it seems to me that parts prices are about the same as my old 97 ford escort"rip"with the eception of rebuiding the motor

if your up to learning how to work on a MB diesel, "and there easer than a gasser'' then price is not that bad.
use this forum. having to have some one else work on it will probely make it cost prohibitive

look for people on this forum that live near you and pm them to see if they will help you look

later
jason

"If you can afford to keep that 308 then you don't need to be worrying about the upkeep cost of an old 123...."

I did not make any assumptions about how you got it....

I am saying that the cost of KEEPING an old 123 .... meaning the same type maintenance having to be done by a shop .... I would think would be something like One Tenth that of a 308.....

And nevermind the difference in having a car that you can afford to just carry liability insurance on... and park it anywhere you want because there are all sorts of parts cars sitting around...

As a teenager I was just SURE I wanted a 275 LM....

Hi.

This might not be an option but its just intended
to be a suggestion.

Sell the 308, depending on year and mileage you
should easily get $20K , then buy a nice
low mileage w123 coupe dies/gas, with full service
history and paper work to back it up.
Should be about $8k-$10K and this still leave you
with $$$$$$ to fix it for the next few years


This would also make your wife happier for sure since you
wouldn't need to" ...labor = overtime = less time with the wife = having to hear about not being home enough".

As said before its only a suggestion.

Louis.

I've had a lot of problems with mine, but still have under ten grand in it after four years.

Mine cost $35,000 new in 1983...would be twice that amount new in today's dollars, PLUS you'd have to deal with a lot of electronics going up.

Coupe quirks...slightly shorter wheelbase than sedans, so handles differently...regulators for rear quarter windows NEVER work well...so always leave those windows UP. The front doors are big and heavy, as on the Volvo "Bertone" and other coupes of the era. Any glass or exterior trim part for the coupe will be EXPENSIVE...in contrast to sedan parts, which are plentiful and cheap.

A very comfortable car to drive...eye-catching, the best "investment" you may find in a W123.

Suggested reading: "Illustrated Mercedes-Benz Buyer's Guide" by Frank Barrett, a $20 paperback that has all you need to make an informed decision on a used Mercedes...a recent issue of Mercedes Enthusiast, a UK publication, did a feature on the W123s, with a strong focus on the coupe.

Good luck.

Probably get upwards of $35,000.....

Clearly you are not a Ferrari owner so thanks for the suggestion, but not an option.

The MB is intended as another car, not a replacement...and by the way...given the condition, miles, number of awards won, etc...minimum $40,000 + in the southern states, more in the Northeast.

As far as the wife goes...she will continue to have to cope...otherwise I could find a newer model

That is 'upwards of $35,000'..... .
and could be a lot more if it is THE famous one....
Did you perhaps get it from Robin Masters ?

Hehehehe.... your wife doesn't read this forum does she.

__________________
'10 Chrysler T&C Stow-N-Go White. Grandpa's ride.

'13 Chrysler 200 Touring Candy Red. Grandma's ride.

Age and cunning will always over come youth and vigor.

Looks like Magnums...I wish I knew how to post pics, although most MB guys probably don't care.

As for the wife...I hope she doesn't read this.

I have been thinking as I look through the Auto Trader...there are alot more nice 4 dr 123s available than coupes...and when asked, my wife said she likes the 4 dr better (she says classier look, more functional for family purposes)...maybe I will consider a 4dr. I have seen some recent ads for 1 owner low miles excellent condition MB 123 diesels and gas....spoke to my uncle who knows a little bit about engines...told me I should only get a diesel...runs forever, just have to keep up with the fuel fitler etc. Said a gas engine with 100k+ miles may need a rebuild, whereas a diesel, if properly maintained, will run for longer than me (I only put about 2500-5000 miles/year on my cars.)

So, any input on the 4dr vs. 2 dr?

The questions that you are asking are all about personal choice.
The four door is more functional but the two door has a sportier look. The gas engine is quieter and has better acceleration. The diesel had more durability and better fuel economy.

It does not make any difference what I say, or your uncle says, or anybody else for that matter. It's a matter of personal choice.

Go out and DRIVE them.

Well said!

Just trying to get some opinions...if it is true that high mileage gases may need a rebuild as apposed to a dsl, I want to avoid the added expense.

Just want a nice classic...that my wife won't give me grief about (thus the possible change to a 4dr)

You HAVE sporty -----the 308---- go for functional and pleasing the wife...

Diesels usually will go for more miles without requiring major engine work. However, that said, the condition of the vehicle that you are considering is far more important. If a gasoline engine was well taken care of and has documented oil changes on a regular basis, and was not driven like a racecar, there is every likelyhood that the engine can go 250K miles without major engine work. On the flip side, there are diesels that need major engine work at 150K miles because they were not very well taken care of.

My own SD needs a head gasket at 180K. 20 year old head gasket finally gave up the ghost. This could be considered major engine work if you had to have a mechanic do it.

I would drive both the diesel and the gasoline versions first. If you find that you prefer one over the other from a driveability standpoint then select the best example that you can afford. The longevity of the diesel should not be your primary consideration.

I think the major advantage of our OLD diesels is the lack of electrical stuff to go wrong... most importantly of course is the ignition...

Now I know why you don't trust a helicopter engine...............................GAS MOTORS WITH SPARK IGNITION!