W123 fever
 

After watching that youtube video of the w123,and feeling personal disgust for my 420sel right now, I think I want to buy one. What do you guys(and gals) think? I would want a manual transmission for sure. Am I gonna hate going from a decently powerful V8 to a terd? should this be considered an upgrade or a downgrade. Any comments are appreciated to help me shake this bug or realize a new chapter in Benzing. Thanks

pull off three plug wires and the vacuum to the transmission on your 420SEL and that will idle, perform and shift about like the typical w123 diesel

Get a 123 in good shape, you won't regret it. ;)

I love 'em, but they can't get out of their own way. They have a style all their own though. Rugged refinement.

well i nearly killed myself pulling out in front of a car thinking i would out accellerate him, but it didnt move.

To each his own, but I consider a W123 an upgrade from just about any Benz except a 300SL from the 50s or early 60s.

The OM617 is my favorite motor. Adjust the valves, get it up to a good operating temperature and it makes the most beautiful sound.

You don't see many 300D's with manual transmissions. I bet it's a nice setup.

well maybe a 240d? I want a manual transmission. I also want a benz. Too bad those really arent a dynamic duo.

Skip the diesel - find a euro 280E or 280CE. The manual part is the hardest to find, but the Euro 280 version is not slow at all - probably drives more like your 420SEL. What the w123 lacks over the w126 is refinement, but where it trumps the w126 is in character.

Even better go for the W108.

Find a 300D in great condition, and swap in the manual tranny and clutch from a 240D.

123s are wonderful cars. Well engineered and mechanic freindly. For maintenance they cannot be beat.

For ride and handling they are not up to later standards though.

The 124 sticks to the road like a leech in comparison, but the 123 still handles very well.

240D with 4 speed manual tranny. Can't be beat. You can shift up and down and work it like you're pushing a sports car, without the problematic issue of going fast enough to exceed your competence :D I guess I'd say that it provides the illusion of sports car driving without the attendant speed related problems.
- Peter.

get a 107 (euro 280 (or a 300 in '84-'85) was the only model that came as a manual). you can still look like your in your element at the yacht club, the same can scarcely be said about driving a 123 (flame-suit on).

The 123 has the 107 beats hands down with fuel economy, however they are too slow for my liking, if I wanted to drive a slow diesel Ill drive my suburban.

That is very well stated, thank you Brian

W123 500TE euro AMG wagon. "new CA. barn find" And it's for sale.
 

Barry Taylor has used it for his shop car for many years, it's a screamer, though he now uses a W210 6.0 wagon for his shop car.


I think if you want a super "hot" W123, this one right here's the one for you. It's been collecting dust for several years, but it should clean up beautifully. The AMG conversion was done in Germany, but the car is California and 50 state legal, and what is amazing, he has always run it on dealer plates since new, in 1984, so whoever buys it would be its FIRST registered USA owner.


I took these shots last month when Barry let me into his second warehouse.......


(disclaimer: - I have *NO* personal connection with BTE or any personal involvement or interest whatsoever, in the sale of this car. But here it is.)


This car sounds like a 427 Corvette at idle, and when you floor the "go" pedal, it GOES !!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:


A true, unmolested, uber rare, pre-merger, AMG wagon, complete down to the metal AMG build plates on it.


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