Greetings and salutations to 123 fans

[VLayton]

Hello all, thanks for visiting this forum. Thanks also to Mr. Ackerman for setting it up. My name is Vince, and I champion the 123 chassis Mercedes-Benz diesel as probably the best all around passenger vehicle, for reasons which will be declared in future posts. My car collection includes 3 1/2 300TDs. Well, actually, that IS my collection. I've had 9 123's 3 115's and 1 116 in total, plus 3 domestics and 2 Hondas, which are of little consequence. I want to make this short to ensure it posts, but I must say this is a rather cool site/forum, and I hope to contribute to it being a valuable asset. Until next time,

Vince

-Club 123D President (The full blood W123 chassis exclusive automobile club)

-MBCA Member - Gateway Section

-MBCA forum "W123 Chassis" co-moderator

(All U.S. residing W123s welcome- Inquiries: www.club123d.org )


"The responsibility of history is in our hands"

[Robby Ackerman]

Vince -- Thanks for the greeting and it is great to have your help with the 123 Forum.

Jeff -- Thanks for 1981 300 CD website and registry of 1981 300 CD owners.

http://www.dirtnapinc.com/300cd/

[Richard Jordan]

Boy, how quick things change. One day there are a few forums and the next, there are MANY. Now only if there was a W124 forum, since I own one of each. I agree with Vince about the 123 series. These are mid sized tanks. I actually prefer the interior of the 123 to the 124. MB went too far with eliminating the chrome from their cars. The interior of my 124 has not held up as well as my 123. Granted my blue dash has the usual cracks, but that is only flaw in the 123. The 124 on the other hand has vinyl that is peeling off the door panels.

[Robby Ackerman]

Richard

We can setup a 124 Forum, though I need a moderator or two. My wife drives a 124 and I'll admit I enjoy driving her car.

Robby

[Angelo]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a cracked dash. It looks like I'll be starting up the second battle against the rust after the winter thaw. First fix lasted three years. The old Benz has a lot of life left in it and only has 296,000 KMs. I will keep it running until the cancer(rust) finally takes it.

[mooney]

Hi All
An SIG for W124 models sounds great. You have my vote.
This forum is getting bigger and better everyday and I am happy to be apart of it. Thanks.
Happy driving.

Joe Moon
85-380Sl-88k
94-E320Sedan-63k
95-E320Cabriolet-62k

[society_guy]

I'm glad there's finally a forum for W123 owners. My '82 300D has over 275,000 miles and it's still going strong. I bought it two years ago and I couldn't be happier with it. This is my first Mercedes and now I'm a fanatic!

Best regards to all,

Tadd

[VLayton]

Good deal.

I am running a multi-part thread called "currently in a place likely far away" in which I, in my own way, am trying to describe how deep my efforts of 123 preservation are planned. I hope some of you will find it interesting. But before I can get the fully story out, I thought it may interesting to know there will be a 123 chassis road/adventure rally next Sunday, in the St Louis Area. I have been planning it for months, and about the time (4-5 weeks ago) I joined this forum I wasn't sure it would happen, so I apologize for the late annoucement. I don't expect to have last minute entrants from out of town for this one, but there will be more, and I would be honored if any 123 owners would travel to attend any events I orchestrated. I plan to have photos (to entice you all) of this event up here at some point. This will be the very first planned event in the history of my extracurricular club of specialty, and about 12-16 people are expected to attend. I'll report here afterwards.

Until next time,

Vince

[Robby Ackerman]

Vince

Hey, your 123 event sounds like fun! I wish I was there with one of mine!

Robby

[VLayton]

It was, I've got to go, been posting for two hours, but I will write the report thread, soon.

Well, I guess the 1985 300D in my garage won't give itself that fourth coat of "wax"

Cheers!

Vince

[VLayton]

Hello all, long time no type.

I've been rather busy, our local Gateway Chapter and my W123 club attended the 2004 European Auto Show in St Louis.
It was neat, if hot. I brought 2 autos, a diesel coupe and a euro sedan diesel, the only 123's in the show, I think.

I wanted to bring my 1981 turbo wagon but I ran out of time and funds to make the deadline. Next year.

My club is up to 15 members now, and it seems like half a dozen are thinking about it, but at least my reputation for service is solid, and highly regarded by those few who would know.

Speaking of which, I'm off again to finish a service right now.

Cheers all,

Until next time,

Auf Wiedersein

Vince

[Al Cooper]

Hi all, I just ran across this 123 forum & its really neat:) since my 240 D has only 124, 400 miles on it i haven't suffered many of the problems with old age yet. I do have an AC problem (it blows hot)but haven't fixed it as I never need it up here in MA along the shore. My son in law put a compressor in the car about 7-8 years ago in FLorida so i'm sure it needs a charge now which I will get around to next spring w/134 rather than the old r 12 it had in it.

Keep the forum going:) :cool:

Al in MA w/"Manfried" silver & never dusty:D

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Hi all;
After paging through your prposed forum I would be more than happy to reply to any questions or comments I am capabile.
With regards to dash and other components cracking my '85 123 hasn't had this occuring.
It may be due to being garaged and lubing all of her life.
Count me in;
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Al Cooper;
Don't wait till spring to recharging your A/C.
Unless you can be sure no one presses the A/C button, middle button in an automatic A/C unit, for should they your compressor will run when the ambient tem is high enough.
I'm sure you know to run in the econo mode with the compressor out of the system.
Just a passing thought .
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Don:p :p :p

[D.L. SWINFORD]

Here I are!!!
Yesterday I couldn't spell it and now I are one, Moderator-Detailing, that id!!
I hope to be one who doesn't know the answer before he hears the question!
I've only detailed 2 MBs an '87 300E Burgandy/clearcoatand my present love an'85 300DT Dark Smoke Silver/clearcoat.
I'll pass on my little tricks in time!
And you'all better pay attention too!
Until Then JOY
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman on The Gulf Coast, Chairman of The Board, ypour Moderator, Don:p :p :p

'85 300DT Donka II
3Feb: filled today Citco Prem @$1.819/gal, 21.7mpg city

[Robby Ackerman]

Hey Moderator. I hope you don't mind losing that "Senior" title. :)

[D.L. SWINFORD]

robby;
What Senior title?
I thought it is Moderator.
Until Then JOY
Happy Trails Beep Beep from the Spiderman on the Gulf Coast, Moderator, Chairman of The Board, Don :p :p :p

'85300DT 284.1Kmiles Donka II

[Robby Ackerman]

You had to give up your "Senior Member" title for "Moderator". :)

[Al Cooper]

:( Hi all; My son in law & I went to the Museum of fine arts in boston today to see the Ralph Lauren collection on display. The Minuteman section was sponsoring our going & it was a good time by all. The cars were great but didn't include any 123's. They had a gull wing & 1 other special bodied ssk but that was it for MB. I think a display of 123's would be good with possibly a 240D, a 300CD, a 300d & a 300TD but that will be hard to draw thousands to like the Lauren collection. :D

Manfried got us there & back easily & he is up to 126,800 now. We even kept up with the crazy drivers on the expressway at speeds from 25-70. If the collection comes to any place near you I recommend you see it. :)

Keep your 123 going :rolleyes:

Al in Red sox Nation w/"Manfried" in slo moshun :cool:

[Grey Ghost]

Al, nice to see that Manfried has been freed from the bonds of storage to enjoy a little road trip and turn some heads. I'm a little surprised that the 123 cars weren't represented in the RL collection...his clothing and home furnishing designs are all centered on the "classic" look, and nothing says "classic" like the 123s do!

p.s. Yankees are coming back to life...watch out!

[billfish1]

Hi All,
New to your forum but I must humbily request special dispensation as a new candidate for membership to your "Character" club as I am hopelussly captivated by the charms of our recently purchased '82 300D with 198,458 well driven miles. My eighteen year old son and I have been searching for just the right 123 for the last two years and last week we found her/him while on a Florida "roadtrip" to reward him for great grades(4.0) in his last year of HS. We went to Daytona for the 175 mph ridewith at the Richard Petty Experience and then headed along the east coast in search of parts for a garaged '85 300zx turbo (this car stuff has got to be an addiction). While driving along 20-30 uesd car lots along US1 my son cleverly screams " Dad, there's a 300D and she looks clean" as I swerved nearly across the median strip to check out. Sure enough we made a u turn and headed back to find a beauty, no major rust, started right up with that gorgeous diesel sound, interior fine with no dash cracks, and after test driving for 30 min, the temp was barely above 80, Oil was right at 3 when revving and didn't drop below 1 1/2 when idling, power windows all worked as well as all guages including the clock.
Anyway, I'm babling a bit but having a lot of fun and life is short.!
Best Regards,
Bill & John

[Grey Ghost]

Bill & John - as soon as you christen that handsome sedan with a proper name I'll see if we can float you in to the club (shouldn't be too much trouble as there are NO RULES)

How about some pics????

[Al Cooper]

By All Means name that rascal, we'uns are all blessed w/named vehicles. It makes them run much better. :rolleyes:

Seems like the 10 or so cars I owned w/o a name were always a problem sooner or later ;) My new lawn tractor even has a name . He is"Bubba" as he is from Georgia :)

Al in Red Sox Nation w/"Manfried" in cool slo moshun at 127,150 mi. :cool:

[Red Rover]

ok I guess I should make an introduction here, Jeff .... just purchased a 300CD '81 and pick it up Monday .... I've been reading your posts and really appreciate the support of a forum .... form the posts I guess I have to pick a name, give me a week for that ..... anyway just wanted to say and and apprricate any advice you may have .... btw does anyone have a link to production totals for 300CD's? I'm curious if I got a good buy and have more than the last car I'll ever need.

[Al Cooper]

Red rover; glad to hear you got a 300CD hope its a real nice one:D . I looked for a good one for a year & never found a nice low mileage one so ended up with a 560SL last week :rolleyes: . The production #'s on the 300CD are available somewhere in the MB forums or data as I've seen them. Can't remember exactly where they were but somebody will know :) They were very low so the coupes arn't as readily available as the sedans :eek:

There is plenty of data on the 300 series diesels in the forums & experts to help you with any problems you may have :) good luck with your car, the diesels will last forever if you take care of them. Keep the oil really clean!! like a change every 3000 mi or so.

Al in Red sox Nation w/Manfried the 240D silver bullit in cool slo moshun :cool:

[Richard Jordan]

Red Rover,

For model year 1981 there were 335 300CDs made. The same year they made 777 300CD Turbo coupes. You didn't say which one you have. Starting in 1982, all CDs were Turbo diesels as were the sedan versions of the W123 chassis. Either way you have a rare car. Producrion of the regular diesel coupe stopped in Aug. of '81 and the turbos were built starting in Sept. of '81 as 1982 models. The car's weight is about 3,583 lbs. with a top speed of 93 mph. In 1981 they cost $31,500.

[Red Rover]

wow, i have the non turbo .... that's a prod run of 335, now i feel guilty to use it as a daily driver .... i've done some research and read quite a few threads here, you guys really know what you are talking about and i'm glad i found such a valuable resource ... i belonged to a el camino club when i bought one and they were very helpful and all very nice, thsi club seems to be the same way .... onto the joy of german engineering. i'm taking the car to a local shop this week for a full evaluation (they've been doing MB's since 1949), hoping everything is nice as it runs and appears ..... i'll let you knwo how i make out and post some photos.
thanks for the warm welcome!
jeff

[flakko]

I guess ill introduce myself... my name is Jeremy, an its great to be amongst fellow 123ers :)
ive got a 1984 300D-T and ive had it foras a DD for about a year. It has about 159k miles on it. I'm tryin to keep it as clean as possible, but being parked outside, the elements have really taken a toll on the body :(.

This seems like a nice forum, and great people :D

i also install car stereos as a hobby (maybe proffesion?) and if you also share the same passion as i do let me know so we can talk audio!

[Grey Ghost]

flakko - welcome aboard, and remember that every component of these cars is still available (or fixable). love to have your input on sounds systems in the 123 wagon...take a peek at the 123 forum to see the questions posed thus far...

p.s. one of the beauties of the 123 chassis cars is that they SHOULD be used as daily drivers...they were made to last & it's a shame to turn them into "trailer queens" I drove mine > 30,000 miles the first year I owned her!

[flakko]

flakko - welcome aboard, and remember that every component of these cars is still available (or fixable). love to have your input on sounds systems in the 123 wagon...take a peek at the 123 forum to see the questions posed thus far...

p.s. one of the beauties of the 123 chassis cars is that they SHOULD be used as daily drivers...they were made to last & it's a shame to turn them into "trailer queens" I drove mine > 30,000 miles the first year I owned her!

it aint a wagon ;)

and wats a trailer queen lol

[Grey Ghost]

yah, I'm a little slow (alot slow according to the missus).

a trailer queen is an older car in fantastic condition that gets trailered everywhere (because the owner don't want it to touch the road for fear of soiling it)

my car is kinetic art...the trick is to keep 'em super nice (like yours) while actually DRIVING it daily

[flakko]

ahhh isee, GOTit!

nvm... isee its a TD :p

[Red Rover]

here are some crappy shots i took tonight, i'll do some more after i clean it up.
http://www.dirtnapinc.com/pix/300cd/

[Al Cooper]

Red Rover; The CD looks pretty good right now. I could have traded my 240 + cash for one that was the same color at our MB show in MA about 5 years ago :( But I didnt want to trade Manfried then or now & the guy wanted $ 12,500 to buy it outright :( so i'm still CD less & now have a 560SL coming so guess a CD is out of the question now :(

Your Chevy looks real good also & that model is scarce around here now as the MA salty roads got them all :mad: I know one guy up here who got one from Florida & thats it :rolleyes:

Al in cool slo moshun w/Manfried at 127,650 :cool:

[Red Rover]

I got both these cars by accident, $1800 for the Elky (new crate 350, tranny and complete susp. put in this week ... almost no rust) and the CD for $4500. My luck in finding used little gems has been very good this year. Trying to pin down how many 81's there are out there ... I can't find any ..... would MBNA know? They made 335 and I guess the fewer there are the more it's worth? Manfred sounds like faithful companion, those are hard to part with .... till death/rust do us part. I'm keeping Heidi until one of us is pushing up pettunias. Too bad the "ex" didn't have that kind of loyalty.

[Al Cooper]

Red Rover You got a real good price on your 300CD I've never seen a good one at that price. :eek: good Luck. :) My wife can sell Manfried when i'm looking up at the grass ;)

Al in RedSox Nation w/Manfried in hot (95) slo moshun :cool:

[TheBenzBar]

That 300CD looks real sharp! I have a soft-spot for the silver-blue 123 coupes... I used to also have a silver-blue one years ago - I miss it. I'd like to include your car on this ever-growing list of W123's from all over the globe...

Take a peek and msg me anytime: W123 Owners' Gallery (http://www.w123.us)

Actually, anyone can post their w123 car there.... feel free! :)

[johnm26032]

Well, this is my first post here! I can't tell you how many hours I've spent enjoying the forums. Wow, what great information.

I need to know if anyone knows of a good indy MD repair facility in the Cleveland, Oh area. One that doesn't want to keep your car for 3 months. (Please don't recommend George, formerly of Leiken MB and German Auto Care. )

I just hate going to the MB dealer. They get things fixed in a timely way but the bill is always $2,000.

Can anyone tell me where to send pics of my 2 MB's to be included in the gallery, here?

I just love my cars and am very proud of them.

Adios!

[steve g]

Here is the newest member of our family...1981 one owner 240D 55K miles.
PPI is tomorrow. Wheres the best source/price for correct OEM alloys ?

[Grey Ghost]

STeve, that car looks grand with its painted hubcaps...you'll have plenty o' opportunities to spend money on her...don't waste it on alloys!

[VLayton]

Updated the primary post under the W123 chassis gallery thread-

Keep the great contributions coming! :)

(Lot of coupes lately! :eek: )

http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?t=8538

[Robby Ackerman]

Here is a link re replacing the ignition switch:

http://www.pindelski.com/freebie/V8%20oil%0change/pages/PB270188.jpeg.html

[gerkebi]

I need to know if anyone knows of a good indy MD repair facility in the Cleveland, Oh area. One that doesn't want to keep your car for 3 months.

I just hate going to the MB dealer. They get things fixed in a timely way but the bill is always $2,000.



I've had great luck at Ganley in Akron. It's a hike from Norwalk but they really know the old diesels and do it right the first time.

[VLayton]

Now, I'd be willing to restore delapidated original W123s to do this stuff....

:cool: Got to be one of the coolest vids from the Finns I've seen yet. :cool:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v296/kolja1/Viteot/?action=view&current=matskuu-1.flv

[gerkebi]

I didn't know Alex Zanardi drove a MB wagon! Anyway Vince, that's a gasser. Listen to that soundtrack...

[VLayton]

Gassers are ok if they are a W123... :)

Purty dern sure this is a diesel though, I've been following the build of this car vicariously for a while...look at that smoke-too black for gas, it just doesn't sound typical due to the extensive turbo and supercharger mods...


But I could be wrong...

[gerkebi]

I'm deferring to you on this one. That soundtrack threw me off!

[Al Cooper]

Hi All; I just posted pictures of Manfried in the Hemmings web site. There are only 7 Benz's listed so any of you 123 fans that suscribe to Hemmings ought to post you car there also in addition to our own site here that Vince runs. Our site is better by far with the forums & all but IMHO the more 123 publicity the better I
think. ;)

Al in Red Sox Nation w/Mamfried @ 131,150 in cool slo moshun :cool:

[MegaAutoBit]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Chris, I have been crossing the site for the past few days, and it seems like this is a really friendly forum. I have a 1979 300TD that I inherited from my family about six years ago, which I drove throughout high school until I purchased a new car. Recently I have re-acquired the vehicle since no one in my family is patient enough to drive the car, since it’s so slow. Jessica, has 372.000 miles, is candy apple red, with a light tan interior. See is equipped with the A/C, power windows, and the alloy wheels, however I also have a set of chrome wheels. I am mainly a maintainer than mechanic, but do try to fix some of the minor repairs myself, mainly the interior devices. I love my 123 and am looking forward to once again using her for my daily commuter once I fix a suspension issue.

[Navy CPO]

After an 18 month lapse, I've returned to the MBCA. Of course, purchasing a 1985 300TD with 267,000 miles is a good enough reason!

The car is called Rudolph in honor the two Rudolphs, Carriciola and Diesel, who have had such an impact on Mercedes Benz. The car is my second W123 but my first wagon. Exactly the W123 variant I wanted all along.

BUT... as the saying goes, be careful what you ask for... you might get it! I need help. I hope you W123 pros out there can assist me with a few tech questions.
I'll post them in a seperate thread in the W123 section.

Thanks to all!

R/
MJO

[kbhstrick]

Just got a MB 300CD 1985 with 56,000 original miles---near perfect condition. She's pretty special. I am anxious to learn all I can about her. I really appreciate having a site like this to help. Thanks, guys!

Any suggestions on things I should get up to speed with?

[VLayton]

Just got a MB 300CD 1985 with 56,000 original miles---near perfect condition. She's pretty special. I am anxious to learn all I can about her. I really appreciate having a site like this to help. Thanks, guys!

Any suggestions on things I should get up to speed with?

Nice! Read the forums for lots on how to get started. Use conventional wisdom! A car like that definately should be treated by the book. Let's see some engine pictures, and feel free to ask pertainent questions as needed, we're pretty supportive! I suggest an MBCA membership to enhance your clout on these forums. ;) I hope you enjoy what sounds like a good example, there were less than 100,000 W123 coupe bodies for it's 9-year world-wide production. Less than 16,000 of those were diesel, 8,007 of those were turbo, so 1985 model year examples likely number 2000 or less. CHERISH it, you are the envy of many!

Sincerely,

[ATDANDREW]

Hello,

Im also new to the realm of the W123 chassis, but i think its one of the last "classy" looking cars MB built. I have just purchased a 1982 300D and will be picking it up this weekend, it is white with deep red interior and has about 286k on it. I have bought it for a "hobby car" as well as my daily driver, as long as I dont have it taken apart, I have also a gas guzzling suv to drive if fate demands it, so tonight I say my first prayer to the Patron Saint of Diesel Engines, and hope all is well with my new car on arrive in my drive.

[linerider]

Greeting to all 123 -er's !
This is my first post. Where did everybody go?
Just to say, I have been having a great time laughing my backside off reading all these posts. I am excited to find fellow drivers willing to "do it yourself" in the fix-em up deartment ! I have a 83" 300TDT that I cherish ! Her name is Goldylocks !She has a few issues I need to address! Meanwhile I'm on my way to pick up a 72" 200D 4-speed today, and before it's all over I'm gonna have to have a 86" 200D "finney" ! What is it about these *#*#*#*# things ! My kid's are going to inherit a bunch of cars instead of money ! I think it's some kind of Obsessive Cumpulsive Dissorder. There has to be a shrink in here somewhere who has been bitten by the 123 bug, maybe he or she could explain this disease!
I live in the boonies of south central Texas and hope to find a couple of fellow drivers with the same disease so we can talk shop... Hopefully within a couple of hundred miles or less, I did say boonies !
Feel free to contact me to say hello! I'm sure I will be posting for repair solutions.
Best wishes to all, Bob

[H-townbenzoboy]

Hey Bob, good to see another Texan here. :)

Greeting to all 123 -er's !
This is my first post. Where did everybody go?
Just to say, I have been having a great time laughing my backside off reading all these posts. I am excited to find fellow drivers willing to "do it yourself" in the fix-em up deartment ! I have a 83" 300TDT that I cherish ! Her name is Goldylocks !She has a few issues I need to address! Meanwhile I'm on my way to pick up a 72" 200D 4-speed today, and before it's all over I'm gonna have to have a 86" 200D "finney" ! What is it about these *#*#*#*# things ! My kid's are going to inherit a bunch of cars instead of money ! I think it's some kind of Obsessive Cumpulsive Dissorder. There has to be a shrink in here somewhere who has been bitten by the 123 bug, maybe he or she could explain this disease!
I live in the boonies of south central Texas and hope to find a couple of fellow drivers with the same disease so we can talk shop... Hopefully within a couple of hundred miles or less, I did say boonies !
Feel free to contact me to say hello! I'm sure I will be posting for repair solutions.
Best wishes to all, Bob

[Al Cooper]

Hi Linerider; 123's arn't obsessive or compulsive they are a sensable disease which when caught is incureable.:D So sit back & enjoy them, good ones are getting harder & harder to find especially up North where the snow/salt has gotten many of them:)

Al in REDSOX NATION with

"Manfried" the silvr bulit 4 speed 240D in cool slo moshun:cool:
&
"Marlene" the white flash 560SL washed & ready for action ;)