The Best Car Ever Built? Why We're Restoring This Classic Mercedes-Benz 300TD Wagon With 341K Miles

[@jerryncouch3965]

Just bought a 1987 300td wagon I start working on it Saturday can't wait

[@brettcannon74]

I just bought a 82 300td wagon white/navy 233k. $2100. You'd better believe I'm keeping it till i die

[@paddydaddyo]

Still got it?

[@johnmatarazzo9178]

You stole it

[@alexcontt]

That's right is the only car i this world which can show 300000. or 500000 on odometer and the driver still feeling confortable and happy

[@EMObeamer]

What about the Volvo 240?

[@sergeantretro4427]

@@EMObeamer 85 Volvo 240 wagon here 385,000 miles and still going strong. Was my mom's car. Then went through all kids in highschool as first car, then a delivery wagon for my cousins flower shop for ten years in bay area. Now it's my daily driver

[@EMObeamer]

@@sergeantretro4427 What's with those weird comments above?! Yea I was the second owner of a 1993 240 5spd wagon! The final year, holy grail of 240s unfortunately it had 225k mi when I bought it and only got another 50k in there before she was impounded for unpaid parking tickets...live and learn, what were the teenage years for right? It was a cool time to be alive. The older lady I got the car from had a sick emotional attachment to it and wrote me emails about it long after I'd bought it. I'm looking at a 2006 S60R 6speed right now ... The guys a little steep on the $ dunno if the modern ones hold up like the vintage ones ... That's already got 191k ...

[@joshpeterson7241]

The Lincoln town cars and the other panther platforms could probably be included as well. They do have several smaller issues, but they run forever!

[@joshpeterson7241]

@Nobody else but me Toyotas are great too!

[@chaszouras6858]

Quickly becoming my favorite channel on KZbin. Love the wagons and can't wait to see more.

[@erniefrijole2618]

Got the '85 300TD! This wagon is the only material thing I'm actually emotionally attached to. My dad bought ours in Deutschland and we brought it over by boat in 1985. So many memories and with my two boys there are many more ahead. This "thing" is like a family member that can seat 7 comfortably. Yes, mine has the rear facing back bench that can fold away. Truly an engineering marvel. They should bring it back so more people can worry less about cars.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Bill I’ve never clicked so fast! Thank you buddy!

[@trevordantzler5781]

"Cold dead fingers" never fail. Floors me every time

[@brettjohnson6807]

As a teenager, my first crush had one of these. It was incredibly slow but he only filled it up twice a month. It never broke down and it always started on his first try. it also topped out at 135 mph, way over my four cylinder mustang's top speed!

[@far574]

I’ve always wanted one of these. Probably my favorite wagon.

[@rodneythur8754]

I owned 4 Mercedes over 16 years. Mostly new. Bill, you are correct. You can fix everything on the car. But, all plastic, and rubber will need replacing. The pull tab on the grill is a good example. It is plastic, it is old, and it is brittle. New, it was great! 38 years later, you have a money pit. Fun, if you are into it.

[@csfan65]

Fell in love with this car the first time I saw one. Stephanie Powers looked great in it on the Hart To Hart tv show. I was in high school during that time and while the other guys wanted a Trans Am or Camaro, I wanted one of these. Still intend to own one someday!

[@MOUSEBOWEN]

So good looking. My 2003 Toyota Tundra 3.4 has 447k miles and I just drove 1400 miles back and forward to Oregon zero issues at all. The most reliable truck ever. Original almost everything I replaced the alternator and fuel pump that’s all

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Well done! I’m so happy u did this one. Man brings back memories of my wagon. I bought it from RBM mercedes parts department. They used it for deliveries. It was an 85 with about 270k on it. This was back in 2007. A few years later someone pried it from my warm alive hands and a pile of cash. Wasn’t worth it. Lol. Look forward to more. Thanks man!

[@bryanalston1369]

Thanks for sharing this classic with us. Enjoy your vacation.

[@robertmiller6821]

Bill I own a 2016 e350 sport wagon and I cannot believe that going back to 2004 that the rear area and 3rd row seat Identical to 2016 I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED ONE OF THESE and I'm just loving it Thank you for all the details you share in your videos.

[@Tchristman100]

I have Mercedes '84 300D Turbodiesel 4 door with 549,000mi on both the engine and transmission. The key-3,000mi oil changes using 15W-40 truck type oil. Yes it has some blow by, but still idles smooth and lots of power.

[@Greg042869]

If I am not mistaken, the cluster in the '84 had black centers. Aluminum were discontinued after 1982 (like the "chrome" vent covers).

[@Tchristman100]

@@Greg042869 My sedan looks exactly like this station wagon-same color.

[@Greg042869]

@@Tchristman100 And the center of the dials in the cluster are polished aluminum discs, not flat black?

[@Tchristman100]

@@Greg042869 No flat black-don't understand the difference.

[@Greg042869]

@@Tchristman100 The center of the gauge needles changed at some point from being polished aluminum to solid black, and I was under the impression that the change was from model years 82 to 83. Maybe the T and D are different than the CD. That would be hard to believe, though.

[@Viperin98]

I’ve got a 1984 300D turbo sedan model. It’s coming up on 300,000 miles and still runs great. I think if I do a valve adjustment it’ll be even better! I’ve had it since I was 16 (I’m 20 now so not that long) It’s got some rust on the wheel wells and the rocker panels, but I have the capability to fix it which I plan to do soon. I’d also like to repaint it because it’s a bit faded and scratched. I’m lucky and managed to get a silver blue metallic model. But I totally agree that these are some of the best cars ever built!

[@AuRowe]

Nice! Still have it? Curious about any further repairs you've done

[@Viperin98]

@@AuRowe Yep I still have it! I have since bought a Porsche 944 and that has been taking more of my time than the Mercedes lol. The Mercedes is definitely more reliable. The only stuff I’ve really done in the past 3 years was replacing all my glow plugs, and put in a new vacuum pump and brake master cylinder. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get around to repairing the rust but I still plan on doing it. I regularly drive it and it’s always been great.

[@GfrmdaBrnx]

Vacation time for Bill! Enjoy you deserve it.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

I bet bill enjoys strong 🍸

[@benartee9493]

I grew up in these. My grandma had one after the other, she regularly had accidents, and the sound of the 4 cylinder diesel in the 240d rings in my head when I just see a picture of one. My wife doesn’t like how I drive so we go everywhere in two cars 😳 but she said she likes the C123 when she saw one recently so now I’m hoping to stumble across a diesel coupe with abs and drivers airbag eventually. Looove the 123.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Ben Artee, how do you drive?

[@jimlastname]

That "clunk" of the door at 07:58 and the engine sound ..in love. 💕

[@rarerides]

IVE WAITED 2 DAMN YEARS FOR PART 2

[@ItsTimePictures]

Pierre Hedary in Florida. No one better for servicing any Benz from that decade. Nuff said.

[@newtonraymond77]

I was thinking the same thing Pierre has a burning hot passion for old Mercedes

[@LuckysMotorcycles]

I’ve had 3 of the turbo sedans, one coupe and a 240D. Drove the heck out of each and sold them for more than I originally paid. But, never a wagon because I feared the rear air suspension.

[@saveyourhero3307]

Same and I heard the conversions are kinda bad

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Good Lord, this is the perfect car for roadtrips, just lovely 😍😍😍🎉

[@gkstanfield]

Great video, Bill! Thank you for saving her as your own beloved project…she is worthy! I agree with you on all the charming, enduring qualities of the W123 300TD; I loved them since I first saw them brand-new at my local MB dealer at age 9! Crazy-expensive…that blew my 9-year-old car-kid mind..! “What do these people haul in a Mercedes-Benz station wagon- Champagne, Cognac, Cocaine..?!?” (The answer was probably all of the above, plus Arabian horses…) In 1994 I was 26 and finally bought a high-mileage 1980 300TD non-turbo (white over navy MB-Tex) for $2500; the seller claimed its first owner was a “California Avocado Rancher” but the bottoms of all four doors had rusted through from the inside…guessing it spent more time in Wisconsin than California..? She soldiered on valiantly through summers and winters (Hakkapeliitta winter tires and a block heater were key) so one summer I ‘restored’ her rusted segments and prepped the car for a fresh white repaint with some deft fiberglass and Bondo chops in Dad’s garage; my parents were so impressed with my work they paid for the re-spray! She always looked impressive after that; in my youthful enthusiasm I joined the MBCA, added Persian Rug floor mats and stainless-steel wheel arches to her (so many of us did) and even a set of salvaged OEM Mercedes chrome crossbars for the roof rack. I loved her. She even earned a high-mileage grille-badge from MB! At 268,000 miles, her timing chain parted at highway speeds and ‘ventilated’ the cam cover, ruining the 5-cylinder Diesel engine. I couldn’t afford a rebuilt engine, so I traded her as-is to an old German Mercedes-Benz specialist against a sorted but ratty 1974 240D winter car…that one had the big sunroof, and carried my first newborn child home from the hospital…so happy new beginnings continued! I am now on Mercedes-Benz #7 or #8, but that TD still tugs at my heart…I totally get the love people harbor for this evergreen classic estate! (PS- I kept the Bundt-Cake alloys and chrome crossbars; you never know when another great 300TD will surface…)

[@g.g.4704]

What a wonderful story! 🥹 If you still have those crossbars, my green, 1985 grey market 300TDT has been searching for some! 💚

[@jimlastname]

I had an 82. I used it for hauling paddle boards for my shop in Naples. It had 315k on it when I sold it. Sold the original Becker radio for almost as much as the car.

[@jonboy9912]

Do the car a favour and install European bumpers and headlights. Takes me back to when cars were cars! My mate who run a wedding agency bought one new in 1984 and picked us all up for a football match one Sunday morning and I was hooked on Mercedes ever since and have drove little else since. The W124 300TD was another great car with a better chassis so maybe that would get my vote for the best ever made, but I see your point, I never met a German with the character of this car and it is amazing that such a teutonic race could come up with such a comfortable machine that makes you feel so good. Look forward to later episodes - once again go European on the bumpers and headlights!

[@Banglish123]

Those American lights on mercs are rank

[@MartinSage]

You're funny. You do the blow by test and when it shows blow by with the cap popping off you immediately move on to another subject.😆

[@cc8530]

not only that, did you notice how long it took to start before he went for a drive. between that and blow by, I’d say there’s a few mechanical issues

[@anthonyk8327]

There are actually 3 fuel filters! There is one attached to the fuel tank!

[@kermitefrog64]

I have the 1981 W123 chassis with the 240d 4 speed manual. I have had the car for 5 years. It is a lot of fun to drive and working on it is not that bad and buying parts is a lot easier than you would think. On the highway it gets about 30 mpg with the 4 cylinder diesel. There are a number of these cars in our area. I probably have seen a minimum of 10 cars w123 bodies in our town.

[@Schumanized]

I salute you sir!! We had an orange one when i was a kid and it was a blast!!! I felt sad when my dad sold it😓. Awsome wagon!! Oh....i miss that old mercedes smell😍

[@jacoboleary9076]

There are 2 types of people: Those who think the W123 is the best car ever made, and those who thing the Volvo 240 is the best car ever made

[@landsky5925]

240’s back door is taken from sedan without even changing shape of it to suit the 240 wagon. it looks not very well

[@Kevin_Rhodes]

Having owned both, the Volvo owners are very, very wrong.

[@marcelpatel9017]

Unfortunately, neither of these cars are the most well made if you consider they only stay on the road with replacement parts over their lifetime to some degree. The Lexus LS 430 claims that title.

[@longbottle]

Owner of two 300TDs here. Daily drive one, currently fixing some issues with her sibling. They occasionally are a little cranky, but my god, I love the W123s. They are amazing vehicles, and truly masterpieces of engineering.

[@pablocespedes9585]

Grandpa had a blue W123, it was a 240 diesel, it was slow but once you had it rolling that thing was fun to drive, even a bit sportier on twisty roads! I really regret I havent been able to get any of these Mercs just have something made with quality! In todays world to have a car with this built quality and fine materials you need yo buy a Bentley!

[@savariaxa]

Fantastic car I had a W123 1982 , 230 E Coupe same Color yes in Europe Germany everybody knows the Mercedes W123 is the best Mercedes ever buildt ☝️ Enjoy your holidays ☀️🌊🌊

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

Hint - You're not supposed to lift the bonnet (hood) by the release tab!

[@h.v.g7882]

The best and most beautiful Mercedes ever built 👍👌👍👌

[@oneitalia2312]

Gorgeous car!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Question for you please: I have a 1988 MB 300 TE wagon. My main question is, why does it squeak so much when I turn the steering wheel??? A non-MB mechanic says it can't be oiled and lubricated to make it stop squeaking? What say you? Anybody???

[@charlesngwaba6836]

i have a restored W123 230E running till date and to be honest it gives me joy anytime i look at it

[@ruwanperis493]

Great vedeo, I loved it, im definitely going to add one of these to my Mercedes collection, thankyou very much and keep those birds away, looking forward to every episode.

[@SunderlandMorrow]

Sick car. I think that anyone who has ever worked on one of these cars would agree that they are the best cars ever built. Those who haven't yet had the chance wouldn't fully understand that statement but I'm sure if given the chance to work on one, those people would fully agree as well. This basically means it is a unanimous vote, maybe I'm a little biased. On a side note, your oil pressure at idle seems a little low to me, I'd look into that if I were you. The pressure usually drops at idle (when fully warmed up) but yours wasn't even at operating temp before dropping.

[@michaelhoerig5920]

I owned a 1983 300 TD for over ten years. Best car I ever owned! Bought it when it was 15 years old with 150,000 miles on it. Put another 100,000 miles on it and it still looked and ran like new. The most solid car ever and the car that cost the least to maintain over the years.

[@MrLuba6a]

Fantastic car. I remember when I bought my '82 mod.280 TE. I was speechless-there were no vibrations,sounds,just so quiet inside,we had to stop speaking to here if the engine runs ...At that time the diesels were very expensive.If these cars had xenon lights, I would've buy one today-fantastic piece of art

[@sgr439]

Bill, Before you drive that car much more, be sure to tighten the oil fill cap. I don't think you tightened this securely, and you may have a lot of oil on that motor. Great car!

[@gary1705]

Keep us updated bill now and then just to show what’s been done would be great 👍

[@davidmcclintock7793]

Ytnbrv

[@rickwoodward5795]

Great video, seriously considering buying one, this helped quite a bit. Good luck with it, enjoy!

[@user-bi7iz7mz9s]

My father had one this thing could run forever

[@МихаилИванов-в2в]

Всем владельцам Mercedes здоровья и благополучия ! 👍😎 Были W201,W140, теперь W124.

[@gazistar5526]

I couldn't agree more with your review I am Mercedes fanatic w123 is my favorite chassis I have 1978 300D and very much in love more I look at the car more I get to know the car and I thinks is the best car ever built personally want to thank Bruno Sacco for designing this beautiful car

[@vinnybruce2874]

I still have this car today its a masterpiece craftmanship especially my 240d..

[@jessevongnaraj2276]

I have 3 w123 cars What you say is true, and what I say to all my friends Prepare to leave this car in your will, it will outlive you I have a 230e euro with a 4 speed, a 240d and a 300d I’m on the look for a 300TD here in central Florida because I wholeheartedly agree A lovely vehicle that will stand the test of time

[@LetsGo6009]

so your the reason I cant Find any W123 here in florida lol. If your ever willing to sell that 230e, hit me back... :D

[@wernerbloemwagen6878]

Bill 100% correct - thís was their motto : "Engineerd like no other car in the World"

[@Drod6969]

I’ll never forget the adventures I had with my w116 diesel. Never thought twice about long trips with it

[@franchescas5292]

Interesting video. Mercedes thinks of everything. I hope you'll do another video when the restore is finished. My '83 300D has been my wonderful commuting car for many years. I'm only the second owner.

[@TG-hr2kv]

Excellent choice of classic Bill and commentary as always, from us in the uk 🇬🇧

[@billroberts4012]

Bill, Thank You for sharing

[@kermitefrog64]

A recent update I made was installing a Flex-a-lite electric fan and wow what a difference that made freeing up horse power. I also have installed Uniroyal 205/75r14 tires and that also made a nice difference on the drivability. These are incredible cars and the quality allows this car to keep rolling 41 years later.

[@123Pucki-Soey-Birds]

Like this video very much, Nice voice and good explaining of the Importent Things..

[@Vivaldi111]

Love this old Mercedes diesels !

[@markwoodley712]

It was love at first sight when I first saw one of these at high school, it belonged to the mother of a friend of mine, unfortunately it was orange paint color, but it was striking, a genuine classic.

[@mchervino]

Oh man, I wish I could share pictures here. I have a 1984 300SD with the same om617 in beautiful shape. Agreed, the Mercedes diesel clatter is wonderful.

[@villejuntunen5851]

Who is this guy, just found this channel today. 4 hours fly by. He is on the point. So pleasant to watch and listen. Bill? Do more!!! Subbed. Why? Because I want to learn.

[@rickdavid6758]

Enjoy the vacation Bill. Look forward to the next video!

[@douglasjohnston8984]

Great video Bill. Nice little project in great shape.

[@LulaRoberts]

Enjoy your vacation. Looking to hear from you when you get back 😎.

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

I have a 2005 C320 4-Matic with a little puzzle I’ve been trying to figure out. Maybe you can help me. For some time, the car starts like it should in the morning, or when its set for hours, but once the engine has warmed up from driving and it needs to be restarted, it takes about 45 revolutions for it to start. After starting it runs perfect, no hesitation or anything. A few weeks ago, Iv’e had to replace the starter from wearing it out. The car still does the hard start warm weather issue, but once its on, runs excellent. Iv’e replaced the Crank Angle Sensor, cleaned the MAF Sensor. I do smell oil from the leaking valve cover gasket, which I replaced last summer, but didn’t do the left side very good, because its still seaping a little on the corner, and ultimately dripping on the manifold. I have also replaced the Coolant temperature Sensor, as some blogs talked about that causing the starting issue with temperature differences. I am lost....Please help.

[@eduardocastillo368]

Love them wagons, specially 300tds.

[@skymuffn]

...it sure is one of the best ever built and the white highlights its elegance. I'm quite lucky to have inherited that same model in white back in 1990, she still drives like a dream.

[@briansmith2570]

GREAT project Bill. Can't wait to see it when you're finished. WELL DONE!

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

love the car . love the mans voice

[@Wadawalker949]

Gosh, I love your channel. I wish I’ve discovered it sooner

[@Rick2010100]

One of the few cars that actually get up in value if they are well maintened and in original condition.

[@johnmatarazzo9178]

I bought one at a auction in Georgia for $855 it had over six hundred and twelve thousand miles the previous owner had completely overhauled engine transmission a differential before he passed away

[@805NAVE]

Excellent Bill! Looking forward to seeing this project !

[@scalecrawlnl]

Magnificent, sound of the doors, the bank vault for sure! Hope you take her on a big USA road tour in the near future, thank you Bill 😎👍

[@neelsackerman1202]

I drive the 1984 W123 230E . Best car ever built

[@jessevongnaraj2276]

Neels Ackerman I have one too! I drive it 70 miles every day. I love it to bits

[@kgisabeast]

Those old Mercedes diesels will run forever but diesel vs gas cars isn’t a good comparison as diesels in general last longer than gas engines. Lexus def makes more reliable cars than Mercedes for the last 25 years though

[@theodoreyoung8777]

Gabriel G I agree 😎

[@twilson1973]

Nice review. Good find.

[@DinoPasic]

Nice example of 123, thanks for your video

[@rickwhite3181]

My boss had one of these back in 1986 when I was about 19 years old it was an antique dealer in commercial developer and I used to run errands for him pick up antiques I loved this car the thing pretty much drove itself and this was in Massachusetts it was a very good car in the winter drive through snow storms with it I mean I literally thousands of miles on that car I think it had over 400k if I remember correctly but I would buy one of these today

[@LulaRoberts]

When you complete your restoration. Please follow up on this video Bill 🤔.

[@Innerspace100]

There's only one other marque whose car from 1984 with over half a million kilometres on it that I would even consider to go for a 3000 kilometre trip in, and that would be a Volvo. A base model 240 to be precise. But given the choise between it and the Merc, I'd chose the latter. It beats the Volvo in all aspects, except for the seats. Volvo seats are very, very good for sitting long hours in.

[@joeseeking3572]

Growing up we had a 78 300D. Drove 5 of us from MD to Maine the summer of 79, took my driver's test in it in '80 and to the prom 3 years later. Unflappable, no matter what I did to it. Then again, even with that little button under the pedal (super low gear, good up to what, 15 mph?), the only thing it could beat to 60 was the 240D and a Beetle. But, you could run 75 mph all day at 24 mpg, and people were always amazed by the flying speed bump test. Not at all luxurious though compared to say a Caddy of that era. AC something of a joke, stereo as well, windows sloooow. Always wanted to try one in the 1981 280E form.

[@deanoliver6399]

I had the 230TE in Blue. Bought it for $10K AU. Loved it.

[@jimroper5754]

Yo Bill you're awesome, every inch of every vid is fuckin hilarious and right on. Your love for the this generation of Mercedes wagon confirms your soul. Love it man, keep making these vids in exactly your style.

[@elyotyoung946]

15:57 MISSING First Aid kit

[@Tchristman100]

If the glow plug light comes on-all glow plugs are working. They are wired in series and if one quits, the light will not come on. If it is warm, you'll only get about 2-3 seconds. If it is cold, maybe 10 seconds. I think they are all working.

[@stoneylonesome4062]

I just wish this one had a third row, perhaps even rearward facing. No station wagon is complete without a third row.

[@matttagintsev4923]

Have one of these and love it

[@silverwolfmonastery]

That is probably the best car ever made in terms of longevity. Low power older Toyota engines can (probably) last as long,, but the bodies have a tendency to crumble to dust

[@Cabronosidad]

My first Mercedes was a 1982, 123 Series like this, but with the 230TE petrol engine, UK designation. What a fantastic workhorse it was. Bought it with 70K on the clock, and zero service history. Never let me down.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

It's even got the original windshield!

[@joedirt8625]

Panzer Tanks They are. 5 kids showed up in a very remote Surfing spot in Baja Mexico with one of those. We drove in with a highly modified 4 wheel Lifted Truck thru hours of very difficult Terrain. They and that Tank made it back to Santa Barbara. Krazy. Thanks For Posting.

[@timh1907]

Great to hear Bill's joy with his lovely old Merc. Have fun with the restoration Bill.

[@apuuvah]

A classic and a true workhorse. Originally slow AF, but with a good modern turbo double the horsepower.

[@briceperdue7587]

when you opened hood 1 handed and broke the lever alittle piece of me died...

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

I can relate. However, I was laughing like a kid and had to rewind twice. Poor Bill. He's so funny. It's what makes his reviews worth watching.

[@soundknight]

I don't think it is a tiger tank, it's too graceful. It's more like a Focke-Wulf FW190 My Grandmother drove me around the back country roads in this exact same rightside drive canary yellow car. It was stunning. You are 100% correct about that engine, it's amazing, I haven't heard it for 30 years yet i still remember what it sounded like. The best engine sound ever. They had two of them!

[@SuperAudionut]

You are hilarious! And very fortunate to find dream car. I'm looking for one too. Look forward to following your journey.

[@thethirdgeneration1738]

Thank you for sharing. I actually have been looking a picking up one of these. I've been searching the web and trader mags for a reasonable one. I remember them from back in the 80's, when I was younger. Of course, I could not afford something like that those years ago. Maybe, now I can?

[@iI_Principe]

11:26 couldn't agree more

[@BeingMe23]

About 23 yrs ago I saw a late 70s diesel with 980,000. When you hit a million miles you get a free trip to Germany to tour the MB factory.