I'm looking at a 300CD 1984 123 body on it. What is your opinion on a car like this??? Anything I should be looking for?????Any help would be appreciated!

I had a 1982 300CDT for 2 years & it was GREAT.

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I have an 85 300CD. Good car. Check over the vacuum system (door locks, tranny shifts) and the Air/Heat system--both can be a nuisance if they're not working.

You didn't say how many miles on the car. In general, nothing major goes wrong before 200K. After that, you'll want to check over the transmission carefully.

All the other aspects just need regular checking. I'd recommend a pre-purchase-inspection from an MB dealer or a good independent. Cost $200 or so, but probably well worth it.

Dweller,

Ok you aked for my opinion: The only thing more stupid than a two door car (two seat sports cars excluded) is the guy who buys one. Just MY opinion so don't be offended.

P E H

P E H,

It is simply the look I like. Fact is, no one has ever ridden in the back seat of my coupe. No children and I have a back up car (Subaru Outback) and truck (Chevy diesel).

I'm just taken with the coupe's overall appearance. The couple of inches off the length and height of a 300D sedan, coupled with the effect of the roofline, creates a very classic wedge appearance. All in the eye of the beholder, of course.

It is also very nice to put all windows down and open the sunroof. You may have noticed that there are very few "true" coupes out there. Most two door cars have a support pillar behind the door.

But I understand your thinking. I'm kind of that way with pick up trucks. Why would anyone buy a full size pick up with a 6 ft. bed when they can get an 8 ft. bed (and lay a piece of plywood down on the floor without opening the tailgate)????

Final observation, over time I believe the coupes will hold their value better......but given the money I pour into mine that is not really a factor.

Nic
'85 300CD

Hi elatu,

Welcome to this forum. 123 diesels are the best!!! Just search this forum and you will find out tons of helpful repair tips and get a good idea of what goes wrong, what to look for, and how to keep them up without spending too much $$$.

Check for oil consumption, tranny slippage, heat and a/c function. Check for too much oil in the air filter area. More than a light film could be a cause for concern. Vacuum problems are, in my opinion, trivial. Vacuum hose is cheap but the whole car functions on vacuum pressure so it has to be maintained. Can be hard to find the problem but easy to fix once you do. Keep us posted.

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1982 300D Turbo "Helga"
380,000 miles

I have an '83 300CD. I was ready to buy just about any W123/116/126 in a good condition locally (NE)
I finally decided on this 300CD.

I must say check out all the basic OM617 stuff (incl. transmission)
+ Check for the rear windows! They better work. They cost a lot of money to fix.

Other than that, I think the coupe is very nice.
I think I still would be happier with a low-mileage late-model 280CE. However, that's quite a dream.

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

I have had mine for about six months and have only put 6,000 mile on her.
I love the car. It is a 85 with 300,000 on her. I am the third owner.
I do all my own wrenching.
I have a fix it list and a wan't list. I am about a third of the way thru it.
What other car would you even consider with over 250,ooo miles.
Drive their wheels off and enjoy.
Oh yes I am six six and that added room of the bigger door is great. But god help the poor soul that tries to get in the back seat. We call him "slim."
Charlie

Thanks people for the input!!! My parents have owned MB's since the 70's. Their last car was a 1979 300SD with a 450SL body. With over 600,000 miles on it they finally retired the old girl about 10 years ago! They bought a Subaru Legacy Station wagon, because they did'nt like the new MB's.
Is it just me, but there isn't a nicer sound than a 123 body's door shutting!!!! I've looked at the newer MB's but they are just not the same.
I'm looking at this 300CD for myself, and considering the fact that my husband and I are into big rigs, this would definitely be a nice change! I am tired of driving the Ford F-350 Diesel and the gas guzzling Dodge Dakota with a 318 in it!
The car I am looking at has just over 190,000 miles on it, and has had extensive work done to it including a rebuilt tranny.
I think I am going to go for it! I will keep you all posted!!!!

I do love the sound that the older MB's make when you shut their doors. Though I must admit that the new CLK does sound really solid when you shut the door. However it doesn't have the 'weight' that the R129 or the G-Wagen do.

I checked out a W126 and talked to the guy at the dealer about these old cars. He ended up knockin on the W126's body and compared the sound to a C43!! He was like "hey it's different"

Anyway, good luck.

Check this out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1817805233&r=0&t=0

Dream come true... if only the car was closer to me.

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe