I Bought A Mercedes W123! My Dream Classic Benz! (1983 200 Saloon Driven)

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Project cars are sponsored by LIQUI MOLY: www.liqui-moly.com/en/gb/
We get the chance to drive plenty of classic cars in this job, including exotica from Bentley or Aston Martin, once-common runarounds like the Fiat Strada or Austin Montego and iconic hot hatchbacks and sports cars like the Escort XR3i or Golf GTI. But some cars leave a lasting impression on us, enough for us to buy our own. For Joe, the first car to have that ‘want one’ factor was a classic German saloon that he’s obsessed over ever since. Thanks to the WB & Sons December auction, he finally bought his own classic, a Mercedes W123!
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[@nigelbond4056]

I absolutely love that you’ve bought yourself a car that’s older than you: a true enthusiast. And what a peach the W123 is too. Made at a time when Mercs were properly engineered and crafted. I’m slightly green with envy 🤓

[@solsol1624]

You are a man of impeccable taste, good luck with it☺ I've had my 1983 280CE for 3.5 years and never once has it not started first turn of the key. A 40 year old car has no business being so reliable.

[@f.d.robben159]

great video! My second car after my R4 TL was a '77 W123 200D with 54 breath taking HP. As young guys in 91, after our nightshift as Taxi drivers ( 190D ), we jumped in my old Diesel and happily drove from northern Germany all the way down to Switzerland. It's relaxing like watching a movie. You need just a drink, a snack, some background music and you can cruise for houres. The world on the outside can do its thing and you don't care. It's a sedative on four wheels and should be prescribed against symptoms of stress

[@VirtualGuth]

It looks like you managed to find yourself a real gem. I too am a fan of cloth seats, preferring them over leather. I don't so much as blink when I see a modern Mercedes out on the road today (or most any other modern car for that matter). Your car on the other hand is a real head turner (I think it looks great in white), pure class. Even as someone who is more prone to admire sports cars and motorcycles, I would definitely stop to check out your Merc were I to see it parked somewhere nearby. Congratulations and enjoy!

[@BigPaul62]

My dad had one brand new in 1980 (ATK 261W) a 280TE. Brilliant car, did 1250000 miles in the four years he had it with an alternator being the only non service item that needed replacing. He replaced it with a W126 280 SE in 1984- another fantastic car.

[@grayfool]

Still on of the best cars Merc has ever made. I had a 280E in the mid nineties and absolutely loved it. It suffered badly from rot so went to a new owner who, hopefully, could restore it. I still miss it.

[@alancrisp1582]

😅 Joe ,you are a very lucky man!. Good choice for a modern classic vehicle ,made back in a time when the Germans still made both beautiful and very reliable cars.And hardly any awful modern electronics to let you down !. Great stuff............😊

[@kermitefrog64]

I have a 1981 W123 240d with a 4 speed manual transmission and it is an incredible car to drive.. I have driven all over California with this car. It is not a fast car but it keeps right up with traffic. I have been driving this car for 10 years.

[@charlesb7019]

As an old Merc owner I can tell you that you will love it. It will grow on you more and more as time goes by.

[@richardkeen1996]

You're right - a lovely car. I had a dark blue automatic W123/230 in 1984 and drove many it miles both in the UK and Europe without a hitch. I kept it for three years and then changed to the new model 260E which was great but I still preferred the W123. Really enjoy your postings.

[@SA-zoom1]

The W123 200D had 60hp and was rated at 0-100km in 27.4 seconds. My friend was insured to drive his dads one, we used to chug around London in it and affectionately called it the Titanic.

[@-DC-]

My uncle had one in the early 80's can remember riding in it thinking it was Unbelievable compared to my dad's Cortina Estate 🤣

[@marcpettie6561]

I had an '82 W123, 230E 4 speed manual. Should never have sold it - one of the nicest cars ever.

[@jmsjms296]

All the best for this courageous endeavour! You will hopefully overcome the boredom and the dullness.

[@davidarter9670]

I wish W123’s came in manual versions in Australia. The simplicity and reliability of this car would make an excellent daily driver in todays world where too much technology means more to go wrong. I look forward to more videos on this car!

[@combosucks]

They did! I've got a Australian delivered, manual 240D in Sahara yellow. Fun fact: it uses the same clutch as a Nissan 350z

[@davidarter9670]

@@combosucks I was thinking more of the 280 petrol version.

[@paultaylor9652]

Great video on a car which I use to see at new car shows in my teens. Good to see you looking after the Mercedes Benz young man.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks 👍

[@terp8373]

My dream car as well. Mercedes Benz engineering and quality were over the top during that era. They looked great, too.

[@markdempsey4763]

Congrats Joe, really pleased for you, looks fantastic, enjoy 😊

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Mark!

[@markeastwood74]

When I was starting out, I was told a car would be knackered after 10 years and I shouldn't consider buying one. But everyone should get themselves a useable classic at some point, they really are the best of all worlds.

[@jimmyjones9780]

After owning a Rover P6 3500 S for ten years, my late father purchased a new 1984 123 Mercedes 280 E in Metallic Green .... A beautiful car with so many extra's including power steering, electric sun roof, windows, all leather, fuel injection and alloys .... Twelve years later he purchased a new 1996 W210 Mercedes 420 E which he would keep until he died in 2014 .... Hopefully Joe, this is just the start for you, owning a Mercedes .... Keep this one for about five years then move up, just like my dad did .... Cheers

[@philipmulville8218]

Congratulations on your recent purchase. That really is a beautiful example.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thank you!

[@joedaman8436]

My mates dad had one of these, he bought it from a local Doctor, in about 2005, it only had 36,000 miles on the clock, it wasn't the best colour as it was finished in brown, but had a lovely cream interior, it was one of the most comfortable cars I have ever been in, lovely motor 👌

[@roygardiner2229]

Great stuff! Living the dream.

[@davidarter6271]

First time I have come across your channel. Excellent presentation of a lovely car. Thankyou

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Welcome, David! Thanks very much!

[@adamlane5182]

Nice W123 Joe and good to see you at FJ Coffee &Chrome at Chateau Impney this morning - a good trek from Kent!!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks Adam, great to see you! -Joe

[@Paris__]

Brilliant buy, bud 👍

[@berwhaletheavenger]

One of the last of the proper Mercedes really. The 230E was the one to have - much quicker than the 200 but better on fuel as well. The 280E is nice and not much worse on petrol than a 200.

[@LesterLovesWatches]

Most 280Es get around 22-23mpg, so significantly more thirsty than a 200. But you’re right about the 230E.

[@kermitefrog64]

I have Uniroyal tires with the white walls and they are the 205/75r14. These are the perfect tire for comfort and since the gearing in the rear end 3.69 and with the manual 4 speed rather than the more common 5 speed in Europe the taller tires help to off set the lack of a 5th gear. I just bought new tires about 6 months ago. Michelin no longer makes tires for these cars in the States.

[@VSB83]

The w123 - best car ever made!

[@markc3884]

Lovely motor. I grew up in the 70’s & this 3 box shape is burned into my memory of how a Benz should look.

[@MotorWisdom]

Great car bro. I'm happy for you.

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

Enjoy her Joe, I have 2 here in Cape Town a very pretty blue bog entry level 200 manual. Its very sorted 170 000kms and I would happily drive it from cape town to Namibia without a care. And I have recently bought 230 e auto no rot runs well 247 000kms. Reckons it needs engine mounts and the brakes go soft in traffic to worth sorting then (erk). They are a bit special. A car without ego was a pretty fair description I read somewhere about them. Enjoy your car!

[@Vince_uk]

I am a Merc guy through and through and W123 is one of the best cars ever produced.

[@BomberFletch31]

Very nice, Joe. I've been watching your progress with this on your own channel, too. I'm also a fan of classic Mercs. My dream car when I was a kid was a W126, but I am also very fond of the W116 and the W140. I hope to be able to own one some day.

[@davidarter9670]

I didn’t know Joe had his own channel! What’s it called please?

[@BomberFletch31]

@@davidarter9670 youtube.com/@MillerCorner

[@Richard-Bullock]

I would LOVE to own a W123 240TD. Maybe one day.

[@hughjass8430]

We all learn the hard way that oil shoots out 1 to 2 feet laterally from the sump, not straight down!😂 Great car. Have always hankered for a W123 myself.

[@houmandehdashtidmd9078]

Nice ! I started out searching for pagodas, now a drastic change to a 300D.

[@DarthTrotter]

Congrats. Had a 85 230E auto. Lovely old barge. 200 carb manual must be glacially slow and thirsty. Last Merc was a 95 W124 E220 Sportline. The best.

[@Tito_mutai]

Congratulations Sir. Enjoy your car.I'm still saving up for my W123

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Best of luck!

[@NativeMainer53]

Congratulations and a great review

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thank you!

[@peterriggall8409]

BIG congrats. Joe. Love it. Looks smart in white. Material is better than MB Tex. and no doubt it is quality material. MB mudflaps and it’s a manual! You can daily drive it and take it to car shows too. 👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Thanks 👍

[@michaelthompson5252]

I had an 85 300d turbo, an 82 300d turbo and a 79 300sd. I sold all of them years ago and now I regret it. I miss working on them on my days off.

[@klstadt]

This is my all time dream car.

[@chrisdonnelly7401]

really nice i missed a one a few years ago kicking myself now

[@sydnorth5868]

I remember well my first encounter with a W123. Unlike most it was not in a German taxi. It was in1987 when a smoking hot work colleague gave me a lift home. I can't remember her name, but I do remember it was in a W123!

[@stuartbritton4811]

Why was she smoking and hot? Wasn't it air-conditioned? Did you smoke at the time, too? Did she ask you if you minded her smoking?

[@sydnorth5868]

@@stuartbritton4811 No, yes and no!

[@simontizzard]

Absolutely beautiful car

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Nice car, have fun!

[@eujeniu8527]

A beautiful one! Congratulations!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Many thanks!

[@domenicodileo9487]

Lovely. I own a 230CE from 1981.

[@michaelhynds8035]

Fantastic car and super video. Thank you.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Glad you liked it!

[@michaelhynds8035]

@@ClassicsWorldUK yes, very much. W123 great cars. I would have loved a 240D, or a 300D. 230E lovely too, although I have a penchant for Diesel engines.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

I am a massive Mercedes fan especially the W123. I have a 1985 blue 230E which is one of my daily drivers it is utterly bomb proof. it will always work regardless of how badly I treated her the day before. She is fully restored & in tip top condition. As a mechanic myself I take pride in that. However I have 1 problem with yours that is the manual gearbox. A Mercedes with a manual is a real no, no. Down in Australia. 75’% of ours were automatics & they are the ones to go for at least down under. I am so glad you went with a petrol powered W123. I like the diesels but they are expensive & not many people know how to work on where I am.

[@paulnash4425]

congrats on the purchase.I have black 230E, also a manual

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Good man!

[@user-ru6wj3vd6h]

that's a nice car and a good man

[@monk3yboy69]

I had a 1983 200 in cream with beige leather interior. In South Africa…..it had no a/c . Hot as hell . I’m not jealous….at all. Enjoy .

[@TheVintageApplianceEmporium]

What a beautiful car. I'm very jealous 😁

[@magnusmikkelsen539]

I had a stw 300tdt. Amazing car

[@michaelsimpson3548]

Enjoy your ride. A little tip, first pull the oil filter before drain the pan.

[@seancain7305]

Congrats

[@iDayno]

Congrats, I'm going to collect my new W123 from WB & Sons tomorrow! :)

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Enjoy it!

[@iDayno]

@@ClassicsWorldUK thank you, pleased to report it got me back ok, not without hiccup though :P

[@MrMfaust5]

Congratulations Joe! The MB W123 is probably the best car ever built! I'm saying probably because I'm making allowance for the W124 😎 👍👍

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Couldn't agree more!

[@petercollingwood522]

The 123 is better than the 124. And I agree. The best car ever built, no probably about it. I've owned three and hope to have another in the future which will probably outlast me.

[@MrMfaust5]

@@petercollingwood522 Indeed, it's a very comfortable and durable vehicle.

[@seanburke5686]

Also it's one of a handful of cars that can make your mood improve tenfold just by popping out for the usual daily chores ❤❤

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

It really is!

[@petercollingwood522]

I had an 83 manual in South Africa, and my brother had an 84 in the same color as yours. His was auto but mine had AC which made a world of difference in the miserable Durban summers. The 123 is the best car ever made. I'm jealous of your purchase. I really would like another. I've also owned two 81 240D's they are great but I think I'd prefer a gas car now. I'm in America now and there very few non diesel 123's here. And I also agree that cloth interiors are better than leather. Though the ones I owned all had MB-Tex which was unbelievable in terms of it's durability.

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Fantastic cars, aren't they?

[@petercollingwood522]

@@ClassicsWorldUK Indeed.

[@seanburke5686]

Had one of these in 1998 , metallic green 280 e , no frills other than the electric sunroof , paid next to nothing for it yet the most missed car if my life xxx

[@akrambaig2689]

All colours look nice on W123

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

I think so too!

[@seang2822]

You also get rust under the front windscreen.. might be a good idea to take that out as well and inspect the sill… and reseal

[@patrickmelson4745]

Nice car! I'm surprised that you made it home with those old tires!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Me too!

[@adebrade172]

Top choice

[@TheNismo777]

Oh a 200E not a bad car, its a bit better than the 200D (deadly slow unless dropped from airplane) :D I recently drove a W124 200E and I was really impressed how it felt driving, its not slow even in the modern traffic speeds, just need to predict about 15sec before :D

[@RupertFear]

Excellent choice (but a wagon for me!)

[@tommyolsen8224]

My dream car to! 😍

[@5amH45lam]

Pray silence for the greatest car ever made...

[@LONEWOLF-dr6fg]

Well said brother 👍🏼 If you already have one, please do not try to sell it, I don't want you to regret it later! All the 123 models and not to mention the Volvo 240 and 244 GLE classic cars are the most unkillable machines ever made, if you take care of them, they'll definitely bring you home safely 💯🤞🏼 Have a great day Bro.

[@notroll1279]

The DS is a fascinating car but it's another dimension of maintenance and you'll reach the point much sooner from where you'll need expert help.

[@Dr.Fiendish]

Never sell that car young man, you will regret it!

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

I don't plan to!

[@neviozivkovic4545]

IMO headlights are from 280 or 300D. I nearly bought a 280, but bought a 124 230E. My dad still has his 123 240D. I do have a 74 124 Sport😂.

[@cardiffchris]

Beautiful example, we don't get too many gas versions in US.

[@Captain_Scarlet_SIG]

Was a Berlin taxi favourite and still is in the Middle East 🤣 from the end of an era of quality built Merc’s.

[@yeoldegamer5112]

And that's why if I have to transport a battery or similar I put them in the rear footwell 😉

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

Me too...now... -Joe

[@yeoldegamer5112]

@@ClassicsWorldUK 😄 Looking forward to your dent removal vid!

[@chriswilkinson1991]

Lovely, are you using it as a daily driver in all weathers all year round?

[@ClassicsWorldUK]

It’s being used regularly, at least two or three times weekly - has been fully rustproofed and cavity waxed!

[@SA-yb7mt]

Congratulations. Living the dream. I guess at a certaion age of a car one must make sacrifices like getting a 200 and not the better 230. Or choose the cloth over the MB Tex. But a manual?! No way. A Mercedes should be an auto.

[@darrenwilson8042]

Probably the last Merc hewn from solid ..... ever since they have been built to a price. Thats for Merc - an assembly price they like but in terms of price and reputation they trade on the W123 legacy

[@Jasongy827]

I was thinking about buying a vintage Mercedes, w123 or a w114 or w115

[@christosgerakinis2628]

Greatest mercs ever build Made to last 500yrs +

[@stuartbritton4811]

It's this or the Lexus 430. Both great cars. The Lexus is what the Mercedes should have turned into. The Mercedes W123 was the last great Mercedes-Benz.

[@Benzer18]

123000miles is like 12300miles for a w123😊

[@bigboss-oz2vi]

when you know. you know.

[@user-ow1ub7dr3h]

❤❤❤

[@MichailKnoller]

I feel sorry for you. I had to drive them for about 200000 mi - that taught me everything. Petrol or diesel, saloon or estate - there was hardly anything worse. Oh, yes : Volkswagen T 3 diesel and turbodiesel....they really took the cake.

[@petercollingwood522]

You sound like someone with mental problems.

[@arnoillig4792]

Why don't you mention its price? Most important item you left out.

[@charliecoco2115]

How much did you pay for it please?

[@qalba3016]

Can anyone reading my comment in Europe advise me where I can purchase a low mileage original clean W123 or C123 , like European websites that advertise these models, I live in 🇺🇸 and I’ve been looking for gasoline engine W123 for years and every thing in America for w123 is diesel, I love this body style so much but unfortunately I can’t find one Cheers 🥂

[@colinhenry3551]

I would love a one of these personally,but will we be allowed to run a classic car with all the legislation thats coming in against the motorist ,

[@raypayne2228]

Hard to beat them, I’ve got a W123 230e that’s done 20 thousand k’s through off road outback Australia on charity rally’s in the last few years, one flat tyre, one blown shock and drives like a dream, and it’ll still be going when most of todays cars are recycled into white goods.

[@derekdalton5658]

Love fact it's white as well. Tragedy in Australia is that most of our examples are cooked by the sun.

[@bizmyurt8582]

280E, 250 or 230E.

[@paullacey2999]

When Mercedes was run engineers,not accoutants who sell cars to any old riff raff

[@arnoillig4792]

I'll bet that my 1982 W123 Turbodiesel is faster. Probably about 30% more horsepower my guess.

[@LOVE_OF_MY_KING]

.Y BRO I LIKE TO BUY IT FROM YOU AND TAKE IT TO iNDIA

[@bizmyurt8582]

A new car is not better on the road before +110 mph and actually they are worse city cars and on bad roads.