Hello all,

I need advice for the following:

I live in Australia and I am considering to purchase a W123 280TE model year 1981. It originally came from Hong Kong and has Hong Kong compliance plates. I heard that they are going to be up coming classic cars. I have 1 questions to ask:

1) Will it affect the value of the car because it is not complied in Australia? Is it worth purchasing it or should I wait for a wagon with Australia compliance?

We have found that cars that are complied overseas are half price, but this particular car is in fantastic condition.

PLEASE ADVISE ME ON THIS MATTER

Thank you very much


Christian


86 W124 230TE
97 W202 C200 Elegance

I have NEVER seen a wagon that is a classic. When I think of classic, I think of the 300sl gullwing or roadster. Or on the up and coming list, how about the 16valve or the 500E. Be careful and don't pay too much.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thank u for ur help but there are not many here in sydney at all and I would like to get one anyway.... I believe they won't be a classic like u say in your terms, but they will b a highly desireable car, since it is the first factory made passenger wagon to come from Mercedes-Benz.

Thank u again

I am a big fan of the 123 wagon myself. If I were to get one, it would be an alternative to a minivan, SUV, or pickup truck, or an "upgrade" for my wife's 95 Subaru wagon. She doesn't like the styling of the 123 wagons, but I think they are roomier than the 124 wagon, and much more affordable than the current E class wagon.

I must agree with Benzmac on the collectibility question; a coupe or convertible would likely be more desirable in a couple decades, but for the utility factor, my needs run more towards hauling lots of luggage and cargo.

Nice thing about the 123's, they are cheap and reliable. I'd seriously consider trading my '84 SD on a 123 wagon in similar condition. To me, the 123 wagon is not the prettiest car MB ever built, but its simplicity and utility are hard to beat.

On a lighter note, I once heard a comedian compare a Mercedes station wagon with a Rolex clock radio...

W123 Wagons are great. I owned an 81 300TD for 18 years and I also hoped they would gained some kind of classic status. But I had to sell it because I rarely used it.

When buying a W123T (S123) be careful, because as they age, even if you take great care of it, they tend to develop problems on these areas:

1/ Water pump and radiator.
2/ Self levelling suspension (rear axle)
3/ Vaccum operated central locking system.
4/ Power windows
5/ Rubber seals

Check very carefully the rear suspension and also check under each carpet for clues on water filtration.

Besides that, the engines are as solid as they come, and the ride is wonderful (more balanced than the sedan due to its 50/50 weight distribution and better brakes).

A. Rosich
95 E 320 T

[This message has been edited by A. Rosich (edited 04-30-2000).]

[This message has been edited by A. Rosich (edited 04-30-2000).]

I just have to say that our shop 280TE that we imported in 1985 has to be one of the great all time cars.

We used it as a shop vehicle for 15 years just retiring it last month for a 91 300TE. We sold it for more than half what we paid for it to one of our mechanics that helped federalize it fifteen years ago.

For years we pulled a 19ft ski boat with it on the week ends.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

Thank u every one for your advice....It really has helped me alot. We have decided that it is that or a 280CE coupe W123. We are now also considering putting a 300E motor into our W124 230TE because nothing compares to a Merc inline 6 and since we carry alot of materials the 4 cylinder at the moment sometimes struggles

Thank u every one again
Christian