In this blog entry, I'll be covering Mercedes W123 E-class, specifically 230E/230CE/230TE. Why?
It's because of popular demand (5 readers) requested me to review this Mercedes W123 series.
Above: W123, 230CE with Pillarless side windows.
Below: W123 Sedan. Below below, W123 Touring wagon.
Here are the used prices of W123 230E/230CE/230T in Malaysia:
Year:..............>1980.....1981-82.......83-84.......85-86
Price (RM):......6k/12k....8k/16k........11k/21k...15k/26k
As you can see, 2xxCE and 2xxT (Wagon) costs from 50% more to DOUBLE to buy compared to Sedan versions. This is rough indications. Actual price might vary depending on mileage, Locally assembled or Imported, Specifications, Body conditions...
The Mercedes-Benz W123 cars were produced from 1976 through 1986.
The W123 models surpassed their predecessor, the W114 "slash-8" models, as the most successful Mercedes, selling over 2,5 million cars, before being replaced by the W124 after 1985. Also, the additional, smaller range of Mercedes-Benz W201 models was introduced in 1982.
Naming
As usual, model names were related to engine sizes, type of engine and chassis type
+ D for Diesel,
+ E for Einspritzung (fuel injection)
+ T for Transport and Tourism (estate/station wagon)
+ C for Coupé
Specs
The W123 was the first Mercedes to have a factory-offered station wagon version designated as T-model, as earlier models were converted to station wagons, and long-wheelbase ambulances and hearses only by private companies. The W123 300 TD turbodiesel was one of the first turbodiesel cars on the European market. Because of the peculiar power band, the turbodiesel cars were only available with 4 speed automatic transmission.
Other innovations that its predecessor lacked, included ABS (Not available on Diesel models), a retractable steering column, self-levelling suspension (station wagon only), a safety dashboard and airbag for driver (after 1982/09).
Petrol Engine option:
i) 200 carb 4 speed manual
ii) 230E injection 4 speed manual/4 speed automatic
iii) 280E injection with 4 speed automatic.
The 3-litre diesel engine was actually a 5-cylinder derivate of the 2.4 litre engine from the 240 D.
Available options included leather upholstery, wooden linings, 5-speed manual transmission (European market only), 4-speed automatic transmission, 4-speed manual transmission, rear-facing extra seats (station wagon only), Standheizung, airconditioning, automatic airconditioning, power windows (front and rear), headlamp wipers (European market only), Tempomat (cruise control), power steering (standard after 1982/08), seat heating, CO converter (available from 1984).
Power assisted braking was standard on all W123's.
American version
The American W123's differ from the European W123's, due to U.S.-legislation. Notable differences:
+ Much larger bumpers
+ Sealed-beam headlights
As usual, I don't have a test car to drive/brag about it... All is not lost... I DISHED OUT 1 Buyers guide, 12 owner's review from ALL OVER THE WORLD and 1 Technical specifications.
Here's the buyer's guide:
http://aboutw123.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html
W123 Buying Guide
After checking under the hood you are ready to take a road test, 123 style. You want to check for all the normal things that you would on any test drive but pay particular attention to the transmission shifting and the feel of the suspension as you hit large bumps and potholes. This is when you will hear clunks associated with front or rear suspension bushings. Don't expect blistering acceleration but check for excessive smoke in the rearview mirror which could indicate injection problems.
Without further ado, let's proceed to owner's review
(source: http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/mercedes-benz/w123/)
Owner 1) 1987 Mercedes-Benz W123 200 review from South Africa
"Mercedes Benz is and always will be the best car in the world !"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Silencer replaced with stainless steel one.
Alternator rebuild.
Tappet cover gasket replaced.
Front brake pads replaced.
General comments?
Mercedes Benz is and always will be the best car in the world. This car is the most reliable car I have ever owned.
The build quality of this car is just amazing after 274000km, there is not a single rattle and it is as solid as a rock with no rust, every last feature of the car except the speed control still works after 17 years.
The car is extremely comfortable, and handles excellently. The boot is enormous. It still has it's Becker radio, and the sound quality is excellent. The engine uses almost no oil. It is not too bad on gas about 8 to 10 km/L.
Owner 2) 1986 Mercedes-Benz W123 W 123 200T review from Malaysia
"Superb all rounder. Get a fine specimen and you will not want to part with it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The door locking system is past its best. The vacuum may have been reliable in the past, but is erratic and confusing to operate now. Apparently, it's a pretty common fault on these old Mercs.
I've has it changed recently, and fitted in an alarm system as well. True, nobody's going to steal this old timer, but hey, it's still a Merc!
General comments?
In one sentence, it is a beautiful car!
I have been driving Japanese makes for the past 10 years, my most recent one being a Camry. I thought I'd try out a Merc, just to see... But at the same time, I didn't want and couldn't afford an expensive mistake or a lemon, so I played it 'safe' by getting this old, but pretty reliable model (I did my homework).
This car came from UK. The previous owner brought it back with him when he came home in 1993, and used it until recently.
I will venture to say it is in mint condition; no accidents at all, no rust anywhere (I checked every inch), paintwork original, even the wheel caps are original. Air-con is wonderful.
No leaks, squeaks, rattles, funny sounds nor noises.
The interior is pristine. The dashboard is perfect, not a single crack or mark. The same goes for the door fabrics, all the stitches still in place. The MBtex material is still shiny and unblemished. No unsightly grease marks, prints nor stains anywhere. Credit goes to the previous guy, I'm just doing my best to continue his fine legacy.
The manual sunroof (example below) is still in good condition and doesn't leak, though I seldom use it.
Whatever that's powered or electrical that's suppose to work, works. Period.
The build quality is simply superb. For an 18 year old car, it's quite incredible that there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Structurally sound and bomb proof, I've not seen anything like it.
You need to experience closing those doors to feel what a solid 'thunk' sound like. It is very reassuring.
True, I need to make some adjustments to drive it; placement of hand brake, ignition, main lights, bonnet level, but it is a small matter.
The wagon space is very good for all sorts of stuff imaginable. With the rear seats folded flat, I've actually taken a nap there. Good for two.
The car came with a towing device fitted at the rear bumper, and a roof rack (were these factory fitted?) Very good for the weekend fishing trips with the gang.
It is not a speed demon. You will be disappointed at the traffic lights. At approximately 1,500kgs and 2000cc, it is at best, a cruiser. And what a cruiser!
I think the car is happiest when I'm traveling long distance. Its strength lies not so much in sprinting, but in the marathon.
Then, the engine purrs, the suspension takes in whatever you may care to go over with aplomb. The air con is still strong enough to cool the 7th passenger, and the original Becker is still blaring out the local tunes. (An aside - I found the Becker finger friendly. Much easier to operate than many other modern systems).
This car has a tendency to urge you on. It is a beast to move about at <60 kph, but above that, it excels. If I am not attentive, it will easily go past 140kph without the slightest hint.
It is just so steady and assured, you don't feel any changes in the engine noise; no wailings, no straining, no shudder nor vibration. The car does not shake nor rattle. Just the needle crawling upwards and rightwards.
However, I find the side mirrors a tad smallish. It can be difficult to check for vehicles, especially as the back pillars (D pillars?) are broad. My solution is to stick those little round convex mirrors at the edge of the side mirrors. Ungainly looking, but they help visibility quite a bit.
Though deemed unnecessary, I have also installed rear reverse sensors. (I can't bear to think if I were careless enough to dent the bumper..). Instead of drilling holes in the bumper (classic, by the way), I had the sensors installed just beneath the metal part, so it looks like 2 little black moulds next to the reverse and fog lights. Doesn't look too bad at all, really.
The other sore point is the fuel consumption. I knew beforehand that this is no economical sub 2000cc sipper, but the returns are quite terrible; roughly 60 litres for 350km. As a comparison, my Camry averages 500km. And it's a 2.2
Is this normal? But anyway, given that it is a carburettor, it's old, and pretty heavy, I can live with it. Just another adjustment to make..
Overall, I believe it is a good buy. I love this car and my only regret is I did not own it from day 1.
Owner 3) 1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 230 E review from Sweden
"Timeless modern classic!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Mercedes is quality!
A window crank broke, had to replace it.
There is a vacuum leak that means that the power door locks doesn't operate like it should. This problem is on ALL old MB cars with power locks, and it is almost impossible to find the leaks.
Hit a deer last year in 130 km/h, so I had to replace some sheet-metal, one headlamp and straighten the body. Thanks MB for building tanks like this! I think that a modern Japanese or Korean subcompact had been just a pile of crap after that impact...
The exhaust system leaks.
The 123-series is prone to rust. Lucky for me, my car is 100% free from that!
General comments?
It is extremely quiet and comfortable, except for the seats that is one of the weak points in older MB:s.
I like the design very much! It is timeless, you almost can't believe that it soon is a 30 year old car! At least this model, silver painted with the newer headlamps. The 70's cars looks a little bit dated today in their weird colors (brown, green, orange...) and round headlamps.
The trunk is almost big enough to swallow a dinosaur... (500L)
It is extremely safe, a solid bodywork and heavy weight combined with seatbelt pretensioners and airbag (how many cars had that in 1985?), this 30 year old design still outclasses many new cars!
It was also in very mint condition when I bought it! 2 owners, the last since 1988, and 80 000 km on the meter. Nice!
If they weren't so prone to rust and didn't consume so much fuel, I think that MB still could have sold them today! But probably it is too expensive to build these quality cars today!
The W123 combines classic styling with modern technology. The best of the 60:s with the best of the 80:s. A TIMELESS car!
Owner 4) 1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 280E review from Australia
"A pleasure to drive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Steering box overhaul.
Heater/demister corroded - disconnected.
Starting problem after a short trip.. eg., a short trip to the local grocery.. sometimes you have to wait 10 minutes before it will start for the return journey.. there is no spark delivered to the distributor.. definitely an electrical problems
General comments?
This is an incredible car for its age. The motor has never been overhauled, and although it is a little bit of a growler around town (not to mention quite thirsty), out on the highway, the turbine like qualities of this magnificent in line six come into play.. it's smooth and quiet and unfussed.. seemingly perfectly balanced at any speed over 100km/hr right up to its top speed of around 215km/hr.
Owner 5) 1984 Mercedes-Benz W123 200E review from UK and Ireland
"123's probably the last of the real cars"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Everything still as new.
General comments?
The best car I have owned in 30 years.
Starts first time every time.
The car of my dreams.
Parts so cheap and easily available if required.
Easy to service yourself with bags of room under the bonnet.
Not the most powerful car, but everything else makes up for that.
Absolute pleasure to drive.
6) 1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 200T review from South Africa
"They don't make them like this anymore"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced timing chain and tensioner as soon as I got the car. Also replaced the radiator with a used, reconditioned unit. Overhauled the engine after about a year of ownership. Had driver's seat springs fixed Nothing went wrong ever since overhaul.
General comments?
Unbelievable quality, very rigid suspension. Fitted a sony radio/CD changer, which came out of my beloved Peugeot 404 which was written off (another sad story..)
My car is very quiet, especially on the open road, considering the age and mileage. Low insurance and maintenance costs, as I do the servicing myself. Amazingly service spares are cheaper from the dealer than spares shops!
7)1983 Mercedes-Benz W123 230E review from Philippines
"Perfect"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rust underneath the tailight assemblies, which is normal for the W123 series.
General comments?
This is a great car which would outrun new cars with the same engine specs. A perfect highway cruiser with excellent handling to match. Very comfortable to drive!
8) 1981 Mercedes-Benz W123 230E review from Germany
"A smooth riding classic car with the quality of Mercedes-Benz"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced shocks.
Replaced muffler.
Replaced brake pads.
Tightened Timing Belt.
General comments?
I have inherited this car from my grandfather and it is car is such a wonderful car to own. Yea it had some minor problems as stated, but what would you expect from a 23 year old soon to be 24 year old car? Other than that, this car has never let me down. Always starts up, no matter how cold or hot it is outside.
I always get looks when I drive this car, especially since it is in perfect condition. My grandfather has kept this car in perfect shape, and I plan to do the same, maybe this car will last another 24 years or longer I wouldn't doubt it.
9) 1980 Mercedes-Benz W123 230E review from UK and Ireland
"Tough"
Power steering box (excess play).
Rust and water leaks to the interior now starting to take their toll.
Generally monotonously reliable! (but do keep it serviced)
General comments?
A very pleasant, comfortable and super reliable car.
Quite economical and fast for its size and weight. I'm told 230E is the best engine for economy/power balance.
Cabin is well designed.
Only cost £1800 privately - what a bargain!
Previously a Jaguar / Volvo person I am now a Mercedes convert.
10) 1979 Mercedes-Benz W123 280E review from North America
A
Above: Example of how USA Spec W123 E-class looks like. Note Bigger front and rear bumpers and different headlights.
"A VERY reliable car with a timeless look and an excellent reputation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Seats are starting to sag and wear.
Costly repairs, probably because it is an older car and parts are harder to find.
Minor electrical problems.
Car seems to be getting slower over the years.
General comments?
Very comfortable seats, although starting to sag.
Probably the most durable car I have ever seen.
Reliable engine, but engine is very heavy causing the car to lug on the highway.
Car stills runs strong after 176,928 miles, and still will after 300,000.
Beautiful, original paint finish - never touched up or repainted, but there are some very small bubbles by the bottoms of the doors.
Timeless look, always a head-turner.
I'm very proud to own this car, and always have been. I hope it lasts forever.
11) 1977 Mercedes-Benz W123 230E review from North America
"Comfy, cheap, fun classic!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
New starter at 151,000 km.
Replaced the clutch due to a clunking noise at about 160,000 km.
Alternator died at 170,000 km.
Replaced leaking brake master cylinder at 190,000 km.
General comments?
This car is much more powerful than I expected a 26-year-old 4-cylinder engine to be. It cruises comfortably all day at highway speeds and doesn't burn a drop of oil.
I'm fairly tall (6'2") and find the car very comfortable to drive; it has a nice big steering wheel and all controls seem to be where they should be. I had the padding in the driver's seat beefed up shortly after I got it and it's more comfortable than many new cars I've driven.
Visibility is great. You're sitting up straight and don't have those annoying thick pillars I find in many newer cars that create blind spots.
Classic body styling gets lots of positive comments. The only problem is our Canadian winters (and salted roads), which aren't kind to car bodies, so rusting is an issue.
The only persistent problem is water ingress. I'm in the process of replacing door and windshield weather-seals, which I hope will cure this as well as reduce the road noise.
When I bought this car I expected it would be a short-term toy; now I've had it going on 4 years and have no plans to part with it.
12) 1976 Mercedes-Benz W123 200CE review from Germany
"Reliable and dependable - Worth it's work"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Only have to exchange some bearings, joints and the shock absorbers. I only have to weld some lower floor parts, infected by rust.. No big deal.
General comments?
This car is so strong, safe and very reliable. It will do it's Job sure for another decade.
I had my first Job in a MB Dealership and know the Quality of Mercedes did not improve from this time.
The actual Models like C E and S Class have much more Electronics and has built quality issues.
I will not let my W123 leave me. Looking forward to spring!
END OF OWNER'S REVIEW...
SPECIFICATIONS:
Why only 2.3 petrol engine specifications?
Because in Malaysia only 200 and 230E were popular. 280E, 250 and 240D were RARE.
Mercedes 230E / 230CE / 230TE
General
Carbody type: sedan/coupe/wagon
Transmission: 4 speed, automatic (4 speed manual)
Fuel: petrol
Engine
Cylinders: 4, in line
Valves per cylinder: 2
Capacity: 2299 cc
Bore x stroke: 95,0 x 80,25 mm
Compression: 9,0:1
Max power: 100 kW (136 hp) @ 5100 rpm
Max torque: 205 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Fuel system: multipoint injection
Engine type: sohc
CHASSIS:
Front Suspension: Independent, Wishbone, Coil-springs
Rear Suspension: Independent Semi-Trailing Arm, coil-springs
Front brakes: discs
Rear brakes: discs
Tire: 175HR14
Turning circle: 11,3 m
Performance
Top speed: 180 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 12.3s (11.5 s manual)
Average comsumption: 10,4 l/100km
Average comsumption kms: (9.6km/L)
EXTERIOR SIZES
Length: 4,72 m
Width: 1,79 m
Height: 1,44 m
Wheelbase: 2,80 m
Front track: 1,49 m
Rear track: 1,45 m
OTHERS:
Luggage space: 500L
Fuel tank: 65L
Empty mass: 1370 kg
Maximum permisible mass: 1890 kg
Maximum playload: 520 kg
Parting Shots. Other photos:
http://www.streetfire.net/video/wheeler-dealers-s01e10-mercedesbenz-w123-230e_635736.htm
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