1984 Mercedes 300D Turbo Review

My thoughts on the 1984 Mercedes 300D Turbo with the 3.0L Inline 5 cylinder engine, and 4 speed automatic transmission:
I’ve always wanted to drive or own an old Mercedes diesel. I love the way they look: the large yellow fog lights, the uninterrupted body line that stretches from the headlights to the tail lights, and the overall boxy shape that captures the 80s so well. Paired up with a 5 cylinder turbo charged diesel motor, the 300d seemed too unique to pass up.
Most people hear the word “Turbo” and think “wow that must mean the car is really fast!”. Well, no. The 300D is slow. Very slow. It might be the slowest car I’ve ever driven. I can grow a beard faster than this car can hit 100mph, and I can’t grow a beard. But if you buy this car for straight in performance, you’re either missing the point or can interpret numbers properly. The 300D is not meant for speed. It’s built to get you to your destination, while making other traffic goers ask “Did a dictator just pass me?”.
The 300D has presence. Parked or moving, it turns heads. It’s like a mink coat. Not everyone’s taste, but if you see someone wearing one you know they aren’t hurting for money or power. That’s an amazing feeling considered they can be found for around $2000. But the 300D can backup it’s presence. It can talk the talk while walking the walk. The 300D I reviewed had 195,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. That’s quite the number on factory stock parts. If the numbers don’t impress you, the build quality will. Again, never messed with, the doors still retain their solid “Thud” upon closing. Nothing rattles on the inside, and the seats don’t look like pulled pork sandwiches.
I loved the 300D. It’s a great looking car that gives the driver a good feeling, and that’s what it’s all about.

[@noahmiller9682]

This is one of the few W123 videos I've watched where the reviewer really understands and appreciates the W123, as well as its purpose and appeal.

[@davidmorales8644]

I have the same black 84 300d with 325,000 miles still driving it now in 2021 , I had the car since 2008 , best style Mercedes ever made.

[@Wildsurf52]

My neighbor is moving away and is basically giving his 1984 300d away to me and my dad for free. I didn’t know what to think before watching this video but I’m pretty excited now!

[@Riccoassennl]

This car is not slow. My W123 200D with 55 horsepower is slow. Nice video!

[@blinkfan305]

Good review. I absolutely love my 85. It's around 218K right now. I drove it pretty regularly the last several years and it definitely makes you a great defensive driver. You have to plan your highway merges about 30 seconds in advance.

[@ronford3579]

I own 4 Mercedes..a75.80. 82.an85.... great cars ...enough said !!!! Ron ford.......

[@Tempeli]

Just got one and live in LA....Yes you sure do lol

[@Wasabi9111]

When I was a kid my wealthy aunt had one. All I remember was that the Diesel engine was so loud outside - you could hear it a block away as my uncle drove down their cul de sac. However, the interior was surprisingly quiet where I couldn’t hear the loud Diesel engine. There was something special about the car. Even has a kid I knew it rode much nicer than my parents Camry and it had presence. I wonder what happened to the car. My aunt got divorced and it was my uncles car. I should ask my cousins if he still has it.

[@wayne577]

Hey man! The owner of this car sent me to this video. We go to college together. Just subscribed!

[@WindozeCS]

195,000 miles is quite low for these cars. I hardly ever see any for sale on craigslist with less than 260K miles. My two w123's have a combined mileage of over 610K with no rebuilds or anything. great cars.

[@rogerweller1266]

Great review, I liked it a lot. I’ve been enjoyed these old Mercs myself for some time. Lots of hours behind the wheel of a magical brown ‘84 300SD turbo diesel, and just an interesting tidbit, Mercedes build quality didn’t stop at the diesel jobs - I still own a 1989 190E 2.6 with 323,000 miles on the original drivetrain, 4 speed auto and all. These cars deserve a special place in most people’s hearts, if only just for their complete and utter unwillingness to stop. Nice work, keep it up!

[@gregorypalmer2147]

I watch a fair amount of car reviews, old, new, and in between. Excellent job. I liked your style and knowledge. Keep it up. In "your style"

[@kylemartin9301]

Beautiful car, found one mint shape in my area and seriously considering! Thanks for the great video!

[@300DBenz]

I can break the tires loose on my ‘85 300D... the road has to be wet, I have to be turning left hard, and flooring the throttle, but I can do it.

[@davidsferrazzo]

300DBenz hell yea

[@sprtsfanatic1]

My first car was the exact same color and interior, just one year prior, 1983. Loved it! My friends and I called it the Panzer due to its excessive weight and boxy design 🤣 Got it with just shy of 200,000 miles and was able to put on another 100,000+ miles before the transmission finally gave out. Godspeed you magnificent bastard!

[@fixitup2193]

the R stands for RESERVE not refill.....

[@dr.robertt.mullaneiii1561]

Aaah! He's just a kid. So, what the fuck does he know?! (( ~ ! ~ )) alrighty, then.

[@EbolaSquirrel]

Dr. Robert T. Mullane III ok boomer

[@twdarcy]

"R" to me means "Fill it up." ;)

[@Luke_Segovia]

Lol no one got it

[@thetetons744]

Those engines are great. 363,000 on mine with og motor and trans

[@twinkiissb]

Back when Mercedes used to make Reliable cars. 😎

[@sammccarthy1655]

Where is the end "credits" song clip from (not the original Buddy Guy, but this version)?

[@samsagar]

Always thought these were badass!

[@Bubbleskittymaster]

i grew up in these as a kid.

[@johnlaughlin4968]

I own a 1984 Mercedes 300D Turbo Charge Diesel. I would not trade it for anything. Has less than 180,000 miles on it

[@boomworm_2503]

i’m going to buy one tmr. it’s got 350k miles but only 1k. is it worth it?

[@bokosdieselgarage]

195k is actually really low mileage. Most of these you’ll find have around 300k or more on them. I’m picking up a 1980 in a couple days with 356k on it. Nice review!

[@dkruitz]

Some will argue the build quality and over engineering MB did on their cars with that generation was the best they did. Quick enough for the times, and all day cruising comfort. Galvanized bodywork for longevity.

[@xbxownage]

Andy Milonokis doing car reviews now

[@volcanowb]

Nice! Comfy

[@Basedmursenary]

I found one in my area for 1900, low mileage. I want.

[@invaderzimismyfav]

i have a 1991 350SD and it's great

[@ItsTimePictures]

invaderzimismyfav Not many were sold in the USA. It’s an amazing car.

[@5042msc]

I own a 1985 300D Euro Manual, cloth interior with 119k miles. I have a really fast car, but there are days that I rather drive the Benz!

[@JustFixIt99]

The antenna is electric, not vacuum.

[@user-cc4kq6hl4c]

The Perfect car for fake taxi

[@javierllobregatferre180]

I have the same car with the non turbo engine, is not very fast, but I do 120 km the hour for very long distance with no problems

[@itznsdominator3521]

My 280E will rip the back tires off the car but that has a 2.8L Inline 6 and was one of the fastest Inline 6 engines ever made at the time

[@ptiger96]

It’s the best! Mine still has the tape deck and only 100k. Sounds like a tractor on urban streets. AC died long ago but who cares, awesome vehicle.

[@ImpalamansGarage]

The R stands for Reserve.

[@volvo1354]

W123 built like a tank ( panzerkampfwagen )

[@JoeGomez1]

The Antenna is Electrical But Good Review

[@user-it7mf5us8z]

Mercedes w123 is a legeng

[@Inpaintballwetrust]

My 84 300d have over half a million and it’s all stock

[@renerenteria1]

i am just to put swap LS1 on my 300D 1978

[@danielchampion2982]

That's pretty low miles for an '84 diesel. Lol

[@kegantd]

mine has 81 thousand

[@truckcampertraveler7369]

cool story @@kegantd

[@Rebelliousrefinement]

NATE DOGG 😂😂

[@truckcampertraveler7369]

hahah @@Rebelliousrefinement

[@crusinclassicslucas6218]

0:00 beep! beep!

[@davidsferrazzo]

Hey bro I’m 16 lookin for a car, I also know you from gingium etc but I might get one of these for 950$$$$$ gonna call the lady tomorrow

[@shahram72]

My mom had one bought new at the dealer that grenaded at 100K miles. I know, makes no sense.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

She probably didn't take very good care of it. Then again, 100k used to be "the life of a car" back in the day.

[@rickstankovic4210]

! Ihave a 1984 300 sd for sale nice shape

[@zarazara665]

Where and how much

[@ImpalamansGarage]

I have 3 cars with Analog clocks and NONE of them work. LMAO..... that's why you don't seem them anymore !!

[@thebeast9872]

i have a 300d from 80 with only 125k

[@castizopilled]

Its*

[@zyxw2011]

w124 all day everyday

[@twdarcy]

Humbug! ;)

[@canadianboy492]

Super car great review besides the gay rap video scene. The guy in the rap video doesn't represent that car

[@Winnetou834]

Too many mistakes in this presentation