Merc owners/enthusiasts

[B92 8NW]

I'm wondering if there are any W123 Merc owners on the forum? Particularly after info on 280E models with the M110 straight 6, but also 230E's

What to look for in used models, strengths/weaknesses etc.

cheers

[redrover3]

Sorry, w201 driver here but there are a fair few forums catering to old Mercs. I'll see if can find an appropriate one. Generally speaking, they're fairly hardy. Wear and tear and mechanical items are reasonably priced but trim and interior items can be expensive. The Mercedes wreckers all want a fortune.
Tony

[redrover3]

OZBENZ - Australian Mercedes-Benz Forums • View forum - W123 (http://ozbenz.net/viewforum.php?f=5)
Try that, it's w123 specific.
Tony

[harry]

the 280e is a good car, sorry don't know much about w123, got a 107 myself,
the 280e is a real goer and was in its day pretty dam good - the big motor in the little body.
ozbenz is a good site and they are good with parts

[spudboy]

W123 - Last of the beautifully built Mercedes! (OK maybe the W126 is good too.....)

The M110 is a glorious engine. Extremely reliable and capable of extreme mileages if serviced properly. It is a bit thirsty if you fang it, but cruising around town I get about 12.5L/100.

The 230E Engine is an excellent 4 cyl and on a par with the M110. Better fuel economy and 230Es seem to be a bit more nimble than the 280Es, maybe because they are a bit lighter.

I've got an '83 280CE (2 door Coupe) and it is the best long distance cruiser. Not super fast off the line but one you get up and going they zing along. Pretty floaty suspension, but you don't buy one to race WRXs around the corners.

If you like Land Rovers, you'll like the W123. Fully rebuildable. Spare parts readily available and not that expensive.

As RedRover3 said - try posting up on OzBenz with any questions. I am a member there so maybe I can answer!

If you're going to buy one, make sure the body is in good nick, as the mechanical stuff is OK to fix but the body stuff is more complicated/expensive. If you're getting one with a sunroof, check the channels as they can block up with gunk (leaves/dirt/etc) and rust and then it is uneconomical to fix it (big job).

What else can I say - I love mine a lot :D

[PAT303]

I have two Bell haulers with 205kw/1100nm @ 2200rpm straight 6 merc's with 6 speed ZF auto's that haul ar&e with 20 tonne on the back.That would be a set-up in a defender.If it's merc,it's good. Pat

[big guy]

I bought my mother a 230E.
they are not called Panzer wagon for nothing.

She lives is stirling in adelaide hills and does lots of k's.
Not the best body wise, she dings it up too much and was cheap.
reliable? definately yes.

Her next one is going on gas from memory!

i am looking for a good one as we speak.

Best of luck, here in sa we have a top mech that works from home, he is an absolute MB legend and does not charge the earth.

[spudboy]

Frank - would you be thinking of Barrie Green down in Norwood? He's getting on a bit now but does nice work for sure. He's the man that looks after my 280CE.

[B92 8NW]

Thanks for the replies!

What's "Antiblockiersystem" ?

[spudboy]

Anti-Lock Braking (ABS). Not many W123s will have this as it was an optional extra, and it will only be on the later 83/84/85 models......

[B92 8NW]

Anti-Lock Braking (ABS). Not many W123s will have this as it was an optional extra, and it will only be on the later 83/84/85 models......

Ahh so that is where the acronym came from:D.

thanks.

[spudboy]

If you're going to get one, make sure it has the matching service history. It is not unheard of for people to knock off 100,000 or 200,000km from the Odometer!

[B92 8NW]

If you're going to get one, make sure it has the matching service history. It is not unheard of for people to knock off 100,000 or 200,000km from the Odometer!

No worries - I'm keeping my eyes on one owned by an elderly friend, she has owned since new and I doubt she will be driving for much longer. I've looked in a few very dodgy car yards [Moorabbin area if you know it] for laughs more than anything, I'd be willing to bet they have wound them back.

They also had a 95 ES D1, it was being driven around with a tyre flat down to the alloy rim:eek:. Heads up!!!!:D

[big guy]

Spudboy

It sure is barrie Green.

He looked after my old 280SEL and now after the Panzer wagon.
I must have send 10 people there, he also looks after a friends immaculate daily driver a 380slc.
the older convertible.

Barrie is very knowlegable.

Hope all is well.

[George130]

AllI have left in the merc department is a box of parts.
Shocks, bearings, piston rings and the like. Keep meaning to get rid of it.

[spudboy]

What do the shocks fit? W123 280CE by any chance? Would they be Boge or Bilstien? Do you want get rid of them......?

[B92 8NW]

What do the shocks fit? W123 280CE by any chance? Would they be Boge or Bilstien? Do you want get rid of them......?

That's the model my old man had. I'd love to pick up the same:(. Even have a box of brake pads, relays etc for it!

[George130]

What do the shocks fit? W123 280CE by any chance? Would they be Boge or Bilstien? Do you want get rid of them......?
I will dig the bits out. They have been sitting in the garage for 5 years now so happy for them to go to a good home.

[George130]

OK. Just been through the box and it contains the following

5 * Filters R2098P
Disy M115 220/230 (Code GB633)
Disy 190c (Code GB72)
240 D STD B/E Bearings
Valve stem seal set for m180/m127
Seal Ring Diff Axle 003 997 8347
STD B/E Bearings 3.5
Fan Belt 003 997 6892
Big fan belt unknown
5 * Inlet Valve M110
5 * Valve ???
1 * Valve ???
1 * Valve ???
Pressure relief valve ???
Guides? part no 000 053 17 58
Guides? part no 180 050 03 24
3 sparks BP6E S
Monroe shocks W123 rears
blistein single shock w116


I no longer have a use for any of these parts as my 240D went to scrap.
I do know where I can get a lot of parts for mercs ranging from very old through to the 80's. The guy has stripped a heap of cars and has about 10 still sitting in various condition from running to no hope

PM me if any of these parts a usefull to the merc faithfull