1983 Was a Good Year for Mercedes Benz: Not Often You'll See and Hear 4 in a Row

[@hanssaykiewicz4319]

Am I a psychotic maniac for finding the sound of old Diesel engines not only highly entertaining, but also worth 10 minutes of my Saturday morning?

[@YourCarAngel]

Kent is like a great conductor knowing the particular sound each instrument makes and making sure they are all perfectly tuned.

[@earlscheib7754]

The values on these cars has been shooting up recently. The level of commitment Kent has is admirable.

[@bobbbobb4663]

Bring a trailer has a chart that is pretty linear in slope from 2016 onward for all W123’s. Granted, those are probably rust free examples but as time goes on, the really good cars will command a premium.

[@earlscheib7754]

@@bobbbobb4663 cars and bids just had a w123 that went through the roof.

[@daveyvane9431]

I love it. My two 1983 300SDs are happy to hear their brothers sing.

[@jimbarnes7221]

I immediately ran out to driveway to fire up my 83' 300D and listen to it idle...I confess, I have a MB diesel addiction..sweet video, thank you Kent.

[@DieselPurge]

Iconic Mercedes Diesel sound, I think the prechamber has a patent on it.

[@inspireaspire278]

Wonderful indeed. Great 👍 👌. Mercedes Benz is unique. My all time favourite.

[@Peter-gi3re]

My Dad had a new 1982 300D in Ireland when I grew up there as a teenager. It was one of the first cars I got to drive before I got my license. Wish I could find a pristine condition car ….. would love to own one. It was a real gem when new. I remember one night getting it up over 100mph with my father in the passenger seat. It was no muscle car but you felt like you were driving a solid tank when doing speed.

[@rustyjeep2469]

The W123 and W126 are definitely very 'tank like' feeling cars, the only thing that I've driven that comes close to the same feeling would be some full-size SUV's, but even then the old Mercedes cars usually ride better and just feel more solidly built then something like a huge Suburban. 👍

[@richardsgarage6697]

Ah yes another great video Kent. Helps me stay motivated on my ‘83 300TD project.

[@mikewong5888]

Sounds like shaking a bag of castanets. Love it! Whenever someone comments that my diesel sounds like there’s something wrong with it I tell them it needs new spark plugs. 😂

[@Mercedessource]

Mike, that is a great comeback. Really made me laugh! Kent

[@bmwloco]

I had a '84 300CD Turbodiesel. A mile or two away, our two Chocolate Labs would get excited as I drove home. They could hear the diesel from far away.

[@livium2002]

A 1983 coupe is missing from your collection :)) I have one, a 300CD turbo. It is a rolling restauration and I find myself in all the maintenence jobs you described. I really appreciate all your passion for these old mercs and all the good information you provide.

[@davidl189]

Liviu, I have a 1983 300CD white coupe and the turbo sounds like Kent’s green one. It throws you back as well when the turbo kicks in. My ‘83 is 25 off the line and was once owned by the UNC-Dean Smith. Cool ride!

[@bens80smercedes]

Didn’t have to search long for the “I have the missing CD”, I also have the missing CD, it is my favourite car I’ve ever driven. Both of you know.

[@patrickradvanyi6390]

music to my ears indeed.i would love to see you line up a 616, 617, and a 603 to compare the sounds

[@etiennelabeille]

It’s the sound of the taxi rank at any European airport. Evocative.

[@michaelpercival7981]

Yes Sir. Me To. Cheers.

[@budak1903]

official sound of stuttgart symphony orchestra

[@davidwli1]

Love these 80's MB's... I grew up with these as a teenager when my family had a 240D and a 380SE so brings back memories....

[@dinispaulino7512]

My daily is a 1991 300D, W124, nonturbo (not available for US market), with a 5 speed manual gearbox. I love the sound it makes, that inline-6 really sings, specially over 3000 rpm! I also love that classic OM617 sound, though!

[@Rimrock300]

The OM617 sound is classic and sweet for sure) But my favourite Mercedes sound are the W124 6 cylinder diesels I must admit. I own both w123 and 124, but a 124 is my daily driver, '95 300D turbo

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Those are the sounds I grew up with as a German-American kid visiting my grandparents just outside Stuttgart for the summers of the 1970’s and 80’s.

[@donos4943]

Thanks for the great video Kent. Love my 1983 300GD

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

Please keep saving these classics.

[@cubbysrig]

Ah, the sweet symphony of the mid-eighties Mercedes Diesel engine. The good ‘ol days!

[@plexnoid]

1972 240D, 1983 300D, and currently driving a 1992 300D as my daily driver. The sound (and smell...) of a well-built diesel is truly a symphony!

[@M_Wander]

Finally found a video of yours that i can actually comment on! I just wanted to say you’re amazing and you are doing an amazing work with these beautiful classics. It’s so nice watching you sir speaking about and working on these cars♥️

[@darolfitch8917]

years ago I worked at a service station and we did a lot of maintenance service on these cars, also did a couple of engine swaps for our customers. But I can tell this man is a expert on these cars. keep up the good work sir

[@johnanchovie2b]

Uttery concur that these are the best cars ever built. Wish more could be saved!

[@stephenhenion8304]

What a great comparison of some Classic MB Diesel engines!!

[@Mercedessource]

Glad you liked it!

[@timmer9lives]

I just started working on my 1983 300TDT. It was wrecked and a little rough from rust. I paid 800.00 for it because it flooded during Hurricane Katrina . Changed all the calipers and then drove it a few years. Anyway it recently sat up for 3 years because someone pulled in front of me and the driver’s front got smashed. So…sat up last 3 years. I charged the battery and the car literally started up after it cranked less that one revolution. God I love that old diesel. I know I should just junk it but I can’t let myself say goodbye to it. I have a soft spot for such a high level of engineering as was put into these MB diesels. Ya “gotta love that sound.”

[@strikeryachts]

I worked on German cars 40 years now and would say these are the best. The BMW E28's are good, but not as strong as the Mercedes.

[@gwidonpopielski2885]

The sound of the engine of W123 diesel would be my lull melody forever.

[@graemelliott3942]

They’re like listening to a Stradivarius!!🏁

[@P.Galore]

not a diesel fan but love these videos.

[@malcolmscott4150]

‘85 300TD wagon is a gem - love the colour combination - can’t wait to see more videos on this :)

[@tcbgarage2845]

That was just a really pleasant video. Very much enjoyed.

[@davekana8388]

Boy, makes me miss my 80’s Mercerdes. 84 300D and an 83 SD!🥲

[@joshconzemius]

Music to my ears.

[@adogmcdizzle]

Love the wagon!

[@dylanreischling4151]

I always know the sound of a diesel mercedes. Particularly a 617. I can hear them going down the road. Once heard one outside my house at 1 am. Someone drove by and slowed to check out my three in the driveway.

[@huss1205]

I own a Hyundai i30 2011 with a 1.6L diesel engine and a 2017 Volvo XC60 D4 with a 2.4L straight 5 cylinder diesel engine, and I approved this music...

[@dirtbiketherapy]

God I love the sound of these engines. I used to own an om603 and they’re just great

[@peternos4a23]

Sweet music to my ears

[@dylanreischling4151]

I have a 1983 wagon, and recently worked on an 83 300D. I’ve spoken to 2 people recently who also had 1983s lol

[@singlendhot8628]

Oh Kent! What a lovely video!

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

That is an awesome collection of diesels,, Mercedes Benz and when you have somebody like Kent who knows these cars inside & out, can diagnose & resolve the problem, to keep these cars, on the road and going👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌

[@georgejohnson1498]

My favourite, by a mile, is the four cylinder! I like the sound of a flat two like in the 2CV, straight fours, and straight sixes most of all! Never been so struck by five cylinders, or V8s. Of all you cars, dear Kent, my favorite is your Ponton 180D. That is a car I would love to have, though the steering would be on the wrong side for me in the UK. Love your films. Best wishes from George

[@Rayoflight1975]

Love listening to these engines purr. ❤️❤️

[@gueyg3764]

123 and 126 the best Daimler models, and them 5 cyl engines are great

[@timothykeith1367]

Why did 5 cyl diesels disappear ?

[@paulyandle1286]

Thank you, Kent. Thanks to Mercedessource I can most always find what I need to keep my daily driver '83 300 sd running beautifully at 400,000 miles +. Blue Girl idles EXACTLY like yours. $2,500 in 2003...and yes, I have to smile when next to any late model Merc, knowing that with simple and affordable routine maintenance mine will still be chugging along long after those $85,000+ "disposables" have cacked out. Cheers,

[@Mercedessource]

Thanks for sharing

[@michaelcook7090]

Music to my ears, like a Singer sewing machine!

[@chriswillis6916]

You should name the wagon Butter. It is the color of butter, and it runs like butter.

[@Mercedessource]

Hi Chris, I love it. I knew someone would give me a good name. So "Butter" it will be. Thanks Kent

[@apexseal2811]

Haha, well said!

[@crisholmurb007]

Love your channel Kent! Thanks providing all this super interesting content.

[@supersonic_vienna]

I had a S350TD back in the 90s. I loved this engine too. Was very reliable and strong. The last engine with mechanic injection compared to the 300TD. You only had to be very careful when the engine was cold otherwise the head was damaged after less than 50tkm.

[@chasmano5329]

Very enjoyable

[@beegood9395]

Kent nice collection of diesels! Great video!

[@jeremiassanchez7899]

Beautiful cars, a real dream. Thank you Kent

[@Cb9wagon]

A properly tuned 617 is a distinct sound. I tune then quite often . The whole package working properly is a true symphony. Bruce Crower chose this engine for a reason. The crank fire order is even . Being a twostroke guy i embrace the 5 cyl engine. The sound, feel is alone in the engine world.

[@AlexanderLumbantobing]

MB diesel cars! Oh dear, how I miss my Mercedes Benz S350 turbo diesel...just love that unique sound! Gonna get my ML270CDI soon!

[@troyster91]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing! I always enjoy your videos

[@artagain8977]

Love your channel. We’re to pick up a 2021 GLA 4Matic in a couple weeks. I maintain all my cars extremely well. I do hope our new car lasts a long time.

[@Rimrock300]

I will not say too much here about possible longivity, MB 2021 vs 1985, but what I can say is that I would likely not taken the chance testing out the max longivity of a 2021 complicated high end car, the way I would with a 80's Mercedes) I would kept it top condition and then passed it on/traded it in within 5 years, while everything still working fine) Leasing them might be even better than owning it. Anyway, that's just me. Good luck)

[@willriccio7524]

Sure like that turbo @ the end!!

[@andrewp4258]

I once owned a 1983 230E W123 and it was a great car. I regret selling it.

[@tjolle62]

Thank's Kent ! your comitment to Mercedes make my work to restore my - 82 300TD turbo much more easier and more interesting 👍👍

[@Mercedessource]

Good to hear. Thanks much.

[@bearsrodshop7067]

You may recall our ole Black '83 sd when I bought a pair of 14 mm valve adjusting wrenches in 2012 still have the Blue Gum Ball :)>. Well I sold it in 2014, where it got a new paint shop and bought it back in 2015. Traded it off in 2019 for a CJ 5 jeep. Now that owner has it up for sale,,and looks like it will return here once again. Lov those '83 and may be that old car just don't want to leave home.?? Bear in Tx.

[@svenmartin840]

All 4 cars look like they came out of the factory. Who ever owned them. Took good care of them. I hope the new owners keep them as new as possible. Nearly 40 years old. And still going strong.

[@tedtolentino4955]

One thing that has always amazed me about the MB models of this era is the quality of the paint. And if the owner had taken care of the car, then that vehicle looked brand new from the perspective of the paint, even if that was a 40 year old car. I would love to own one of these cars, and I had better hurry or they will be priced way out of my range as they appreciate in value. Kudos to you, Kent.

[@gasgas2689]

Just before Covid, say 2019, I could buy W123s or W124s for £500 for a good going one. I have just (Dec 2022) bought a 1983 W123 for £4600 because I saw a similar condition one at an auction go for £6,800. Some imaginative people on ebay want three times as much as that. I can fix virtually any fault myself which I cannot do on a modern rmobile computer otherwise known as a car.

[@marcgianandrea8333]

I can attest. I have a 1983 300cd in Orient Red with original pinstriping and it still looks new. It's a beautiful car and I get comments often.

[@JamesParus]

had to get the headphones to really hear it.

[@bradbrown1240]

That olive green is beautiful

[@IgnoreSolutions]

As an owner of multiple 5 cylinder Sprinters with the OM647 (5 cyl common rail)....they sound great but these have such an original sound. One day i’d like to get a nice 300d but the prices are shooting up there! I should’ve grabbed one a year ago when I had a chance. Instead i went for an amber red 118” wheelbase crew van.

[@thomasgaliana6288]

I definitely agree. Very sonorous. 🙂

[@tomwebber9377]

Great cars. If I could find a really well maintained or even rebuilt version of a 300 turbo diesel sedan I'd buy one.

[@robluck21]

Beautiful cars, so much character, Today they are so complicated with tons of computers that makes them disposable too much money and too difficult to keep running.

[@justsomemadman]

I miss my 240d with the 4 speed

[@katherinegray9252]

Love these old cars, w123 is my favourite. My boyfriend and I have a 4 speed manual 240d on its original engine and gearbox (afaik) unknown KMs as the odo stopped working at 300K but im sure its well above 400/500K. We would love to get a 300TD wagon in auto next

[@lemuelcasillas7572]

Wishing I was closer to you so I can get my 83 300 Turbo Diesel tuned. Last person that adjusted valves before I got did not do them right. Yup agree, when each car came on it’s like Ludwig van Beethoven just tuned up the orchestra.

[@michaelpercival7981]

A Great Vid. Seems, I am a Benz Nut, And, I am not a German Fella. ... They are the Best Cars . ... Hands Down. I have Five on the Road. Three Diesel, Two Petrol. W123 W126 W211 ... We took our old 300 SE. Adelaide, Perth, ... Way North .. Alice, The Flinders Ranges and back. Ran It hard, never missed a beat. 40 C. Plus 50 C. somedays. parked it in the shade under a big tree, A.C. on full blast for half hour. 46 C. Perfect. I did lift the Hood. ! ... Change All the Fluids. All of Them. Do It Often. The W. Wagen. ?

[@Nick-bp7jf]

Being in the UK that is the sound of an 80s taxi. Very common here.

[@shiffroninc.4977]

Mechanical music 👍

[@Nick-bp7jf]

Just watched a few of your videos and subscribed. You certainly know your subject. Any plans for some future vids on the OM642 please?

[@lrq7927]

Oh that 240 sound!

[@niosanfrancisco]

Such great cars. Not built for a price just built. Pure german quality.

[@AKJeeper]

Do another video with the gassers! 😁

[@anthonysimmons1673]

Wonderful!!!

[@jasonbirch1182]

So I only own 1 w116 ,a 350se but it needs alot of suspension work. The w126 chassis is so similar, does the w126 drive much better when sorted? I love my 300sd(with a manual 4 speed swap) but I'm really a fan of the w116 body and simplicity. I also have an identical wagon that's rust free but ragged. It's getting a om606 and 6 speed from a c230 kompressor. I have 30 or so pre 91 Mercedes at this point.

[@lukuscarter3563]

They certainly don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

[@lieberfreialsgleich]

if you think these engines are loud, you never had an Unimog. Or a Peugeot 404 Diesel, my favourite.

[@hilum17]

Lovely

[@harmdegraaf5579]

Nice!

[@mesuesja80]

1983 saw the birth of 190E 2.3-16i

[@dawiskid187]

I love the green gold how much??

[@rivatrebbo983]

Mercedessource this is so strange... that 240d has somehow a "darker" sound than the 300ds; I wonder how's it possible, maybe the injectors are the main cause or the fact that the 240d has 4 cylinders instead of 5

[@SImpleeSTARstruCK]

The best

[@THIRSTYGUMS]

What's Kent mean "the end of the line"

[@JTGmartin]

Is the green one or blue one for sale?

[@Mercedessource]

Sorry they are both sold.

[@JTGmartin]

@@Mercedessource if you have anything coming up for sale l would be interested. Diesel turbo preferred. Thanks Joe G

[@ravvingar7328]

My 240d is an ‘83 and the parts car is an ‘82

[@teles7626]

i had a w123 240d with 1.9 million km...

[@vieyraart2720]

I love my om617 powered 83 300d , there's no sweeter sounding engine. It sounds like a German clock.

[@Kevin_burgess]

Y’all tellin me the price is going up??? I’ll never sell mine, but I got me a fantastic one with little work needed for 3000 😅😂

[@rathugt4178]

Eargasm!

[@petergautschi2087]

Ich habe eine frage. Hast du schon ein problem gehabt mit der diesel pummpe

[@Mercedessource]

Leider spreche ich kein Deutsch

[@martinsvensson6884]

Maybe turn one of them into the original European look?

[@juancanik1]

Music!!!