Thinking About buying a W123 Merc.

[tjts1]

I used to own a 1990 w124 300D with 2.5 5 cyl turbodiesel. If you're looking for a highway car, the w124 is way more comfortable than w123. After going from an old MB to BMW, i found out that MB cars are built better than BMW as far as quality goes. The car was a tank, and I got rid of it mainly because i wanted a smaller nimbler car. I debated for a while between a w201 and e30 and finally decided to try an e30 because of all the hype I read and hear about them.

I understand your preference of W123 for its looks, but check out the W124 if you're serious about a comfortable long distance highway car.


...btw also, if you're after power, then look for the 1987 300D with the 6 cyl om603 diesel.

+1
The 124 diesels are more fuel efficient, faster and far more comfortable and quiet than the 123.

Cant say much about a 123, but I've had a 87 w124 turbo diesel & my current 190 diesel. 87 was the only year for the 124 turbo diesel so makes it a collectible.

the 124 was awesome. Miss that car so much. Great fuel mileage, but still drove like a gasser. The 190 is slower, but better on gas.

As an OM603/5spd driver I agree. I'm never selling this car. I put 5700miles on it in 2 months and averaged 39mpg.

http://i.imgur.com/MHdETCa.jpg

Wish they were easier to find with manual transmissions.

Swap it. Easier to work on than BMWs.

[russc]

Wish they were easier to find with manual transmissions.

[TimKninja]

My friend has two of them. A turbo and a non-turbo. Their built like tanks, the vacuum system sucks, get yourself a mighty vac.

I'm considering one for a winter car, there's a while bunch <$1000 on craigslist right Now.

Stay away from anything pre-1980 with the Chrysler designed HVAC.

Their awesome cars. I would kill for a wagon.

[E30_Pare]

Cant say much about a 123, but I've had a 87 w124 turbo diesel & my current 190 diesel. 87 was the only year for the 124 turbo diesel so makes it a collectible.

the 124 was awesome. Miss that car so much. Great fuel mileage, but still drove like a gasser. The 190 is slower, but better on gas.

Only thing I can say is get yourself a mityvac. Replace all the vacuum fittings or what ever doesnt fit tight & check the condition of the vacumm pump check valve. If it goes out you can say byebye to your brakes.

[andrewill]

I used to own a 1990 w124 300D with 2.5 5 cyl turbodiesel. If you're looking for a highway car, the w124 is way more comfortable than w123. After going from an old MB to BMW, i found out that MB cars are built better than BMW as far as quality goes. The car was a tank, and I got rid of it mainly because i wanted a smaller nimbler car. I debated for a while between a w201 and e30 and finally decided to try an e30 because of all the hype I read and hear about them.

I understand your preference of W123 for its looks, but check out the W124 if you're serious about a comfortable long distance highway car.


...btw also, if you're after power, then look for the 1987 300D with the 6 cyl om603 diesel.

[csermonet47]

You got me searching craigslist and regretting buying a 4runner. The sedans are just too gangster with the euro bits. They are so well built aside from the boat anchor engine and trans which is hard to overlook.

[MonkeyMadness]

This is what I'm going for just cleaned up more and with a bit more squat in the rear...

I totally love the look of this... :up:

[Pantless Spency]

I had one as a daily for a while. Just had typical old car problems with the fixing leaks and another popping up. Rear main seal went and that requires pulling the motor and taking the crank out so I sold it. Super solid cars though and never left me stranded. Just a little to needy for a daily unless I refreshed everything. They are kind of a pain to work on and the vacuum system is pretty extravagant. I would like another though. People swear by the diesels but that was the rise and demise of them to me. Swap in a modern V8 and you got an excellent car. Mine was non-turbo and slow as piss.

Yeah mine was a 240d no turbo either. Slow as balls but such a solid car when it was brought up to speed. Tranny was auto and felt not that great tho.

[csermonet47]

I had one as a daily for a while. Just had typical old car problems with the fixing leaks and another popping up. Rear main seal went and that requires pulling the motor and taking the crank out so I sold it. Super solid cars though and never left me stranded. Just a little to needy for a daily unless I refreshed everything. They are kind of a pain to work on and the vacuum system is pretty extravagant. I would like another though. People swear by the diesels but that was the rise and demise of them to me. Swap in a modern V8 and you got an excellent car. Mine was non-turbo and slow as piss.

[kickinindian]

that red one is sexy!
im thinkin about getting 1 for my DD...

[Pantless Spency]

my w123:



my favorite w123:

[alwaysclean]

yeah man best cars ever, had a few of them. a shot ton of torque. used to push cars out of the way to make my own parking spots.

[Pantless Spency]

do it.
my first car was a W123 and i fucking loved that thing to death, it got hit in the fender, then lost compression, so i had to sell it. i wish i didnt. i recently saw a w114/15 with a 1/1.5/2jz swap in it and i was immediately jealous.


real great cruiser, comfortable for all 5 passengers, trunk space like a black hole, engine bay space like nobodies business.


i will get one another day, wether its a w123 or something else, i miss having an old MBZ

[MonkeyMadness]

I have a weird fetish for a diesel w123 wagon in that generic cream yellow color they all come in

What you SHOULD do is stay BMW and buy my e28 ;)

Well you know... the E28 was on my short list...
Post up info or PM me, I maybe in the market

my short list

1. w123 300d Turbo
2. Bronzit e28
3. w201
in that order due to cal smog issues... :down:

[Ether-D]

I had 3 w123s. 2 wagons and a coupe. Tanks. When pulling out across traffic passenger would say "clear right" then the driver would say "300td clear?"...