Why I Bought a Mercedes-Benz W123 (230E) - The Best Car In The World?

[@meekhinglim4829]

I have mine W123 230E manual transmission since new in 1984 and still driving it around frequently . Quite a lot of Merc fans are offering me to buy but I never thought of selling it off. It is precious like gold

[@Petrolblog]

A manual - rare thing. Don't sell it - you won't find anything like it!

[@Make_Boxing_Great_Again]

Can you store it on a driveway or is that a bad idea?

[@koljolat]

To my eye design of w123 looks now better than ever. What a timeless classic.

[@Petrolblog]

Totally. Such a simple design, but Mercedes got it right first time.

[@MufasaKing1000]

Excellent Review; we've had the 230E in the family since my father spotted it (our unit) first in Germany in 1990, bought it and brought it to Africa in 1994, and has been on the road since then. It's still going strong. Legendary is the only word to describe this car.

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you. And I agree!

[@MajorKlanga]

I've been a passenger in W123s twice in my life; both times they were taxis in Africa and on both occasions dealt superbly with the roughest roads imaginable.

[@Petrolblog]

Really keen to do a post-lockdown road test. The level of comfort is... remarkable. It smooths out the worst imperfections, so it’s not surprising that it delivers in Africa.

[@obez42]

Honestly they absolutely flatten all bumps, lumps and any road imperfections including potholes with casual disdain, and in a way my Airmatic modern day CLS can only dream of!!

[@BEUSA42]

Absolutely excellent review Couldn’t agree more W123 is a legendary car

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you, sir.

[@T0bh]

This car is still an excellent daily driver today. Had one 4 years ago, and I'll be getting another one soon!

[@Petrolblog]

Totally. A modern classic that can be used daily as spares are in good supply.

[@codylola2010]

Where do you start to look for one for sale? In USA, CA. THANK. You

[@beytanerkmen4613]

very good review. I have driven a 280ce every week for the last 11 years and it has never let me down. Have put 50K miles on her and serviced myself. Boby is now tired so just got the 230ce which had a resto in 2012. The missfire on startup may be leaking injectors but straight forward fix as 4 new ones are £80 and its a common sense replcement job. welcome to the club, w123's are addictive. I love them

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you. Going to be servicing the car this month, so will investigate the injectors. Parts seem reasonable on Autodoc, so that's good.

[@drews6616]

My Father had a 1982 S123 Mercedes years ago - many happy childhood memories. These cars really live up to their reputation. I now have a 1990 W124 260E and it feels and smells very similar. Built in a time at Mercedes-Benz when quality and engineering meant everything! Subscribed 👍.

[@Petrolblog]

Ha, you’re right about the smell - it’s very evocative. Thank you for subscribing.

[@obez42]

Utterly brilliant! Brought back so many memories. My Dad bought owned a 200 which he bought new in 1982 and we still have to date albeit abroad.

[@Petrolblog]

Ooh, a one-owner-from-new W123 - magnificent.

[@rickstankovic4210]

you almost made me cry, this is such a great car, i have owned a few, and miss each one . the first car i drove 17 years old in Serbia. super video my friend. cheers

[@Petrolblog]

Sorry! Glad you liked the video though, Rick. Sounds like you have some fond memories of the car.

[@louisfkoorts5590]

"you almost made me cry" It's exactly how I felt. These W123's enter your life, and they leave an influence, deeper than you expect, I think. My late father bought one in December 1984 - registered in January '85. Just before the first W124's were available (in South Africa). At first I thought it was a big mistake, the 124's had a much more modern look. (Which appealed to this young man, at the time.) Today, the only "mistake", I think. Is that it was a 200, Instead of a 230E. The 200 became mine, with less than 40 000 km on the odometer. Later a 230E and today I still have a 300D...

[@richardhumby8704]

I have a 280CE in this paint finish, awesome wafter of a drive. 61 K from new, absolutely love it..

[@Petrolblog]

Blimey, dream spec and mileage. There was a CE in Champagne Gold at a recent Haynes meet. Looked superb.

[@stevelutwyche]

Great video, I’ve always loved the style of the W123

[@Petrolblog]

Thanks Steve.

[@grayfool]

The car that defines the ethos of what is (was?) a Mercedes. Unfortunately that no longer applies. It is possibility one of the most complete cars ever made. I had a 280E for a while and loved it. A true icon of design.

[@Petrolblog]

“One of the most complete cars ever made.” Thats a very good summary.

[@richlee509]

I had one for a while. Amazingly I paid 100 pounds for it, 280 in good condition with awful paint well dirt on the paint. One wash and polish and it looked amazing sold it for 1k a few months later, wish I'd kept it as it was amazing to drive quite fast too. Early 80s it was

[@wuyjhgbfdjkiuy]

One of the best cars ever manufactured by the giant Mercedes Benz, it's driving like a charm and so safe and stable on the road, i used to drive it in the 80s like no other car that time 👍👌

[@Petrolblog]

Charming, safe and stable - good words to use for the W123.

[@andrewcrowther1973]

I used to have a 1990 230TE estate and wish i never got rid of it. It had nearly 200,000 miles on it and drove like new.

[@1982paul100]

Nice video Gavin!.....always had a soft spot for the W123......love those little details and yes-those are the best wheel trims ever!

[@Petrolblog]

Another vote for the wheel trims. Thanks Paul!

[@1982paul100]

@@Petrolblog too right!! Love those trims! Loving the content Gavin!! Keep up the good work!

[@Petrolblog]

Will do my best. Cheers Paul.

[@qalba3016]

And you got a new subscriber Please make more content on this Mercedes 230E Beautiful car

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you for subscribing. Will do a road test when the lockdown is over.

[@Earlybay68]

I’ve just bought one of these bad boys today! ❤️ It had been sitting round the corner for months, mostly under a car cover... Then low and behold....I see it up for sale on Instagram! Can’t wait for lots of fun!🤪

[@Petrolblog]

Congratulations. When will you get your hands on your new toy?

[@Earlybay68]

PetrolBlog picking it up this morning, it’s literally 400 yards down the road, everything is being done with distancing in mind! Is it worth joining the Mercedes Club UK to get lower insurance etc?

[@Petrolblog]

So, how’s the new car?! I’m not a member of the club. The Merc is insured on a Hagerty classic car policy. Would recommend.

[@Earlybay68]

PetrolBlog just looking at insurance now...rather not join club so will check em out.. Car has a leak in cooling system that needs sorting which is a pain but knew about it when purchased as the radiator needed about 2 litres of juice. it’s only done 800 miles in the last year... Any ideas...pipes look good so I’m thinking water pump?

[@Earlybay68]

PetrolBlog also do you have an alarm fitted to yours?...not sure if will make big difference to insurance on a £3.3K car (I’d value it at 5K)

[@apolk555]

love it! looking forward to the rust removal videos!

[@Petrolblog]

You won't have long to wait. Working on the rust very soon.

[@damiandevaraj9358]

A small mountain resort town called Cameron Highlands in Malaysia has plenty of this same model w123 as taxis

[@scrambaba]

Agree with you on the estate! Great vehicle.

[@myw123travels3]

Thank you for making this video. It was a joy to watch. Your commentary was informative but also funny which is a tricky thing to achieve. I’ve owned my first 230e for about 8 months now and I’m totally with you on it being the best car I’ve ever owned. It’s certainly a keeper. Your second owner had it 30 years my cars first owner had it 20 years. That says a lot.

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you. Congratulations on the purchase. This is a beautiful video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmqqnap3qd2fkKM Subscribed!

[@livium2002]

I can't imagine why would you change that very nice colour. Really nice car !

[@Petrolblog]

It suits the car. Thanks for subscribing!

[@livium2002]

@@Petrolblog Nice to be here :)

[@TPerry2828]

That really is peak PetrolBlog! My neighbour ran a custard yellow W123 estate as a taxi for about 20 years; a superb car, built like a Panzer tank 🤣

[@Petrolblog]

‘Peak PetrolBlog’ - ha. Yep, these things were built to last. So well, Mercedes could have lost sales as people would have held on to their cars for too long. A similar problem affects Subaru in the UK. The cars last forever, so clever owners by them for life.

[@dreamdiction]

Is it true that the W123 estate back seats do not fold down to lengthen the rear storage space?

[@madsm.christensen9221]

Dream Diction quit the opposite, you have about 180cm of completely flat storage space with the back seats folded, and they do so in the most ingenious way, and to top it all off you can even collapse the passenger seat to get a full 3 meter space.

[@nabsludwig7462]

Our family car back in the 80s. Lots of great memories travelling all around Europe... Fabulous car of course! 😉

[@Petrolblog]

That would have been living in the dream in the '80s. A class above the average family car.

[@hermanman8235]

A REAL mercedes.those are the time when Mercedes is really what the buyers expect.

[@Petrolblog]

Spot on!

[@ronalddean3630]

Great walk around. I know about the window leaks. I need to look behind there. Thanks!

[@Petrolblog]

Thanks. And good luck!

[@shaneolivier1650]

These cars are really awesome, about 3 years ago I bought a 300d automatic plus a donor 300d manual rusty.Problems with the automatic gearbox I switched it to manual, 4 speed that was in the donor car and it's such a pleasure to drive,looking forward to go for a good road trip

[@Petrolblog]

Aren’t we all? Stay safe, Shane.

[@owencampbell138]

Someone painted your grill black. I know because a previous owner did the same on my 230e. Nice purchase my friend

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you. The grille will require some touching up - will add it to the list of jobs.

[@nickturner2813]

@@Petrolblog The grille is grey from the factory.

[@adriannel6267]

Thank you for an exciting owner presentation of your elegant W123. I'm from Johannesburg and I noted that your back doors are missing the extended door opening handle & grip. It seems that your baby is harking back to the W114/5 . My 1981 200 A/C manual also has rear seat belts,rear headrests. I agree with your speed limit curfew of 55mph at this speed the engine is in her sweet spot wrt Torque & engine revolutions. This also offers the owner at this speed the best fuel consumption. Please let us know if the spark plug was faulty. Keep up your sharing and be safe.

[@Petrolblog]

Interesting point about the back doors - will take a look at photos to see the difference. There’s something about the drive at 55/60 - it just feels... pleasant. I guess A/C is a must-have option where you are.

[@malaysiadentist4637]

What a great video. I have a champaigne colour 1984 w123 similsr to yours. 36 years of humidity and tropical sun , it is still running everyday . Yes indeed it will outlast the human race

[@Petrolblog]

That’s very kind of you. Love the fact that there’s so much love for the W123 all over the world. Enjoy your champagne beauty.

[@tomek9363]

Very nice and interesting review. Love the car. I dreamed of it as a kid so last year I bought 1984, W123, 230E, 5 speed manual, 47k km. Just driving it in the summer. Great experience and pleasure to work on it. Hope to see more videos.

[@Petrolblog]

Congratulations on the purchase. Super-low mileage. More W123 videos will follow soon.

[@johnh9200]

I have a 2004 W203 and whilst its a nice looking Car it is not a patch on the W123 we had, even though the 123 had over 500000km on it. I bet in 30 years time, you will look back on it as one of the best cars you've ever owned.

[@Petrolblog]

I think you’re right. It will certainly be the children’s inheritance. Can’t wait to take it for a long drive again.

[@ahmadhtaher9731]

W123 was so practical car, i had a W126 300SE 1990 for 7 years, when you drive a Mercedes you don’t feel like driving anything else, btw , the areal antenna electric motor used to fail on my W126 , the only thing I didn’t like about the W123 was the initial acceleration otherwise it was a really smooth & solid ride, I hope you keep it forever and never have to sell it

[@Petrolblog]

You're so right about the acceleration. The throttle response isn't great on mine, but I put that down to age. You've also reminded me to fix the electric aerial.

[@theyjustwantyourmoney4539]

Growing up as a kid in the 80s my uncle had one and it still remains one of the most comfortable cars I've ever had a ride in.

[@Petrolblog]

The comfort never ceases to amaze me. Fat sidewalls help, but the W123 can waft with the best of them.

[@RiazKhan-el9nh]

I recently saw this car (silver color) on the road,it is absolutely majestic compared to other cars nowadays.❤

[@Petrolblog]

Agreed. One of the last proper Mercedes.

[@PaliLife]

Great vid! More episodes on this car please..

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you. Will sort more videos soon.

[@abdelfatahelnagar3481]

I have the same car , same color , same model but mine is manual and still running in an immaculate condition. It has been with me since 1993. i will never ever trade it for the world.

[@Petrolblog]

Wow - that's a long time to own a car. Speak volumes about the W123. Hope you continue to enjoy it.

Once driving home from work it was snowing or had snowed some small foot amount. All people were driving 20-30 mph on the highway I was cruising by them all at 60-80 mph with summer tyres!

[@mohammadcheema7375]

I really wish Mercedes would return to the design and manufacturing philosophy of these cars. There were no gimmicks. Just a comfortable, elegant and safe car that you could own for life.

[@Petrolblog]

No gimmicks - that's a good way of looking at the W123.

[@louismarais1]

Hi. Thank you for the thoughtful and beautiful video of such an amazing icon. I grew up with a 230. My dad bought a cream 1979 model in 1981 when I was 7 years old and kept it until I was 21 at which point he gave it to me. It had the light brown shiny seats, centre armrest, no interior wood (only black plastic), no aircon, manual windows, driver side mirror only and nets behind the front seats. It had very few buttons on the centre console but one of them was for the rear heated window. Back then this was amazing but I always wished it had more buttons and I could see the places where the buttons should have gone. Strangely enough it had no rear seat belts. So much for kids' safety! The instrument cluster was km/h only (South Africa) and also had no rev counter, but a clock on the right. Everything was perfectly clear. The cup holders inside the clove compartment lid were useless. Even as a kid, I could never understand how they would work. Something has to be said for the front light clusters. I remember sometime during my childhood "discovering" how they were actually made up. They had these two spot lights set among grey plastic fins with another layer of glass on top. Marvelous! Hub caps were colour coded to the car obviously. We sold the car back then and I am so sorry we did. It was beautiful.

[@Petrolblog]

Thanks for the comment, Louis. It's amazing how many people have fond memories of growing up in the back of a W123. Decadence!

[@abkereem5084]

My passed father owned one from 1985 to2006. He was an engineering &he used to admire it & talk about every piece of it.

[@Petrolblog]

He kept it for 20 years - that speaks volumes.

[@abkereem5084]

@@Petrolblog it was his daily car & he refused to drive any car with it

[@FistsOfHam]

It's held up much better than my 83 944. Nice insight into these cars.

[@Petrolblog]

But your car has pop-up lights, which means you win. Pop-up lights win every time.

[@FistsOfHam]

@@Petrolblog if only they lined up properly!

[@Petrolblog]

Minor details, Rob. Minor details. It’s all part of its charm.

[@FistsOfHam]

@@Petrolblog it's definitely minor compared to the fact I got so bored that I pulled the engine out and the pistons and crankshaft are now sat on a bench.

[@qalba3016]

I just imported 230E mercedes from Germany after 10 years trying find low mileage example, finally she arrived and I just sent her to park place mercedes Benz ftworth Texas for complete service, mine has 12K MILES or 32K/kilometers, I can't wait to drive on the highway, unfortunately mine is a 4 speed manual gear I'm going try learn to drive I love your video I hope you make us more videos on the W123 Cheers 🍻

[@Petrolblog]

Congratulations. I hope you have many happy miles in your 230E. Rare to final a manual!

[@anthonynicholich9654]

I grew up in Serbia in 1980s. My mom and dad had W123 300D 4 speed manual. We seen whole Europe in that car. From instanbul Turkey to the French coast to Poland. Never one problem. Best longest lasting efficient cars ever made.

[@avivscrewvalla]

Well done with this purchase! I own a W115, W123 and W124. While I believe the diesel Classic Mercedes is really the epitome of indestructibility, the 230E is a sensible middle ground. Here are a few relatively inexpensive things you can do to get performance back to spec. 1) Auto-Rx engine oil treatment followed to the letter. Classic Benz love this stuff 2) Chevron Techron tank fuel additive -nothing else comes close and I've tried them all 3) Use genuine MB dealer parts only. Avoid Meyle, Febi, URO parts entirely. 4) Mercedes made 14X5.5. pressed alloy "steelie" wheels for the US market's performance bias. Import them on Michelin/ Continental rubber. They look just like the ones on your car behind the chrome hub caps but weigh < half the weight. That's 20 kgs of unsprung weight reduction! 5) Pulstar spark plugs with new dealer supplied wires.

[@Petrolblog]

Great tips - thank you. I’ve heard that using genuine parts is important, so it’s good to hear it from you. You’re right about the diesel, too.

[@dieselbenzrevive6820]

Nice Car i have lots of repair videos.I have the turbodiesel model and I can drive 70mph easily, I hope you continue sharing your thoughts on these special cars.

[@Petrolblog]

Thanks. Will do a road test video once the lockdown is over. Have subscribed to your channel - looks good.

[@madsm.christensen9221]

Diesel Benz Revive hello, do you happen to have one on the SLS system? My 230t is sacking a bit in the back :(

[@noobsound]

in the 2000 when i was a teen i hated w123 and 124 and loved the BMW E30 ... now i'm in my late 30 and absolutly love the design of the old Mercs...

[@Petrolblog]

A sign of getting old!

[@HWMonster]

The good old 123... maybe not the best car but for sure one of the best. Your voice is as calming as driving such a classic car. Subbed ;-) Going to reassemble my W202 tonight (head gasket change after 25 years) and I can't wait to drive it again. Can't compare it to the 123 but it definitely holds Mercedes genes in it.

[@Petrolblog]

Thanks for subscribing and for the positive feedback. A career in radio awaits! Good luck with the W202. Enjoy the drive, whenever you get thee chance.

[@HWMonster]

@@Petrolblog You're welcome! Valves, camshafts and manifolds are mounted. Engine should run by the end of the week. The other C280 has to wait a little longer... wife crashed it a few years ago :-(

[@Ratata25413]

Great Great review sir. Thank you

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you.

[@SunderlandMorrow]

Nice car man, I'll agree with you on the W123 being the best car in the world. I've worked on many different vehicles and the build quality of these cars is unparalleled. I like how you touched on the fact that Mercedes so boldly stated that these cars were essentially going to last forever. Easy to say in the moment, but the proof is so obvious now. I've got a walkaround video of my '84 300d on my channel, although with 230k miles. It literally looks brand new, not even kidding. You'd think it has 10k miles on it. 100% original, just as you'd buy it from the dealer. I put many many hundreds of hours into cleaning it over the course of two years, engine/transmission out etc. But it just goes to show, these cars are something else. What car can you drive essentially around the world 10 times while still feeling and looking new? Cheers from California

[@Petrolblog]

Great comment, sir. Love the sound of your 300D - so many stories of longevity and mega-miles. Hope all is well in California.

[@CrToloss]

This is the best engineeried automobile ever built and the most beautiful... ‼️

[@BassicVIC]

You’re right. One just can’t get one’s eyes off a beautiful W123 like yours…. except for browsing the internet in search a new SQUARE set of replacement headlights.

[@Petrolblog]

Haha. Fair enough!

[@ijaen]

How come the engineering is so superb? What details are in it? I love those and everyone praises its quality.

[@Petrolblog]

Probably time to do another video on the W123... 🤔😎

[@ijaen]

PetrolBlog please!

[@colinwhite5355]

The only Mercedes I’ve ever been tempted to own. Never owned, a Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche - older VW’s aplenty. Your affection for this car, added to your very human and passionate commentary, have taken me one step closer to taking the plunge. Not sure what’s happened to Mercedes of late. Have they lost the plot? - but for a good period of time they got it right, didn’t they. I deal in Ford Capris, for a living, so adding this comment is a pretty big step for me.

[@Petrolblog]

Ford Capris? I owned half a dozen back in the late 90s / early 00s. Two 1.6 Lasers, a 2.8i Special, 2.8i, 2.0 Ghia and 280 ‘Brooklands’. I was a Capri but! How’s business?! The W123 is certainly worth a look. Old enough to be a classic, but more than capable of being a daily-driver. Values are realistic too, but that won’t be the case forever.

[@godwindanso-agyei3691]

Glad I chose this as my first car. I'd do it again and again, given the chance. No regrets. I call mine The Tank. Engineered like no other car in the world indeed!

[@Petrolblog]

The Tank! Love it.

[@universalcitizen7544]

18:40 yes there's plenty of legroom in the rear, but not when the front seats are way back! I've sat in the back seats many times

[@Petrolblog]

Yeah, fine for small children, but not especially generous for adults and teenagers.

[@103nrh]

What a lovely car! The spec list you have lists the extras that include bringing the base German specification up to the UK standard spec. The 1982 UK 230E spec would have power steering, central locking, tinted glass, lockable glovebox and left hand rear view mirror as standard for example. I can see yours has automatic transmission, metallic paint, front armrest, electric windows and sunroof as cost options. However I am confused as I didn't think the pre-facelift cars (where all models got square headlamps, rev counter and full cloth on the seats and door cards) could be had with wood trim and the smaller, newer electric window switches. I thought the new switches would have come in the "Y" reg facelift onwards. Anyway, geek details... I love these cars and as you say, driving a W123 just transports you into a more sedate driving style.

[@Petrolblog]

Good info - thanks. This W123 was registered in May 1982, just a couple of months before the Y-reg was introduced. It could be on the crossroads between old and new.

[@carloskeim]

You are totaly right with the wheel trim, i had the alloy wheels, swap them for the wheel trim

[@Petrolblog]

Good man! Such a classy design for the wheel trim. Elegant without being ostentatious.

[@h.lkarch5994]

Great show For Great car

[@Michael-wn4jj]

This is Das Auto! Made a good shape either on farmyard or in front of an opera house. I owned a 240D '81 till '89. It never failed whether the roads were in Ireland, Turkey, Spain or Scandinavia. Alas after traffic accident it begun to rost, the garage never could fix that.

[@Petrolblog]

Yeah, rust is the W123 enemy. Which reminds me: I must start working on mine.

[@Nikx012]

My dad had a 230e. What a machine

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

They are lovely things. My favorite description of the 123 is its a car without ego. i have 2 in cape Town. have just done a roadtrip 4 up and it was fine. Its not a landcruiser but box clever and you can go to surprising places. The Estates are getting big prices here!

[@Petrolblog]

A car without ego. Love that!

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

@@Petrolblog Another good description I once read is that its a car that looks as if the bodywork was draped over the mechanicals and not tweaked. A simple purity. unlike say a nissan Juke :)

[@PreeMoo]

One of the most epic cars ever made. I grew up with a white w123 300donkey, and it was a beautiful combination of timeless, bulletproof and regal. I currently own a W205 C250 diesel, and whilst it looks fantastic, it’s screwed together like crap.

[@Petrolblog]

‘Epic cars’ - that's a nice way of looking at it. Modern Mercedes models are fancy, but they don't have the same feeling of quality engineering.

[@babajunior7252]

I rode in this to school as a kid. It survived, and became my car as an undergraduate in the university. It is the most reliable car I've ever owned.

[@Petrolblog]

Pretty cool uni car. I slummed it in a Capri 2.8! What happened to your W123 after uni?

[@babajunior7252]

@@Petrolblog it's still running but pretty banged up, so I parked it. I am thinking about restoring it someday

[@OS-hx4jk]

As a proud owner of a W140, I have to admit my car is the second best Mercedes ever made...

[@Petrolblog]

Haha! The BEST S-Class.

[@Padrone5763]

In what must have been 1983 I drove an X reg w123 e230 in a solid blue colour,it belonged to a friends parents who were bankers iirc. We borrowed it on weekends for a couple of hours,and I got to drive it,never forgotten it always had a admiration for them,never owned a mercedes either. I just looked it up and last mot was 1991,which is sad presumably scrapped or crashed. Nice video like your w123, gold I'm not keen on but looks right on mercs for some reason and suits your car.

[@Petrolblog]

Scrapped two decades ago - such a shame. Rust is a killer of W123s, so that may have been the problem. Thanks for watching.

[@Padrone5763]

@@Petrolblog pleasure enjoy your videos

[@Petrolblog]

Great to hear.

[@IToxicPersues]

Absolutely beautiful. Thinking of getting one for my first car. Way cheaper then getting a more modern car. (I live next to germany) And its even way better looking then the newer cars

[@Petrolblog]

You should. It would be a magnificent first car.

[@rehmat-ullahshakil1939]

In 1982, having crashed a new Fiat Mirafiori Sport, my boss ,being reluctant to sack me, purchased a two year old W123 in its place. Ivory it was and as I climbed into it for the first time he said 'you won't feel like racing in this' . Indeed it was true. I had never driven a car like it, it felt so comfortable, so safe so able. In the morning in the middle of winter covered in ice it would start first time and, which I always liked, when I turned on the HRW, lights and blower full speed the revs did not alter at all. Rare for a car in those days. I drove that car for three years, many thousands of miles, and whether tired, having had slightly too much to drink, (it was a different time) or in the middle of a frosty night that car got me home. The only time I had second thoughts was one night driving into Skindles nightclub in Maidenhead and being ushered (to my delight) into the VIP car park when as I drove slowly past two young girls one said to the other 'Look at him in his dad's car'.

[@Petrolblog]

Haha. Good memories. Rather envious of the Mirafiori, too!

[@dj_efk]

Always liked these - I once bought and sold a 280CE in a deep maroon colour - it had a lot of rare options and was lovely! Not many Wongs in Sidmouth, I bet you could track the family down if they’re still there! Where are you exactly? I’m in Dalwood near Axminster myself.

[@Petrolblog]

I’m the other side of Devon; always fancied tracking down the original owner.

[@arashchalak3857]

Lovely to see a W123, I grow up with these in Germany!! My Dad had several 220D,200,230,240D also a 230E Auto and i have to say you're incorrect to say these are just good for 55mp/h!! we used them very regularly on the Autobahn and the 230E ALWAYS went passed 180KM/h no problems ( on the Speedo ) what ever it is in reality, it's way more than 55MP/h

[@Petrolblog]

Yeah, I'm not sure I explained myself very well. I meant that I enjoy a leisurely drive at 55mph, because it feels at its most comfortable. In the autumn, I took the car for a spirited drive along a country road. Was amazed how quick it actually is.

[@arashchalak3857]

Nice to see you like it ! I love them, they’re iconic and an important part of the success story for MB ! Enjoy yours I wish you happy motoring for many years to come

[@Mr91495osh]

After graduation I bought a brand new one in 1976. I couldn’t keep it out of the repair shop. Thinking I should have bought a diesel bc the gas engine needed new carbs every 4 months. But it sure drove well!

[@Petrolblog]

That's a terrific graduation present. Respect, sir.

[@Mr91495osh]

PetrolBlog 4 years in the NAVY, 2 years in X-ray school and another 2 years in Nuc Med Tech school. I painted houses to pay my way and glad I could do it.

[@codylola2010]

Ribbed for your pleasure !!!!😂 love your humor

[@RD-qk4dh]

A couple of years ago, I was driving my father's green w123 and crashed into a wall (I was a new reckless young driver back then😁), 9 days after I was surprised by my father buying a white one, it's his favorite model between all cars plus its cheap here (2000-4000 USD)

[@Petrolblog]

Haha. I can think of worst cars to be in when you hit a wall!

[@Philip.Magnusson]

I've had 5! My first car was an -83 240D, I now own an -80 240TD, I also have a -76 w115 240D long wheelbase and a couple others

[@Petrolblog]

Jeez, that's quite a collection, Philip. Respect.

[@Philip.Magnusson]

@@Petrolblog Thankyou! They are lovely cars to work on. There's something special with the w123s, even though they can rust in very awkward places I think they are my favorite to work on and drive!

[@danielwalker2613]

A good review of a classic car ..... The only thing missing that should have been standard, was the rev counter !! ... Obviously time was more important back in 1982 ?

[@Petrolblog]

Well, time stands still when you're driving a W123, so it's rather apt!

[@МихаилИванов-в2в]

*Всем владельцам Mercedes здоровья и благополучия ! 👍😎 Были W201,W140, теперь W124, 86 г "рождения".*

[@Petrolblog]

Apologies for the delay - this was listed as spam. Good health to you, too!

[@anishbajaj9426]

The rectangular headlights were on the facelift versions. The round ones on the pre facelift.

[@Petrolblog]

Yep, spot on. Have always preferred the round units - they have a little more character.

[@nickturner2813]

The 280, 280E and Cs had the rectangular headlights from day one, regardless of facelifts.

[@r25limousine]

You have a safrane! You just earned a subscribe!

[@Petrolblog]

Haha - cheers. You have a Renault 25 - even better!

[@AngieMayes-l2d]

Miss my 1982 230e , my 1982 Cortina 2.3Ghia and my 1981 mini 850 😢

[@Petrolblog]

Great list! Which one would you choose if you could have just one?

[@AngieMayes-l2d]

@@Petrolblog I can't split them ..X reg 230e was unbelievably bulletproof and pulled like a train literally nothing broke..nothing and it never once didn't start..not once . 2.3 Ghia was quick and incredibly comfortable felt like you were in a high end tourer difficult to explain just felt like you were floating over the road amazing car and the 850 was like driving a go cart you felt every pepple on the road but you could literally fly around corners as though you were on a skateboard it felt amazing I would put £3 in the tank and go drive around London for like 5or 6 hours and still not used all the £3 petrol....but if it's only 1 it's the 230e I know I could drive that car to China..and back.

[@Petrolblog]

@AngieMayes-l2d Good summary and a good choice. The W123 leaves you with a sense that it'll keep going until the oil wells run dry or cars are taxed into oblivion.

[@Pappa953]

The folding emblem on the bonnet is a safety feature for pedestrians?

[@Petrolblog]

Yep - was reading about this earlier this week when discovering the history of Mercedes steering wheels. The safety-related folding badge dates back to the 1960s.

[@InuranusBrokoff]

I would love to have one of these. I need more room!

[@Petrolblog]

Surely you can make room for a W123? Looking forward to dragging mine out of hibernation.

[@oncontinualevolution9966]

Basically you had to have color coded side reflectors amber for the front of the car red for the rear of the car.

[@fundriver1599]

123 is great but what i dont understand about w123 is why the grid on the front is always twisted counterclockwise for about 2 angle degrees ?? You may see it on this w123 as well 4:33

[@Petrolblog]

Sorry, not sure which bit you're referring to.

[@fundriver1599]

@@Petrolblog I mean the radiator grid Sir (the nose). Why is it always twisted a bit? Shall it be adjusted or is it common for most of 123s ? I see it quite often in that way

[@neilmcgrory8544]

You’re right about the wheel trims. Good wheel trims can be iconic. The VW Beetle and the Datsun 180B spring to mind.

[@Petrolblog]

Yes! Also a fan of the polished wheel trims on the Saab 900.

[@speedymini998]

Great review, made me feel like I was crawling all over the car with you.

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you. Pretty basic, no-budget stuff, but it’s great that you enjoyed it.

[@speedymini998]

PetrolBlog now you’ve got me searching the classifieds.... :)

[@Petrolblog]

Haha. Did you find anything you like?!

[@speedymini998]

PetrolBlog Found a well kept white 1985 230E but it’s 150kms away so have to wait until the lockdown ends to go see it

[@Petrolblog]

Keep us posted. This looks epic - China Blue would have been a brave choice, but it works well with the amber indicators and yellow fogs. www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1200339

[@LarryButler-kp3se]

The hood star folds down when you engage the hyperdrive on the Autobahn to pass the Veyrons....

[@Petrolblog]

Haha!

[@mihai-danut6955]

I use to own one for 5 years,done it something like 200000 miles,engine keep it over the winter idle on for 12-14 hours and NEVER EVER any problem.It was 300D.A REAL CAR👏👏👏👏👏Congrat for video and the car!Just keep it

[@Petrolblog]

Love hearing stories of high-milers. Thanks for commenting.

[@MagnusPaul1976]

I really like the 230E in the W123 Series. I have a 230E in the W124 Series and there is no compromise, that the W123 is so much better looking than W124 !

[@Petrolblog]

Would love a W124 next. The W123 is like a link to the past, while the W124 has the look of a bridge to the future.

[@meekhinglim4829]

I too agreed it is the best of the Mercedes production. Although I have 3 units of Mercedes CLK240, W202 and of course W123! W123 doesn't give me any headache except for periodic change of engine oil and its filter

[@Petrolblog]

At least there's plenty of room under the bonnet (hood).

[@chrisaskin6144]

I may be mistaken, but wasn't the 3 point star on top of the grill made able to fold flat so that in the unfortunate event that you collided with a pedestrian, the chances of serious injury by being penetrated by the mascot was significantly reduced.

[@Petrolblog]

Good shout. According to MB: “At the same time [the 1960s], Mercedes-Benz was already beginning to take the first steps to reduce the potential for injury presented by various elements at the front of the vehicle. One well-known example of this initiative is the bonnet-mounted Mercedes star which folds down in an impact.”

[@kobebryanthelipad]

Looks awesome. My father bought me one. Do you know what your lights are ?

[@Petrolblog]

Which ones? The headlights?

[@LesterLovesWatches]

So a year on from this video, how is the W123? Did you sort the electric window?

[@Petrolblog]

Proper update coming soon, but the electric windows are sorted!

[@johngallagher909]

Brilliant 😊

[@Petrolblog]

Thank you, John. Appreciate that.

[@qalba3016]

This model W123 if you had a manual window s and manual Sunroof would be even more attractive, I personally think that I love W123 , I think it’s a timeless art machine Wish you luck Cheers 🍷

[@Petrolblog]

Having spent time repair the electric rear window mechanism, I’d be inclined to agree with you!

[@sasamihelin6476]

Always liked W123. Majestic car.

[@Petrolblog]

Majestic - another great word for the W123. Funnily enough, I used to live near a Mercedes dealer called Majestic!

[@danamoaten5847]

I want one sooooo much ❤

[@Petrolblog]

You should get one!

[@valicourt]

Quick question. Does the boot have enough room to accommodate a body? ( just asking for a friend.) Thanks for the quick reply.

[@Petrolblog]

Ha. It does!

[@grahamt33]

great car- bulletproof But chassis rust killed them in the end,sooner or a little later

[@Petrolblog]

Yes, rust is creeping up on my W123. Work to be done.

[@Guzzi_Cali2]

You should have shown how easy it is to change the bulbs of the rear lights.

[@Petrolblog]

That's a good point. Did the reversing lights at the end of last year. A two-minute job.