Merc 300d (w123)

[Hssl]

Looking at a cheap tank - prices seem not too bad for LOS But what's the spares and service going to cost me compared to the usual Toyota/Honda.

Anyone got any thoughts?

[stingray]

123 models are not so cheap as 2 years ago. Buy one with engine swap, like 1 JZ or 2JZ. Better and cheaper tu run. But for a good one you have to pay about 180'k, for 120'k you are beable to find one, but it will be junk.

[MikeyIdea]

Spares and service for a 300 w123 should be less than double a Toyota, not too bad. You want status, you pay for it

[stingray]

From another topic, if it's auto and theres a problem, forget it.

If it have engineswap, than it's allways automatic. No probs with Toyota auto trannies. Not worth to buy with the original diesel engine. No power and noisy rattles. Gasoline engines run smooth and the 1 JZ or 2JZ you can run with LPG. Plenty of power.

[katabeachbum]

used to have one in Scandinavia, a 1978 in 1990-1991 as I remember. 88 hp was it? yellow with green interior. Payed 65.000 baht and sold it 80k km and a yearandhalf later at 90.000 baht. needed a full spare battery in the trunk to start with jumpercables when colder than minus 10 Centigrades. not one single problem, except odometer stopped at +500k km and speedo vibrated. blended diesel with used cooking oil when I was broke. used earplugs when travelling long distance

[katabeachbum]

From another topic, if it's auto and theres a problem, forget it.

If it have engineswap, than it's allways automatic. No probs with Toyota auto trannies. Not worth to buy with the original diesel engine. No power and noisy rattles. Gasoline engines run smooth and the 1 JZ or 2JZ you can run with LPG. Plenty of power.

My pal had a Merc 300 straight six diesel and it was the nuts, quiet (inside) and went like a rocket off the line. Even my E220 5sp auto was incedibly quiet and for a 4 pot had amazing power, on start up, couldn't hear it running (inside). BUT in LOS, no.

300 straight six, thats a 124 after 1986 I beleive.

In 2000-2001 I had a E220 CDi estate 5 speed auto. Avantgarde, dark blue met with creme leather. Wish I could by a new one here at 2 mill baht

[stingray]

used to have one in Scandinavia, a 1978 in 1990-1991 as I remember. 88 hp was it? yellow with green interior. Payed 65.000 baht and sold it 80k km and a yearandhalf later at 90.000 baht. needed a full spare battery in the trunk to start with jumpercables when colder than minus 10 Centigrades. not one single problem, except odometer stopped at +500k km and speedo vibrated. blended diesel with used cooking oil when I was broke. used earplugs when travelling long distance

Thats a really old one, think my pals was about 1998, my E220 was 2002, loved it.

The topic was about the W123 model. Of corse they are old (70ties until 84). They are no problem and "bulled proof". Those are actually the best benzes they ever built. New ones are all crap. Full of electronic sensors and chips, which cost huge money if something fails and the new ones allways fail.

W123 Bodys is maybe the best "cheap car" choice for Thailand (below 200'k).

[ignis]

In the Village [63 houses only] there are 3, 1998 x2 and a 1990 all 3 are diesel W123, all 3 have the same noisy clatter when they go up the road, the Red one is in showroom condition, the dark blue one not far behind, the black one I have often spoken to the owner, he drives into BKK 6x week that is over 100km round trip, [over 600 km per week !!] this guy bought a brand new Toyota Fortuna in 2007 to replace the old 123 Benz 300D, yet he loves the old Benz. He drives 1x per month into the City in the Fortuna just to keep everything working and do a Service 1x per year.

My house was one of the last built in April 2004, all 3 Benz were here when I moved in.. so 6 year on and all 3 still have the same engines in them..

[katabeachbum]

In the Village [63 houses only] there are 3, 1998 x2 and a 1990 all 3 are diesel W123, all 3 have the same noisy clatter when they go up the road, the Red one is in showroom condition, the dark blue one not far behind, the black one I have often spoken to the owner, he drives into BKK 6x week that is over 100km round trip, [over 600 km per week !!] this guy bought a brand new Toyota Fortuna in 2007 to replace the old 123 Benz 300D, yet he loves the old Benz. He drives 1x per month into the City in the Fortuna just to keep everything working and do a Service 1x per year.

My house was one of the last built in April 2004, all 3 Benz were here when I moved in.. so 6 year on and all 3 still have the same engines in them..

hmm, 123 sedan stopped making in august 1983, estate in august 1984, as I recall. The 5pot 300 diesel replaced with a straight six 300

1998 is a 210 as I recall, 220 4 pot, 270 5 pot and 320 sixpot, all commonrail diesels. 270 still being used in some Korean suvs/vans

[Loz]

I think some people just mean " E class" when the say w123. I had a W108 250s for a year (last year) No major probs and it had been stood 4.5 years. I gave it a good once over an new battery and it was fine. It had an ENgine swap thought. Nissan LD28 six banger oil burner. It smoked a bit but never let me down. I was able to get the odd part that I wanted too. and when I couldn't I could get something fabricated.

No probs owning an old benz (mine was 1967) if thats what you like.

I have a sportrider now and like it. The benz was indeed special. WHat I have now is just more everyday drivable.

[ignis]

http://www.one2car.com/MERCEDES-BENZ_E-CLASS/C08100159

or http://www.one2car.com/MERCEDES-BENZ_E-CLASS/C09100316

What model is this Please ? Lots of this model For Sale and on the road....... In a Thai mag I have in front of me it shows W123 300D from 1988 - 1992

[ignis]

In the Village [63 houses only] there are 3, 1998 x2 and a 1990 all 3 are diesel W123, all 3 have the same noisy clatter when they go up the road, the Red one is in showroom condition, the dark blue one not far behind, the black one I have often spoken to the owner, he drives into BKK 6x week that is over 100km round trip, [over 600 km per week !!] this guy bought a brand new Toyota Fortuna in 2007 to replace the old 123 Benz 300D, yet he loves the old Benz. He drives 1x per month into the City in the Fortuna just to keep everything working and do a Service 1x per year.

My house was one of the last built in April 2004, all 3 Benz were here when I moved in.. so 6 year on and all 3 still have the same engines in them..

hmm, 123 sedan stopped making in august 1983, estate in august 1984, as I recall. The 5pot 300 diesel replaced with a straight six 300

1998 is a 210 as I recall, 220 4 pot, 270 5 pot and 320 sixpot, all commonrail diesels. 270 still being used in some Korean suvs/vans

Opp that is 2x 1988 models..... typing error

[Hssl]

88HP is correct, maybe a little too sluggish for my lead filled right foot! What about the petrol versions, will i need to buy shares in PTT?

[INTJ]

One of the best Mercedes ever built, look for one with a 1JZ Toyota engine and LPG. They are also prone to rot so have a good poke around, also lift up the carpets and look at the footwells etc.

Other expensive fixes are sloppy steering boxes (look for excessive free play as you drive in a straight line), these can only be adjusted so far, and whining rear differentials. There are almost no good condition used spares available for these 2 parts.

taladrod.com is your best bet, there are always loads for sale......and as stingray said, the nice ones are getting more expensive by the year. Just set the search parameter to Benz and price under 200K

http://www.taladrod.com/w20/Search/CarDet3.aspx?cib=400524

190's are getting down to the 200K mark now too.

Get a good one and you will love it. For anyone that doesn't know the W123 here's a pic.

Cheers

Edited June 3, 2010 by INTJ

[nakhonsi sean]

Excellent car, have had mine (1977) for almost four years. Been very reliable and has huge mileage on it. Servicing and spares have been no problem and very cheap. The thing just keeps going.

[katabeachbum]

In the Village [63 houses only] there are 3, 1998 x2 and a 1990 all 3 are diesel W123, all 3 have the same noisy clatter when they go up the road, the Red one is in showroom condition, the dark blue one not far behind, the black one I have often spoken to the owner, he drives into BKK 6x week that is over 100km round trip, [over 600 km per week !!] this guy bought a brand new Toyota Fortuna in 2007 to replace the old 123 Benz 300D, yet he loves the old Benz. He drives 1x per month into the City in the Fortuna just to keep everything working and do a Service 1x per year.

My house was one of the last built in April 2004, all 3 Benz were here when I moved in.. so 6 year on and all 3 still have the same engines in them..

hmm, 123 sedan stopped making in august 1983, estate in august 1984, as I recall. The 5pot 300 diesel replaced with a straight six 300

1998 is a 210 as I recall, 220 4 pot, 270 5 pot and 320 sixpot, all commonrail diesels. 270 still being used in some Korean suvs/vans

Opp that is 2x 1988 models..... typing error

so all 3 are 124 cars then, with 4 pot 200, 5 pot 250 or six pot 300 diesels.

I am afraid the quality of 124 was far below 123 cars.

[ignis]

so all 3 are 124 cars then, with 4 pot 200, 5 pot 250 or six pot 300 diesels.

I am afraid the quality of 124 was far below 123 cars.

Just been talking to the old Thai Guy that has the black one, it is 100% a W123 300D.... Up the Village there is a W124 but a newer type but is a 1990, opposite is a 1998 W211, next door to this house they have a slab sided 'S' Class

[katabeachbum]

so all 3 are 124 cars then, with 4 pot 200, 5 pot 250 or six pot 300 diesels.

I am afraid the quality of 124 was far below 123 cars.

Just been talking to the old Thai Guy that has the black one, it is 100% a W123 300D.... Up the Village there is a W124 but a newer type but is a 1990, opposite is a 1998 W211, next door to this house they have a slab sided 'S' Class

well, you never know in asia, but if he s got a 3000cc 5 pot its likely to be a W123. perhaps they introduced W124 5-10 years later here.

post 18 and 19 have pictures of W123, the squared headlights in post 19 are for 300D after 1981 and other later models only.

[ignis]

In the Village [63 houses only] there are 3, 1998 x2 and a 1990 all 3 are diesel W123, all 3 have the same noisy clatter when they go up the road, the Red one is in showroom condition, the dark blue one not far behind, the black one I have often spoken to the owner, he drives into BKK 6x week that is over 100km round trip, [over 600 km per week !!] this guy bought a brand new Toyota Fortuna in 2007 to replace the old 123 Benz 300D, yet he loves the old Benz. He drives 1x per month into the City in the Fortuna just to keep everything working and do a Service 1x per year.

My house was one of the last built in April 2004, all 3 Benz were here when I moved in.. so 6 year on and all 3 still have the same engines in them..

hmm, 123 sedan stopped making in august 1983, estate in august 1984, as I recall. The 5pot 300 diesel replaced with a straight six 300

1998 is a 210 as I recall, 220 4 pot, 270 5 pot and 320 sixpot, all commonrail diesels. 270 still being used in some Korean suvs/vans

Opp that is 2x 1988 models..... typing error

so all 3 are 124 cars then, with 4 pot 200, 5 pot 250 or six pot 300 diesels.

I am afraid the quality of 124 was far below 123 cars.

He backed out of his house so took a photo

I am sure this is a W123 the year of this one is 1988

[katabeachbum]

He backed out of his house so took a photo

I am sure this is a W123 the year of this one is 1988

W123 for sure. but could 1988 be the reg book, not the year of make?

I know W123 continued made in Turkey for some years and only for sale in developing countries, but I believe only in LHD. In 1995 in Turkey they could still build you a new W123 300D or TD if you brought them and old body. The taxi owners in Europe and Africa prefered W123 over W124 due to reliablility

Edited June 6, 2010 by katabeachbum

[Hssl]

According to One 2 Car's website W123's can be had as late as 1992! though the lastest i've seen is a 89 on the site -but TIT never take anything at face value - any thoughts on the W123 E230/E280/E300 ??????

[katabeachbum]

According to One 2 Car's website W123's can be had as late as 1992! though the lastest i've seen is a 89 on the site -but TIT never take anything at face value - any thoughts on the W123 E230/E280/E300 ??????

E230 very reliable, 10km/l is doable

E280 often used to little thus probs with fuel system. In the west 180hp but in some developing countries sold with 150 hp (same as 280 GE) to cope with low octane, still with injection. In 280 GE 6-7km/l was doable.

E300 and E260 was new for W124 and had some problems, espesially the 4 valve, but if W123 was available new in LOS after 1985, I have to pass

[stingray]

According to One 2 Car's website W123's can be had as late as 1992! though the lastest i've seen is a 89 on the site -but TIT never take anything at face value - any thoughts on the W123 E230/E280/E300 ??????

E230 very reliable, 10km/l is doable

E280 often used to little thus probs with fuel system. In the west 180hp but in some developing countries sold with 150 hp (same as 280 GE) to cope with low octane, still with injection. In 280 GE 6-7km/l was doable.

E300 and E260 was new for W124 and had some problems, espesially the 4 valve, but if W123 was available new in LOS after 1985, I have to pass

They are not 1989 or 1990. They was importet at that time, but use to drive in Germane for 10 years already and imported as "second hand". You CAN'T count the model year, with the registration date in Thailand's blue book. Most of 500 SEL's are early 90ties overhere, but European manufactor Year as 1982.

[ignis]

They are not 1989 or 1990. They was importet at that time, but use to drive in Germane for 10 years already and imported as "second hand". You CAN'T count the model year, with the registration date in Thailand's blue book. Most of 500 SEL's are early 90ties overhere, but European manufactor Year as 1982.

Maybe we now have the problem, looking at the HISTORY of Benz in Thailand

The W123 was made in Thailand until 1992

The W124 started to be built in Thailand from 1993

Maybe like the 2010 Peugeot 206 there made now brand new in INDONESIA

This model ended some years ago in France

[katabeachbum]

They are not 1989 or 1990. They was importet at that time, but use to drive in Germane for 10 years already and imported as "second hand". You CAN'T count the model year, with the registration date in Thailand's blue book. Most of 500 SEL's are early 90ties overhere, but European manufactor Year as 1982.

Maybe we now have the problem, looking at the HISTORY of Benz in Thailand

The W123 was made in Thailand until 1992

The W124 started to be built in Thailand from 1993

Maybe like the 2010 Peugeot 206 there made now brand new in INDONESIA

This model ended some years ago in France

very good Ignis, confusion LHD W123 after 1984 solved

and in 1993 W124 quality had improved, but never to W123 level

[otherstuff1957]

I owned a number of Benzes back in the States - a couple of 220Ds and a couple of 240Ds. They were all great cars. Rugged, reliable, simple and well made. A w123 or w116 Benz with a Japanese engine will probably be my next car. BTW, you can get them with manual or auto transmissions. I test drove a 230E with a Nissan diesel and 5 speed stick a while ago.

[INTJ]

Ignis "The W123 was made in Thailand until 1992"

Not true.

The last year of production for the W123 in Thailand was 1985, and then only a small number of mainly low spec cars (200E manual) were made at Thonburi. The vast majority of vehicles are registered later than that but they were imported second hand from the UK. The date of registration is not the year of manufacture. Most of the so-called 1989 W123's here are actually late 70's cars.

Cheers

[ignis]

Ignis "The W123 was made in Thailand until 1992"

Not true.

The last year of production for the W123 in Thailand was 1985, and then only a small number of mainly low spec cars (200E manual) were made at Thonburi. The vast majority of vehicles are registered later than that but they were imported second hand from the UK. The date of registration is not the year of manufacture. Most of the so-called 1989 W123's here are actually late 70's cars.

Cheers

I have no idea, only took the info from the History website, also says 'The W123 is argued by many to have been the last 'proper' Mercedes-Benz (assembly of C, E and S class vehicles by the Thonburi Group) The Thailand production ended on June 1992 with the rare 5 speed manual E500'

I did drive a 300D for 6 months but that was in the late 70's in Portugal

[katabeachbum]

Ignis "The W123 was made in Thailand until 1992"

Not true.

The last year of production for the W123 in Thailand was 1985, and then only a small number of mainly low spec cars (200E manual) were made at Thonburi. The vast majority of vehicles are registered later than that but they were imported second hand from the UK. The date of registration is not the year of manufacture. Most of the so-called 1989 W123's here are actually late 70's cars.

Cheers

makes sense. if made outside Thailand (for UK market?), 10th digit in VIN is modelyear. Thai made vehicles usually replace this with 0, makes modeleyear logistic simpler in a small protected market

Until 1997, secondhand imports form UK and Japan was common, due to low importduties. Later these vehicles become "newer" models due to thai reg stating only reg year, not actual modelyear.