SOLD: 1980 Mercedes W123 240D – China blue - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pwjeep · #1 11-16-2012, 11:57 PM

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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pwjeep · #2 11-17-2012, 12:00 AM

Here are some of it's faults...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/diesel-discussion/107242d1362713829-sold-1980-mercedes-w123-240d-%96-china-blue-img_6465.jpg?stc=1
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/diesel-discussion/107243d1362713829-sold-1980-mercedes-w123-240d-%96-china-blue-img_6466.jpg?stc=1

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pwjeep · #3 11-17-2012, 12:04 AM

Here is the last of the rust (lower fender just above sill), a view of the jack points and the engine compartment

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pwjeep · #4 11-17-2012, 12:07 AM

Here are some shots of the interior, underbody, and data plate.

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pwjeep · #5 11-19-2012, 12:08 PM

Ok you've been looking. Now is anyone interested?

The $4,500 price is just a starting point. I'm willing to consider offers!

Buy your kid a great car for Christmas. It's dependable, safe and gets decent mileage.

I'd like it to go before the holidays... I'm downsizing my fleet.

whunter · #6 11-26-2012, 10:13 PM

I am the new owner.

I had it up to 80 mph tonight.

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pwjeep · #7 11-26-2012, 11:26 PM

The car has been sold. It is a very nice car. W. Hunter made me an offer I couldn't refuse. It had to be good if W. Hunter bought it... (just check on all of the parts we put into it!) It was a solid foundation and it would have been a pity to let it be scrapped out by the PO or sold to someone who couldn't have renewed it!

It has all the right stuff and none of the electronic stuff that goes bad! For a 240D with the 616 manual 4 speed it seems like it runs better and has more power than a NA 617 automatic. It's pretty zippy with the 4 speed on surface streets. But it does seem to run out of breath on inclines. It needs a 5th gear!

Sorry you missed it!

I already miss the star on the hood! Maybe I'll get a star to put on the hood of my pickup truck and on its tailgate.

Pete

whunter · #8 02-02-2013, 01:25 AM

This has become my daily driver.

I rarely bother raising the antenna or turning on the radio, because of the sweet engine music.

The alternator belt has been adjusted twice, currently investigating the cause of this issue, and plan to pick up a spare belt (today) to carry in the trunk.
I may install a 150 AMP alternator later, just because I can.

Because of winter weather, it has a new set of deep trough winter floor mats.

The only other improvement I would consider is a five speed transmission.

FYI
I am carrying in my coat, a small impact case with vial of alcohol and 10cc syringe with needle, due to door lock tumbler icing. This option is much cheaper for me, than the small spray lock deicer.
At the local CVS pharmacy a 10cc syringe with needle is $0.28 each, and a quart of CVS brand rubbing alcohol is $3.00......

A full 10cc shot of rubbing alcohol takes roughly one minute to deice the tumbler.

cross linking a bit of history on this car, for later need.
1980 240D CRACKED cylinder head + cavitation damage

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Stevo · #9 02-02-2013, 11:43 AM

I really like the black grill with the euro lights and white corner lights. I'm kind of partial to blue 123s, Nice car.

Zacharias · #10 02-02-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

I really like the black grill with the euro lights and white corner lights. I'm kind of partial to blue 123s, Nice car.

Speaking of: where does one obtain a black w123 grille, if they are obtainable?

Or was this painted?

I put the Taiwan AMG knockoff on my 300d, not to make it go faster, but for the black 'look'. With time I like it a bit less.

Stevo · #11 02-02-2013, 03:21 PM

I spent a while masking and painted it on the car with a flat back, rattle can.
The plastic grill had grease stains around the hood pull tab, that I couldn't completely get out, so ether repaint it gray or see what black looks like. I like it but my car doesn't go any faster ether.

PackerEdgerton · #12 02-02-2013, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zacharias

Speaking of: where does one obtain a black w123 grille, if they are obtainable?

Or was this painted?

I put the Taiwan AMG knockoff on my 300d, not to make it go faster, but for the black 'look'. With time I like it a bit less.

I don't know the answer to that, but I can say that I have had very good luck with Krylon's plastic-specific rattle-can paint. You must ensure that the plastic is scrupulously clean (no wax, no oil, etc.) and really dry, and paint it in temps above 50 degrees and low humidity. In those conditions, the painted plastic surface is gorgeous when done.

Sincerely,

Packman

vstech · #13 02-02-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

This has become my daily driver.

I rarely bother raising the antenna or turning on the radio, because of the sweet engine music.

The alternator belt has been adjusted twice, currently investigating the cause of this issue, and plan to pick up a spare belt (today) to carry in the trunk.
I may install a 150 AMP alternator later, just because I can.

Because of winter weather, it has a new set of deep trough winter floor mats.

The only other improvement I would consider is a five speed transmission.

FYI
I am carrying in my coat, a small impact case with vial of alcohol and 10cc syringe with needle, due to door lock tumbler icing. This option is much cheaper for me, than the small spray lock deicer.
At the local CVS pharmacy a 10cc syringe with needle is $0.28 each, and a quart of CVS brand rubbing alcohol is $3.00......

A full 10cc shot of rubbing alcohol takes roughly one minute to deice the tumbler.

cross linking a bit of history on this car, for later need.
1980 240D CRACKED cylinder head + cavitation damage

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at a minimum, a 4 speed I'd think...
if you need a 5 speed, Greezer may be willing to sell his current one with the difficult 2/3 synchros... maybe a trip down here to get the swap done, and catch up?

suginami · #14 02-02-2013, 10:20 PM

Sure is a nice looking car, Roy.

I really like the W123 chassis in the China Blue color.

whunter · #15 02-04-2013, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

at a minimum, a 4 speed I'd think...
if you need a 5 speed, Greezer may be willing to sell his current one with the difficult 2/3 synchros... maybe a trip down here to get the swap done, and catch up?

I don't know.
Considering patching in a Volvo overdrive.

Volvo overdrive splice into a Mercedes Diesel

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