How to get your Mercedes W123 to last 500,000 Miles.

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  • Опубліковано 8 січ 2025

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  • @marcusoutdoors4999
    @marcusoutdoors4999 10 місяців тому +12

    That engine block looks amazing. So incredibly solid.

  • @fh4n
    @fh4n 10 місяців тому +20

    My 300D wagon has now 1.280.000km on the clock. Has been a former taxi.
    It‘s leaking oil like nothing else. The transmission is still working fine. Big play in the steering box - which can be refurbished. Overall it still runs strong.

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +2

      that is incredible! what has been the biggest failure point.

    • @fh4n
      @fh4n 10 місяців тому +3

      I have to point out, it‘s also my daily all year round. :)
      The pre-glow relais died a few weeks ago. The car was parked overnight. I thought you‘re able to crank the old Diesel simple longer and it will start somehow with noise and rattleing. We tried to heat the engine block with a torch and tried to get it started with little brake cleaner.
      I was told the iron block has to ,pre-heat‘ itself and the internals. There is almost no chance to get it running in winter temperatures.
      Second failure was not really a big issue: The alternator. I ran the 123 for 5 days after the alternator died. Which was like 5000km. :D And then the battery showed signs of dying. ;)
      Third: Hydraulic rubber hose to the rear axle was torn and broke due to age.
      I have to address the play in the stearing box. That‘s bad. :D

    • @Altanox
      @Altanox 10 місяців тому

      is it impossible to deal with the leaks? That's a fear of mine

    • @fh4n
      @fh4n 10 місяців тому

      @@Altanox Yep, just take extra oil with you. I have to refill around 100-200ml every 1000km.
      It‘s definitely a poor solution. Engine and transmission have to be taken out to address the leak correctly.

    • @jakelobel8245
      @jakelobel8245 Місяць тому

      @@Altanox You can get these cars leak-free-it just takes some sweat, but it's really worth it to get your W123 sorted

  • @bradbanaszynski676
    @bradbanaszynski676 10 місяців тому +20

    Crazy how much roomier the engine bay of older cars are. Impossible to do a walk through like this on a modern vehicle.

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +3

      I would agree

    • @michaelarmellino8334
      @michaelarmellino8334 5 місяців тому +1

      I got the same engine but in 126(bigger s-class) can take a nap in the engine bay if need be 😂

  • @davidgreenaway8997
    @davidgreenaway8997 10 місяців тому +7

    I have this wagon, also an '85. a wonderful car. This video recently popped up on my youtube page due to the fact that I recently watched another one of yours videos on your R1100RS, I also own one of those, a '96 I guess great minds must think alike, keep up the good work!

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +2

      Thats too cool, what color is your 85? and how has your Beamer been reliability wise?

    • @davidgreenaway8997
      @davidgreenaway8997 10 місяців тому

      it's beige ("ivory white") with a palomino exterior. The beemer had been sitting for 5 years before I got it about 5 months ago, I changed all the fluids and filters, new brake pads, new cables, new battery, new fuel filter, new fuel pump, new fuel lines, new fuel injectors so now it runs good and is reliable for now. It needs new tires, I want to put on Pirelli Angel GT's but they're backordered. Also the fuel gauge isn't working. The maintenance list for the wagon you came up with is great. I've done most of that already, I have new monark injectors but still need to replace them. I have a new cohline upper oil cooler hose but you can't find a decent manufacturer for the lower line anywhere. Will be doing the engine mounts at the same time. When replacing the glow plugs it's also a good idea to ream them out, mercedes source has a good tool for this. I didn't see the coolant you recommend in the comments... @@SirDrifto

  • @blakebergersen296
    @blakebergersen296 10 місяців тому +4

    Glad to hear someone who actually knows what there talking about with vintage Mercedes , most people never think of the oil cooler lines . I’m a vintage Mercedes intern learning under a 55+ year Mercedes mechanic planning on taking over the shop . Where in FOCO if you ever need anything, come and visit if you like (shoot me a message if you’d like to come up). I daily a 79 240D 190k and have a 1958 220s sunroof Sedan in restoration .

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for the kind words. I definitely will take you up on that shop visit!

  • @Hugothester
    @Hugothester 10 місяців тому +3

    Excellent video!
    For your information, the slowest model is the 200D, though it came in 2 versions, 1976-1979 and 1979-1985, the former having only 55 CV while the second one (the one that I own) had 60 CV. Even these cars are drivable in modern traffic, I use mine in the highway with no major issues, though you want to use a long speeding lane to incorporate.

  • @MrMfaust5
    @MrMfaust5 10 місяців тому +2

    Hello Michael, how have you been? You're absolutely right 👍 When I did live in the US, I had a W123 300TD (sedan) very well maintained, when I bought it from the first owner (an older gentleman) it had over 425,000 mi., When I had to sadly sell it, it had over 510,000 mi. running tip top, beautiful car! I'm now the proud owner on an S123 (a wagon like yours, or an Estate as our friends in the UK refer to the S123 :) ) But my S123 is a 230E Euro specs and of course gasoline operated. Maintenance is key 🗝️ to a healthy and happy 123 MB 🤗

  • @pilpaoj
    @pilpaoj 10 місяців тому +9

    I just bought a 1981 240d because of your videos. Found it here in LA for $300, in great condition. Silver, with navy blue interior. The interior is super clean, but the paint was faded. I buffed it, and happy with the shine, but the fade is there. I’ll be taking this on my move from LA to Seattle, so I’ve been doing a lot of work on it.

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +1

      That is awesome to hear, how are you liking the car so far?

    • @aaron___6014
      @aaron___6014 10 місяців тому +2

      I was looking in LA a couple weeks ago. Nothing even close to $300

    • @pilpaoj
      @pilpaoj 10 місяців тому +2

      I got lucky. It was in the city of Duarte just sitting on the driveway for 4 years. The owner passed away with Covid. The silver paint is faded, but I did my best buffing it out. I wanna get a paint job, but haven’t even looked at prices.

    • @pilpaoj
      @pilpaoj 10 місяців тому +2

      @sirdrifto I freaking love it! I just wanna make sure it’s roadtrip ready, and I’m also working on the ac. I have to convert it from an r12- r134. I just changed the support bearing because it was broken, and also changed out the flex discs, radiator, and water pump. The speedometer is broke, so I bought one off eBay. Scared to work on the Speedo myself though lol

    • @MrTesedgar
      @MrTesedgar 8 місяців тому

      ​@aaron___6014 u want to buy mines it's a 240d 4 speed manual 2000 dollars seat ar in good shape body needs paint .

  • @stooplimitee5596
    @stooplimitee5596 10 місяців тому +7

    The 280e is still one of the most underrated w123s. Reliable and much more powerful. 230e not bad either.

  • @twntwrs
    @twntwrs 9 місяців тому +5

    Drain tranny fluid from both the pan *and* the torque converter *and* change the filter (instead of the evil flush I run fresh fluid for a month before changing the filter then do a complete drain and fill with new filter). Also check and renew flex disc - driveshaft detachment at speed is undesirable.

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  9 місяців тому +1

      Very true 👍

  • @weldrup
    @weldrup 10 місяців тому +5

    My 17 year old daughter and I are road tripping our 1983 300sd all over the country this summer, be interesting to see how it holds up lol thanks for all the great videos

  • @jmdean_
    @jmdean_ 5 місяців тому

    Love this video, didn't want it to end -- just closed out on my 3rd w123 in life, 240 manual with just 80k -- can't wait to crack into this maintenance regimen, they truly are the best cars ever

  • @pawo007
    @pawo007 7 місяців тому +2

    Good points made in the video on what items to keep on top of, the only other critical ones would be the timing chain and vacuum pump. The turbodiesels are a bit harder on their timing chains than the non turbo/240's and you really want to be inspecting the chain stretch (and likely replacing) the chain every ~200k miles tops in most cases. With frequent oil changes/good oil this can often be extended based on results of checking the chain stretch. The vacuum pump on the front of the motor should also not really be trusted much over 300-350k miles as they are known to fail from fatigue and can dump parts into an otherwise good engine, destroying it.

  • @300DBenz
    @300DBenz 3 місяці тому

    21:10 When I bought my 1985 300D, it would not up shift out of 1st gear (previous owner took $500 off the asking price because of that), I drove it around the corner, added more ATF and the transmission has operated normally for the past 16 years.

  • @kenny7360
    @kenny7360 10 місяців тому +2

    Love your taste of mods, and your videos as well!

  • @colinstetter1563
    @colinstetter1563 10 місяців тому +2

    Beautiful wagon sir! I daily an 84 300D turbo- about to turn over 200k. Love the W123!

  • @episodicandfilmsy
    @episodicandfilmsy 2 місяці тому +1

    THANK YOU! I have the 220D and let everyone pass me going uphill!

  • @b4804514
    @b4804514 4 місяці тому +1

    Owned and loved 3 of the 300TD turbo 1983 1985 solid with the typical MB failure points. Same MB mechanic for 20 years He as key to the longevity. No rust Florida car purchases. Went to 300TE ICE which was not as solid a motor. These were beautiful cars at gave me many miles of joy. Newer MBs are not as reliable unfortunately. Would never own a newer MB as I was spoiled by the quality of the older models

  • @filipmac5577
    @filipmac5577 10 місяців тому +2

    This is a really well put together video!

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  5 місяців тому

      @@filipmac5577 thank you!

  • @clinteastwood8018
    @clinteastwood8018 2 місяці тому +1

    Very good Video. Here in Germany 10w40 is common on that Engine. Your blockheater is absolute Luxus i like it. No flushing of that automatic transmission +1.

  • @sethayensu8111
    @sethayensu8111 8 місяців тому +3

    👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 excellent presentation

  • @d.f.9064
    @d.f.9064 8 місяців тому +1

    There's an actual Bosch injector tester that makes sure they are all in spec. For them to create the machine especially for this purpose tells you how important it is.

  • @MrVictory13
    @MrVictory13 10 місяців тому +2

    Great tips. Unfortunately we don’t have the Turbo Version in UK. Your blue one sounds crisp. Thanks for sharing the tips.👍🏽

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching!

  • @MrTopherlicious
    @MrTopherlicious 9 місяців тому +2

    Great point on the oil cooler lines!

  • @kuldipdhak7972
    @kuldipdhak7972 7 місяців тому +2

    Very good information 👍

  • @lesklower7281
    @lesklower7281 3 місяці тому

    If l owned any diesel vehicle l would change the engine oil at 5000 kilometres and there is a Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD at a local mechanics workshop and its in the same complex were my wife volunteers a charity shop and because it was parked with its rear end to a fence well l never bothered to look exactly what W123 it was and the bonnet was opened and l had a look and there was the magnificent OM617 and l noted that you were talking about reliable engines and you mentioned the 22R engine well l own a 1997 the last year for the 22R engine in my 1997 Toyota Hilux and when l bought it 5 years ago l never realised what a very good engine l had and after researching through you tube and Google l was very pleased there are lists of reliable engines and in the same list it refers to the OM617 engine and the 22R engine and you are obviously well pleased with your Mercedes-Benz W123 300TD and l have actually drive a Mercedes-Benz Commercial vehicle a single cab ute and it had the OM617 engine l am not sure what year it was but it was OK performance wise there Mercedes ute wasn't luxurious but the ute had four wheel disc brakes

  • @gerardoenriquelopezurquia89
    @gerardoenriquelopezurquia89 10 місяців тому +1

    Wonderful Machine! I own one as same, in beige color... I was looking for your headlamps and are so good! Im looking for them nowadays... My model has it round headlamps, thanks, Very good video

  • @B.a.S.t.A.r.D.
    @B.a.S.t.A.r.D. 6 місяців тому +2

    Stunning car you have got and I love the colour 😀👍
    I’m jealous 😂

  • @bcmbdk
    @bcmbdk 8 місяців тому +1

    That fog light setup is THE BOMB!! What brand are they, can you expand a little about the setup, and is it possible to speak a little about the installation of them? Thank you very much!
    By the way, LOVE your film about your most excellent airhead. What a fantastic bike!!

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  5 місяців тому

      @@bcmbdk thanks for watching. Yes I'll do a video on the mods too

  • @arthurdardalis
    @arthurdardalis 10 місяців тому +2

    Love the 123, had a 280E, built to last but rust was an issue in the UK.
    btw aren’t you cold in a t-shirt with snow around??

  • @09simid
    @09simid 9 місяців тому +1

    Schnitzel Slëd is a delicious name on a delicious car.

  • @tttboyy
    @tttboyy 10 місяців тому +1

    All great points. Thanks for the information. What coolant do you recommend?

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому

      Yellow G-05 Zerex

  • @bryceverreyen9341
    @bryceverreyen9341 10 місяців тому +1

    These cars are great! I’m still deciding on the W126 S class or the W123.

    • @aj_nichols
      @aj_nichols 10 місяців тому

      123 all day. S-class A -pillar is too tall. Looks like an Easter Island head statute.

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +2

      @@aj_nichols I mean youre not wrong 😄, I do like the W126, as its luxury and plush atributes are quite nice, however there is something about a W123 that has stood the test of time for me, it feels more robust. But thats just opinion.

    • @magyaradam8957
      @magyaradam8957 9 місяців тому

      W116 and w123 were the last REAL mercedes cars made.​@@aj_nichols

  • @joepusic4238
    @joepusic4238 2 місяці тому +1

    I have 2 of them back in euro 1970 I just same plates bought dy works in ministry ack in 85😅

  • @AndrewR10001
    @AndrewR10001 6 місяців тому +1

    One of my favorite Benz.... Really durable. I am not a fan of newer Benz looks like a korean car to me.

  • @nikojevtic6709
    @nikojevtic6709 5 місяців тому +1

    86 cars were built in South Africa

  • @Nick-ip6fc
    @Nick-ip6fc 10 місяців тому +1

    Love the channel, Sir Drifto. I live local in Denver and own a 2019 6-speed VW alltrack which I believe might be one of the last manual transmission sport wagons sold in the U.S. Don't get the hate for station wagons in this country...love them!

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому

      They’re a dying breed. Thanks for watching

  • @Frank-t7n
    @Frank-t7n 10 місяців тому +1

    My 1983 300D has low miles speedo died at 676,000 miles. That was a few years back. I also have a1978 300SD the 254 one made. it motor is 154 one made. The 300SD has 733,000. The SD is parked because the tranny died at that milage. A few years back. To get lots of miles. Use a very good grade of oil. Change oil at 2500 miles. Keep valves adjusted also. They can go for ever. Use the 300D as a farm beater. I also have a 1980 L1116 Benz truck. Other diesel Benz I have is a 1979 240D. Found a very nice 1970 220D a few years back. The person before me did not check the oil. She ran it low on oil did the rod bearing in. She did not read the hand that states this car will use oil.

  • @YouKnowImRight2
    @YouKnowImRight2 10 місяців тому

    I remember as a kid, my neighbor (in Europe) always drove sedan 240D. Passed away 20 years ago, so his son was driving it afterwards. 12-13 years ago, he sold it as I was about to move in USA....
    2 years ago I saw it last time I visited, I recognized the car in it's perfect dark green color. Asked the new owner and he told me it has 800k miles on original engine and NEVER drives it on interstate, never above 3k rpm, city driving only and never above 55pmh.
    My point: everyone expects to drive a car here in States 70mph on daily basis and then blames the car. Its an old diesel, even 300 wont last if you don't baby it.

    • @Altanox
      @Altanox 10 місяців тому

      pretty sure that's bad for the car. diesels need the highway clean up. Those injectors are gonna die

    • @YouKnowImRight2
      @YouKnowImRight2 10 місяців тому

      @@Altanox Idk if you're right or wrong, what I do know is that car had 800k miles two years ago and he didn't even come close your level of detail when it comes to maintenance (he is too cheap) so he has to be doing something right.

    • @Altanox
      @Altanox 10 місяців тому

      I have to say mileage is a great evidence haha These cars kinda live off of oil, i'm sure he is doing regular oil changes! For the rest, maybe it's not such a big deal indeed
      @@YouKnowImRight2

  • @alltimer10
    @alltimer10 10 місяців тому +1

    Looks great! 👏🏻

  • @Rico-ns5dt
    @Rico-ns5dt 3 місяці тому

    Speacial coolant in the description? 😢

  • @MarkShinnick
    @MarkShinnick 5 місяців тому +1

    Gotta do your own...all the factory trained guys are retired out; very VERY few others can be trusted. HP not really the point; it's the torque. Fuel system actually has 3 filters.

  • @nunolourenco7582
    @nunolourenco7582 9 місяців тому +1

    Great video!
    Does it have rear heated seats?

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  9 місяців тому +1

      I wish it did!

  • @Lutz101
    @Lutz101 9 днів тому

    The old Volvo petrol engines are the most reliable car engines and don't use an oil cooler. The owner of a P1800S drove it over 3.25 million miles with the original B18 engine. The 200 series Volvos are much safer and have a much smaller turning circle than the W123, while the wagon variants have a lot more cargo space and were available with a rearward facing bench seat for children as an optional extra. The W123 feels more luxurious and better made, but in the real world the 200 series Volvos are better in every metric that matters... also easy/inexpensive to fit a limited slip diff to a Volvo 1030 (Dana 30) axle.

  • @susanbigknife
    @susanbigknife 7 місяців тому +1

    You didn't mention the timing chain? How often you recommend changing that?

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  5 місяців тому +1

      @@susanbigknife at least check for stretch, but 200k is a good focal point to consider replacing

  • @Orphansmash
    @Orphansmash 7 місяців тому +1

    How often do you adjust valves if you don’t drive a lot? I’ve only put about 2k miles on mine over a year since I bike a lot.

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  7 місяців тому

      I feel a save estimate is every 12k miles +/-. Some go longer others do it before. But I feel that's a good bench mark to go by.

  • @scott6093
    @scott6093 7 місяців тому +2

    Sounds healthy

  • @steveeppy5596
    @steveeppy5596 10 місяців тому

    Where did you find your wagon? Love the blue!

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +1

      I found it on market place many years back for a steal.

  • @antjon1260
    @antjon1260 10 місяців тому +2

    Прекрасный автомобиль!
    Как здорово, что он в таком хорошем состоянии!
    Из России с любовью!)

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  10 місяців тому +1

      Это была замечательная машина, я надеюсь, что она прослужит мне очень долго. Спасибо за просмотр

    • @antjon1260
      @antjon1260 5 місяців тому

      @@SirDrifto С удовольствием смотрю Ваши видео!) особенно те, которые о мерседесах и мотоциклах BMW и VW beatle))
      Есть ли в Вашей коллекции vw t3?)
      Весьма признателен Вам, что ответили на русском языке)) так вышло сейчас, что наш язык не в «тренде». Благодарю Вас сердечно)))

  • @michaellouiswible343
    @michaellouiswible343 10 місяців тому

    Mmmm, great video!!!

  • @hanseich
    @hanseich Місяць тому

    How did you run the cables for your roof lamps?

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  Місяць тому +1

      @@hanseich right through the fender gap corner by windshield

    • @hanseich
      @hanseich Місяць тому

      @ so you’re running it down the “a pillar” on the outside? I just bought one of these. Am thinking of adding something like this.

  • @flyovercounty1427
    @flyovercounty1427 6 місяців тому +1

    W123 owners what fuel economy US/mpg or km/litre or litres/100km do you see? Thanks

    • @markfristedt3270
      @markfristedt3270 6 місяців тому

      I have an '81 240D. I put in the 3.46 differential from a 300D instead of the 3.69 it came with. On a trip in May from OR to AZ I got 30mpg driving 65 to 70mph. The last leg of the trip I slowed to 60-65 and got 34. My CA version '85 300D gets about 23 in the city and I got 33 on a trip to Seattle a few years ago

  • @AJpro88
    @AJpro88 10 місяців тому +4

    starts at 8:20 ur welcome

  • @MrTopherlicious
    @MrTopherlicious 9 місяців тому +1

    Yo your videos are great - I have a suggestion - you don't get to the point till 5 min in. Also a little redundant. Awesome points tho! Thanks for the great video. Beautiful wagon!

  • @SirAdamMeek
    @SirAdamMeek 3 місяці тому

    Puppy!!

  • @anthonynicholich9654
    @anthonynicholich9654 Місяць тому

    500.000 miles?
    What are you talking about?
    My Toyota Tercel has 457.000. Those Mercedes Diesels last a million miles unless they end up being in a hands-on an idiot.

    • @SirDrifto
      @SirDrifto  Місяць тому

      @@anthonynicholich9654 dont blow a gasket 🤣. any reliable car won't make it to 100k miles if it's not maintained to some degree 🤦‍♂️. This was just a video that suggested maintenance items to to ensure 500k miles is attainable....

  • @erensink924
    @erensink924 4 місяці тому

    Easy just throw 25k at it and it will reach 500k miles

  • @landsky5925
    @landsky5925 8 місяців тому

    you need a beard man

  • @thomebau895
    @thomebau895 7 місяців тому

    8:27 So far you have wasted 8:30 min of my time and not made a single point that you wanted to talk about 🤬