w123 buying info?
Discussion
I am toying with the idea of one of these as my next car. Don't need a daily driver as work is a short walk away from home.
Just wondered if anybody has any tips about what to look out for when looking at them.
How hard is it to find spares? What's the going rate for a decent one? (I guess the coupes fetch a bit more than the four door)
Any advice most appreciated!
Just wondered if anybody has any tips about what to look out for when looking at them.
How hard is it to find spares? What's the going rate for a decent one? (I guess the coupes fetch a bit more than the four door)
Any advice most appreciated!
My 230TE is in its final death throes and will be consigned to an undignified death by banger racing over the winter. But at least it gives me a chance to say where the rot takes hold. Have a good look at the cills, not just the visible area but crawl underneath and look at the inner face, paying attention to where the rear swing arms bolt on.
Floors can rot, even the bulkhead has started going on mine, which is why its beyond salvation.
Diffs can whine when the car is properly run in (i.e. over 200,000 miles) but the engines should be bulletproof as long as they have been regularly serviced. The previous owner spent a packet on engine work because he was too stupid to check the oil level. He also had the auto dismantled and rebuilt, but all because an oil seal has broken up and blocked a valve.
Spares are easily available, but beware of some aftermarket parts as they are often made of sub-standard materials. I replace part of the lower front panel but despite spraying it very carefully, it had rust breaking through all over it in less than a year. I have heard tales of suspension parts with all the strength of a piece of cheese.
Looked after, a good 123 will last for ever. They are from the era when Mercs were built like Panzer tanks. I love some of the detailing, like the fuse box cover which looks like it came from a Heinkel bomber. Hope you find a good one.
Floors can rot, even the bulkhead has started going on mine, which is why its beyond salvation.
Diffs can whine when the car is properly run in (i.e. over 200,000 miles) but the engines should be bulletproof as long as they have been regularly serviced. The previous owner spent a packet on engine work because he was too stupid to check the oil level. He also had the auto dismantled and rebuilt, but all because an oil seal has broken up and blocked a valve.
Spares are easily available, but beware of some aftermarket parts as they are often made of sub-standard materials. I replace part of the lower front panel but despite spraying it very carefully, it had rust breaking through all over it in less than a year. I have heard tales of suspension parts with all the strength of a piece of cheese.
Looked after, a good 123 will last for ever. They are from the era when Mercs were built like Panzer tanks. I love some of the detailing, like the fuse box cover which looks like it came from a Heinkel bomber. Hope you find a good one.
Like he said.. rust is the only killer of the 123 (and sometimes the twin-cam 280, apparently). Best off with an 'E' model (injected) as the carb model is slow and no better fuel consumption. I realise, though, that with a 20+ year old car you can't exactly be picky...!
Check the engine oil level.. put petrol in.. err that's about it.
Russell
Check the engine oil level.. put petrol in.. err that's about it.
Russell
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