
• ₹ 7-9lakh - Rust-free, well-kept examples. Beware paying loads for 300Ds, especially for ones with less than 200k kms on odo.
• ₹ 10-12lakh - The best cars, but you pay for it. Fully-restored showroom-spec examples from private collections, with service history and good interiors.

Dulquer Salman's priced possession, a 1981 W123 250 straight-six petrol.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-fb_img_1719254265906.jpg

Useful links :

Catalog :
https://www.w123-bremen.de/en/prospekte_lim.php

Data cards explained :
https://www.w123-bremen.de/en/datenkarten.php

DIY guide :
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Merced...on_Replacement

Paint codes :
https://www.w123-bremen.de/en/sa_lack.php

Radio specifications :
https://www.w123-bremen.de/en/sa_radio.php

Self-leveling suspension guide :
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...Suspension.htm

Upholstery options :
https://www.worlduph.com/mercedes_benz/w123/sedan/

User manual :
http://www.yclasicos.com/spa/item/ART25196.html

Vaccum diagram :
https://trythistv.com/wp-content/upl...vacdiagram.svg

VIN decoder :
www.lastvin.com

Wiring diagrams :
https://www.mercedesman.ru/en/E-Clas...ctrics/schemes

Workshop manual :
https://onlinerepairmanuals.com/work...manual/5527061

Should you buy one?
As everyone knows, the world has moved on since ₹ 2lakh was a realistic budget for a nice W123. This shows how much the market preferences for these iconic old cars have changed. But give a classic Mercedes the love and care it needs, and you have a great sight waiting for you every morning at your car porch.

The build quality is legendary. These W123s ran for millions of kilometres as cabs in Egypt and North Africa.
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-w1231982-de1_5.jpg

Last edited by Shreyfiesta : 2nd July 2024 at 11:31.
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Old 2nd July 2024, 15:24   #2
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 2nd July 2024, 17:18   #3
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Great thread Shrey!

The W123 ages like fine wine.
My most favourite thing about the W123 is the body paint matched hubcaps. It’s just something else.

Here’s a lovely 200D near my home being restored
Attached Thumbnails
Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_6340.jpeg  

Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_6335.jpeg  

Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_6332.jpeg  

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Old 3rd July 2024, 10:36   #4
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Thanks @shreyfiesta for sharing this informative thread
One of my favorite classic cars after the W114 which i wish to own, restore and maintain one day. (If NGT Permits it )

Here is an amazing video shared by OldBenz channel on youtube showing the development/testing phase of the overengineered W123 back in the 70s.
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Old 3rd July 2024, 12:23   #5
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Thanks for the excellent write up!!

I have owned my 1982 W123 200 for almost twenty years. It has been featured in a number of my threads on this forum. Of course, in my fiddling with car threads, you will see me doing several jobs on it. From replacing the shocks, overhauling the carburettor and replacing the distribution chain.

Let me add a few thoughts and comments.

Not sure if the petrol version ever made it to India? Some very good engines. Mine has the so-called M102 version engine. Which is the 2.0 litre was considered the best. It also went into the W124.

One of the problems with the diesels is; that they are very very slow! Your W123 is never going to be sporty, but all petrol variants are a bit more nippy.

On the Steering Box. There are two variants, manual and hydraulic assist. In either case, when you have play on the Steering Box never ever try and adjust it with the Allen Bolt on top of the Steering Box. Many internets and YT videos will show you how to quickly adjust it. But the adjustment, without the official Mercedes procedure and tools will make it worse. Personally, I believe that is why almost any W123 has play in its steering. People think they can easily adjust it, but make it worse.

As you mentioned, always check the other steering and suspension components first. The slave steering box is likely to develop play before the steering box. Also, make sure the steering damper is working properly. They don't last that long and a new one will make your W123 handle a lot better.

Mercedes designed the vacuum system themselves. The W123 is the last Mercedes that was just about designed completely in-house. Mercedes wanted to have some high-end luxury options, but of course, in those days electronics were simply not available. The aviation and petrol industry had a lot of experience with pneumatic systems. But Mercedes went ahead and designed it all themselves.

The biggest problem with the vacuum system is vacuum leaks. Duh
Usually, the little rubber boots on the actuators tear over time. Easy to replace, if you can find the one that leaks. A good vacuum system will hold its vacuum for weeks!

One tiny leak is likely to disable the complete system as there are no check valves in the system other than in the main vacuum line.

The W123 is still considered one of the cheapest and easiest ways in to Classic Car ownership. They have stood the test of time well. As long as you take care of the rust and some basic maintenance.

Be wary of sunroof and chrome on the wheel arch. Very likely to have major rust issues.

My W123 is 42 years old. I still take it out for long drives. It will easily do 110-120 km/hour for any length of time. No rattles, no squeaks.

This is my recent drive to the North of Germany. Entering Germany and putting the hammer down!!

Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-screenshot-20240703-8.46.32-am.png

Spare parts are becoming a problem. In particular, all the various rubber seals for windows and doors for the Coupe version are unattainable. I had great problems sourcing the needle for the carburettor too.

One problem with the W123 is that they are cheap to buy and to run. I can't speak for the W123 market in India, but here in Western Europe your average W123 owner does (or can't) spend money on his/her W123. This means that when the spare parts from MB dry up, there is simply no aftermarket parts because nobody can make money out of W123 parts. W123 owners tend to prefer second-hand parts and their are plenty of those.

I visit this W123 informal gathering in the Netherlands. Lots of owners show up to exchange parts, talk about their cars, and some guys who deal in second-hand W123 parts.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/diy-d...ml#post5786465 (My Car Hobby: Jaguar XJR, Mercedes W123, Alfa Romeo Spider, Jeep Cherokee & Mini One)

Remarkable, given how many W123 were built and still exist. In the Netherlands alone we probably have some 10.000 W123 on the road!

There are an endless number of books about the W123. A lot of them in English too.

A small word of caution. Buying a W123 or any classic car is not for the faint of heart. You really need to know what to look for.

Owning, maintaining and driving a W123 is a very different experience from a modern car. We have forgotten how much maintenance these 40-50 year old cars require. Even as a hobby car with limited mileage, you will need to spend considerable time and or money to keep it in top shape.

I love the way my W123 drives. But it is not a modern car by any means. That is before we start talking about passive safety, such as no air bags!

One of the biggest compliments on the W123 timeless design I encountered some years ago. I went to see a concourse d'elegance. They had a special free of charge parking place for visitors who arrived in a classic car of at least 30 years old. The parking attendant initially refused my W123 entry because he believed it looked way to modern!

Jeroen
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Old 3rd July 2024, 14:15   #6
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeroen View Post
Let me add a few thoughts and comments.
Thanks for the good points Jeroen.

I had been an avid follower of your Car Hobbies thread since the last couple of years.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeroen View Post
Not sure if the petrol version ever made it to India? Some very good engines. Mine has the so-called M102 version engine. Which is the 2.0 litre was considered the best. It also went into the W124.
Of course, there exists some petrol-powered W123s as well in India, they are very rare compared to the diesels though. For those few customers who wished to go faster, importers used to bring 200s, 250s and even fuel-injected 230Es to the Indian grounds. These were a symbol of style and statement in a decade when Fiats and Ambassadors ruled the roads.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeroen View Post
Be wary of sunroof and chrome on the wheel arch. Very likely to have major rust issues.
Completely agreed. On the other hand, I've heard many issues of the electric sunroof on late-123s getting stuck halfway. In most cases, the problem happens to be with old grease that is dirty and stiffened up. Interestingly, majority of the W123s seen in India didn't come with sunroof option.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeroen View Post
I can't speak for the W123 market in India, but here in Western Europe your average W123 owner does (or can't) spend money on his/her W123. This means that when the spare parts from MB dry up, there is simply no aftermarket parts because nobody can make money out of W123 parts. W123 owners tend to prefer second-hand parts and their are plenty of those.
Sad to hear that. It's the polar opposite case here in India. Prices and demand for the W123 series have more than doubled over the years. Spare parts are available in both original and aftermarket varieties, but requires enough commitment from the owner to source them. Used/reconditioned parts are also available in plenty, one must have the right connection with legit dealers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeroen View Post
Even as a hobby car with limited mileage, you will need to spend considerable time and or money to keep it in top shape.
Exactly the point I meant to convey with this thread. The W123 is definitely one of the many cars that should appeal more to the heart than to the mind.
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Old 3rd July 2024, 15:03   #7
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Sorry Skoda, the W123 was one of those cars which were truly "over-engineered" and built to last. Whenever someone points out that German engineers don't know what they are doing, I like to point out these cars which can give any Toyota a run for their money in the durability department.
Their current cars are unreliable because they are purposefully built that way, not because their engineers are stupid or because they don't know what they are doing. They already achieved durability and reliability back in the 80s and came to the conclusion that the only way to consistently generate even higher return on investment was to purposefully engineer cars to break right outside of warranty period and make them harder to repair by 3rd parties.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence
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Old 3rd July 2024, 15:45   #8
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Amazing thread! My uncle has a W123 Wagon which is currently being restored, after being abandoned for a few years. I can attest to the reliability of these cars, as once we topped up the oil and put a new battery, it started at half a crank.

One again, amazing thread and your car tributes are fantastic too. Keep it up.
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Old 3rd July 2024, 16:05   #9
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shreyfiesta View Post

Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

W123 this was the car that I always wanted to own. Mostly because in all movies during my child hood the celebrated heros were driving this. When I hear about Mercedes Benz this is the car that comes to my mind. I still remember back in 1996 I got a chance to sit in one owned by a distant cousin. It was my cousins marriage and I got chance to travel with the bride and groom in the W123.

I have been looking to buy a good W123 for the last 1 year. Due to high asking price and lack of someone to help finding a good car ( I don't have the technical expertise to figure it out myself) I haven't bought one.

This post is a saviour. I hope I will be able to buy one utilizing the guide you have put together.

Thanks a Lot ShreyFiesta for this guide. Much appreciated.

Note: Anyone looking to sell a good W 123 in Kerala please do let me know 🤪
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Old 3rd July 2024, 18:59   #10
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Quote:
Originally Posted by JunkyardHunter View Post
Amazing thread! My uncle has a W123 Estate which is currently being restored, after being abandoned for a few years. I can attest to the reliability of these cars, as once we topped up the oil and put a new battery, it started at half a crank.
Thank you Shiv. Your uncle's love for classic Mercs is well known to most of us enthusiasts. Delighted to know about the addition of W123 wagon, do share some pics on this thread once the entire restoration is complete. I would like to hear more updates regarding the Ford Consul and Mercedes W115 as well.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ashpkd View Post
W123 this was the car that I always wanted to own. Mostly because in all movies during my child hood the celebrated heros were driving this.
In our movies, the cars are just as important as the people. Who can forget the white W123 that was driven around by Mammootty in the movie Samrajyam.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ashpkd View Post
When I hear about Mercedes Benz this is the car that comes to my mind.
As a person born in the early-2000s, it's always the picture of a W211 E-Class that comes to my mind whenever I think of 'Mercedes' brand. A well-engineered car that is likely to become a future classic.

Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_20240703_185510.jpg
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Old 3rd July 2024, 23:48   #11
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

200D which became a 240D when I changed to a Tempo Traveller OM616 but it was still the most comfortable car I’ve driven (2008-11).
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Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img_0121.jpeg  

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Old 4th July 2024, 00:25   #12
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

I just came across this article, originally published on escuderia.com. Came across an English translation

Quote:
The record-breaking Mercedes W123 Canarian taxi that has traveled more than 7 million kilometers

It has been in service since August 1988 and, after being thoroughly restored a few years ago, it continues to operate in Maspalomas (Gran Canaria).

Before starting, Let's think carefully about the figure, 7.000.000 kilometers. A real outrage even for a Mercedes-Benz W123, possibly the toughest car ever made. You just have to remember that the German taxi drivers went on strike when they stopped manufacturing them in January 1986. And it is precisely about taxis, since we are talking about one that has been providing service in Maspalomas since August 1988. The song of that summer was The Snack by Georgie Dann, to give us an idea of ​​how much time has passed.

Domingo, better known as “Dominguito,” bought the car in 1986, but did not register it until two years later. In this 240D Limousine, that is, it equips the 4 cm 2.399-cylinder diesel engine3 which produces 71 HP, a figure that now seems scarce, but correct for the time. The only extra that was fitted was the five-speed gearbox. Being the elongated version, can carry seven passengers plus the driverr, thanks to the carriers in the center.

When Domingo passed away in 2008, his son Francisco took over, at a time when the Mercedes W123 It had already traveled 3,7 million kilometers. At this point, and at the initiative of one of the three drivers, Rafael - a mechanic by profession - the car was dismantled and restored down to the last screw, leaving it almost like new. The alternative was scrapping, a fate from which our protagonist escaped to continue circling his odometer.

The Mercedes W123 continued to fulfill its mission, providing service 24 hours a day in 8-hour shifts. He has been adding about 700 kilometers a day, almost 5.000 a week, which requires a weekly oil change. In addition, every million kilometers the engine is thoroughly serviced: grinding, pistons, valves... It has also incorporated some better ones, such as ventilated brake discs from a W126, a reinforced rear bridge, a Recaro seat for the driver or a roof rack. coming from a W123.

With everything, a single engine has not been able to withstand all the mileage, so the first one said enough and, currently, it circulates with a second mechanism. It even has an extra mechanic in reserve to replace it if necessary. The chassis, although reinforced, remains the same, as do the seats, which are periodically reupholstered. And it is that The more than 7.000.000 million kilometers mean 175 times around the Earth or go and return nine times to the Moon. Furthermore, calculating an average occupancy of six passengers, she would have transported 1,4 million people. What is best not to think about is the liters of diesel that will have been consumed during these 36 years at the bottom of the canyon. By the way, the mileage figure is updated on the dashboard.

In conclusion, it is very possible that we are facing the car that has traveled the most kilometers in history, since it is difficult to imagine anyone that exceeds this figure. What is certain is that this Mercedes W123 taxi is quite an attraction in Maspalomas, and that there are many tourists who visit it. reserve to ride a piece of history and take the relevant photo. All in a model that is also a record, since the W123 is the most produced Mercedes-Benz in history, with almost 2,7 million units shipped, 13.700 of which correspond to the limousine.

Pictures of Dan Morgan, Minicar and Pinterest.
Written by Ivan Vicario Martin from Escuderia com
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Old 5th July 2024, 23:49   #13
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Hi Guys,

A quick question,with the NGT rule catching up rapidly and with more tier 1 cities to follow the suit,how can one buy a vintage beauty and drive it on the regular public roads?
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Old 6th July 2024, 10:11   #14
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Re: Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123

Quote:
Originally Posted by Neelanjan View Post
Hi Guys,

A quick question, with the NGT rule catching up rapidly and with more tier 1 cities to follow the suit, how can one buy a vintage beauty and drive it on the regular public roads?
I curse the dreaded NGT rule, it just doesn't make any sense. Extremely sorry to say that it's technically impossible to use these classic cars in NCR post the implementation of 15-year old vehicle scrappage policy. On the other hand, I guess it's pretty much possible to ply on NCR roads with cars having other state registration (non-NGT cities).

Last edited by GTO : 8th July 2024 at 19:56. Reason: As requested
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Old 6th July 2024, 13:11   #15
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A great thread

Hey!

I have recently joined teambhp community and I love reading threads posted here. This was a great thread about the classic 123. I own a W123 240D. I was in Mumbai for past 4 years, however, I'll be shifting to Delhi for a while. I won't be able to take it to Delhi because of 15 years rule. I believe Delhi govt should get some regulations to let us drive such beauties.

Also, I am planning to keep it here to get the body work done because of rust. Cancer has started picking up and I want to get rid of it before it spreads. Any suggestions on the same?

Classic car buying guide : Mercedes Benz W123-img20240701wa0039.jpg

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