I drive a 1983 Mercedes-Benz w123 230e manual, come along with me…

[@relevantbrother8964]

I sat in a friend's similar model and the suspension is amazing. Took the bumps in Durban with such aplomb, just floats over em! Very solid feeling and smooth car.

[@oldmercguy]

Couldn't agree more!

[@gollygosh40]

great channel, don't stop, live in the uk, amazing how many w123's find their way here from sa.

[@oldmercguy]

Thank you! I believe a lot of them are being exported to the UK these days.

[@mubaraksodha]

Beautiful specimen you have there. Brings back memories of fixing up a beige coloured one with my late dad in Kenya. 😢 One side view mirror? Steep sloped windscreen? Cushy seats? No other vehicle driven thereafter have ever come close to that experience.

[@oldmercguy]

A special memory, nice to have been able to share that experience with your dad.

[@timjones143]

Agree the manuals are good. If bushes are good, though the throw is quite long, it is very precise, "clicks in" as you. - Not only "quite abit faster," than a 240Dbut very much quieter too :-)).

[@Grilousmane]

My dad had the w123 230TE but with the 5 speed manual, that revved at around 2800 at 110 if I remember correctly, that is all I would change on the 230E you are driving.....awesome car :)

[@oldmercguy]

Sadly they weren’t even offered as an option on South African manufactured w123’s.

[@bobbbobb4663]

U.S 1979 240D owner here. My car has the optional factory rear seat headrests. Outside of taxi use in other countries, I’ve only ever seen in one other U.S. W123 with those and it was an 1983 300D on BaT.

[@oldmercguy]

Here in South Africa rear headrest were standard across the range from 1982 to 1986 when production ended here.

[@Dr.Fiendish]

I’ve owned one of these for 20 years and it has brought me no end of pleasure unlike my wife.

[@Visionery1]

Keyan, you should consider a wireless mic, that way your voice level will be constant, no matter how far you are from the camera.

[@oldmercguy]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve actually ordered one, should arrive later this week.

[@jpmegane]

Love the videos. Is this specific one for sale maybe?

[@kittipobglanarongran3311]

Very classic car.

[@rodneyemmerich8828]

The W123 speedos are very optimistic , an indicated 120km/hr is barely 110

[@oldmercguy]

Perfectly acceptable though, even by today’s standards.

[@russellaycock3703]

Another interesting car. I doubt there are a dozen 230e manuals in the U.S.

[@oldmercguy]

Very interesting that they weren’t popular in manual there.

[@THEDIESELCHANNEL]

Good memories

[@nikojevtic6709]

Do you recommend any rust treatments for the underside? I saw your video about washing then and it was very helpful. Thank you!

[@Visionery1]

Spray it with oil, then take it on a dirt road. 😉

[@oldmercguy]

I’ve done a couple using the rubberizing “paint” that gets put on the inside of a pick-ups load area with great success before.

[@pedromealhastudio7342]

Any issues with the Kjetronic system? I just went to have a look at one for sale here in Portugal (curiously a SA import from Bloemfontein, very similar to this one - 1983, also has cruise control, but no rev counter). It starts okay and idles fine but is hesitant on initial acceleration, once its higher on the rev range engine runs smoothly. Any thoughts much appreciated. Cheers, Pedro

[@oldmercguy]

It might be running a bit lean but certainly worth checking timing too

[@bernevanrooyen5201]

Hi Keyan, I'm buying a 1982 230e, anything I should look out for on these models? I know mine has a "hot start" issue... Apparently easily fixable? What are your thoughts

[@oldmercguy]

Rust is the biggest issue on them, if you haven't already, please watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6elnGangLZ4sJo

[@yondelamagadla1593]

Loved the video. How much mileage do you rate 230Es can clock. And are parts reasonably priced ? Thanks

[@oldmercguy]

Parts are freely available, I stock them in my spares business www.oldmercguy.co.za. I’ve seen m102 engines with over 700k km on.

[@renierdutoit1]

Great vehicle👍👍👍 Do you have a price in mind?

[@oldmercguy]

Have a chat to Bella, her contact number is [phone].

[@markfeuilherade5618]

Hi Keyan, I need some advice. An old friend of mine owns a 1982 Merc 280E with 223000km on the clock. Car is original and in very good condition. What would it be worth should he want to sell it. Thanks, Mark.

[@oldmercguy]

Hi Mark, you’re welcome to WhatsApp pics and details and I’ll be able to give you a better idea of value. My number is [phone]

[@markfeuilherade5618]

Thanks Keyan. Will send pics tomorrow morning. 🙏

[@shaneolivier1650]

I have an imported W 123 300D,I put a manual 4 speed gearbox in it,but the revs are for me a bit high at 100 kph,do you sell a 5 speed gearbox ? I'm in the Westcoast

[@oldmercguy]

No, unfortunately 5 speed boxes for them aren’t available here in South Africa, I’ve been looking for one for the last 20 years.

[@shaneolivier1650]

@@oldmercguy Thank you for your reply and I enjoy your videos 👍

[@oldmercguy]

Thanks for watching them. What Tyre size do you have on your 300D?

[@shaneolivier1650]

@@oldmercguy Good morning, it's a 185/70 R14

[@club1fan552]

Back when Mercedes built stylish cars that went forever but by the late 90's their cars were so reliable they were losing money so they started to build rubbish.

[@oldmercguy]

When they merged with Chrysler in 97 specifically. A few very dark years followed for the brand from a quality point of view.

[@club1fan552]

@@oldmercguy Such a shame. 45 years ago they were expensive but beautiful and a moderate spec Merc cost the same as a basic house. Now they are cheap and give the impression they are owned by criminals.

[@lufunoraphalalani]

360 000km? It’s barely run in 😂😂

[@oldmercguy]

Barely yes.