Mercedes W123 1st hand experiences

We have a W123 230e in the family, my uncle briefly had a 240d then 300d, but tbh the 230e is both refined and fairly economical (136hp on tap), where as the 300d is robust but not very refined and not the fastest thing either!

Edit just noticed you have the engine already, then you know about them, any w123 is going to be reliable, just the petrols are super refined some of mercedes best engines

Rust. The bodywork is compicated, estate parts are getting hard to find (things like the central locking actuators, the hatch is unobtainium, interior parts in good nick etc.). See my signature, my car has all the usuall rust spots - many of them which are no easy repairs. Many parts of the sedan fit the estate - but many estate-specific parts can be hard to get hold of - mayke sure no trim pieces are missing.

Actually, I'd prefere a complete & GOOD interior over perfect bodywork! As even very expensive cars may require major rust repairs. Rust is usually hidden very well.

Be on the look out for bad repairs - many of the diesel-estates served as working horses...

awsome cars

had a '82( it think ) 230E 5 speed, had it for a few years, central locking didnt work as its all vacume powered and leaks had developed over the years, i think all MB of this vintage are similar, my 126 was.

sun rook leaked

loads of room inside, lovely ride, ooses class, and easy to lower.

although beware going too low as mine was slammed and got through 2 sets of drive shafts in 18 months, it didnt like being so low.