Want to get a classic Mercedes-Benz: Torn between the W115 & W123

While the W123 is a more evolved and refined product, I find the W115 incredibly charming.

BHPian chair recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Hi everyone,

I’ve decided to add a classic Mercedes to the garage—something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’m now at the final decision stage and would love to hear the community’s opinion on two specific cars.

Both are right-hand drive, have valid papers for the next four years, and come with fully functional and restored factory air conditioning.

The car won’t be almost like a daily driver; I plan to use it a couple of times a week—for city runs, dinners, weekend drives, and the occasional vintage event.

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Option 1:

1968 W115 – 220 Petrol

• Fully restored, rust-free
• Painted red, with tan leather interior
• Rare front bench seat with column shifter
• No work is needed — turn the key and drive
• The asking price is ₹25 lakh

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Option 2:

1979 W123 – 230 Petrol (Mid-model)

• Original China Blue paint with black interiors
• Currently undergoing complete restoration by a trusted specialist
• Still sometime (3 months) before it’s ready
• The final cost is expected to be around ₹19 lakh
• Strong personal nostalgia — we had a W123 growing up

I’d really appreciate your views on a few things:

• Which one would you pick, and why?
• Which one is more likely to appreciate in value over the next decade?
• And what practical upgrades would you recommend to improve the livability of either car? (For example, period-correct lighting, power steering, brake upgrades, etc.)

Thanks you for taking the time to read and for sharing your thoughts!

 Here's what BHPian GTO replied:

IMHO, with these old historical cars, it isn't about which is the "better" car. A modern, used 530d, E350d or even Skoda Superb will drive better than them and do 99% of the things better. You could even get a beautiful W221 S-Class .

Classic Cars are emotional purchases. They are bought based on emotion, nostalgia, childhood memories and posters you had on your walls as a kid. Speaking for enthusiasts like you, not investors.

Quote:

Strong personal nostalgia — we had a W123 growing up

Because of this reason alone, I would recommend getting a W123, whether this example or any other. Give your family a surprise they'll never forget .

Here's what BHPian Jeroen replied:

They are both lovely cars. But in all honesty difficult to compare as they come from different era’s really. The W123 was a huge leap in technology in just about every way imaginable compared to the W115.

Both the W115 and W123 suffer from rust badly. But the W115 even more so. In general on these cars try to avoid the sunroof option. One of the worst rust traps. Ask me how I know!

There are no rust free W115 or W123. There are some where the rust doesn't show so much. Seriously, only by putting the car on a lift and knowing what to look for can you get an idea about rust on these cars. And it is not the visible rust you need to worry about. Its the rust in places where you can't get at easily. You actually need to drill some holes and check with an endoscope to do a proper inspection.

Also, You will need to replace all window rubbers all around the car. After some 40-50 years they wont seal properly and water will seep into all sorts of pockets. I have seen many nice “free of rust” looking w115/W115. But when we started taking the windows and window seals out you would not believe the amount of rust and damage hidden!

With rust dealt with, the next thing is how good a rust protection has been applied? Because these cars will start to rust again, immediately. Good rust proofing of these cars is very expensive and require knowledge and special equipment.

Both of these cars are amongst the most affordable classics in Europe. They are still relatively cheap to buy and maintain. Some parts, noticeable various rubbers are not available anymore. Full restorations on these cars are very expensive. And at least in Europe you will never ever recuperate the expense. These are classic cars for those who enjoy classic car ownership on a budget. Because they are so well build, except for the rust, they will last forever, even when abused and poorly maintained.

At the end of the day it is personal preference. If you get the chance drive them both. Make sure to drive properly restored cars. E.g. Tight suspension, no play on the steering box and so on. There is no doubt that the W123 is the better, more comfortable car to drive. Safer too, if you ever find yourself in a crash.

If you have never driven a classic car it is something you really ought to consider. Classics drive and handle very different from modern cars. Its not for everybody.

The 230 is a very nice engine. My W123 has the 200 petrol engine. The latest version, the M102 engine which also went into the W124.

I have owned my 1982 W123 for over 20 years now. It participated in two Guiness Book of world records attempts for the longest/most cars on the road.

It is getting close to 200k on the odometer. Mine is in near perfect and original condition. You can read about all the various jobsI have done in it since 2016 here

Good luck with making your final choice.

Jeroen

Here's what BHPian sankar009 replied:

Quote from BHPian chair:

Hi everyone,
I’ve decided to add a classic Mercedes to the garage—something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’m now at the final decision stage and would love to hear the community’s opinion on two specific cars.

W123 will be a better choice for practical reasons and value appreciation.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.