What Is Broken on the World's MOST RELIABLE Car?

[@taylormoats2099]

I’ve owned every “insanely reliable car” we have in the states. Corolla, Civic, Land Cruisers, Cummins Diesel, you name it. NOTHING was more built to soak up miles effortlessly than my 300D. It’s also the most enjoyable mileage donkey one could drive!

[@chrisj197438]

Taylor Moats Personally my most reliable vehicle has been my 1992 740 Volvo. It is approaching 450K miles on the completely original drivetrain. Been in my family since new. Other than routine maintenance it never needs repairs. I drive it daily and on vacations as well. Inside and outside it is in excellent condition. It has never left anyone stranded nor has it needed to be towed. It has never had the valve cover removed and still on the original starter. I would put it up against any Honda or Toyota. I hope to find an excellent condition W123 someday but for me my Volvo is the next best thing for reliability.

[@DvinAziz]

I agree 10000% ive had a couple, one might smoke one might be weak but it will love a road trip cross country without an issue

[@skylinefever]

Did you ever own a Ford Crown Vic? Those cars were also known for being extremely durable and comfortable.

[@largesoda1729]

You tryna build an apocalypse fleet?

[@chrisj197438]

Skyline Fever I’m working on a p71 I recently bought on govdeals. It’s my first one but I’ve heard good things about them.

[@larryjones497]

I purchased a new 300D from the factory in Germany, while station in Italy. I drove it 34 years (until I could see the road through the floor boards) when I finally stopped driving it, it had over 835K miles...most reliable car ever made.

[@a-aron5691]

Few things... the ignition you should have replaced as soon as you can. To have the ignition tumbler replaced when it’s stuck means a lot of drilling, but it’s super easy when it works. The W123 is very different from the W201 or W126 or W124, I know. However, those cars have vacuum pumps located in the trunk/behind glove box that are made to operate the door locks when the engine is off. It’s probably not working. Either that or you have a massive vacuum leak or failing vacuum pump. The antenna is a super easy fix if it works. When you turn the radio on or off you might hear the motor in the trunk run for a bit. If it doesn’t you need a whole new motor, and with them, aftermarket is the way to go. If it is making noise, then all you need is a new antenna mast. They’re super easy to install if the old one comes out cleanly. Yours you can move by hand though which leads me to believe that the mast tail is broken. See if you can undo the nut on top of the antenna, A wrench should fit on the two slits on top, and pull the old mast out. Then turn the radio on and with luck the old tail will come out too. If not, then you will have to remove the antenna motor and open it up to remove the old tail. Installation of the new antenna is easy too. Make sure the antenna matches the old one and insert that into the car. The ridges (if it has them) should be facing the rear of the car. Turn the radio on and it should suck the antenna back in. Once it stops screw the new nut on and run the antenna up and down a few times. This should be all you need to fix your antenna yourself. It’s not a classic MB without a power antenna. I typed this all out on my phone so please like.

[@a-aron5691]

Oh and A/C is easy to recharge if you do it the quick and dirty way. A/C R134a adapter kit, vacuum it down, put UV dye in and 1 can to find leaks. Fix leaks and replace accumulator/receiver drier now, vacuum down again, and recharge to 90% of its original capacity. R134a is not as dense as the old R12 so to keep the pressures correct in the system you go to 90%. With luck your compressor and condenser/evaporators will be healthy and not the source of the leak.

[@nickjames5366]

Still driving my dad’s 1979 300D, 1.23 million miles, nothing electric on it - wind up windows, no a/c, manual wing mirrors. Just bought a 1995 W124 220E to keep it company. 80000 miles, but electric everything. The decadence of electric seats....

[@robertamoyaw1979]

Wow, 1.23million miles! Incredible but true 😊

[@openureyes]

Wow

[@edmondocerza4292]

I'll take one of these any day over a modern car. They have soul and character, two elements that today's cars struggle to offer

[@Gpadellaro]

soooooo true!

[@Rustsamurai1]

I was told to give my '77 280 away. No sir!

[@seanl764]

Oh did you know that old G wagons have the same om602 and om617 inline 5 engine as this car? The 250gd 290gd 300gd and 240gd are all truly the go anywhere indestructible cars. However they are quite expensive from $20k-40k usd.

[@anthonybha4510]

Yeah, and will take your soul in an accident quicker than any far superior modern car. Enjoy paying more for your addiction to yesterday!

[@Stammon]

@@anthonybha4510 BS. My seatbelt wearing father was killed by an airbag. If you always wear your seatbelts, you have an 11% greater chance of dying in a airbag equipped car. These older Mercedes are heavy and built with crumple zones. Safer than today's cars. Oh, and Dad was in a 2000 Volvo, in 2005.

[@qwertyui90qwertyui90]

I have one of these. To fix the wiper issue, take the controller for it out and replace the capacitors inside of it. ( the relay )

[@heyrod59]

Checking for a pinched (loose/detached) wire in the steering column wouldn't hurt either....

[@gravytrain416]

Hey, it's pushing 40 years old, and it's running. Best thing is, it's PAID FOR! That's why I'll keep driving old MB diesels, as I've done for the past 23 years. Never been a better car built. There's beauty in simplicity.

[@patrickphippspa584]

Tommy. It's such a delight to see you learn and appreciate these cars. I have so many of them and learned all the things you are investigating now. I enjoyed every second as you do. I mastered the vacuum system and got the transmission to shift super correct and crispy. Make sure your Alda is clean so that you get full turbo. I love these cars and hate the rust. Here in Florida, they melt. I have a couple of W123 wagons and a 240D with only 55K miles I bought from original owner with FULL documentation from the first day they bought it. Shame they paid for "tune ups" along the way where service stations literally charged them for "spark plugs, wires, etc." They apparently never caught it. To me, the wagons are the most useful and fun to drive. I love them. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your experiences buddy. I love to watch you, you entrigue and fascinate me with your quest to understand and appreciate these cars. Wish you lived close by. Thanks again bud. Check out dieselgiant. Lots of cool stuff there. Mercedessource is good too, just expensive and nasty staff. I quit buying from then as one of the daughters got insanely nasty and horrible and who needs that when you're throwing money at them? Rusty Cullens was great too, although he went out of business during the recession.

[@OverlandTT]

It's great that you appreciate engineering and love your enthusiasm Tommy, great work!

[@Anirossa]

Im a mechanical engineer student and I love these old simple reliable cars, we gone way too far with our crazy gimmics today... we don't think enough about the long term.

[@patrickmason6971]

My dad has a 1989 560SL. He’s had it since new and it has never had any issues. The feeling of quality within all of the switches is unmatchable. Best era of Mercedes.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

I was looking at a Tesla model 3. The problems with repairing that car have me looking at an old Mercedes diesel.

[@michaelbenoit248]

Rich Farfugnuven, Tesla parts are hard to come by whereas an old Mercedes Diesel there are lots of aftermarket parts for it. Especially that motor.

[@austinosmus6866]

I personally have an 83 300sd that has 438000 miles on it.. not km and it still gets 28-35 mpg! Egr delete and straight pipe is the only things that have ever been done to this car and it runs amazing! Now dont let it fool you.. I have issues with climate control and gauge cluster backlighting! But everything else works!

[@PeterGriffinFortnite]

what did you end up going for?

[@precioussoul907]

I grew up in Jordan middle east and I remember those used to be a taxis till late 1990s , I been in mercedes taxis from 60s and 70s and 1980s , between all I loved the w123 car, it was something you fall in love right away as soon as u sit inside it , legendary car really. Although my dad bought 1976 mercedes e190 brand new back in a days

[@TheUnsureFox]

It's that engine. Those things are gloriously and delightfully rigid. There's no killing 'em, without doing so intentionally.

[@outskirtscustoms]

Absolutely right, I had a 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240D that had 500k miles when I bought it. Owner thought it was on it's last leg. New glow plugs, a valve adjustment, and a new battery and it ran like new. When I finally scrapped it due to rust I had lost count of miles as it outlived 4 odometers but I estimate close to 2 million miles or more. Car was known by my friends as the immortal Benz.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Can't say the same for the gasoline models. Had a 1978 2. something with a carburetor and it was just a never ending nightmare of a rust bucket. Everything on that thing failed at one point while I owned it.

[@lotusjaggarage2989]

Well actually i think mine has a issue going above 35

[@tablet3338]

I pug gp

[@brndnreb]

My grandfather had a ‘82 240D. 4 speed manual. Still running.

[@frankdenardo8684]

brndnreb rode that in Italy. my distant uncle has a 1991 Mercedes Benz 300D 2.5 litre turbo diesel engine. runs great and the car falls under the radar on taxes.

[@retrobuzz6330]

My father had a 240d somewhere close to 1.5 million miles

[@manolocordovez9323]

My father in law had one of those, eventually went bad because lack of maintenance, it was a pretty nice car 👌🏼

[@hundvonkrieg]

My wife had a w124 as her first car, that thing was a beast...and still is. Seems like after that body style and the W126, they stopped making genuinely overbuilt cars.

[@derekheeps1244]

Te W140 and R129 , the latter actually handbill and not on a production line , I've had both , were also pretty decent . Oh I've had everything from my 1957 Ponton up to the W126 ( three of them ) as well as countless W124s and W123s ( currently on my fifth S124 ) so I do know .

[@johannobee4976]

Great video! I have owned about 17 300D and 5 240Ds and they are amazing!

[@Weiseorgelspieler]

Thank you very much! Im driving this car for almost 10 years and i did not realize, that there is a gas cap holder! Best regards from Bavaria!

[@ronbrennan4632]

I have a 1977 240 do with 787000 miles engine never been apart I keep valves adjusted put new t chains rebate vacation pump 8 times she loves mystery oil liquid moly and other adjustments to keep the old mb going this is the 3rd mb I've had I bought a new 200d 1966 200thou miles trade for a new 22nd 1972 ran that 110000 in 4yrs had to sell it cause I was crushed by a crane out of work 3yrs. They are the best automobiles ever made in my opinion thanks for the great video you did on the w123d ron brennan rdzl om616

[@jamesc.5734]

Be carful Tommy if you back into the garage with the Merc. you'll cause $9,000 damage to the garage. ;O)

[@taelorwatson9822]

Leave him alone, that Garage came out of nowhere. And its more like 15k before its done.

[@jamesc.5734]

I'm sorry if you miss understood my humor, I meant that the Merc. was tank. I did defend Tommy in the clip about the cost of repair of the Tesla.

[@tomasmica325]

Yeah. $9000 of damage to the garage ;)

[@twdarcy]

lol

[@pawo007]

OM617 valve adjustment interval is approximately every 15,000 miles. At that point it should only require minor adjustment. Get those vacuum leaks sorted out, as the constant leaks mean that the roller piston vacuum pump is always engaged on the engine/pumping, which can prematurely wear it out. If it fails it will drop bearings into the engine and destroy it. When operating properly the vacuum system reaches a vacuum level and then the pump roller/piston moves away from the cam inside, essentially turning it off until more vacuum is needed. Also running the engine on things like old oil, cold vegetable oil may work, but not for long. It will lead to piston ring coking and possible injection pump damage. Then it won't be running so well anymore!

[@raspucin70]

Thank you for bringing all those up, esp the veg oil deal. Too many 617 and 603's have been destroyed by cheepskates trying to save a buck

[@danalito3693]

I just acquired a 1985 300 SD this year and I am really enjoying driving it. Here in Southern California rust is not an issue but the paint has “California Fade” from sun exposure. My list of things that don’t work is very similar to yours! Thanks for sharing!

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Tommy that w123 is freaking beautiful man. Great find. I have had 5. One was an 85 with 63k miles that was a one owner and I had a 85 wagon with 268k. The other 3 were 240ds. Sloooooooooo

[@siddiqiumar]

Some people like me like slow and big

[@oljefri]

One other thing you would never imagine is : the engine oil cap (don't know the name) fits perfectle in the fuel filler hole and vise versa

[@barberton3695]

That's good to know. Thanks for that comment

[@alternativesnet]

Great tidbit of info!

[@rugratmark]

My first car was a 1980 300D (one of the last of the non-turbos). The engine was indestructible but I lived on the coast and rust was a massive problem. My 300D had to be de-rusted several times over the years but the engine and gearbox went on forever. Even with the rust, I often had people come up to me with offers to buy it. That 300D was so good that I kept it long after a bought my next Mercedes and it broke my hear to part with it when I moved continents. I absolutely loved that car and would gladly get another one someday.

[@furiousdriving]

I just found this video and your channel as it was suggested by KZbin, probably as Im working on a W123 on my channel, and although its a petrol its still so incredibly well made I cant believe that after nearly 20 years in a barn I haven't had a single stuck bolt and 9 out the 10 electric window/sunroof movements work (one window won't go back up the last inch!), but it feels like a battleship and I cant wait to have it on the road.

[@jerrycooper1428]

Fantastic car but I love the coupe version. Mercedes 1985 280 CE

[@thracian2072]

you mean 300 CD.

[@furiousdriving]

Oh yeah, check out Mercedes Source channel for info about that ignition barrel, I can testify lying upside down in the footwell with a dremel, angle grinder and reciprocating saw to get the old one out is a crappy way to spend a weekend!

[@hugocaceresvelasquez]

Hi guys, I'm from Paraguay in South America, I love your video, I own a beautiful 1.996 C-class Mercedes w202, here are many Mercedes 300Ds operating as taxis and they are amazing.

[@larryanthony1861]

My mother proudly bought a brand new MBZ 300SD (Model 126) in 1981. It was white with a gray MB-Tex interior. To personalize it, she had the dealer add hand-painted, full length pin stripes. The day mom took delivery in Newport Beach, CA, she and I took the car on its first (5+ hour) road trip to her home in Northern California. It was her pride and joy for 19 years. I inherited this garage-kept, spotless car in 2000 with 80,000 gently used miles. It’s been nearly 20 more years, and this one-family mechanical masterpiece is still starting and running reliably. The radio, power antenna, clock, sunroof, power windows, power (vacuum) door locks, power seats and power right side rear view mirror switch still perform flawlessly. It burns little oil, as well. The sending unit for the tach needs to be replaced and yes, the climate control system is far from perfect. So, bravo, I totally agree with your assessment regarding the overall quality and durability of the 300 Series cars built in Germany during the 80s. I’ll never sell this car, but will pass it to my daughter with the wish that she enjoys Grandma’s car, too. One quick correction......When operating the light switch to turn on the left or right side front and rear turn signal and tail lights, MBZ refers to them as “Standing Lamps (or standing lights)”. They use little battery voltage, and serve to warn oncoming drivers, in darkly lit areas, of the presence of ones beloved automobile.

[@Viccatch]

That’s my current car now a w123 200 gasoline. for the past 4 years. Inherited it from my grandma. Very reliable car family heirloom.

[@carrifj]

Hi Vincent, i am buying this One, Many people talk about diesel engine, but how about petrol models, i am from Colombia. Let me know your point of view. Tks

[@maduross]

I daily mine that has 240k miles and still runs like a champ. Recently replaced rear brake pistons that were sticking, first maintenance item needed in the past 3 years.

[@adamr2810]

How many miles did it have when you bought it?

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

Most of your problems on your car can be sorted by lubricating them. The vacuum lock linkage- make sure they’re not binding and moving properly and the antenna- same thing- clean the mast then lubricate with the special MD grease also lubricate down inside the box where the cable goes. Points of lubrication you didn’t mention would be the sunroof tracks (and check those roof drains) , the electric window tracks, door/hood/trunk catches, hinges and lock mechanisms. Also the accelerator linkage. MB designed special grease for these jobs, which is ideal, but silicone grease will do for most. A good shortcut for this would be to purchase a lubrication kit from Mercedes Source. I have one, you don’t really need it but it’s nice to have it all ready to go. I just lubricated my 1975 450SEL for the winter on all these points. I’m doing the 1980 450SL next. I do this twice a year. The inside of the doors won’t need doing as often. It’s an ounce of prevention!

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

One more tip: you can use dielectric grease to lubricate and help protect the rubber boots on your vacuum locks and door and trunk seals. Helps them last longer. Dielectric grease is essentially the same thing as bushing installation lubricant.

[@danyalybrownrice7841]

Great review..all easy fixes and this car deserves them...my love for these cars started cuz I'm from north Africa..most there are 2 liter gas models

[@Gpadellaro]

i agree with everything you said, lol.... I had a 1983 300 turbo diesel....I loved that car! had exactly all the issues you mentioned...I had to open the hood and push the "off" lever to shut it off, my vacuum pump had failed. I used to love to do that when i pulled in a club parking lot or a hotel....was funny to see peoples faces while I turned my car off

[@danalito3693]

Love your channel! I have a 1985 300SD and I agree that it is one of the most reliable set of 4 wheels on the planet. One of the weak points you may want to mention are the exhaust hangars. The rubber tends to degrade over the years and you can find yourself dragging the exhaust system if attention is not paid to preventative maintenance.

[@Queensizemusic]

You’re absolutely right, Tommy! They’re not only a work of art, but a monumental feat of engineering. I don’t think there is a single Mercedes made today that could even remotely compete with either the 240 nor the 300D. They’re also neck and neck with any Toyota Truck.

[@francoispallud1215]

I have 2 ,not diesel but petrol 230 TE ,they are bullet prof :-))

[@elliebaba1]

22 years ago I had a 1979 300 turbo diesel Mercedes with 240,000 miles on it which was passed down to me by my parents. Never forget the day I got into a major head on collision which was not my fault. The crash was so bad that the front end was latterly like a pancake and miraculously the engine was still running. If not for the durability of this tank I would not be writing this today. Basically the car ended up in our driveway which I used as parts because I had bought 2 more cars 82 and an 83 turbo diesel Mercedes which the bodies were identical. Love this car would love to buy one for my 16 year old son for his first car. Thanks for the videos. You brought me way back to the good old times of my youth. So much dejavu.

[@humanbeing1675]

Growing up in Germany with these cars I could cry when I see what MB is producing now. Back in the seventies and eighties MB was the benchmark for all other manufacturers (at least in Europe). Nowadays they are just one company among others. Very sad.

[@ronalddean3630]

I second that

[@markhammer9975]

I drove an '83 and an '85 300 turbo diesel back in the day. God I miss those cars!

[@Hesam0000]

I've had 10-11 Mercedes since the 80s including about 5 diesels and the 80s diesels only negatives are low-power, bad AC system, no airbag till 87, leaky vacuum lines which make locks/transmission-shift/AC out of sync, but my favorite of then was the 1987 300SDL.

[@gravytrain416]

Need a new combo switch to solve that wiper issue. I had a 1983 240D, and then a 1980 240D later, which I still have. The 1983 started giving trouble with the wiper inexplicably coming on with no reason. Replaced the combo switch, and everything was fine again. Easy to replace on the W123. On the vacuum issues, I've overhauled the vacuum pumps on those engines in the past myself (and I'm no mechanic!) Simple and easy to do. And cheap! Valve adjustments? Book says every 15K. I've stretched that out to 25K for years, and never had a problem. Thank you for keeping this classic Mercedes alive.

[@10cpaul]

Tommy! you're one of the best TFL guys you're the future of them.... keep it up kid!! Had a cousin with a 1984 green same interior loved it !

[@AndreaCicko]

I have a W124 250D diesel mercedes 1988 and it has 310 000 miles, manual, very very reliable, only clutches, batteries and fuel injectors have been replaced so far.

[@hippieJOSH420]

I'll buy it

[@Rimrock300]

got a '95 124 300 diesel. Hope to keep it on the road the next 25 years.

[@robertamoyaw1979]

I had a 240D, n now i got an e300 diesel benz n i tell you, " you are so right" these locomotives do not break. The mpgees are crazy too . Am getting 40mpg without trying in the e300. And i only change my oil every 10K miles! 😊 is all i do , floating on the freeways. And mine has 300k on the odometer, i can't wait to hit 1million miles!

[@AntonyThorburn]

no electronic interference, BEAUTIFUL. I always loved these, ty

[@tedjeddine6385]

Comme moi. J'aime beaucoup la simplicité de ce genre de voiture .

[@mikepetersen1303]

nice work, bro. keep going. you're good at this. You are spot on when you say these vehincles are "military grade". I own a '79 300D with 321,000 miles and still going strong.

[@rivermonsoon7009]

I own both the 300d and the 240d both have the same issue you talk about minus the rust on the west coast here. But one thing I love about the 240 is that it’s even more basic and has almost barely any issues. And all of the items you talk about that are issues cost very little to repair. The 240d is slower but not on the highway too much. It’s all manual. No automatic anything except the antenna and sunroof. Some sunroofs are hand pulls too. In any case it’s an excellent piece of machinery and your review was accurate. Btw those nets on the back of your seat are good compared to a good many out there.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

When the Russians bomb us and we are hit with an EMP, the radio in my 300D will quit working.

[@paulyandle1286]

TFL guy, thank you for your Merc videos. My '83 300 sd turbo does have more than 400,000 miles on it (odometer is one of the things that goes kaput ) and thanks to devoted maintenance it's running better than ever. W 126 is I think an equally reliable machine.

[@derekjarman1638]

Now you have me looking on Craigslist for one - couple nice ones in my area and not very expensive either!

[@laurencesvoboda5232]

Thanks for the memories. Mine were of a '79 300TD, non-turbo wagon. Of the many strengths you mention and I agree with, one problem I experienced you didn't mention. Maybe because you never had it: difficulty starting at high altitude. Even though my service guys pointed out the car had a device that would adjust for high-altitude, I never could get the car to start and frequently drained the battery trying. Only when up in the mountains at more than 6k elevation. The family would wait apprehensively while Dad struggled to start the engine! Argh!

[@diogojudice8054]

In the past they made Cars, now they make Toys.

[@undefinedname1398]

I took my '85 out today and it's like driving a cloud. Every once in a while when needed the turbo would gradually increase boost and set you back a little in the seat. Steers as straight as an arrow.

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. ..Agreed. .. The Merc w123 body style including the successor the w124 body, start life as passenger cars, then onto Europe taxi duty. .. Next, in a single car, life succession is as a Middle East taxi and the as a South African taxi .... W123's never die!

[@ronalddean3630]

Ahhhh at 9:12 ignition. I didn't realize the tumbler was on it's way to being inoperable. So, I am awaiting a call from a referral (locksmith) to come and repair it. The shop wants $1,000 to repair it. Also for those that don't know, NEVER attach your ignition key to your stack of keys (house, toolshed, work office, etc.) because the weight will pull on the cylinder (1st 300D I had). Great video, keep up the good work!

[@VilleVallaton76]

Do let/get the tumbler be fixed, it is not necessarily expensive at all, it will become nasty if you cannot start or cannot remove the key from the tumbler. You need a bicycle spoke or two, which you grind at 30 degrees, and push into "the holes" when the current is on, no need for any bigger "dashboard surgery".

[@petercollingwood522]

Don't normally comment on the tube but as a long standing 123 owner, currently on my second 240D, which is in very poor shape compared to this car, I'm jealous of such a great example and such a low mileage. My current one is at 345K miles. Your vacuum system is only complex in the number of hoses and connectors. It's very simple otherwise. I just fixed my door locks by replacing the master switch in the drivers door, and ensuring all the connections are tight and leak free. I can shut the engine off and lock and unlock the doors multiple times with no problem. Get yourself a couple of Mityvac hand pumps. They are essential for troubleshooting the system. Make sure you lube the sunroof with the correct "Gleitpasta" from Mercedes. I believe there is even a part number for it. Part of the delight of the 123 is how simple stuff is for a non mechanic to learn about and work on yourself. Not to mention the excellent ride, safety, general "coolness factor" of such a timeless classic. As for reliability. Toyota Corolla? Please. Don't make me laugh. Just how many 1982 Corrollas are still on the road, let alone upwards of multiple hundreds of thousands of miles.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

I once visited a friend who had a very steep, 3 mile long driveway. If you started to fall down the driveway, it took a long ways to stop your fall. The driveway was also covered with heavy riprap… 3”-6” crushed rock. A 4x4 F250 made it up, but it also had to tow a Volvo AWD. The 240D just putted right to the top of that long, and brutal climb.

[@motomuso]

I miss my rolling bricks. I had an '83 and a '79, with 250k and 340k miles. Unless you have patience though you surely want the turbo.

[@snailer06]

I had a '71 220D 4 cyl. It was fine unless the weather got cold, I had to plug it in... But anyway, it was like a horse; not really the best at low speed, and smelly, but when you got it going, WOW! One day after owning it for 4 years, a new freeway opened up south of the city and there was nobody around so I decided to see how fast she would go. At about 75 to 80 mph, the car seemed to rise up, as if on mag-lev. The engine got strangely smooth and silent. The steering wheel felt like we were on rails. It all made sense at that moment...

[@motomuso]

When I traded in my 300D and drove off the lot in a new (then) 2005 Mustang I was surprised at how loud the road noise was in the new car. Even with the rattling diesel the noise abatement in those cars was excellent. I hear they used a layer of asphalt in the flooring.

[@nirfz]

If the central locking only works once after the engine is stopped you definetly have a leak or a weak lock. I had that on mine, the "lock thing" had to be changed, then it worked again. (19 years ago i had one) For the fuel cap holder and the cover: the holder is in every Benz i know since then and the incorporation of the cover in the central locking too. Also there has always been some kind of "secret" way to unlock the fuel cap cover in case the central locking is defective. (somehow from the truck, not that easy) Have you ever taken a look at the toolset? there should be a steel folding wedge. The greatest unknown thing every Mercedes Benz had standard until they stopped issueing onbord tool sets a few years ago!

[@tobiasg8666]

You said that the driveline is military grade, well it's not far from the truth, since the swedish and finnish military uses a band wagon called Hägglunds Bv206 which earlier used the OM617 as the powerplant.

[@deepbludude4697]

I have an 83 240D about 113K miles on it, its an awesome piece of kit, and I have owned all of the cars you have talked about as well as a Unimog and a Gwagon. Mine is for trade on spacecoast CL I know ill kick myself in the arse when shes gone, my rust is almost the same as yours. I hold on too it for the endtimes but I also have an old IDI F250. Mine has sunroof that works hand crank windows near perfect interior, its a joy to drive. 3rd one I have owned and I drove one in Baghdad that was completely clapped out that always finished the mission.

[@chesswizard31]

Next video please: WILL MY 300D RUN ON JUST FARTS?

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

You can put any kind of kitchen oil in it. It works and smells like french fries.

[@stabbs_15]

@@stefanfalldorf6573 One guy actually was low on diesel and found something flammable in his trunk and just put in the tank and drove it lol

[@oljefri]

@@stabbs_15 A friend of mine had a w114 with a 220D, his dad worked at a place where cars come to die (dont know the name in english and drunk) during the summer we had free fuel from all-all the used engine oil we could wish and want for! just pour it in the tank and go! anything that burns except gasoline isn't a problem... would run better on cooking oil than old engine oil though...

[@jamesvelvet3612]

Had a '72 280SE with a straight 6. Mechanical fuel injection. Four wheel disk brakes, MB Tex interior that looked new when it was 30 years old. Lovely green exterior with beige interior. Sold it and bought a 300D but mine wasn't turbocharged. Friend had a 300CD. These are tanks, I wish I still had one!

[@bosse641]

Would love to own a mint W123

[@jamesdaple9951]

I wish they still made like that!!! Beautiful country!!! Where ever hes at.

[@Krieky]

Glad that the Madonna thing worked out, you being such a big fan and all! 😄 Great review!

[@tommeiner9983]

00:42 That's about 10 centimeters.

[@LordTechPro]

I'm probably the only one who got this comment (I guess you are referring to the first video where Tommy said the turning radius is about 10 centimetres!)

[@tommeiner9983]

@@LordTechPro That's right :D

[@ponderinggeek7861]

I bet if you crashed a W123 into the garage it would keep going and you wouldn't need 10k worth of parts....

[@NukePooch1]

...probably need $10K worth of garage repair, though.

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

And just needs three days...

[@estebanamador7601]

Like some Tesla that we know? 🤣🤣🤣

[@peskachina]

A new garage is probably more than 10k, so probably crashing a Tesla is cheaper afterall

[@aaron___6014]

Pondering Geek of course not because you can find parts in junk yard

[@chrisreed26]

I had a 1978 300D non-turbo from 1996-2003..I bought from a family member who bought from a friend at 28,000 miles in Beckley,Wv at Lewis Chevrolet Mercedes new..My uncle that had it most of it's life actually owned a locomotive repair shop in Lakeland Fl during the phosphate high in the 80's so he knew how to fix anything..so my Benz was maintained perfect and at over probably 300K miles, everything was still working..I did have to replace the A/C compressor at one point, the vacuum main thing..it's called the AC Servo unit actually..the brain of the car really...I replaced with a junkyard part too! My locks all worked well..funny fact the car he replaced mine with was a 1993 190E 2.6..when you turned the key to lock or unlock a door or trunk, a vacuum pump is energized to provide vacuum!! Guess they realized how poorly the other design was! When I sold mine it even had many original heater hoses on it still as soft as new!

[@umakegoodcookies]

The record holders for longevity are not these but Volvo 240 series. Parts are cheaper, the red block 4 in them currently holds the mileage record (in a P1800), and they have far less complicated ancillary components. I've run both and neither let me down but the Volvo was just as comfortable and handled better (with a turbo sway bar upgrade). It was also easier to keep everything on the Volvo running. The only hard common jobs were cleaning the EGR system and rewiring the electrical as it passes by the hinge in the tailgate. Both of those are much easier than chasing a W123 vacuum leak. The Japanese cars are very reliable but they don't have high longevity because they tend to disintegrate all at once after they start to go. And while they tend to run reliably while running, the suspensions, seats, and just things as simple as all of the bolts are not made as heavy duty. After they get old on a Toyota (Honda, Mazda) bolts tend to break very easily when trying to replace things and it's a nightmare trying to get things apart. Even rusted old Mercs and Volvos can be taken apart and things don't all snap off when you're trying to do it. (Heck, I've broken fewer bolts on rabbits than Japanese cars).

[@haresantiques2497]

I took my 240D to the mercedes specialist and they said that although they work on Merc W123 cars all the time they prefer Volvo 240s because they are more reliable, better made and easier to work on. They both have Volvo 240s themselves. Also, by the way, there is no comparison with the door closing on a Volvo 240, so much better than the Merc. However, the Merc has better suspension and the six cylinder petrol is much more powerful than the Volvo equivalent. Also the 1975-1993 Volvo six cylinder is much less reliable than the Merc six (although the pre 1975 and post 1993 Volvo engines are very reliable).

[@cebedeuz]

My dad and his brother used to have w123 2,0 diesels. Those cars were lazy af. When they were building our log factory in middle Finland in mid -80’s, they had long travel there from northern Finland. On the way there was long 10km’s straight. They used to race those mercs on that straight. No matter how hard they tried the other car managed toget on the side of the other car, but never pass.

[@fritzharald]

Cool video! My father owned a 230TE station wagon which was part of my teenage time! We now own the larger brother W116 in Europe. A lot of your issues are subject to the top of the line features that no cars in Europe ever had. Climate control? Never seen! Central lock? Not common. So it is down to the wisdom of old cars - what is not build in can't break;) Our Landcruiser LJ 70 has none of these features, hence they can't break. Rust is a problem to all of them. LC and Mercedes.Thanks for loading up such cool videos!

[@ItsTimePictures]

No question that car will last longer than a Toyota. If properly cared for, the 123 diesels last pretty much forever.

[@chrisj197438]

It's Time Toyota’s are very overrated. Honda’s as well.

[@bliglum]

No question, you're wrong.. But haters are gonna hate. I get it.

[@chrisj197438]

The Passionate Ponce If you say so

[@robertamoyaw1979]

Corollas are great but a w123 diesel has SOUL, you can fall in love with it😊

[@robertamoyaw1979]

Corollas n hondas compare to a Benz, like Suzukis n Hondas compare to Harley😊

[@mschiffel1]

My 1983 MB 240D has 268K miles and runs like a well oiled machine...it's a 4 speed manual, and the only thing that does not work is the A/C...the cruise control, all power windows plus the sunroof all work...even the analog clock still works!...it handles well and stops great...the ride is firm, but pleasant....I plan on keeping it for as long as I can...no other cars even come close to these old 123s.

[@curtiso.162]

I have a 1978 and you are correct my 3rd one you can't beat joints.

[@tony_25or6to4]

I think the early 70s 240D and 300D are the best cars for teen drivers. They are dependable and we'll engineered. A 240D saved my friend's life. He was T-Boned at 60 MPH right on the B pillar and driver's door. There was very little intrusion into the passenger compartment. You can also run them on used fryer oil.

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Same for my wife. A snowplow had both sides retracted so it looked like the bow of a ship. Hit right where she was seated. Destroyed our W126 (560SEC), but she just climbed over the console and stepped out the passenger door uninjured.

[@suj241]

I am going to pick up a 240d, wonder if there is any company in the US that can send parts to India at a low shipping cost. Some parts like headlamps are not available in India and I need to import them. Import charges are 100% of the part cost in most cases.

[@marshaspears9142]

Have you tried ebay? Amazing what is available, altho sporadic.

[@suj241]

@@marshaspears9142 yeah ebay, amazon, peachparts, mercedessource i have tried all these. 250 usd for a single headlamp including shipping; thats how much it costs me. Looking for cheaper shippping.

[@soufianesetli4536]

U have to look in midle east countries they r all over the place

[@mjwomp]

I once had a voltage regulator go out on my 240d one night before trying to attempt to go home from work and that's when I realized that If you can get the engine to turn it won't shut off. It was 1:30 am when I got off of work and I made it home with the most dim headlamps ever. The next day and $30 later I have my alternator running again. There's something to say about a car like that. My w123 has plenty of issues but it has never left me stranded.

[@lakeshorerides]

Yep, these and the 300sel, my 2nd cousin has 2, one with 612,000 miles on the original engine, he picked it up for 1500 bucks and it's his daily. Other has 300k

[@TINSTAAFL1]

I've driven MB since 1974 and owned a W123 200, 240D, 300TD and 300TDT. All wonderful ultra reliable cars that never let me down. Problems started with the W124 and the Schrempp era made it even worse with regard to quality. Luckily MB seems to be back on track, I currently own a C class kombi which I have for several years without any problems.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

I own a 126 300SD 1983 it went thru a flood, I have the engine running, been cleaning out the entire interior, removed carpets, seats, and disinfected, removed all mildew. Going to replace alternator, starter with Bosch parts. I had about 30" of water flood the entire car. So will change out rear differential fluid, transmission fluid, and mother oil. Even going to repack front wheel bearings. I have been going to junk yards taking parts off of similar 126 chassis. Found a complete dash pad console with no cracks for $55! I have went ahead and replaced heater core, and ac evaporator. Eventually will get door locks to work, found vacuum pump for trunk at junk yard! The key to these tanks? If you can start the car, you are going places! The diesels are bullet proof! And the 123, and 126 are easy to work on, and you can find many parts for them at your junk yard!

[@TheOrgonaut]

first of all , i love your channel about those vintage cars and second the little german speaking in your vidoes .... greets from austria (the little brother of germany )

[@heyrod59]

Pull the steering wheel off and check the wiring for a pinched wire where the turn signal stalk is mounted to the column. Use a vacuum pump to locate the leak at one of the vacuum elements (of which there are many) and you need the "special" tool to remove the tumbler so taking the crash pad out isnt necessary. And you have REALwood sandwiched between a thin sheet of aluminum so the wood doesnt splinter in the event of a major crash....

[@vdobrovo]

Tommy I am so “jealous” about your car as I love older mercedes cars, currently own 420 sel 1991.... but always wanted a diesel mercedes

[@wernerdanler2742]

I don't know who you heard that 3000 miles from but 12,000 is more like it for setting the valves. There is an electronic controller for the ACC in the fuse box under the hood but it's probably more like a large relay. I had an 85 turbodiesel in the early 2000's for 4 years. Had 280k miles on it when I traded it off. MB tex was perfect. Bit of rust on bottom corners of rear window. I replaced both rear window regulators, ball joints, tie rod ends and aircon compressor switching to R134 and that electronic controller. Stearing gear box needed a rebuild but never did just adjusted it as much as possible. Loved driving it.

[@skylinefever]

I worked with a guy from Egypt, and he was surprised that there weren't more old Peugeot models in the USA. I think he was referring to the 405, 504, and 505. He considered them to be the best. My explanation was that other car companies built a good reputation before Peugeot did, and that is why he was more likely to see a Benz diesel from that era. Years later, I met a woman who owned that kind of Peugeot and loved it, and she said the one disadvantage was how much time it took to start during the winter in New Jersey. She used an electric block heater to make things easier. Sure, mechanical injection prechamber engines all took a while to start, but some were definitely better than others.

[@Tchristman100]

I have a 1984 300D Turbodiesel with 547,000 miles on it-original engine and transmission. What doesn't work? Rear window defogger, central locking system. I converted to 134a freon and the A/C works well. What has gone wrong? Replace the engine to transmission flex plate flywheel (cracked), burned up the right rear wheel bearing and had to also replace the hub-about a year ago-all parts still available. Rebuilt the injection pump. Cruise control works off it's own electric motor and functions. I simply love the car, change the oil every 3,000 miles with 15W-40 oil (Diesel grade). Average 23 mpg in the city.

[@bobi7072]

I know a guy who has one of this! He bought it 20 years ago, he became the driver he is today in this car! Now his son is driving it who recently got his license! 2 million miles and the engine still runs and drives very good!

[@richardgreene3460]

The wiper delay working only on the right turn is 99% the wiring in the combination stalk. It is fed down the steering wheel exiting below the panel at your knees. Unplug the wires from the stalk under the panel. Then remove the rubber cover at the end of the stalk and remove the attachment screws. You can then pull the wires from the plugin up the steering wheel. Really simple! You need a vacuum pump to test the leak at each connection beginning at the driver's door. Under the carpet, there are vacuum lines going to the rear left door and another line going across the car to all of the other doors; the gas flap and the trunk. If there is a leak there, you can go to the passenger front carpet. There will be vacuum lines going to the passenger rear door, the gas flap and trunk. The valve adjustment is done every 15,000 miles ( and not every 5,000)! Glad a "young kid" is into the old Mercedes! I have all the W123 models (80 240D, 83 300CD, 84 300 EURO 5-Speed, 85 300D & 85 300TD).

[@1XSTEALTHTWINTURBOX1]

i have 92 300D Mercedes and I love it. 2.5L 5 Cyl Turbo Diesel. I am near 366K Miles soon. I put over 10k on her. Never any coolant or Oil Loss. It's amazing... All i did was change all the fluids. everything but transmission fluid because it was pink in color. I had a 92 Camry for 2 years. It was great but did cost more in service. I needed to do water pump and thermostat. it was very cheap but it was only larger service. Less than $350 with parts and labor. I'd say Camry more bullet proof because well known parts and a ton of them. over built but with affordable parts. But my 4cyl MPG was worse than my mercedes diesel and I could fit more in the Mercedes.

[@andythepole9478]

*****W123 Best Car Ever Made*****

[@TheRerunn]

Had a 1978 300 that was not a 300d. It was kept under a tree and not driven for four years. I replaced the battery and flushed the radiator and gas tank. Started up on the first try. Drove it for a year, until a family member killed it in a collision. It would be running today if I would have held on to it. That car was a character in itself. Please don’t give your car up. You will regret it.

[@DanielMiotto86]

Also for the ignition tumbler, spray in a dry graphite lubricant and that should extend the life. MB recommends graphite for all the tumblers.

[@dansshop]

I just got one. Most stuff works and it's very comfy. I had a 1982 (same year) Toyota corolla ~ probably the last one in this little city you don't see many around anymore. If I had to argue that there's something that maybe could last as long, pick any RWD volvo. (and ya, all their bells and whistles broke pretty quick too but the drivetrain was bomb proof) I know those well, I'm just learning the mercedes.

[@LordTechPro]

0:42 Tommy now that's 10 centimeters!

[@shimeih2287]

My dad had the petrol version when I was growing up. Nice nice car. The guy who bought it still drives it past our house everyday.

[@raspucin70]

Props for keeping that merc in good working order, it looks like it has gone from one good owner to another. Only thing that WILL kill that engine is if you run it on veggie oil, in any shape or form. Yes, it *will* run...for a while, until the veg oil residue "cokes" in the pump and injectors. Also make sure you check the flex disc on the drive shaft, when those fail, they do it in spectacular manner

[@PiranhaJaw22]

I have one of these. To fix the wiper issue, take the controller for it out and put some butter on it