Mercedes W123 buying advice
Discussion
Morning!
I am looking to buy a Mercedes W123 to add to my growing collection and was wondering what should I look out for, good or bad?
Ideally i would like the petrol 6 as found in the 280 models, but is there anything I should pay attention to when looking at this particular engine to know it's in good health, do they have any specific issues? For people in the know what would be the perfect combination of options on these cars?
Any further reading or advice would be most welcome, cheers!
I am looking to buy a Mercedes W123 to add to my growing collection and was wondering what should I look out for, good or bad?
Ideally i would like the petrol 6 as found in the 280 models, but is there anything I should pay attention to when looking at this particular engine to know it's in good health, do they have any specific issues? For people in the know what would be the perfect combination of options on these cars?
Any further reading or advice would be most welcome, cheers!
I ran one as a daily about 15 years ago. You really only need to focus on one thing - rust. Everywhere you can see and everywhere you can't.
If you get that right the rest is solid and can be sorted if needed. As for options an electric sunroof and central locking are nice to have but the right car is a solid car. The 280 is miles better than the 230 (had one of those too) but not as refined as a BMW 6 of the era. Auto gearbox is v low geared by modern standards.
If you get that right the rest is solid and can be sorted if needed. As for options an electric sunroof and central locking are nice to have but the right car is a solid car. The 280 is miles better than the 230 (had one of those too) but not as refined as a BMW 6 of the era. Auto gearbox is v low geared by modern standards.
Yeah I've a couple of W123 and still have a 280TE and a 280CE. As the others have said, watch out for rust. Front ends (ball joints , control arms, guide rods) need replacing every so often so check the steering for play. Steering boxes can leak.
As far as the engine, check for blow by and oil leaks. Especially at the cam box.
As far as the engine, check for blow by and oil leaks. Especially at the cam box.
Bulkhead rust under battery tray. Remove battery to have a look. Leaks here can lead to water in footwells front and rear. Lift all carpets and linings to check for wetness and rust.
Sunroof tray rust. Water drains from sunroof tray along rubber pipes to front and rear wheel arches. Drains can get blocked or rust out causing leaks which will spoil headlining. Headlining difficult to change...especially in Coupe.
Rusty wheel arches and sills. There's a plastic cover on front edge of sill that needs removing to check behind for rust. Remove wheels arch liners too if possible.
Bonnet hinge pocket has a drain in bottom which gets blocked and rust can develop.
Check under car for damaged rubberised underseal. Rust spreads unseen under the seal so can be worse that it appears.
Door seals are expensive.
Leaking window seals.
Leaking vacuum system. Affects central locking and auto gear change.
Some parts are starting to go NLA. German eBay will be your friend.
Keeping water out and drains clear is best defence against rust....along with a shedload of Bilt Hamber products
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td...
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/CategoryDiy
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mercedes_W123
Sunroof tray rust. Water drains from sunroof tray along rubber pipes to front and rear wheel arches. Drains can get blocked or rust out causing leaks which will spoil headlining. Headlining difficult to change...especially in Coupe.
Rusty wheel arches and sills. There's a plastic cover on front edge of sill that needs removing to check behind for rust. Remove wheels arch liners too if possible.
Bonnet hinge pocket has a drain in bottom which gets blocked and rust can develop.
Check under car for damaged rubberised underseal. Rust spreads unseen under the seal so can be worse that it appears.
Door seals are expensive.
Leaking window seals.
Leaking vacuum system. Affects central locking and auto gear change.
Some parts are starting to go NLA. German eBay will be your friend.
Keeping water out and drains clear is best defence against rust....along with a shedload of Bilt Hamber products
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td...
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/CategoryDiy
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mercedes_W123
Edited by Rollin on Friday 29th March 11:10
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