to be the backup to my 124. Its an 83 with 300k, new tires brakes, body and interior are good (I am told). $7000 worth of maintenance records. I know what to look for on the 124, but I know the 123 has an iron head and more robust cooling system. I'll check for blowby, leaks, shimmys/rattles etc. How long did the trannys last in these? I am told it has had regular service (attorney owned) but never a rebuild. They are firm at $1700, should I run to it or from it?

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Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K

My tranny has 268k on it (knock on zebrano wood) and Is still fine. I just need to adjust the vacuum since it downshifts weird.

Depends somewhat on the cars overall condition. If really good there is room for a rebuild of the transmission down the road.
It never hurts to have a friend or someone really familiar with 123s to have a look with you. Pre purchase inspection is another good option to accertain it there is or is not a pile of work waiting for you. Not a good thing to really overlook unless you have a pile of experience on this model and know where to look.
It is also my opinion but just an opinion that older 123s are a car for you to maintain. If by chance everything has to be done by garages it should take some real thought if you really want it. I for one would not unless in spectacular current condition. Money pits do exist out there. So do well maintained examples..

I wholeheartedly agree. My W123, I thought, was in great condition. I was able to talk the PO down to 1k due to the abnormal amount of oil dripping off the engine block- all it needed was a valve cover gasket, they were none the wiser. However, If I had known to examine the suspension bushings, drive shaft bearing, trany mount, drive axle boots, (wet) floor boards etc. etc. I would have probably passed on the car. Right now she is a money pit that has very poor high speed driveability. Its really annoying especially because I cant afford to repair those driveability issues.
Nonetheless, I love the car. I just hope someday she will love me back instead of leaving me with a headache and vibrating back when I get out from a drive.

and took it for a drive. 337K mi. Under the hood it had a new battery, but leaked fuel from all the injectors, looked like return lines leaking, fuel was leaking around the secondary fuel filter also. Appeared to need a valve cover gasket. Couldn't tell if it had any other major oil leaks. Rust around the jack mounts and one wheel well. Paint was fair, not shiny. Antenna broken off, nice star in windshield, drivers seat in bad shape, springs and upholstery. Couldn't start it cold as it was warm when I got there. Started ok, was very reluctant to rev from idle til after it had run for a minute or so. When driven, the car seemed very slow. Maybe I am too used to the 124. Seemed like the turbo never kicked in, shifts were crisp but early. Was a bit of a metalic clank from the rear at shifts. Lots of repair records, I didn't go through them. Michelins (good tread left) on all four wheels. New rear brakes. I could have bought it for $1400 but I passed. I figured after I fixed everything I'd have 2K in it and it would still be rusty (by southern standards). I think I can find better for $2K. What do you guys think?

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Muleears
'07 E320 Bluetec 133K my DD
'04 Jaguar XJ8 VDP, 34K
'10 Hyundai Accent 60K Grocery Getter
'02 VW Golf soon to be on the road again
'97 E300 Diesel Son's DD
'61 VERY tolerant wife

Hampton Roads, VA USA

Gone but not forgotten:
'67 250S 95K
'86 300SDL
'87 300D Turbo, 364K! R.I.P.
'98 E300 Turbodiesel, 213K
'02 S420, 164K
'01 Prius 138K

They are great cars, but some of the people selling them are kind of full of it. And you were fortunate to have the car close enough to go out and eyeball it and drive it and you found out real soon that even though it had a list of repairs $7000.00 long, there was still work, and the most obvious and easy work still to be done. Then with beginning rust, I think you did well to PASS on it. Some times things just don't add up.

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

that was the right choice. I was thinking about your thread today as I replaced the supposedly new battery in my 300D. Man, if only I would have known. I have spent over 2500 dollars in parts and repairs ontop of the 1K I paid for the car.
I do hope some day I will break even from this, or at least enjoy driving it without worrying what is needed next, which I know now is a full set of motor mounts and shocks, as I have just discovered that she busted the 2nd air filter housing bracket in 4 mos. and its flopping around like a rag doll on there.

Sorry for complaining, but my g/f is now stranded because our other car just died. I want a Honda.