Great video ! My father had a 1980 230E when I was growing up, and at one point I bought a 230CE , so two w123's in the family at one time ..love them. My father ran his into the ground and sold his in the end, and I had to sell my coupe in 1996. I regretted it totally. So now , 25 years later I bought myself another 230CE , a 1983 one owner from new vehicle. Finally ,I can sleep in peace once again and this one is a keeper.
But that applies to all car manufacturers in the luxury section (maybe baring Rolls). In the 1950s and 1960s American cars were actually nicer than European cars. A 1960s American Ford would have been better value and nicer than a 1960s BMW. Buick were building cars in that era that were as nice as Mercedes but half the price.
This really is the most classic Mercedes-Benz. REALLY good looking, elegant and well-propotioned. Today, the wheels are getting bigger and bigger, it's ridiculous. 17" wheels on a Ford Fiesta. This Mercedes looks great with 14" wheels!
I own the car featured in the video, (there's just a single video of the same car doing a 0-60 mph sprint against my username) I bought it just under a year ago for about the same money you'd pay for a basic spec 7 year old Ford Focus. It's my daily driver and is kept on the driveway all year round happily dropping oil. It has been ultra reliable but it is far from perfect and has a few quirks. It puts a smile on my face each time I see it and is so comfortable to drive. Its biggest drawbacks are its thirst and the gearbox; with the auto you'd love it to change up to another gear at 50mph but sadly that gear doesn't exist. Its thirst is the second problem, it averages only 19 MPG. There are many other 'ultimate' classic cars I'd sooner own but for this price range, practicality, reliability and steady increase in value I love the old girl... :-)
I had one, always regretted selling it, it was 25 years old, one owner, 27K miles on the clock, but is was the only car I have ever owned that I could visibly see the fuel gauge dropping!
I quite like it. Nothing too shouty, nothing too ghastly, just simple clean lines. A humble Mercedes if you will. From where I come from the W123s are cheap to run, their parts are pretty much everywhere. I'd love to have one myself ^^
I didn't particularly like these at first. I had a car parts business in the late 80's & everyone that had one of these loved them. They were super reliable & even when they were 6 or 8 years old they were solid (better than most new cars of the day) and felt great to drive. They weren't exciting but they did what they were designed to do very well & I grew to love them. A solid, reliable, comfortable car.
Back in 1992 I hitched a ride in a 300D from Weimar to Berlin. It was just so silent and comfortable and the owner was cool. The massive sunroof was also deeply impressive: not the letter boxes you get on today's cars. I knew I had to own a W123 one day. In 1998, living in Germany, I bought a beat-up 230E and loved it. The first of two. Supremely comfortable on long journeys - you actually looked forward to getting back into the car the next day. Back in the UK I bought another 230E for £500 (this was 2004). Rusty front wing but otherwise all working. Totally reliable for 3 years! The ride in particular was superb, no doubt due to the considerable weight. Sadly had to sell it when I moved abroad again....I've also had two Merc 190Es, smaller, faster and wonderfully engineered, but without the 123's character. Not sure about their value as investments, but obviously they ain't makin any more of them. Best wishes to all W123 owners, wherever you may be.
I’ve recently bought and got roadworthy a beautiful brown w123 200 petrol. It is the early version with the non cross flow head. 4 speed gearbox, and you can change along to 4th in less than 30 mph . I agree it could do with a 5th gear. I bought it because I liked the hub caps.
w123 is a car faithful to his driver . w123 in my opinion is the best car built in the whole world . when you want to look to a real Mercedes design well look at the w123 . my father own it since 1982 before my birth I don't remember any day she stoped on the side of the road . we owned several Mercedes but the w123 is a special experience
An old Mercedes is just special to sit in, the seats have springs so you kinda bounce in them while driving, the interior feels nice with all the wood and of course there is that satisfying solid door closing sound. A modern Mercedes lost all that.
I just bought one with extremely low milage manganese brown at skyhigh price. After a month of ownership the money is well worth. Very solid car 280CE the rumble of the engine when accelerating is music to the ears. Comparable to if not close to the sound my MGB roadster make when overtaking! Great car!
I am now up to 8! I usually find them on craigslist. I had someone sell me theirs in parking lot of a safeway a while back- I have been driving that one two years now.
My dad had a '94 C220 diesel (not a W123 I know, it was a W202) which did 660k km without any major problems before he took it to the wrecking yard. It still drove okay but it had had its best days to say the least. God I loved that car, they're absolutely bulletproof motors. I'd really like to own one of these W123s myself in part because of the reasons you mentioned.
Old Mercs are the backbone of 3rd world industry development - Well, these days. Not kidding, look where most of them drive nowadays, It's Africa and Arabia. Full of old Mercs. Another thing is when you have a Mercedes-Benz is that no matter where you live, you get every single part new, original and within 48 hours.
Souheib Merge Not sure about badass credentials for those too. The SLC especially. If I saw a car that beautiful coming towards me I'd start wanking in the street, rather than running for cover.
I have watched this video so many times dreaming of one day owning one. Well, dreams do come true because last night I purchased a C123 280CE in the same colour as this one but a manual gearbox. I guess we will see what comes next.
i wish i could afford one of these. the C123 has been my all time favourite classic from MB. coupe looks, reliability, practicality. dark colour, creme interiour, 15 inch fuchs wheels. holy moly, i'd drive this, and only this, until the end. maybe one day...
I owned a 78 240D 4 speed. Slowest, most base model you could buy in the states, but still a great car. Got offers and compliments on it all the time. Super practical, great fuel mileage, easy and relatively cheap maintenance, a classic look, and all for $1900
200D has short gears and can keep up with modern city traffic fairly well. I feel limited only on highways, because this car doesn't really want to go faster than 90-100 kph (or 60-65 mph). If I had 5th gear, I might be comfortable at 110-120, engine has enough power at lower rpm.
No man, don't fool anyone, 200D is really dead ass slow. 0-100 in like 28 seconds is not something that you can classify as keeping up with the modern traffic.
@@DjSumitM a bit slow answer, but I'd search for 240 or 300D. Because 200D is good only for town. As for tips, you need to inspect for rust and body deformation, there are few weak points in W123 that are pain to fix. Everything else is easy and cheap.
Wow great video. It's funny growing up (I'm 21) I've seen so many of these on streets that I didn't think they were special at all. This video actually made me want one. Beautiful car indeed.
The front and rear of the car is plastic due to safety regulations. Nothing they can do about it, even if they wanted to. But I do agree that it is a shame to have a squeaky plastic star as the front logo on a prestige vehicle. The interior however is still sublime
+Jones Nobs the MB logo on the front is still metal. And it's expensive asf to get another one from the dealer. (They get stolen a lot. Happened to my grandma. ) about $250 for a new star.
Tyler Beeson Not the integrated one between the headlights. That's some squeaky plastic shit even on an S class. Trust me, I work at a Mercedes Benz dealer. Not sure which year you are referring to, but this is how it is with all their brand new models.
Jones Nobs The higher end ones are plastic because of the radar sensor, the S coupe ( which i'm assuming you're referencing has that standard.) On the sedan it's metal because it's an ornament. Pretty sure all of the ornament logos are metal. But I though the CLA, C sport, and E sport models without the radar had metal in the grille. Sad they cheeped out, our W211 E350 has the metal one and my grandma's old W220 S500 had one too.
***** The new E-class comes equipped with the standard shine black console. Which is just glazed up plastic that scratches way to easily. As does almost all the other models as well. However you can upgrade to wood, steel finishes or alike.
I have one of these, the 300CD, and you are absolutely right. It’s an amazing car with all the right perks and none of the annoyances of driving a vintage car. However, I also have an MGB and I wouldn’t insult that car if I were you. It’s an incredibly different driving experience and I have them both precisely because they are both an absolute joy to drive in completely different ways. Still, the W123 is my daily driver, and the MGB gets use mostly in Spring and Autumn when it’s absolutely a thrill to drive. Love these cars!!
the w123 mercedes, and all those classics, are legends. some of the mercedes engines like th om603 diesel is used in so many countries, 2017 im going to start my classic mercedes benz collection.
Well done sir. A true gentleman's car. And in the ever increasing age of disposable trends, an absolute gem to the eyes all these years later. Yeah, I want one
The w123 pillarless coupe was my favourite old merc but like most people in the eighties could only watch and admire,adorable cars that were only affordable to the few but again admired by the many.
I have been driving both recently, and although the 124 is absolutely great, the quality of the 123 is just incredible in this video he fails to emphasize how good it is.
I’ve got a 1984 300D that I daily drive. It’s got a little over 300,000 miles on it and it still feels pretty solid. I’m 19 and it’s my first car. It was my grandfather’s and he gave it to me. He didn’t think I’d like it and I’d get something new later on, but I’ve been driving it for 3 years now and it treats me great. I have no plans to get rid of it, and I’ve fixed every problem that’s come up on it. Anyway, the W123 Mercedes is a greatly engineered car.
Just bought a pretty rough 240D 4 speed for really cheap, how fun it is to drive coupled with this video makes me want to fix it up a bit, or like buy a better one.
My 1980 280CE is near identical to that featured in the video, 76k miles but with a different blue interior, walnut console/ dash inserts etc. Previously owned by my dad who bought it in 1988, can't wait to finish restoring it and go cruising.
Great video, absolutely spot on about the qualities of the car, and in general of ‘70s/‘80s Mercs. The car in the video is however not a W123 but indeed a C123
Having owned and driven a W123 in the early 90s (pre-Cat 230E saloon), I'd instantly buy one if I was looking for an everyday classic today. One of the most "solid"-feeling cars I ever sat in, super-comfortable and quiet. To this day, I still remember how quiet the engine was at idle - so quiet that you could hardly even hear it after you turned the key. I also know tons of stories about the car's longevity and reliability. I rode in a W123 diesel taxi in Portugal back in 1990, and the driver told me it was still on its first engine and had over 400,000km under its belt. That said: The 230E was one of the few cars that scared me in the handling department. On a wet autumn-road (covered with leaves) you could *easily* get the car to oversteer and spin even at lower speeds - happened to me on a couple of occasions. But hey.. it was never meant to be sporty and if you didn't try to drive it like your pants are on fire, it was a highly capable and comfortable long distance cruiser.
These cars go over a million on the original engine. Here in Iceland on the salty frosted roads you will see a w123 and w124 with 500.000 or 600.000km easy.
I've owned an '85 300TD now for 3 years. A friend bought a new Volvo and asked me to sell her MB. I didn't want to but I took it and fixed the odometer, clock, radio, power antenna and fell in love with the car so I bought it. I'm the 5th owner and did a forensic look at all the records and every owner changed the oil every 3000 miles. It's a darling!
@KvAT Indonesian people lowkey like everything that looks different than the usual thing 😂 Even though it may be ugly af, look at how they pimp their motorscooters
I have a 230e in my garage, that has been in daily use until the beginning of last year, when my father bought new car. Its been in the family for 34 years since new. We have never had any problems with it whatsoever. If you're looking for a good, reliable, and great looking classic, the w123 really is a great choice.
My father had one painted in Maroon. He absolutely loved that car. And it's not hard to see why. Can you please do a review of the W126? That's the one I have.
I own a 1984 w123 turbo diesel. It's by far my favorite car . Has 313000 miles and still runs great! Also it does have more personality than any other car I've ever owned. The only car that comes close to having that kind of personality is a Volvo 240 in my opinion .
I just picked one up for 300$ and got it registered today. 81 Mercedes-Benz 300d 5 cylinder sedan. I expected it to be slow but it gets up to speed quick. Kind of scary to drive but also very smooth ride just need to do work on the car
I love old mercs. This is a great looking car. Great video. I'm sure the 2.8 is a great engine with many positive aspects but I can't help but wish the MB engineers would have stuffed a V8 in one of those. Easily my favorite video from carfection.
Yes, but it isn't really car as the Merc, you know, controls, paddles etc. Model T has it's throne, sales, but as a "just a car" Mercedes W123 is impeccable.
What I mean is, the Model T was more than a car - it was a tractor, a semi, a train, a snow plow, a generator - it was everything :) but I get what you mean. In terms of what we see as a (somewhat) modern car, it doesn't get any better than the W123.
Yes. Well, of course new E-class is better, but do we need all that, no. W123 has something about it, it has presence that approved itself. It is classic, it isn't striking, but it gets under your skin with that : "I am a Mercedes, I am a status symbol." And because of status it's representing and all the commonsense it has to be the best car in the world ; and it is the best selling Merc. They are the best makers, well of everything they make. P.S. Please read this in James May voice :D
Best? no. One of the best, maybe. This thing is as slow as molasses. Slower even. Time is very expensive. The faster you can move, at speed limit, the better. Best car imo are Volvo 240, Ford F150, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Legacy, HOnda Accord. Any of those would do. Car has only one purpose. To download your body from point A to point B in one piece, as fast as possible from pussy to pussy and from the meal to the toilet. If you spend time fixing it, not good. If it is slow, not good. You only have a limited time on this flat Earth. Once that time runs out, you are dead.
I'm currently daily driving a 1985 MB w123 turbo diesel. (US spec. 300D with the OM617) and the odometer stopped registering miles years ago... it's currently stuck on 274,239 miles. Every once in a while on a really cold morning it will move a couple of clicks
I owned one (a 280CE)as my daily driver for 6 years. They DO rust (a factory fitted option) but they are bulletproof. I took it to the south of France. Everyone should own one in the coupe form at some point in their life.
Very fine video, with truthful information. Ive got 5 years ago 1979 made year W123 2.0 gasoline, with automatic transmition ( 109 hp), what a fine car that was, I install a LPG system on it, so 100 km cost 6-7 EUROS. I tune up a litle bit sound isolation materials on it, ou... what a smooth ride and comfort this cargot.. Most interesting is that, when i drive with my SKODA OCTAVIA 2014 year made 200km, after i came out, i need some minute to sterch, when i drove my MB W123, i came out after 200km ,same comfy as is sit in, very very advised and ergonomic seats it have, this car is with soul and handmade, not like now, computer designed and robot completed.. like a empty can of PEPSI.
Our speed limits are 50-60kph in urban areas, 80-110kph highways. Cameras and radars everywhere. I cannot imagine any use for more than 175 horses. Btw, the W123 was geared for autobahning. They actually come alive over 80kph, and nip about wonderfully between 80 and 130kph.
36 years ago I used to get lifts in a 230CE then a 280CE ..I can compare well because the driver drove hard all the time.. and previously he had a 2.8is police spec Granada. The 280CE was vastly more powerful lusty and accelerative even with an auto box. That engine used to sing up to high revs it was far more torquey than the Granada and felt bulletproof. That really was Mercedes golden hour thé build quality was a marvel of engineering no compromises! The 2.8is was never as fast as advertised I know because I was passenger when it was used for standing start’s and held flat out to maximum speed for long periods. The Mercedes 280CE was always revving out working hard but so cultured and smooth I guessed it had another 10 mph top speed over the Granada which back in the 1980’s was fast.
My dad had an imported 230CE 5 cylinder bought new in 83. I have only seen one other in the states. Man the lines on that car were pure sex and I miss it.
My father gave me his old Benz. I never did an oil change, no brake jobs. The car is a tank. It was manual transmission and as a kid I learned to drive myself and I use to burn the clutch by leaving my foot on the clutch and gear on in traffic. Multiple road trips. Never broke. I’m looking to sell my Supra and buy a real classic. I may get this car
That is a C123, the W123 is a four dour and the S123 is the station wagon, pointing this out means I have less personality than the presenter.I use to drive an S123, keeping on top of the rot cost a lot of money so take care, on the case of handling it was a lot better than an E28 on a country road.
i sold mine it was a diesel brought from canada a c123 with a 300 turbo-diesel engine wich wasn´t released in europe and also had a c115 with a 230 engine, this from 74 and had a early version of it but sold it for a lot of money in 94 wich was in mint condition and metalized red still with the litle side mirrors
I had a 280CE AMG about 25 years ago. I still wonder whatever happened to it. It was a rare car then, I'm hoping with today's social media it would turn up restored somewhere. I miss that car.
Why is is everyone so butthurt over the subaru comment. All he meant is that if you want straight line speed, there are plenty of low cost options available i.e. a used subaru impreza just as an example! His point is this Merc has a lot more character which is subjective of course but i would agree. At no point, did he say that subaru drivers lack souls; don't be so sensitive!
As someone with both a Subaru and a 300D(W123), I say he's kinda right, I love going fast in the Subie, but it doesn't have a personality, per say, it's a good car, but (to quote Top Gear) it's just "an car". The W123 is my baby. If someone dings the Subaru, my reaction is "Thanks a lot, jerk". Now, if they accidentally ding or scratch my 300D.... they're in trouble. If they key it.....well, they just committed suicide.
Great video !
My father had a 1980 230E when I was growing up, and at one point I bought a 230CE , so two w123's in the family at one time ..love them. My father ran his into the ground and sold his in the end, and I had to sell my coupe in 1996. I regretted it totally. So now , 25 years later I bought myself another 230CE , a 1983 one owner from new vehicle. Finally ,I can sleep in peace once again and this one is a keeper.
A classic Mercedes. So much better than what they produce today, in many ways. It has class, simply. Please come back to this, Mercedes-Benz!
But that applies to all car manufacturers in the luxury section (maybe baring Rolls).
In the 1950s and 1960s American cars were actually nicer than European cars. A 1960s American Ford would have been better value and nicer than a 1960s BMW.
Buick were building cars in that era that were as nice as Mercedes but half the price.
This really is the most classic Mercedes-Benz. REALLY good looking, elegant and well-propotioned. Today, the wheels are getting bigger and bigger, it's ridiculous. 17" wheels on a Ford Fiesta. This Mercedes looks great with 14" wheels!
I own the car featured in the video, (there's just a single video of the same car doing a 0-60 mph sprint against my username) I bought it just under a year ago for about the same money you'd pay for a basic spec 7 year old Ford Focus. It's my daily driver and is kept on the driveway all year round happily dropping oil. It has been ultra reliable but it is far from perfect and has a few quirks. It puts a smile on my face each time I see it and is so comfortable to drive. Its biggest drawbacks are its thirst and the gearbox; with the auto you'd love it to change up to another gear at 50mph but sadly that gear doesn't exist. Its thirst is the second problem, it averages only 19 MPG. There are many other 'ultimate' classic cars I'd sooner own but for this price range, practicality, reliability and steady increase in value I love the old girl... :-)
Andrew Gresswell How is the car going? Is rust an issue on these cars? Thank you
I had one, always regretted selling it, it was 25 years old, one owner, 27K miles on the clock, but is was the only car I have ever owned that I could visibly see the fuel gauge dropping!
@@richardpearce4521 You haven't, then, owned a Jag 420G!
Hmm nothing to my 7ltr plymouth
I quite like it. Nothing too shouty, nothing too ghastly, just simple clean lines. A humble Mercedes if you will. From where I come from the W123s are cheap to run, their parts are pretty much everywhere. I'd love to have one myself ^^
I didn't particularly like these at first. I had a car parts business in the late 80's & everyone that had one of these loved them. They were super reliable & even when they were 6 or 8 years old they were solid (better than most new cars of the day) and felt great to drive. They weren't exciting but they did what they were designed to do very well & I grew to love them. A solid, reliable, comfortable car.
dope dude in my place i stragle really bad to find some
Back in 1992 I hitched a ride in a 300D from Weimar to Berlin. It was just so silent and comfortable and the owner was cool. The massive sunroof was also deeply impressive: not the letter boxes you get on today's cars. I knew I had to own a W123 one day. In 1998, living in Germany, I bought a beat-up 230E and loved it. The first of two. Supremely comfortable on long journeys - you actually looked forward to getting back into the car the next day. Back in the UK I bought another 230E for £500 (this was 2004). Rusty front wing but otherwise all working. Totally reliable for 3 years! The ride in particular was superb, no doubt due to the considerable weight. Sadly had to sell it when I moved abroad again....I've also had two Merc 190Es, smaller, faster and wonderfully engineered, but without the 123's character. Not sure about their value as investments, but obviously they ain't makin any more of them. Best wishes to all W123 owners, wherever you may be.
I’ve recently bought and got roadworthy a beautiful brown w123 200 petrol. It is the early version with the non cross flow head. 4 speed gearbox, and you can change along to 4th in less than 30 mph . I agree it could do with a 5th gear.
I bought it because I liked the hub caps.
w123 is a car faithful to his driver . w123 in my opinion is the best car built in the whole world . when you want to look to a real Mercedes design well look at the w123 . my father own it since 1982 before my birth I don't remember any day she stoped on the side of the road . we owned several Mercedes but the w123 is a special experience
An old Mercedes is just special to sit in, the seats have springs so you kinda bounce in them while driving, the interior feels nice with all the wood and of course there is that satisfying solid door closing sound. A modern Mercedes lost all that.
I just bought one with extremely low milage manganese brown at skyhigh price.
After a month of ownership the money is well worth.
Very solid car 280CE the rumble of the engine when accelerating is music to the ears.
Comparable to if not close to the sound my MGB roadster make when overtaking!
Great car!
I have a 1984 300D. I agree with everything he says, it's not fast, but it's very enjoyable to drive
I have an '83. I put in a four speed manual from a 240D about 10 years ago. Totally worth the expense.
Same here
the timing of this video is pretty good - i just got my 240d manual back on the road with the 3 liter turbodiesel swapped in this week
I currently own 5 of these beauties... always looking for the next one!
300CD at last Guy : where do you find them. I've been looking for one.
I am now up to 8! I usually find them on craigslist. I had someone sell me theirs in parking lot of a safeway a while back- I have been driving that one two years now.
300CD at last Guy I own an ‘85 300CD and it’s my daily!
Can you help me with the right dealership to get the exact W123 Benz.Thank you for your reply.
Wish I had room to start a collection of these. Too scared to buy one and have it not run long for me
my heart pumps blood so fast by just looking at this ice gray color, everytime...
Stunning video, as always. The host is also very cool to watch and hear.
My dad had a '94 C220 diesel (not a W123 I know, it was a W202) which did 660k km without any major problems before he took it to the wrecking yard. It still drove okay but it had had its best days to say the least. God I loved that car, they're absolutely bulletproof motors. I'd really like to own one of these W123s myself in part because of the reasons you mentioned.
Old Mercs are the backbone of 3rd world industry development - Well, these days. Not kidding, look where most of them drive nowadays, It's Africa and Arabia. Full of old Mercs. Another thing is when you have a Mercedes-Benz is that no matter where you live, you get every single part new, original and within 48 hours.
Where I live you get a new part replacement... Never
Nothing inspires more primal fear than the sight of a w140 S600 in black heading towards you.
cockshield there is something more badass and scary:a fully black SLC C107. And maybe the W201
Souheib Merge Not sure about badass credentials for those too. The SLC especially. If I saw a car that beautiful coming towards me I'd start wanking in the street, rather than running for cover.
+cockshield - There is. the majestic bmw E38. in the deepest, richest black of course with tinted glass.
I have watched this video so many times dreaming of one day owning one. Well, dreams do come true because last night I purchased a C123 280CE in the same colour as this one but a manual gearbox. I guess we will see what comes next.
I'm 18 but by far this is my favorite Mercedes ever
Basil Fabian I’m 18 and I drive one of these
im 18 and im about to buy one
I'm 18 and wanna buy one someday, my parents bought me a Toyota instead
Owned a W123 for many years and loved it. Would have another, thank you!
W123 the undying car
MotoExtremeTV so you would say its the Nokia of the car world?
@@Jeepestchrst Yes
Nope , the nokia of cars is the lada 2107
Great video !
I got nothing but love for this car.
i wish i could afford one of these. the C123 has been my all time favourite classic from MB. coupe looks, reliability, practicality. dark colour, creme interiour, 15 inch fuchs wheels. holy moly, i'd drive this, and only this, until the end. maybe one day...
This car is very common in my country. Very reliable, comfortable, very durable on terrible roads.
for the same reasons roughly, I have a bmw 1996 e38 740i and i love it.
Keep on trucking !
I drive a 98 e38 740il and owns a w123
Idk how I came here exactly, but....
This car has a very classic design, it reminds me of old taxis too! It seems very well built & reliable indeed!
I owned a 78 240D 4 speed. Slowest, most base model you could buy in the states, but still a great car. Got offers and compliments on it all the time. Super practical, great fuel mileage, easy and relatively cheap maintenance, a classic look, and all for $1900
200D has short gears and can keep up with modern city traffic fairly well. I feel limited only on highways, because this car doesn't really want to go faster than 90-100 kph (or 60-65 mph). If I had 5th gear, I might be comfortable at 110-120, engine has enough power at lower rpm.
Thinking about getting one next week. A 200D 1983. Any tips?
No man, don't fool anyone, 200D is really dead ass slow. 0-100 in like 28 seconds is not something that you can classify as keeping up with the modern traffic.
@@DjSumitM a bit slow answer, but I'd search for 240 or 300D. Because 200D is good only for town. As for tips, you need to inspect for rust and body deformation, there are few weak points in W123 that are pain to fix. Everything else is easy and cheap.
@@PyleHD there is 50 kph speed limit in town, and 200D is fast enough up to 60. It is 60 to 100 that takes forever.
Wow great video. It's funny growing up (I'm 21) I've seen so many of these on streets that I didn't think they were special at all. This video actually made me want one. Beautiful car indeed.
w123 Mercedes-Benz at their best, the blinged up plastic garbage they build now is shameful in comparison.
The front and rear of the car is plastic due to safety regulations. Nothing they can do about it, even if they wanted to. But I do agree that it is a shame to have a squeaky plastic star as the front logo on a prestige vehicle. The interior however is still sublime
+Jones Nobs the MB logo on the front is still metal. And it's expensive asf to get another one from the dealer. (They get stolen a lot. Happened to my grandma. ) about $250 for a new star.
Tyler Beeson Not the integrated one between the headlights. That's some squeaky plastic shit even on an S class. Trust me, I work at a Mercedes Benz dealer.
Not sure which year you are referring to, but this is how it is with all their brand new models.
Jones Nobs The higher end ones are plastic because of the radar sensor, the S coupe ( which i'm assuming you're referencing has that standard.) On the sedan it's metal because it's an ornament. Pretty sure all of the ornament logos are metal. But I though the CLA, C sport, and E sport models without the radar had metal in the grille. Sad they cheeped out, our W211 E350 has the metal one and my grandma's old W220 S500 had one too.
***** The new E-class comes equipped with the standard shine black console. Which is just glazed up plastic that scratches way to easily. As does almost all the other models as well. However you can upgrade to wood, steel finishes or alike.
I have one of these, the 300CD, and you are absolutely right. It’s an amazing car with all the right perks and none of the annoyances of driving a vintage car. However, I also have an MGB and I wouldn’t insult that car if I were you. It’s an incredibly different driving experience and I have them both precisely because they are both an absolute joy to drive in completely different ways. Still, the W123 is my daily driver, and the MGB gets use mostly in Spring and Autumn when it’s absolutely a thrill to drive. Love these cars!!
I need one of these, so bad.
Tengo uno
300CD 1985
Had one (280E) in the early 80s. Same silver as in the video.
Loved the car. Still regret that I sold it !
the w123 mercedes, and all those classics, are legends. some of the mercedes engines like th om603 diesel is used in so many countries, 2017 im going to start my classic mercedes benz collection.
Well done sir. A true gentleman's car. And in the ever increasing age of disposable trends, an absolute gem to the eyes all these years later. Yeah, I want one
The w123 pillarless coupe was my favourite old merc but like most people in the eighties could only watch and admire,adorable cars that were only affordable to the few but again admired by the many.
Looks good and it is a great car. But my favorite is and always will be a W124.
That will also become a classic some day.. :)
I have been driving both recently, and although the 124 is absolutely great, the quality of the 123 is just incredible in this video he fails to emphasize how good it is.
+tjay84 Already has become a classic lol
w140 is the big boss
cawagoshy That is true, i like the W140 also.
Still owning a 41 years old 123-230 in very good shape with almost 500000km covered,, I believe its the most reliable car of it's time.-
I’ve got a 1984 300D that I daily drive. It’s got a little over 300,000 miles on it and it still feels pretty solid. I’m 19 and it’s my first car. It was my grandfather’s and he gave it to me. He didn’t think I’d like it and I’d get something new later on, but I’ve been driving it for 3 years now and it treats me great. I have no plans to get rid of it, and I’ve fixed every problem that’s come up on it. Anyway, the W123 Mercedes is a greatly engineered car.
I have W123, 230 CE -82 still in use. Well, only in good weather though, but works fine. Nice car to cruise with dignity.
Lukas Fin I have one also. 1983, Such a classy cruiser!
Just bought a pretty rough 240D 4 speed for really cheap, how fun it is to drive coupled with this video makes me want to fix it up a bit, or like buy a better one.
My 1980 280CE is near identical to that featured in the video, 76k miles but with a different blue interior, walnut console/ dash inserts etc. Previously owned by my dad who bought it in 1988, can't wait to finish restoring it and go cruising.
how is it? I'm considering buying one
Great video, absolutely spot on about the qualities of the car, and in general of ‘70s/‘80s Mercs. The car in the video is however not a W123 but indeed a C123
GOLD 🥇
CLASSIC
Having owned and driven a W123 in the early 90s (pre-Cat 230E saloon), I'd instantly buy one if I was looking for an everyday classic today. One of the most "solid"-feeling cars I ever sat in, super-comfortable and quiet. To this day, I still remember how quiet the engine was at idle - so quiet that you could hardly even hear it after you turned the key. I also know tons of stories about the car's longevity and reliability. I rode in a W123 diesel taxi in Portugal back in 1990, and the driver told me it was still on its first engine and had over 400,000km under its belt.
That said: The 230E was one of the few cars that scared me in the handling department. On a wet autumn-road (covered with leaves) you could *easily* get the car to oversteer and spin even at lower speeds - happened to me on a couple of occasions. But hey.. it was never meant to be sporty and if you didn't try to drive it like your pants are on fire, it was a highly capable and comfortable long distance cruiser.
These cars go over a million on the original engine. Here in Iceland on the salty frosted roads you will see a w123 and w124 with 500.000 or 600.000km easy.
For some reason mine tends to understeer more than anything when pushed. May be the tire choice?
Before the W124 and the BMW E34, Germany's best TANK was the W123 ! Love those RWD bricks !
I've owned an '85 300TD now for 3 years. A friend bought a new Volvo and asked me to sell her MB. I didn't want to but I took it and fixed the odometer, clock, radio, power antenna and fell in love with the car so I bought it. I'm the 5th owner and did a forensic look at all the records and every owner changed the oil every 3000 miles. It's a darling!
One of my all time favourites, suave, panache, my kind of reserved style, great looks, superb pedigree.
Lucky we have the square headlights instead of the US spec ones.
Progan666 and the better looking bumpers (fenders) ;-)
I love the us-spec round headlights but with euro bumpers!
@KvAT Indonesian people lowkey like everything that looks different than the usual thing 😂
Even though it may be ugly af, look at how they pimp their motorscooters
In the 80's I owned the 300CD version of this car and it was built like a vault. Traded for a 190e and still wish I hadn't done it.
Best mrecs ever build !
Specialy the 280 with twin cam shafts was a marvel of engineering !
Love these cars !
I have a 230e in my garage, that has been in daily use until the beginning of last year, when my father bought new car. Its been in the family for 34 years since new. We have never had any problems with it whatsoever. If you're looking for a good, reliable, and great looking classic, the w123 really is a great choice.
agree ... a future classic still afordable ( now ) to buy for an average people ( like us :-) ...
Nothing goes down the road like a W123/124. Not even current Mercedes models
My father had one painted in Maroon. He absolutely loved that car. And it's not hard to see why.
Can you please do a review of the W126? That's the one I have.
I own a 1984 w123 turbo diesel. It's by far my favorite car . Has 313000 miles and still runs great! Also it does have more personality than any other car I've ever owned. The only car that comes close to having that kind of personality is a Volvo 240 in my opinion .
I just picked one up for 300$ and got it registered today. 81 Mercedes-Benz 300d 5 cylinder sedan. I expected it to be slow but it gets up to speed quick. Kind of scary to drive but also very smooth ride just need to do work on the car
Great video! The W123 is one of my favorite Merc body styles of all time.
I love old mercs. This is a great looking car. Great video. I'm sure the 2.8 is a great engine with many positive aspects but I can't help but wish the MB engineers would have stuffed a V8 in one of those. Easily my favorite video from carfection.
Remember the W123 AMG?
This and the Volvo 242 are affordable classics that I've lusted for. The w114's not bad either. The sedans are beautiful.
5:42 - 5:48
I don't understand, why pick on Subaru? They have such a rich history in motorsports.
And it is probably the best car ever built ?! Not sportcar or supercar, just car !
Ford Model T would like to argue with that.
Yes, but it isn't really car as the Merc, you know, controls, paddles etc. Model T has it's throne, sales, but as a "just a car" Mercedes W123 is impeccable.
What I mean is, the Model T was more than a car - it was a tractor, a semi, a train, a snow plow, a generator - it was everything :) but I get what you mean. In terms of what we see as a (somewhat) modern car, it doesn't get any better than the W123.
Yes. Well, of course new E-class is better, but do we need all that, no. W123 has something about it, it has presence that approved itself. It is classic, it isn't striking, but it gets under your skin with that : "I am a Mercedes, I am a status symbol." And because of status it's representing and all the commonsense it has to be the best car in the world ; and it is the best selling Merc. They are the best makers, well of everything they make.
P.S.
Please read this in James May voice :D
Best? no. One of the best, maybe. This thing is as slow as molasses. Slower even. Time is very expensive. The faster you can move, at speed limit, the better. Best car imo are Volvo 240, Ford F150, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Legacy, HOnda Accord. Any of those would do. Car has only one purpose. To download your body from point A to point B in one piece, as fast as possible from pussy to pussy and from the meal to the toilet. If you spend time fixing it, not good. If it is slow, not good. You only have a limited time on this flat Earth. Once that time runs out, you are dead.
I’ve owned a few in my time but by far my favourite was the manual 230CE
It would be nice if MB made rebuild kits, for vacuum pumps for the w123, and body rubbers seals, and all the other parts that are NLA.
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these classic car episodes are the best. please do more of them!!!!! like the Porsche 993 for example. or the Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider.
I'm currently daily driving a 1985 MB w123 turbo diesel. (US spec. 300D with the OM617) and the odometer stopped registering miles years ago... it's currently stuck on 274,239 miles. Every once in a while on a really cold morning it will move a couple of clicks
W124 is the moray recognizable merc. My favorite hands down.
Absolutely wonderful vid. I have a 300D that I drive everyday. Great vid!
These reviews keep getting better! The outro music needs to be changed, though.
I owned one (a 280CE)as my daily driver for 6 years. They DO rust (a factory fitted option) but they are bulletproof. I took it to the south of France. Everyone should own one in the coupe form at some point in their life.
This is a gem on my Classic bucket list ❤️
i've got a w124 with 1.2mil km and it runs damn well, those cars are bulletproof if you take care of them
Man I miss my W123. I need to get another one some day.
I had a 280E...one repair after another. Left me stranded a couple of times. Dealer maintained by the book.
Thankyou thankyou thankyou carfection for showcasing one of my alltime favorites!
Very fine video, with truthful information. Ive got 5 years ago 1979 made year W123 2.0 gasoline, with automatic transmition ( 109 hp), what a fine car that was, I install a LPG system on it, so 100 km cost 6-7 EUROS. I tune up a litle bit sound isolation materials on it, ou... what a smooth ride and comfort this cargot..
Most interesting is that, when i drive with my SKODA OCTAVIA 2014 year made 200km, after i came out, i need some minute to sterch, when i drove my MB W123, i came out after 200km ,same comfy as is sit in, very very advised and ergonomic seats it have, this car is with soul and handmade, not like now, computer designed and robot completed.. like a empty can of PEPSI.
Our speed limits are 50-60kph in urban areas, 80-110kph highways. Cameras and radars everywhere. I cannot imagine any use for more than 175 horses. Btw, the W123 was geared for autobahning. They actually come alive over 80kph, and nip about wonderfully between 80 and 130kph.
36 years ago I used to get lifts in a 230CE then a 280CE ..I can compare well because the driver drove hard all the time.. and previously he had a 2.8is police spec Granada. The 280CE was vastly more powerful lusty and accelerative even with an auto box. That engine used to sing up to high revs it was far more torquey than the Granada and felt bulletproof. That really was Mercedes golden hour thé build quality was a marvel of engineering no compromises! The 2.8is was never as fast as advertised I know because I was passenger when it was used for standing start’s and held flat out to maximum speed for long periods. The Mercedes 280CE was always revving out working hard but so cultured and smooth I guessed it had another 10 mph top speed over the Granada which back in the 1980’s was fast.
My dad had an imported 230CE 5 cylinder bought new in 83. I have only seen one other in the states. Man the lines on that car were pure sex and I miss it.
had a E280 best car ever but had to sell it to come back to the UK. had it for 10 years never had a problem.
This model really reflected and/or reflects the values of Mercedes-Benz. It represents the companies philosophy to a tee.
I have a 1981 Mercedes 240d diesel with a 4 speed manual. It is a master piece of engineering.
I personally love the W126 500SEC. I really want to own a good example one day.
Same, truly the best looking Mercedes ever made.
boy oh boy my dad got 900k km on the clock and only things he has changed are the clutch (3 times over 25 years of ownership) and the Starter 1 time.
My father gave me his old Benz. I never did an oil change, no brake jobs. The car is a tank. It was manual transmission and as a kid I learned to drive myself and I use to burn the clutch by leaving my foot on the clutch and gear on in traffic. Multiple road trips. Never broke. I’m looking to sell my Supra and buy a real classic. I may get this car
I love this car. You should definitely check the W201 it's probably the best classic to daily
The 123 is an absolute masterpiece of the automotive world.
That is a C123, the W123 is a four dour and the S123 is the station wagon, pointing this out means I have less personality than the presenter.I use to drive an S123, keeping on top of the rot cost a lot of money so take care, on the case of handling it was a lot better than an E28 on a country road.
its unbrakeable , best quality and a Legend !!!
i sold mine it was a diesel brought from canada a c123 with a 300 turbo-diesel engine wich wasn´t released in europe and also had a c115 with a 230 engine, this from 74 and had a early version of it but sold it for a lot of money in 94 wich was in mint condition and metalized red still with the litle side mirrors
Beautiful! I have an ‘89 300CE.
I had a 280CE AMG about 25 years ago. I still wonder whatever happened to it. It was a rare car then, I'm hoping with today's social media it would turn up restored somewhere. I miss that car.
Chilling in one of these right now, comfy seats
w123 240D
This is so refreshing. Great video !
Mercedes Benz W123 is an awesome car! I love this car!
I had an 84 300D TD. It was one of the best cars I ever owned or rather leased. I could almost drive from Chicago to NY on a tank of fuel.
Why is is everyone so butthurt over the subaru comment. All he meant is that if you want straight line speed, there are plenty of low cost options available i.e. a used subaru impreza just as an example! His point is this Merc has a lot more character which is subjective of course but i would agree. At no point, did he say that subaru drivers lack souls; don't be so sensitive!
As someone with both a Subaru and a 300D(W123), I say he's kinda right, I love going fast in the Subie, but it doesn't have a personality, per say, it's a good car, but (to quote Top Gear) it's just "an car". The W123 is my baby.
If someone dings the Subaru, my reaction is "Thanks a lot, jerk".
Now, if they accidentally ding or scratch my 300D.... they're in trouble.
If they key it.....well, they just committed suicide.
Exactly. What is it - nobody allowed an opinion now? Land of the Free?
i love my C123 280CE in Petrol Green, i Enjoy it everyday in Florence, Italy
Rode in the 240D taxis in West Germany! Indestructible. The coupe wasn’t really handsome but it looked smart.
beautiful car....sales slogan should have been.." 2 out of 3 despots and drug lords prefer the w123 over the next luxury brand"
no, they preferred the 600 grosser.