Why are W 123's getting so scare. 4K

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[@vibrantvitalityvibes7931]

I'm an aircooled VW guy, but had a 115 and a 124. Sold them and missed them! Few weeks ago l noticed a 123 on the road, when stoped l asked the young girl (owner) if she wants to sell it, she said yes, she wants to buy a moped. We agreed on a price (very cheap) and the beautiful red '84 merc 230E is mine and won't sell this one ever !

[@JustinSeara]

How much is “cheap”??

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@JustinSeara 6k for an 80 4 speed with 145k, no rust except a little blister on a fender lip?

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Hehe lifelong VW guy here too who just got a w123. This ain't no tinny pillbox VW here ,I love that sound of the door closing. Handles awesome and stops great too, way better than I thought those skinny little tires would allow. The wife digs seeing that star out at the end of the hood as we ride along,I must say that is pretty cool. Btw I still love my tinny pillbox Vws.

[@derekheeps1244]

230E is one of the best models in the range : decent performance , decent fuel economy , smooth running , no Diesel clatter

[@saintgermainyyz]

I restored an ‘83 240d over the length of the winter... best decision i ever made. Welded all new floors, valve adjustment and brake restoration... Worth every minute spent in those 3 months.

[@saintgermainyyz]

standard & fully loaded !!!^^^

[@seangregory8285]

Finally found my W123 after years of wanting one. Was hanging out at a friend's repair shop and saw a close to 100% origina Series 1 owned by a older gentleman. It's bloody hard to find a 123 in original condition here in Malaysia, if not impossible. I consider it fate 😜. It's my forever car now. Thank you Pierre.

[@MrPhotodoc]

Pierre's narration off the top of his head is better than anything most automotive writers could dream of.

[@stricht8]

That’s because he’s more intelligent!

[@Sanpedranoazul]

True! 👏🏻

[@JustinSeara]

@@stricht8 lol yeah okay

[@beytanerkmen4613]

Bought my 123 83 coupe 280ce for 1500 pounds in 2009 and its been my daily driver for the last 12 years and never let me down after 75k on UK roads and weather. All of my friends and family have changed their cars and can't believe my C123 is still going strong. Even my brother in law has sold his Bentley GT which he bough new after the maintenance cost spiralled. The best car in the world for sure.

[@secondopinion6654]

Yep, I know people on their 15th straight year of new car payments. In the U.S. they tend to finance cars in 5 year blocks. Many people have never owned a car outright/paid it off. I can't imagine paying a basic $30,000 USD here for a car that I don't like very much.

[@VSB83]

Hi there do you know of a good w123 mechanic in the UK, I am based in northwest. I know of w123 world but they charge a fortune. Thanks

[@hfries1788]

I completely resonate with this video, i picked up a 1984 w123 300d last year, the car was originally owned by an old lady and a guy who worked in a repar shop "rescued it" all he did was rebuild the brake calipers then sold it because it was too much work, his coworker bought it and did a few botch jobs. Then sold it to me for $2500 engine had very little blowby, and transmission shifted well. Im now almost $3000 in on repairs so far, new fuel injectors, swapping out the 40yr old glowplugs from west germany, new engine mounts and shocks, new cv axles, dling the flexdiscs and center bearing for the driveshaft next, also picked up new floorpans and rocker panels from Mill Supply since my current ones are rusted out, also changing the weather stripping and several other things.

[@hfries1788]

One part I'm missing and can't find anywhere are the front bumper impact strip mounting strips, the plastic part with the hooks that goes in the impact strip and hooks onto the front bumper, if anyone has any spares, please let me know!!!

[@hfries1788]

I also plan to look for a 300TD preferably in the Ascot Grey color with a blue interior. But that'll be in a year or two once I finish my current car and I have money saved up, just graduated college and looking for my first good paying job

[@davidhunternyc1]

I live in NYC and for the last 20 years I've used the subway as my only means of transportation. I'm sick and tired of it. I want a car. Parking and owning a car in the city is exorbitantly expensive and that's why I dream. My dream car is a Mercedes W123, specifically a 280 CE in either black or silver, with a sunroof, and hard-to-find Series lll pinstripe weave cloth seats in palomino or parchment. I wouldn't turn down leather seats but I prefer cloth. It's more cozy. I prefer 2 doors to 4. Most of the time there is only 1 or 2 people in a car and the look of a coup is simple and more beautiful to my eye. A W123 would be great for long weekend drives outside of the city. I would also love to tour the country in one. Cloth seats, sunroof, air-conditioning, and a great stereo would be like traveling in a living room. Not a care in the world. In the city, the W123 would be understated and discreet. No one would give it a second look. I hate cars that advertise wealth in front of people who are struggling. This was the case with the W123 in the 80's but not anymore. W123's might as well be Toyota Camry's as far as most people are concerned. That's fine with me.

[@markcline2287]

Thanks for keeping mine running well. I really appreciate it.

[@rbruce63]

When in the States I go to Mass on Sundays and the quality of the homily is such that I pay the most attention. The priests are highly cultivated! Their Irish accents are sweet like their whiskey’s. This speech from Pierre is in the same level! Cheers from Costa Rica!

[@addisondiesel]

Excellent point Pierre sweat equity is very important! This time and dedication will create an even stronger relationship between you and your car. You will know every one of it’s traits, exactly what they are and why it makes them.

[@davidneumann6231]

The thrill of the hunt is what keeps me into the 123’s. I have had a “few” over the years and have always “found” them in a driveway off the beaten path or an obscure CL ad or just in general quirky circumstances. Look too hard and you won’t find one…chill and be open to one finding you and it shall happen. Listen to that inner voice and drive down that street that you never do or go knock on that door where you think you spotted a 123 outline under a car cover in a carport. Overturn that next stone on your journey! You will be surprised 😎. Indeed, the 123’s are vastly less available than just 5 years ago. It’s troubling but it was bound to happen. I have a good stable full for now but there’s always room for a new family member ❤️

[@miguelcastaneda7257]

Yup see a 300 turbo d. Amg running around down in bajia Mexico

[@davidnorth3411]

Just acquired another w123 8 hrs ago , a light blue old girl ,showing her age now but that’s just the surface to then work with . An 85 diesel that sings that tune at startup , It never gets old , the reconditioning is sometimes therapy of sorts , walking around looking for tools all the while making mental notes of parts and pieces to acquire , it still brings me a smile on drive out day . Find your therapy out their , it maybe waiting just around the corner .

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

Hello, David North and thank YOU so much for your question(s), we want to answer you as quickly as possible. By signing in our Patreon www.patreon.com/thomaspolk page and making a donation of $10 your are assured of a 24 hour email response from Pierre. If you are already a $10 member please mention along with your question.

[@johnwalters878]

I bought my 83 CD a few years ago. It only had 2 other owners with meticulous maintenance through its life. The second owner had it for over 25 years. I knew he still had it and searched him out and managed to get him to sell it. It takes work sometimes. It’s been a great experience to search out parts like door seals, which are really expensive for a coupe. But the chase is worth it. Everything works on the car, even the factory heated seats.

[@jeffcullen6573]

My friend helped me find a really nice garage-kept rust-free 75,000-mile ‘79 W116 300SD early last year. Lot of work getting it refreshed after so much sitting, but now 6000 miles in and I hope it’s the last car I ever drive… I’m 37 so it’s going to be a while! I’m grateful to get to use and take care of this fabulous automobile. I have owned a couple of W126s and driven plenty of W123s - objectively better cars… but there’s something really special about the W116. It feels somehow more raw and involving to drive, the interior is such a wonderful place to be, and it’s a classic car cheat code. How can something so classy and head-turning be so economical? So many more miles to come when we can hit the road again once things open up.

[@BelovedChatter]

Love that phrase - “classic car cheat code”. You get an insane amount of classic car attention and fun for not a ton of money and an amazing daily driver.

[@jeffcullen6573]

@@BelovedChatter Thanks! It's up to 92,000 miles and still an absolute treat to use regularly.

[@BelovedChatter]

@@jeffcullen6573 awesome. My ‘84 300CD only has 61k miles but that will change

[@jeffcullen6573]

@@BelovedChatter Right on, the coupes are special 123s! Enjoy!

[@charlesjenkins1225]

6 months ago. I found. a w123 1983 300TD for sale at a local repair shop. The car was fantastic. Blue on Blue. 95,000 miles. Full records on service.A real Gem. It wound up selling for 5,200 $. I was not looking to buy a car. I have a 82 240D. I told every single friend about the car. Friends that have told me... I want a car like yours. No one bit. Here is the lesson. These cars are out there. And if you do your work... You will get them for under book price. !!!!!!! Thats my 2 CENTS!!!! And... Pierre.... Keep uploading what You know. I love being taken to school, and learning from you. :) :) :)

[@v8chevyman]

Accidentally bought a ‘79 300CD last year here in BC, Canada. Had a Craigslist notification set up (was looking for a GLK diesel (yeah, I know…sorry…) and my email pinged). I think the car was originally posted for sale on BaT but with all the CoVid nonsense, somehow the sale fell through. At any rate, I’m very pleased with my (temporary?) flash of insanity. Agree that, although the car is in good condition with 190k km and been in one family from new, it is a “project car”. Latest issue is Speedo cable. No biggie. I smile every time I drive it. Others do too. Thanks for your vids!

[@bobbbobb4663]

I’m currently in the process of replacing / restoring components on my 79 240D. Lots of fun and I plan on keeping the car for many years. One of the few U.S cars with rear seat headrest option.

[@addisondiesel]

Very cool option with rear headrests! I am restoring my 1983 Euro 300D non-turbo and am installing rear headrests, a very comfortable feature for your passengers!

[@jeep6781]

Show us your old Gold W123 and tells us what you like about it...

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

He has. He has a video of him going for a drive.

[@dennisnichols2411]

I've been a car spotter since I was a little kid. I daresay I have a knack for it. Look by the side of the road! If you see a car parked that only moves a little if at all on the street, if you leave a note you might get for scrap or even free for thr the taking (?). These won't be cream puffs but they may have the bones of a good project car. Example: on my route there is a W123 wagon that has only moved feet for the past several months on the street, owner seems to use it as a shed right now. I think I'm going to leave a note on it soon. A 1987 BMW 325i Cabrio is parked behind it on that street- and it has never moved... Plumbs for the picking?

[@sv_cheats1970]

Those two are sure to go up in value, even here in Europe the e30 is starting to go up. W123 Mercedes can still be found but most needs a fair amount of work.

[@pasha00071]

I sold my w123 12 years ago. But now I plan to buy it again. Thank you!

[@tc3578]

In December 2022, I fiund a 1984 230CE in immaculate condition in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Drove over 3 hours to have the initial look and drive. Seller had receipts going back to 1989, original manual, service books, even the original tools & leather satchel. The car still has the "Thomas - Nottingham " transparent sticker on the rear windscreen. She has averaged fewer than 8000 kms / year. She drives so smoothly, it's hard to believe she's 39 years old. No rust, no rattles, nothing. Paid under $AUD 19,000! She is absolutely beautiful! Sunroof, pillarless ... turns heads everywhere here in Warrnambool. Everything you say about the W123 is spot on, Pierre. Hello from Tony in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia. 🇦🇺

[@albertbraid7117]

My first car in 2016 is a 82' 230E. It's solid, always works and a rolling resto, almost like a new one now haha

[@mariocaja3279]

Great points of view...very true!

[@friendlypiranha774]

What a beautiful photo you have in your intro from 0:11 - 0:14. That overhead shot on the beach touches my soul ♥

[@danb37]

Thanks for sharing after 6 months of searching in 2015 I found 170 miles away in Waukegan Illinois. 220k miles no rust. It was my daily driver for 2 years I did the injectors nozzles. I did the oil cooler lines. That was the most major stuff. Nice and smooth at 80 miles an hour if someone tries to pass me I can floor it and they'll think twice. You can hit the brakes taking a right turn at 35 and it'll handle it just fine. All four wheels will slide a little bit but it's a balanced turn. Fun car

[@robertderidder1622]

Also have a W123 300TD (not the turbo! European spec estate 300d) - what a fantastic automobile!

[@YouHaveReachedBob]

I'm so glad I pretty much stumbled over my W123 while looking for some other car. Also happened to be way below my budget. Win win!

[@ascendantjustice1173]

2024 i bought one that runs and drives and drove it 137 miles home in California. 83 300d turbo paid 1,500 for it and have been super happy. Changed fluids, did basic much needed maintenance and have been on lots of road trips. Going to drive mine to Virginia this summer.

[@sixpoint3]

1. People buy the fixer uppers for parts. The worst are the Perfectionists that want a 40 year old car to look like new so as a consequence : 4 cars get butchered to make 1 good one. 2. Nobody wants to put in the work, so usable cars go to the junk yard 3. Enough people want to modify and ruin a W123 4. Three little booboos add up to cars not getting fixed. What people don't realize even those cars need a once over by now. YES and 5. Boomers want only a perfect car. W123 in near new condition, give me a break. AND worse, some people think W123s are worth their weight in Gold and the next guy who is inheriting one from grandpa thinks they're too much trouble to get going, because they have no idea how simple these cars are, comparatively speaking to newer cars.

[@teddbutler5903]

I actually found my 1985 300d turbodiesel on marketplace. Traded a 2000 bmw 7 series ( and the payments) for it. It was bought new by the seller's great grandmother. Needs some work but only has 95,000 miles on it.

[@cocobass]

I had a 123 240 4 speed, 250,000 miles original clutch. Same time I had a 123 300TDT and sold it with 350,000 miles. Ran perfect. Selling 25 years ago was the biggest mistake ever.

[@ralftorres460]

I have looked for a while now, either a 123 or a 126 but the more I learn the harder it gets. Your videos helped a lot. Hope to find more info in your channel.

[@dexterlecter7289]

Exactly. The more I learn the harder it is to choose. I have my eyes on a nice 240d 123 manual. I hope I get it. I’ll for sure restore it to a top notch and modern tech.

[@edpoe4622]

@@dexterlecter7289 don't ruin it with modern tech. One reason they last is they have no modern crap

[@IvanovSuperturbodieselProjects]

Fully agree with you... it's true.

[@sam._.buswell8181]

I pulled my ‘84 W123 200T from a scrapyard to save it. Second car I’ve owned, only had it for 3 months but it’s awesome

[@cardiffchris]

123 Benz - Nothing better at the time 1977 to 1985

[@VSB83]

Legendary guy!

[@tipr8739]

I looked within 1000 miles from Philly this week and saw $30k or total rusted out, not running for $5k. I think the decent ones are locked in garages of good owners who saw this coming years ago

[@CrToloss]

As always, thank you for knowledge and time ❤❤

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

You are so welcome

[@nicolasmaraite6356]

Bought a running 230CE three weeks ago in Belgium for under 5K EUR. Found it on Marketplace. Needs some TLC, but with 5K, she will be mint.

[@beemer1111]

I have 2 Mercedes 280CE’s, and yes, they are expensive to restore to concours status. But to get them to “like new” drivable status, is not so bad, and will return every dime, if you actually use the car, and consider the market value should you choose or need to sell them in the future. The other big advantage obviously is the simple mechanical nature of these cars, other than AC and rear power window regulators, to restore and DIY service / maintain. Last of all is the pure enjoyment to drive these very well made cars, that still manage city and highway trips with ease, and confidence when the job is done. Last of all , they are beautiful to look at, and enjoy as much favourable attention without resentment as many other expensive exotic options.

[@babybenz.190]

Not a W123 but we recently found and bought a Canadian 1987 W124 300D Turbo here in Portugal :) It was kind of a barn find and not on purpose :P There’s a video on my channel.

[@pfsantos007]

Nice!

[@gerrychavez236]

It scares me that Comrade Newsom is working hard to make diesel fuel scarce. Maybe it is time to mover to Florida?

[@verdict1163]

A W123 sedan (not a coupe, not a wagon) is a forever car for me, unfortunately they are very difficult to find in good condition, especially if you want a gasser. I would prefer one that has been well-kept since new rather than a restored one as IMO it's very difficult to duplicate the original factory paint process/upholstery fitting. That said, they are out there. It's frankly amazing that there are as many as there are considering how old the car is. Those who own good examples cherish them, and rightfully so.

[@classicjalopy]

I think these days it can be easier to find a nice 126 than a nice 123. Certainly here in Australia a lot of 123's were bought up in the early 2000s very cheap and shipped over to the middle east.

[@seanbailey8545]

Going to look at a 300d W123 tomorrow. Hoping it's as nice as looks in the photos.

[@price8314]

I have a 82 300SD, it needs only a few minor repairs to be miiiint. I just rebuilt the cv axels, new pinion seals and all seals in the diff, new brakes, hoses, driveshaft, exhaust, some engine hoses, belts, shocks, parking brake shoes, window felts, door strikers, trans mount, and tons more.. I had to make a few tools yeah, it aint been cheap, code enforcement got called... twice. but it honestly has been pretty easy, I'm disabled from where a truck T boned me on a enduro broke my femur, fibula, and smashed food in Feb 2020. I enjoy working on this car, except the driveshaft, "staked in" u joints, what a bunch of rubbish!! l daily drive it and pick up my son in Louisiana, from Florida. She runs like a felon, and l wouldn't sell it for anything either, l love it, l love everything about it.

[@MichaelBrown-ho5wc]

I remember 10 years ago when I started buying 123s and storing them just like you said. a lot of my friends would say why in the hell are you buying those pieces of junk? My response was just you wait and see. I’ve slowly been fully restoring them over the years, and I’ve watched their value increase exponentially. I’ve also never had a 123 leave me stranded they always start no matter how long they sit.

[@DopeFiend]

126's & 124's are getting as rare as 123's in the Europe.

[@TheSpekkel1]

No they are not.

[@DopeFiend]

@@TheSpekkel1 Here in Latvia i don't see them at all.

[@komoru]

I am almost too scared to ask: "Why are w 123's getting so scares" ?

[@Julian_M]

I just bought a pretty clean 300 turbo diesel coupe for 4K. Definitely did a lot of digging

[@nikolacar2796]

I got a w123 200d sitting in garage for 10 years, perfect condition....

[@budgetcarsforsale2637]

1 have bought and sold over 30, 240d and 300d's. I bought all of them from police impounds. yet, in the past 5 years, they have become rare at the police auctions. also rarer at the junk yards. the hunt go on....

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Pierre! I had to see this.

[@junkorbust9498]

I’ve bought several good rust free and complete cars with good interiors from folks who gave up on them as projects. No one seems to want to take a chance on something that’s partially disassembled. I gave $1500 for a W123 Diesel Coupe which included a running parts car and $1500 for a W110 D200. I’m currently considering a 1979 R107 for $3000. It is a complete running car that is rust free and has a clean interior. It is still possible to find good cars with limited resources. In all three cases I’m fairly certain I will have properly sorted cars for under $10,000. And if one of them doesn’t work out for an unforeseen reason it can be easily parted out to recover the purchase price.

[@bigdeal.9507]

Luckily I got one today..... It was left to rot, I will definitely bring it back to life.

[@armanroshan4031]

Thank you

[@colecleveland9785]

I love my Mercedes Benz 240D 123 1980, and I love my BMW 2002 1976 and I love my TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1500 1977. Great Video, give thanks.

[@LesterLovesWatches]

Yup. It’s all about variety. Hell if I had a huge garage (and triple the salary) I would fill it up with all sorts of different cars, good and bad.

[@zadeoooo]

Haha I have a spitfire 1500 1977 and a 1984 300d as well as a 87 Mr2 funny we have a similar situation

[@7z5xf]

Great info!!!

[@ryanarundel2557]

I just got a museum piece / project 79 240D 290K. Original owner passed away family sold it cheep. Manila beige, brown interior, manual windows, no sunroof, manual transmission..... Come on.... Can't wait.

[@vmlelectronics]

"-It's not the kill, it's the thrill of the chase" - Deep Purple

[@yogib37]

I wish I had a w123 but I have been getting lucky with W124's I got 2 of them now. soild cars and they are built like tanks.

[@secondopinion6654]

And they have that exotic single windshield wiper blade.

[@cranno99]

Thanks Pierre! Do you have a top 5 w123’s?

[@projectpeace]

"Mercy" is an ‘84 300D Turbodiesel with almost 400,000 miles under her.❤'love that car...

[@MrRjnr]

engine rebuild done?

[@stevensessums959]

Hi Pierre, You mentioned in this video you might be willing to help someone interested in finding a nice 240D. I'd greatly appreciate any leads you might be willing to pass along, thank you. I appreciate your insight and enjoy your videos, and I'm also a supporter! Thanks again!

[@TheLuisg92]

People are very picky and write off potential good cars because of something trivial like a cracked dash or because they have a bit of rust in the common places, they have been repainted... They pretend to find pristine low millage cars and obviously, there aren’t many like those around and the ones that are, usually go for a lot of money. With that being said, those cars are getting scarce indeed. The amount of W123s you see being parted out in facebook marketplace, forums and auction sites is depressing and can only mean that there are less and less of those available as time goes by.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I just had a nice W123 fall in my lap. 145k , 4 speed. A customer of mine (I do gen service) had one sitting in his garage,and I'd always take an extra look at it. Knew nothing about them at all,I know Vws. Anyways I said gimme a call if you ever wanna sell it. (because I love a time capsule and this is one) 5yrs later I get a note at work to give him a call,he wants to sell it. I went and looked ,drove it a little and got it. I didn't know much about these cars (I've had it 3mo now) and I'm glad I didn't find any hidden stuff to burn me. Needs a little work here and there(dash light rheostat, intermittent fuel sender issue) but overall it's been fun to learn about. Wow does it handle great, and stops great too! Alot better than those skinny little tires would have you think. I'm used to all that power they have too, as I used to drive diesel rabbits. The variety of people that check it out as I drive past is interesting.

[@wallybigwheels8993]

Im the same way with my old land cruisers😆

[@michaelcroft5508]

I have a 1985 w123 in great shape

[@Philip.Magnusson]

Almost all of the great cars I've owned I've sourced myself by passing by a farm or talking to someone who knows someone. Pretty much all the bad cars I've had I've gotten from browsing the web and for sale ads.. Those are cars people want to get rid of, mostly for an over price. I've met some people, mostly older gentlemen who'd gladly sell their cars for good prices but they just don't want the hassle of dealing with muppets that come along when you produce an ad online.. Whenever I see a nice looking Mercedes on the road I ALWAYS save the reg plate in case I want to get in touch with the owner, and it has paid off before!

[@lescraig6968]

Still good examples noted in the northeast via Marketplace and word of mouth.

[@jackuzi8252]

When I bought mine about 15 years ago, they were still common enough. Now I don't see ANY--I literally saw one other than mine in all of 2022 so far (posting in late October, in northeastern US). I think they've either been scrapped, or are sitting in garages and never driven.

[@azmike3572]

They may be like Triumph Spitfires and TRs...you see one once a year.

[@pinzgauernorcal]

Please do a video on your daily driver

[@SMAWA9]

Just found my 1982 300D.. I’m in love

[@stricht8]

Haha 2002 is a tin can with a great engine! I have a 2002 and it’s a blast to drive but yes it is extremely flimsy compared to a Mercedes!

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Heh don't get my dad goin on his 2002, he said out of all his cars it was probably the worst one he's had. Lovely valve guides whooped out at 60k and it smoked like a train. And he's had everything from Porsches to Saabs to Vws.

[@zfunk9]

“I have more sweat equity in my car than I can imagine” = total money pit

[@javi8939]

My 123 has 54.000 kms but I have seen running ones with 3 million kms, no shit, I even take 123 taxis when I go to Morocco,!

[@allwinds3786]

I hope there's one available when I am ready.

[@BelovedChatter]

I bought a W123 instead of a new car. Didn’t bother me at all to slightly overpay for a W123 vs getting a new Toyota Yaris. Seemed like an easy call.

[@closer71]

“Don’t over pay” is the key phrase here

[@lourebasson1916]

I have a 123W series very scared rare 280 E AUTOMATIC W123SERIES Mercedes-Benz 1984 model ! Mine is not forsale! Electric Windows , real leather seats ! Original bumper to bumper!

[@mikemakboul4409]

No body restores W123 because parts are extremely expensive, mercedes keeps discontinueing parts, and after market parts are low quality

[@rustysickle2528]

great advice about hunting cars - stay away from mainstream sites. what a lightbulb moment for me!!!

[@dansshop]

It's strange to me. For years I was 'old volvos' and those cars are bringing 20K USD give or take lately. And getting restored. Seems like the 123 is going for a tenth of the price and not many getting restored (because the cost of restoration is going to be a lot more than the value of the vehicle) ~strange. Anyhow I got a pretty lovely 123 last year for $1000, quite a lot of car for the money I think.

[@LesterLovesWatches]

Just last month I sold a 7/10 Amazon and bought an 8/10 280E. I made a grand. Go figure. I suppose it’s the curves.

[@simonflint5303]

Great advice. I'm following your advice and I have sourced a nice 123 by seeing it in the background of a photo sent from a fella selling an alternative car, and yes, he confirms the 123 is for sale too. Anyway, question on 123's - what's the 230E engine like? any videos on it? Four cylinder economy with the mighty bosch K-jet injection, respectable power from 'only' 8 valves - it seems like an attractive prospect for a classic merc down at the 'entry-level' end of the budget spectrum! is it too good to be true - what are the issues with it?

[@bikeman123]

I have a 230E and it drives very well. Only issues are the weak simplex cam chain and the k-jet injection - expensive parts that fail and few technicians that understand it these days.

[@simonflint5303]

@@bikeman123 I ended up buying a 280E. Still the same weakness (or strengths?...depending on your opinion) that you mentioned regarding the k-jet... heavy on fuel, not very brisk on acceleration, It would seem it has more 'extra' than a 230E... but not as much 'extra' as one would have liked. (nobbled with california style emmisions requirements though, I must add, so I believe I'm down on power compared to most of the rest of the world's 280E's so those in other markets opinions may differ) A straight 6 is pretty nice though, and it's nice to have the top-dog with the cruise, the air con, the SLS and the chromed bonnet vents and the full wrap around chrome bumpers.

[@gercoa9148]

NLA parts... Parts are getting hard to find. simple answer. BTW, I'm restoring my wagon currently. I'm 3 years into it and will be another 3 years to finish at least. I'm rebuilding it for a keeper for myself and the car will never be for sale, so I'm doing what I want to it.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Here's a few reasons. Maintenance and repair costs. Unavailability of parts. Unavailability of good Mercedes mechanics. Contrary to popular myth, they aren't bulletproof and do not get great mpg. In the East, they rust, and in the West they fail emissions testing.

[@McFlysGarage]

I regret selling my 240D 4 speed :(

[@adelkheir]

In my opinion, people don't restore w123s is that the price of restoring them doesn't actually match their worth on the market since 8 or 9 times out of 10 the people who are restoring them have an eye for selling them later on as to recuperate the price of parts and labor on top of a tidy profit. That's why old Porsches and Datsuns are being restored because there's a demand in the market for them, and that's why older Mercs like the 108/9s, the pagodas and the 600s are being picked for restoration is that they command an elite collector level asking price. Only very few people actually restore old cars for sentimental value or as a labor of love. I mean a tired and abused Toyota Supra can demand a price a couple of times more than even the most pristine and low mileage 123s, so it gives you an idea of how the market dictates how much is an old car, no matter how historically significant or reputable it is.

[@secondopinion6654]

He's talking about restoring a car to keep. As for values they are going up in just the past year. A nice a 300TD sold for $40k recently on BaT. There is also value in the utility. People will restore a 123 and then daily driver it for 250k miles. That usually isn't the plan when restoring other makes/models.

[@rocfella]

what exactly did they miss with 124 that makes it a bit less good?

[@touofthehighplains]

The cash for clunkers program killed so many cars.

[@bryceg5709]

Got one free needed a battery cable.

[@michaelcavagnaro8387]

They are scarce because people actually drive them! No offence to any 123 owners as I have owned several of them and they are likely one of the best cars ever made but the don!t ride and drive like a W126.

[@Fanzindel]

I’d like to think my w123s are not too scared in their storage but I’ll go double check.

[@JustinSeara]

They’re getting scared because you keep surprising them 🤣

[@petercollingwood522]

There's some truth to what Pierre says. But there's also the reality that as they age they simply are drying up. Most of them now are approaching or are over 40 years old and have many hundreds of thousands of miles on them. Yes you can keep them on the road but most owners by now will have given up and scrapped them. I have seen one pristeen 300D in my neck of the woods and know of one other. But the majority of 123's I have seen here in the last few years are close to wreck status. You may be able to restore them but the amount of time and money that will be required is likely out of the reach of most of the people who would be interested in a 123, rather than a 107, 126, 113 etc.

[@thebenzsquad4668]

Does this sensei have a video on the points to check for W123s?

[@raphaelszok8561]

Hoarding the cars.

[@jungletension2835]

I have my dad's 85 300D garage kept from the DC area 173000 MI

[@wititudez]

can w126 Benz 1991 worthy to. Buy or rebuild and durable?

[@ImpalamansGarage]

Ok I'll say it. Pierre, edit the title of the video to correct the typos. My OCD is going into over time.