"Agrajag" (Agrajag)
02/14/2014 at 23:09 • Filed to: w123
7
8|
"Agrajag" (Agrajag)
02/14/2014 at 23:09 • Filed to: w123 | 7
| 8 |
Looking for a cheap reliable used car? That 240d caught your eye? Yes, they are reliable, but as with any old vehicle there are things to look out for.
There is a famous saying: "The most expensive car in the world is a cheap Mercedes."
The w123 and to some extent the w124 are about the only exceptions to this rule. Largely due to their extensive use as taxis. Because of this, there is a huge aftermarket for reasonably priced parts. It's when you are limited to Mercedes parts that things get expensive fast.
When looking for parts, you will see a large variation in prices. The cheapest will generally be junk, but the slightly more expensive will be good quality and still reasonably priced.
Here we'll compare part pricing against another cheap and easy to maintain car.
Tie Rod ends for a
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and for my 1982
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So parts can be cheap, but that cheap car can still get expensive fast. Next are some vehicle specific things to look out for(things I learned after buying one).
1. Water and Rust
-Pull the mats and check for any signs that water was present. That alone isn't reason to discount it as long as the floor boards are still in okay condition.
-If water is present on passenger side it is most likely because of this guy.
When the battery tray rusts out like this you will most likely have this underneath.
That's the inside of the car. Again, not necessarily a reason to avoid the purchase, as it is a relatively easy repair.
-If the water is on the driver/both sides it is likely from the drains just in front of the windshield. They have baffles inside of them to direct water flow, and it's possible they've corroded and water is leaking inside.
Lastly, check the hood hinge pockets under the hood. Water drains down the side of the windshield into these pockets,which have a hole that drains out the wheel well liner. Those holes are easily clogged and neglected which can lead to rusted out hinge pockets. That can be a bad one. A quick test is pour water at the top edges of the windshield, if it pours out from the wheel well liner, all is good.
*Note that when battery tray has caused a hole in the firewall, this is how water gets into the car.
2. Transmission
-If a manual; make sure it works.
-If an automatic; shift timing and hardness are vacuum controlled. If it takes a long time to shift or jerks hard on shifting, it is most likely a vacuum tuning issue. It will require some testing !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , but again, not a reason to pass the car by.
3. Rear Control Arms
- These are prone to rusting out underneath where the shock sits. It's difficult to see without the car lifted, but if you feel around the area it will be apparent. This is at best a $900 repair for someone to do.
Don't forget to check the normal things like, steering components, CV boots, exhaust system, working lights, horn, wipers etc...
These are the items I've discovered through ownership that are unique to this model. Hope it helps, and if there are any I've missed that you know of put them in the replies.
Thanks for reading.
*all images stolen from the webz with the exception of lead image.
desertdog5051
> Agrajag
02/14/2014 at 23:25 |
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Great advice. Thanks.
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Agrajag
> desertdog5051
02/15/2014 at 00:13 |
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Thank you.
ozkar0rtiz
> Agrajag
02/15/2014 at 00:48 |
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I love the looks my 300D gets when i drive pass the students in H.S.
Saving money to do a full suspension overhaul. Rotors and pads already ordered.
Slave2anMG
> Agrajag
02/15/2014 at 09:10 |
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This was mine. Manual transmission but with power windows and sunroof. Slow enough to time acceleration with a sun dial. Stupid reliable, cheap to run. I still miss the old thing...
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Agrajag
> Slave2anMG
02/15/2014 at 09:25 |
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Awesome. What happened to yours?
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Slave2anMG
> Agrajag
02/15/2014 at 09:54 |
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LIke a fool I sold it....for a '91 300D 2.5...much faster, as great a car as the W123 except for its propensity to break the automatic tranny when my wife was driving it. Never did figure out how she did that; she also had 190s that broke the automatics. Weird.
I bought the W123 with 113K on the clock in 1991; kept it for 5 years, letting it go in 1996 with 187K. Last I heard (years ago) it was pushing 300K...no surprise that!
gophur
> Agrajag
02/19/2014 at 12:34 |
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Is there anyone restoring these on a regular basis? I'd love one for my DD.
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Agrajag
> gophur
02/19/2014 at 14:34 |
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If you mean one of us, there was one other person I know of on OPPO that has one, but I believe they were getting rid of it. I'm constantly doing things to mine, but it will never be a showroom level car.
They do make a great DD, but I'd suggest it as a second car if you appreciate speed.