For Sale: 1980 Mercedes W123 240D – China blue
Features: 4 speed manual transmission, power steering, brakes, AM/FM cassette (unknown if cassette works), desirable manual control heater, (no AC) reclining front seats, recent new tires including spare, fog lights, “euro headlights”, arm rest (front & rear) front door pockets, dual mirrors, day night mirror, Manual windows
This is a very safe car for a beginning driver. This car is about as basic as you could get a Mercedes-Benz in the USA. This car is very robust and has been sorted out. This car is well known to be one of the safest cars to be in. The design was well ahead of its time as far as being able to withstand severe accidents. This is the Mercedes that they built their reputation on. Production of the W123 chassis started in 1975 with delivery in the USA in 1977. Production ended of the W123 at the end of the 1985 model year. 2.6 million W123s were built. This means a good supply of parts.
This car has adequate engine power. It will go all day long at 70 mph. It’s top speed is said to be around 85 mph (not tested). This car is solid and is without any major structural rust issues. The body panels look fairly straight, but there are some light side swipe marks on the passenger side. There is some rust on the rear of the front fenders (lower edge above sill), bubbling on the left side of the deck lid, and inner drivers door lower rust. (see comment below about available replacement parts) The sills and jack points as well as the underbody are all very solid!
W. Hunter and I have refurbished, replaced, and repaired multiple components since January, 2011 to get the car sorted out and brought back to being a reliable daily driver car. I have recently taken the car on several MBCA club outings including over 100 miles on a color tour without any issues. I drive it almost daily and it starts quickly even when it is cold. Usually it only takes 1 glow cycle in the cold.
These are the things that we have done:
Replace: Alternator, voltage regulator.
Rebuilt front suspension/steering all new components (not the steering box).
Replaced all 4 axle boots.
Installed 4 new shocks
Installed 4 new springs.
Fabricated/installed new double steel mesh 3000 psi engine oil cooler lines.
New custom exhaust and basic muffler.
Replaced the driver seat assembly.
Replaced the rear seat base and back assembly.
Removed/reinstalled side trim parts with new clips.
Installed new clutch master and slave cylinder.
Replaced light bulbs in cluster & tail lights.
Installed new windshield washer pump, hoses, and nozzles.
Installed new windshield wiper blades.
Installed new front wheel bearings.
Rebuilt front / rear brake calipers.
Installed 4 new brake hoses.
Installed new front / rear rotors and pads.
Installed new 3 tires + good used spare.
Installed new vacuum shutoff box.
Installed new engine, transmission, differential mounts.
Installed new flex disc's + carrier bearing boot.
Installed new glow plugs.
Rebuilt lift pump + new primer pump.
Installed good used sway bar + 2 new sway bar links.
Installed new battery.
Installed new alternator and power steering belt.
All filters have been changed, and maintenance is current.
Removed, cleaned, reinstalled fuel sender.
Major work:
Wheel alignment.
Replaced cracked cylinder head with good used + serviced before installing.
Massive reduction / adjustment of engine idle (700 rpm) after cylinder head service.
Misc:
Removed the non functioning / dangerous cruise control.
AC compressor and bracket are not installed.
Condenser, hoses and other parts are present but the condition is unknown.
The dash has cracks but has a form fitting correct color carpet cover.
Extra parts: Deck lid, drivers door, 2 Arizona fenders (different colors than car)
This was the typical bargain basement priced car which had been neglected... but had strong "bones" We have put lots of parts into it as well as many dozens of hours of labor. Price: $4,500. The price is negotiable. Send a PM if you are interested. Can be driven anywhere. Does NOT need to be towed. Clear title, bill of sale with car as well as signed title. Fly in drive home!
Pictures as of September 2012. 121K+ on odometer
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/diesel-discussion/107239d1362710680-sold-1980-mercedes-w123-240d-%96-china-blue-img_6454.jpg?stc=1
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