Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim B.
w123 if no rust or repaired damage, the diesels are everlasting. best finds are are lifetime So Cal units. often idemnifiable easily with blue/gold licence plates, usuallyalpha numericsequences xxxxxx-rxx 1977) to about 1MNN-xxx.
or blue/gold personalized plates. The diesels are the favored ones. but won't win any drag races, though.
So Cal has year round mild temps = no rust and snow/salt plus it is ground zero for car culture in the world ----- yes, the world, so many fanatical owners, many shops to repair them, detail them, paint them, repair them and keep them in good condition are everywhere around..with time luck patience you can nab a nice one, parts are not too hard to find, plus they will run to a million miles and beyond and they are easy to work on.
Just about are the w124 models, from 1986-1995, but if later ones - 1992-1995 be sure they have the updated non biodegradeable wiring harness.
love these ones, they too are everlasting, and also million-milers, just about all that can kill them is driver error, said my mechanic, who drives one.
And in these days of "me too cars, these ones sport impeccable build quality.
And can NEVER be mistaken for anything but a Mercedes-Benz.
Good luck in the hunt for one.
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The problem with a W123 is that the insurance is going to be 30 percent higher because of a lack of ABS and airbags.
Fine cars in their day, but not really a practical daily driver unless you have loads of free time or money to pay a mechanic and a backup vehicle.
Spare parts quality is a big issue now, most parts (even dealer)are not the same quality as what they left the factory with. Oil cooler hoses and motor mounts...I'm looking at you.
The third issue is that these cars are maintenance and repair intensive and considering the driving experience, high costs of diesel, and the low residual value I wouldn't recommend one to any of my customers as a sensible choice to buy as a daily driver.