Greetings:

I am looking for a clean W123 diesel in the Houston area to serve as a daily driver. If anyone knows of one, please let me know.

I look forward to participating on this board in the future, hopefully sooner than later.

Charlie

Welcome to the Forum!

Check with 'Cedes Auto Repair between Webster and League City on Highway 3. Not sure if they are still around cause It has been a few years but they were great people, excellent mechanics and ALWAYS straight-shooters about anything MB. They did the precision adjustment on my fuel system and valves and I'm still rolling...

Anyway, W123 was very popular in your territory so keep a sharp eye out and you'll run across several...Oh, there is a MB club in town that may be a good source too!

Good Luck

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Bama1


2008 SLK 280, Firemist Red - "Hurricane"
2001 F150 Lariat 4x4, Black on Black - "Badboy"
1982 240D 4 speed survivor -"Pearl" - Donated to Vietnam Veterans
1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 -"Gertrude"

1954 model original owner - ~2.5M
Gray softtop/solid exterior/modified chassis

HERE IS Their address
http://www.cedescar.com/services.htm

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Bama1


2008 SLK 280, Firemist Red - "Hurricane"
2001 F150 Lariat 4x4, Black on Black - "Badboy"
1982 240D 4 speed survivor -"Pearl" - Donated to Vietnam Veterans
1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 -"Gertrude"

1954 model original owner - ~2.5M
Gray softtop/solid exterior/modified chassis

Call MPH Automotive, west side Hwy 6 and I-10 area. They don't sell cars but might know of one for sale?

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MB-less

Thanks. I actually went and looked at an '83 300D today. It was basically OK, it felt a little loose to me but the body was very good and the engine fired right up without excessive smoke. I have to think about it though, I have nothing to compare this to.

Charlie

Ride on out to the Central Texas GTG with us on March 3rd and you'll see plenty of iron to make comparisons with.


Tim

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2009 VW TDI Jetta Sportwagon 172k miles (rear-ended harder than Elton John on 8/4/13. Total loss)

1991 Volvo 240 142k miles (T-boned by a stop sign runner. Total loss)

Did you see dkveuro's post for a NA 300D? Looks like it's in the OK City area; I'd trust his judgement on a car anytime, and it might be fun & cheap for you to fly up and pick it up! If it were a bit closer to me I'd be VERY seriously considering it. As it is, I am still kind of mulling it over!

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

There are plenty of solid W123s in Houston, I'll just take my time.

You are correct that there are many good choices nearby around Houston. Do contact Any at 'cedes or Mike at MPH and ask them if they know of any well kept cars for sale. These guys are not brokers, they are merely passing on information just as you or I might do for a friend. Neither would, however, steer you toward a vehicle they knew had a problem.

The more examples you look at the better you will be able to distinguish the good from the bad.

Here is a link to the Houston Star (the local Mercedes-Benz Club of America Section's monthly publication) http://www.mbca.org/houston/ By the way I am a member of the Board of Directors of the Houston Section and we would be please to have you attend some upcoming events.

Good luck in your search.

I meant to write, "Do contact Andy at 'cedes in League City or Mike at MPH. . ." MPH is on the Katy Freeway just west of Beltway 8. 'cedes Car Repair is on Texas Highway 3 (the old Galveston Highway) just north of Farm-to-Market Road 518.

Thanks for the tip. I have an appointment to look at an '83 300D turbo tomorrow. If that's a bust I'll give those guys a call and try to get some more leads.

Charlie

Forum members:

I could use a little advice. Today I went and looked at an '83 300D turbo. Exterior was in generally good condition, with a small perforation on the corner of the trunk lid, and a small bubble under the back window - no doubt from water leaking in thru the cracked/dried out window seal. This is very typical of Houston cars. The door seals were also very dry and cracked. Driver's side mirror adjuster broken. Tires were new.

Interior was very good, leather in good shape with no cracks on the seats or dash. One problem - A/C does not work. Owner says it leaks, two cans of refrigerant will keep it going for about 3 months. All the windows worked save for the rear passenger. Sunroof worked.

Drove well - started easily with just a puff of smoke. Decent acceleration, good brakes. Steering was loose. 1-2 shift crisp and the rest very smooth. Looking under the engine, I saw some fresh looking oil splattered on the left side around the A/C compressor. Engine was otherwise clean looking. Odometer is broken at 207K miles.

Owner is asking $2500. With the A/C trouble and fresh oil, it seems to me this is a $2000-2200 car. Does this sound reasonable? Should I buy it if I can get it for around $2100, or just keep looking for something nicer? Any and all advice is welcomed.

Charlie

Still looking for a nice W123 diesel in the Houston area...have taken previous suggestions of calling MPH etc., and am waiting it out...