Two questions about my new 85 123
 

I know there are a few problems that are common to the 123. I'm wondering if these two had been sorted out before my 85 came along.

1. Does my car have the dreaded climate control servo?
2. I know the 85 had a slightly different tranny but is it still susceptible to the B2 piston failure?

Are these things I should fix as PM? Car has 255K on it.

TIA

The 1985 has the ACCIII not the evil servo. It has it's own problems, but I've successfully fixed 3 of them now. The problem on all three was a seized aux water pump that fried the board in the CCU. There are DIYs online that walk you through taking them apart and resoldering if it's needed.

I believe all the transmissions are capable of having the B2 failure, but most often it's just a vacuum issue or it needs a new filter and fluid.

On my CD, there was a vacuum leak in the hose to the ARV and it caused MAJOR shifting slams.

^ Agreed. A common failure on that CCU is/are cold solders. You'll have to pull the unit and inspect the pc board.

What are some other common problems to the 123? I have owned 6 Benz (three now) but never a 123. Anything major I should look out for, such as oil pump or timing chains? Vacuum pump? Etc?

Rust is really the biggest common problem for 123's IMO. Make sure ALL the body drains are clear.

Other issues I look for are oil cooler lines, transmission cooler lines, coolant bypass tube (the 2" piece under the thermostat housing), motor mounts, air filter housing bracket and bushings, leaking primer pump, leaking turbo drain. Mostly just stuff that gets overlooked over the years and starts adding up.

If you've owned an OM617 before you already know most of the issues to look for.

X2.... Especially behind the front fender behind the door.

Growing up in the Snow Belt in the '70s and '80s, my dad used to spray the undercarriage of our cars with used motor oil or trans oil before winter set in. Our cars never rusted. Just was pretty grimy. He would later pressure washed them during the spring to get rid of the gunk.



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If you've owned an OM617 before you already know most of the issues to look for.[/QUOTE]

I had one many years ago but that was before I knew diesels very well. My recent cars have had 603's, a 606 and one gasser.

I pick the car up this weekend. I bought it sight-unseen, only pics and descriptions. I got a good enough price that I think I'll be OK. I expect it to need some work to bring it up to par, after all it is almost 25.

I have an '85 and love it! 268K miles but in above-avg shape. Just a little rust on driver's side rear wheel well. Car had a NY School of Photography sticker so it may have spent a few winters up north. I love these cars. Can't seem to keep away from them for very long.........