I have both, and the W115 seems a bit spunkier, maybe due to lighter weight or something.

This quote reminds me of something I once read in "The Deer Hunters Bible." It was told as fact that someone in Pennsylvania who had been hunting on government land came out through a checkpoint. When the game warden asked if he had killed any Deer the fellow got out of his car with great pride saying that he had gotten a REALLY big deer. He went back to his trailer and pulled back the tarp with great pride. Under the tarp was a mule.

If a 123 Mercedes looks the same as a Toyota Camry to you, I would strongly suggest that you don't take up Deer hunting.

FWIW, after '81, the W123s added plastic front-fender liners, so those are maybe a bit better rust-protected than earlier models.
As for mistaking them for another car, at a distance, I second the Volvo 240.
From the rear, the '88 - '91 Camry sedan does have a slight resemblance to a W123, but I haven't had any problem confusing them.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Metaphorically speaking Larry. The W123 looks ordinary compared to the W115 which is distinctly Mercedes. Come on, if he wants to drive a smelly car that goes slowly, it should at least have one thing going for it

(FYI, I hope that all parties understand that both posts were written in jest. While the W114/W115 is my preference, I know that the W123 models have their own enthusiasts).

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With best regards

Al

I would go with the W123 if for no other reason, there are still allot of parts around since they made that car for, what, nine years.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I like the parts availability for the 123, but I think the 115 is prettier.

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1976 Mercedes 240D, unknown mileage
1977 Mercedes 240D, 225k
1992 Dodge/Cummins 4WD, 284k
1990 Subaru Legacy wagon, 330k
1991 Subaru Legacy wagon, 225k

I love my 115 , 1971 220, wouldn't trade if for anything. It's a great commuter car, fun to drive and turns heads. However there 123's everywhere and they are much easier to get parts for. If you don't mind searching for items once in awhile, hanging out in the slow lane, and not having the newer creature comforts the 115 is for you. If you want to go faster, want parts right now, and would like to add more creature comforts 123 is for you! Personally I do love both, just prefer the 115 for me

I think my dream car is a W114 280E with a 5 speed manual. 185hp, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds and 120mph top speed is plenty for me.

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With best regards

Al

Not a 114, but there was a Euro '84 280TE for sale at the local MBCA picnic a few years go. Factory 5-speed, looked immaculate, asking 6K as I recall.
Personally, I drove a '72 W114 250 for many years. I love the straight sixes, but not the 13 or so city mpg these cars often attain, especially with the automatics the 2.8 sixes are usually saddled with in the US.
So I got into the diesels. My first was a $200 rustbucket '82 automatic 240D. Turned it from 'ready for the crusher', to a decent driver. Not as economical as I'd hoped, but still managed around 20 city mpg.
Then the 'Crown Jewel' of my diesel fleet - an '84 Euro 300TD. Manual windows, manual heat-AC (AC works!) and factory 5-speed. My wagon typically gets 5 mpg better than my automatic 240D, and 30 on the highway. Paid about half what that 280TE was askng, but it did need some work and had some rust.
My latest, replacemnt for the automatic 240D, is an '82 stickshift version. Needed more mechanical work than my earlier diesels, but it was worth it. Solid & tight body, minimal rust, peppy & quiet. Easily the nicest 240D I've ever driven. In some ways (noise & ride) it's nicer than my wagon.
So whatever generation diesel you decide on, either try to find the best example you can afford. Or maybe, if you're up to the challenge, get a cheap fixer to practice your restoration skills.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

I love the comradery of old school benz owners. I try to wave at nearly every vintage benz owner I see.

During my fall break when I went to Gambriar Ohio to visit my cousin I drove past a 115 being driven by a lady with a young boy. Of course I smiled and she waved back. I'm pretty sure it was a diesel and boy that car looked good.

I want a 115 though. The information for the 123 has helped me a lot and I think I may be able to move onto an older model for funzies.

Just got to get my stepdad to get rid of the BMW.

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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.

I agree! If you find two of them, please let me have a crack at the one you don't want.

I never had a diesel 115 car, but my wife had a 250 with an automatic, 73 I think, and I had a '68 230 with a manual transmission. These cars had lots of charm, agility and solidity.

I would settle for even a lowly 230 like I had, as long as it was a manual transmission. Your 280E would be even better with a manual transmission not only because of the injection, but it would be a seven main bearing engine. My 230 was only a four main bearing engine with a single row timing chain, pretty much a bottom of the line drivetrain. The two Zeniths worked well, but the oiling system wasn't the best.

Oh for the old days!

Larry

I already have a couple of the injected cars with a 4 speed manual but the 5 speeds are pretty rare, even in Europe. Of the two cars that I own, one runs amazingly well but has some severe rote while the other has just woken up from a very long sleep and as a result, creeks and groans.

I've seen a 280E/5 speed once in the UK but I have yet to see one W114 280E in the US. Maybe I should make one as I have a M110 Euro CIS motor sitting in my shop.

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With best regards

Al

My first diesel was a 220D 72, had it for 4 years, then moved to 240D 77, this one has been my daily driver for 27 years, both 4 speed manual.
220D has a stiffer suspension.
240D has a better cabin insulation for sound.
Under the hood 240D has more room around the engine and is easier to work.
220D access and changing the oil filter is a holy mess.
AC compressor installed on 220D and early 240D’s are those massive York’s, to be avoided at any cost.
Parts availability may become an issue with the older 220D’s.
Whatever that you do avoid automatic transmission.

Vahe

Thanks everyone. You are all very helpful.

Pete