W123 wagon or sedan? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

strelnik · #1 02-15-2010, 07:08 PM

I am now seriously considering joining the cheap wgon club to replace my green *****box gasser when it gives up the ghost. It has 203,000 miles and is 18 years old, starting to rust apart. Nevertheless, not buying anything saves me money to allocate for a wagon.

So the question is: should I get a 300 wagon? Is the self-leveling system sturdy or should I expect to spend BIG money overhauling it as soon as I get it?

What are the flaws of the wagon body/chassis?

What's the consensus? Otherwise, I'll get a second W123 sedan.

Thanks!

kerry · #2 02-15-2010, 07:13 PM

There are no flaws in the 300TD. The SLS is pure genius.

aaa · #3 02-15-2010, 07:14 PM

The flaw of the wagon is that it's hard to find. You are more likely to find a sedan in better condition. I would just keep an eye out for either.

Biodiesel300TD · #4 02-15-2010, 07:17 PM

I vote wagon. You may not always need the extra space but when you do it's nice to have. I get a consistent 24mpg in mine and I don't drive particularly conservative with it.

I just posted a thread about the SLS. Have a read through it - http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=271570
The SLS can be expensive to fix, but most of the expensive parts aren't what go bad in the systems. The most common problems are leaking valve and bad accumulators. The pump is what can cost a ton, but it can be rebuilt, it just needs some new seals, they don't often physically break. The struts are the next expensive part but again usually last a long time. Accumulators run about $100 each. Even the newest 123 is 25 years old so it's gonna need some attention. I've had mine for 5 years, and all I've done to my SLS is rebuild the leveling valve and replace the accumulators, and I think it's about time to rebuild my pump as well. All of this will have cost me about $250 over the past 5 years.

NoSparkNeeded · #5 02-15-2010, 07:24 PM

I've ALWAYS loved station wagons. For most of my life I've had one as a beater, even if I had a truck at the same time. My 300TD has way above beater status, but is still useful. MB Wagons are a bit unusual so I like that as well. Wagons have a bit of a premium price wise but not that much. Besides,if you don't have a truck, they are quite useful, to go to the lumber yard, get gardening stuff, help your friends move, whatever. I'd say if I had to have only one vehicle, it would HAVE to be a wagon, or an SUV like a G-wagen.The 79-85 wagons also are beginning to have a cult following of sorts. On a practical basis, I rarely if ever, have really used the functionality of my MB wagon in the couple years I've had it, since I also have a truck, so if I had only a 300D, it would serve me as well. My wife has an 84 SD, so if we needed comfort for more than 2, that works. If we need "luxury" we take the XJS, although we rarely drive it now. Get a wagon,hehe, I love mine.

layback40 · #6 02-15-2010, 09:11 PM

X2 Get a wagon. The best of both worlds!!

Aquaticedge · #7 02-15-2010, 09:24 PM

my wagon isnt a 123, but when it runs I love the car, and I thought I'd never need the room but Surprise I've used that cargo space more then I ever thought I would

strelnik · #8 02-15-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

my wagon isnt a 123, but when it runs I love the car, and I thought I'd never need the room but Surprise I've used that cargo space more then I ever thought I would

Any wagons down in Florida? What should I look for regarding rust on a Florida car, especially a wagon?

t walgamuth · #9 02-15-2010, 09:54 PM

An 82 or newer wagon should be fairly rust free if it has not had too rough a life. They will leak around the windshield and around the hatch window. Both places can be caulked. Rusty floor under the seat is the result of the windshield leaking and the hatch will rust out on the bottom. there is not adequate drainage in the hatch so make sure the holes in the bottom are clear.

Codifex Maximus · #10 02-15-2010, 09:57 PM

Wagons got the utility and a pretty nice ride. Nother vote for Wagon.

strelnik · #11 02-15-2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codifex Maximus

Wagons got the utility and a pretty nice ride. Nother vote for Wagon.

See any in Texas? I don't want one that's ok except for the rod knock and loss of third gear...

Codifex Maximus · #12 02-15-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

See any in Texas? I don't want one that's ok except for the rod knock and loss of third gear...

My brother has one that is not in too bad a shape but would need some work. It's got some interior and exterior issues that could stand some attention. Solid otherwise.

I figure you'd want a looker though. I'll try to keep an eye peeled.

Biodiesel300TD · #13 02-15-2010, 10:30 PM

Another place to look for rust on the wagons is the bottom of the hatch. There are no drains in the bottom of the hatch. So when leaks happen and water gets into the hatch it has no way to get out.