I had a 280E saloon for a couple of years in the nineties and loved it. It's one of the best ranges of models MB has ever made. Perhaps the perfect classic for daily use. Thank you.
Greetings from Malaysia. Great review on this classic Mercedes. I am a classic Mercedes as well. Own a W123 200 petrol manual and a W124 230E automatic as daily drive. These cars drives beautifully. Spring loaded seats are superb comfortable.
My grandfather bought a new 230 E in 1982. I drove it a lot from 1988 till +/- 1996. It was a real joy, unfortunately my mother sold it. It is the greatest regret i have in life :-( .... .
I own a w123 230CE (the coupe) which in fact I bought in Munich and brought to Italy. I love it, it's the epitome of quality, understated style and elegance.
Have fun with your 230 CE! I have bought 2 of my cars in Italy, because usually cars from Italy don't have so many rust issues like cars driven on salty winter roads in Germany...
@@CubeofCars Thank you! Yes that is usually the case. I was lucky to find my W123 with no rust at all in Germany, because in Italy the W123 Coupe is quite rare. Looking forward to more of your car adventures. Ciao.
@@CubeofCars By the way I love your Fiat 130 Coupe as well. Very cool, elegant and rare car. I also own a Fiat 124 Spider from 1978. Fiat made only very few cars that stood the test of time, the 130 and the 124 are definitely among those, as of course the legendary 500. Projects originating from the mid 70s on are the beginning of the end for FIAT, as they made very shoddy, poorly designed and built cars, crap cars to make it simple. The fact that FIAT destroyed first Lancia then Alfa Romeo through the acquisitions is to this day a scandal I can't forgive them. I also own an Alfa Romeo 75, 2.0 Carburettors (the last real Alfa, ok there is also the SZ), first series, transaxle + De Dion Suspension system, a real delight. Sorry for the long message. Ciao
This car has always been one of my favorites although I have never owned one. I wanted to buy a 300 TD here in the US but got a W124 300e instead which I loved>
Hey, Mike. Glad I’ve found your channel. I’m looking for a W123 sedan or, preferably, an estate. Do you know anyone here in Thailand with whom I could have a chat about locating one of the early 123’s?
Hi Moshe, I would recommend to regularly look at Taladrod and One2Car. That's what I did for 2 years on a daily basis to find my 280 TE... not easy, because there are not many good ones around. Here are the links: www.taladrod.com/w30/iSch/SchC.aspx?fno:all+mk:5+gr:b+y2:1990+gs:n www.one2car.com/en/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz?max_year=1990
Cube of Cars also, it’s important for you to know that you have taught me a lot about the 123 Mercedes. You’ve got an absolute gem of a car, mate. Enjoy it!
Nice car you've got. I used to have W123 300D in Bangkok, still missed it. Now, I'm using W124 E220. Just small comment on your voice over, it is a bit low volume when comes to tell the detail. Maybe adjust the voice level a bit higher next time for your next video. About the fuel type, I know it's hard to find regular 95. Some PPT and SUSCO sell regular 95 (in Bangkok). Try to avoid gasohol because it will make your tank rusted (happened in my w124) and also the injection system will not last long (happen in my BMW e30). The injection was sticky when use it for a long period.
Thanks a lot for your feedback! I will check these gas stations in Phuket... hope they sell regular 95. Voice over problem is noted down... will try to make it better in my next video! :)
I think the characteristics of the 130's engine are more exciting than the 280's. It sounds better, it's feels faster and more sporty when accelerating, even if figures on paper are very similar. But maybe it's unfair to compare a manual Fiat to an automatic Mercedes. Both engine run smoothly. The Fiat is more thirsty, maybe 2 liters more on average.
Hi! Beautiful car - I have one just like it, same colour and everything, just in the 200T model (so mine has about a third of the horsepower of yours!). Can you tell me what make and model the white wall tires are? I'm looking for some for mine, and yours look really nice!
Hi Chris, I have just checked out your "Return... W123" video.... so funny. I hope there will be more videos about your 200T in the future! Currently I am not in Phuket, but if you have a bit of time, I will check the brand and model of my tyres when I am back next months.... I will let you know then :) Cheers, Mike
Haha, glad you liked it! This video was a lot more in-depth than anything I could imagine doing, but I really enjoyed watching your commentary! I'd be really nice if you would check it out just whenever the time is there because your W123 looks absolutely stunning with those white walls!
Numberwise it looks to be similar to it's MSRP, otherwise the exact today price for 1978 models, 40000DM as you mentioned is 47500 euro. Which again is very good depreciation for such a car
I wish it was easier and cheaper to convert a non ac w123 to one with ac, because in Sweden where I live you cant find one with ac, so a spare unit is hard to come by plus it's a hell of a job, but it's really nice and cool to have functioning ac in a classic car such as the w123.
In Thailand you couldn't survive without A/C, so most older cars have already been converted years ago. As work is cheap here and people have lots of skills to adapt things, convertions here are quite easy. Maybe look in Germany for a W123 with factory A/C... there are not many, but usually there are a few available on mobile.de
Look for a euro model in a dry US state with factory or aftermarket AC. My euro 300D has factory AC and you'll be glad you bought an AC car when it gets above 30 celsius. I almost bought another euro 300D without AC and even with the windows down its not fun driving these cars when its 35 degrees with no AC since the factory tinted glass acts like a greenhouse when the sun is out and the temperature is high. I discovered this when I had to drive my car when the AC broke on a cloudless 35 degree day, its great motivation to fix the AC.
Yeah,I have actually got a 1980 240TD non ac of course. But it's a rolling restauration, but as I was getting ready to get it inspected (MOT) i got sideswiped in the rear left corner of the car so now i must get a new fender panel and a new bumper tail light etc... really frustrating! I do have a s124 250TD -95 with working ac and thats great!
The W123 is going to take off as a classic car, and I think that time is right now to buy them up because they are still cheap. A well-restored car will steadily escalate in value.
Here in Thailand people prefer European cars to be RHD. I am always surprised that European cars in Japan are often LHD.... isn't that unhandy in traffic?
My aunt used to have a 1983 230TE. She used to drop me to the school along with my cousins. Seeing this video brings the memories back!
I had a 280E saloon for a couple of years in the nineties and loved it. It's one of the best ranges of models MB has ever made. Perhaps the perfect classic for daily use. Thank you.
Totally agree :)
One of the most informative videos I have ever seen 👏
Thank you! :)
Wonderful video. Informative. Pretty wagon 😍 I ❤️.
Lovely car, especially the colour. As always, great review.
What a great review! Thank you! You are a funny guy. I like you reverting to German for the speed bumps.
Thanks for watching my video! :)
I drive an 87 220e. Love older Benz's. Your videos are quite nice.
Greetings from Malaysia. Great review on this classic Mercedes. I am a classic Mercedes as well. Own a W123 200 petrol manual and a W124 230E automatic as daily drive. These cars drives beautifully. Spring loaded seats are superb comfortable.
Greetings from Phuket! I was in Malaysia with my Benz last year... maybe you have seen this road trip video already...
Beautiful color!
Thanks :)
Great review, I enjoyed watching it! I would love to hear your review one day of the 230TE and how it compares to the 280TE.
Good idea... maybe I can do that one day...
My grandfather bought a new 230 E in 1982. I drove it a lot from 1988 till +/- 1996. It was a real joy, unfortunately my mother sold it. It is the greatest regret i have in life :-( .... .
I own a w123 230CE (the coupe) which in fact I bought in Munich and brought to Italy.
I love it, it's the epitome of quality, understated style and elegance.
Have fun with your 230 CE! I have bought 2 of my cars in Italy, because usually cars from Italy don't have so many rust issues like cars driven on salty winter roads in Germany...
@@CubeofCars Thank you! Yes that is usually the case. I was lucky to find my W123 with no rust at all in Germany, because in Italy the W123 Coupe is quite rare.
Looking forward to more of your car adventures.
Ciao.
@@CubeofCars By the way I love your Fiat 130 Coupe as well. Very cool, elegant and rare car.
I also own a Fiat 124 Spider from 1978.
Fiat made only very few cars that stood the test of time, the 130 and the 124 are definitely among those, as of course the legendary 500.
Projects originating from the mid 70s on are the beginning of the end for FIAT, as they made very shoddy, poorly designed and built cars, crap cars to make it simple.
The fact that FIAT destroyed first Lancia then Alfa Romeo through the acquisitions is to this day a scandal I can't forgive them.
I also own an Alfa Romeo 75, 2.0 Carburettors (the last real Alfa, ok there is also the SZ), first series, transaxle + De Dion Suspension system, a real delight.
Sorry for the long message.
Ciao
Lovely. I might be in Phuket this summer and would love to see your car.
Thanks for your interest in my Benz. Unfortunately I stay in Phuket only during high season...
Great video. Wonderful car.
Thanks a lot :)
Nice review , very interesting
Thanks :)
Very good review, on a great car.
Thanks for watching! :)
This car has always been one of my favorites although I have never owned one. I wanted to buy a 300 TD here in the US but got a W124 300e instead which I loved>
The W124 is one of the best cars!
I love this review.
Thanks for watching! :)
Hey, Mike. Glad I’ve found your channel. I’m looking for a W123 sedan or, preferably, an estate. Do you know anyone here in Thailand with whom I could have a chat about locating one of the early 123’s?
Hi Moshe, I would recommend to regularly look at Taladrod and One2Car. That's what I did for 2 years on a daily basis to find my 280 TE... not easy, because there are not many good ones around. Here are the links:
www.taladrod.com/w30/iSch/SchC.aspx?fno:all+mk:5+gr:b+y2:1990+gs:n
www.one2car.com/en/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz?max_year=1990
Cube of Cars ah groysah dhank.
Cube of Cars also, it’s important for you to know that you have taught me a lot about the 123 Mercedes. You’ve got an absolute gem of a car, mate. Enjoy it!
Thanks a lot! Good luck finding a nice 123.... Please keep me posted :)
Great review !!!!
Thanks for watching! :)
A wonderful car, i have two [ 230TE ] cars but how do you remove the luggage side windows to repair the rust? a big problem on this car if left .
Sorry, I don't know. Luckily I did't have to do that yet.
Love your car , the colour combo is awesome . Do you know the colour code please and is it genuine Mercedes’? Phil
Hi Phil, it's supposed to be 504 englischrot, but seems to be more orange than the original color. Interior is 104 MB-Tex Bambus. Cheers, Mike
great video, don't use ethanol mixed fuel, keep the trans serviced,
Thanks! Yes, I try to avoid ethanol mixed fuel, but not always easy in Thailand...
Great car--never new this model existed
good story about the best build Mercedes ever...
Thanks for watching my video! :)
I like the video. I think the model is referred to as a two eighty TE and not two hundred eighty TE.
What tyre size have you got on this W123? They suit it perfectly.
Hi Simon, that are 195/70 R14...
Very nice
Thanks :)
Nice car you've got. I used to have W123 300D in Bangkok, still missed it. Now, I'm using W124 E220. Just small comment on your voice over, it is a bit low volume when comes to tell the detail. Maybe adjust the voice level a bit higher next time for your next video. About the fuel type, I know it's hard to find regular 95. Some PPT and SUSCO sell regular 95 (in Bangkok). Try to avoid gasohol because it will make your tank rusted (happened in my w124) and also the injection system will not last long (happen in my BMW e30). The injection was sticky when use it for a long period.
Thanks a lot for your feedback! I will check these gas stations in Phuket... hope they sell regular 95. Voice over problem is noted down... will try to make it better in my next video! :)
Any chance you could post something about the aftermarket aircondition?
Unfortunately I don't even know the brand of the aftermarket A/C, as I bought the Benz with the A/C installed already.
Too bad, would have been interesting. Thanks anyway
How would you compare the Mercedes’ 280 and the Fiat’s 130 engines in terms of power delivery, smoothness, consumption etc?
I think the characteristics of the 130's engine are more exciting than the 280's. It sounds better, it's feels faster and more sporty when accelerating, even if figures on paper are very similar. But maybe it's unfair to compare a manual Fiat to an automatic Mercedes. Both engine run smoothly. The Fiat is more thirsty, maybe 2 liters more on average.
Hi! Beautiful car - I have one just like it, same colour and everything, just in the 200T model (so mine has about a third of the horsepower of yours!). Can you tell me what make and model the white wall tires are? I'm looking for some for mine, and yours look really nice!
Hi Chris, I have just checked out your "Return... W123" video.... so funny. I hope there will be more videos about your 200T in the future! Currently I am not in Phuket, but if you have a bit of time, I will check the brand and model of my tyres when I am back next months.... I will let you know then :) Cheers, Mike
Haha, glad you liked it! This video was a lot more in-depth than anything I could imagine doing, but I really enjoyed watching your commentary! I'd be really nice if you would check it out just whenever the time is there because your W123 looks absolutely stunning with those white walls!
Thanks :) You will hear from me in November then...
Hi Chris, finally I have checked the tyres: Dunlop SP 601 in size 195/75 R14. In Thailand they are sold for about 100€ per piece.
@@CubeofCars Thank you so much! I'll definitely look into those as I'm still on the look out for a nice pair. Thank you a lot!
Beatle John Lennon loved his TE.
Yes, and his was the first 300 TD imported and registered in the US...
Numberwise it looks to be similar to it's MSRP, otherwise the exact today price for 1978 models, 40000DM as you mentioned is 47500 euro. Which again is very good depreciation for such a car
Yes.... with inflation the calculation looks worse, I agree with you ;-)
This Mercedes 280 TE is now for sale. Please contact me, if you are interested.
Hello, is this car still for sale?
@@leochan1706 It's sold already.
Where did you get the sea there in Moldova ... or ... sorry, you're from Albania ...
Does the number plate look Albanian?
I wish it was easier and cheaper to convert a non ac w123 to one with ac, because in Sweden where I live you cant find one with ac, so a spare unit is hard to come by plus it's a hell of a job, but it's really nice and cool to have functioning ac in a classic car such as the w123.
In Thailand you couldn't survive without A/C, so most older cars have already been converted years ago. As work is cheap here and people have lots of skills to adapt things, convertions here are quite easy. Maybe look in Germany for a W123 with factory A/C... there are not many, but usually there are a few available on mobile.de
coolakiIlen007 Yes the ac just adds to the early luxury solid feel. The motor is well-paired here.
Look for a euro model in a dry US state with factory or aftermarket AC. My euro 300D has factory AC and you'll be glad you bought an AC car when it gets above 30 celsius. I almost bought another euro 300D without AC and even with the windows down its not fun driving these cars when its 35 degrees with no AC since the factory tinted glass acts like a greenhouse when the sun is out and the temperature is high. I discovered this when I had to drive my car when the AC broke on a cloudless 35 degree day, its great motivation to fix the AC.
Yeah,I have actually got a 1980 240TD non ac of course. But it's a rolling restauration, but as I was getting ready to get it inspected (MOT) i got sideswiped in the rear left corner of the car so now i must get a new fender panel and a new bumper tail light etc... really frustrating! I do have a s124 250TD -95 with working ac and thats great!
Still watching, but a small observation, your voiceover sounds quiet in parts especially when the background music is playing.
Yes, you are right... will have to turn up the volume next time :)
Yes, W123 the perfect car!!!
Absolutely right! ;)
Driving this orange beauty in Thailand.
10:00 that exhaust and 13:25 the straight 6 train is pulling!
Wow really impressed your production quality and location! I’ll be a new/neuer Sub!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! :)
The W123 is going to take off as a classic car, and I think that time is right now to buy them up because they are still cheap. A well-restored car will steadily escalate in value.
realy 98? what is the compresion in that motor?
The manual says 98 only. The compression is 9 according to the manual.
私もW１２３（S１２３）を数年乗っていましたが、過去に乗っていたシトロエン（BX、Xantia、２CV）よりも乗り心地がよく「ラグジュアリーと実用を両立できる車種だった」と今でも思う車です。しかし、現代の道路事情（速度やペース）での実用には、やや不満を抱く運動性能でもありました。結果、現在は同じ足回りを持つW２０２（S２０２）の最終モデルに乗っています。
W２０２も生産終了より２０年が経過して、古い車となって来ましたが・・・古く良きメルセデスと現代版メルセデスの中立的な車種で”趣味と実用の両立”という意味では、無難な車種だと思います。でもまたいつかW１２３に乗りたいと思いますね！！
Is it still possible to see W123/S123 on the streets in Japan? Or are they already gone?
日本でもＷ１２３は見ることが出来ますが、東京を中心とする一部のファッションリーダー的な人たちが好んで乗っている印象です。どちらかと言えば、趣味車に属する傾向性が強い車種の為、実用的に（例えば通勤で乗る様な）Ｗ１２３を所有している人は少なく思います。
Here in Thailand some W123 sedans are still in daily use. But the S123 TE is very, very rare :)
このＹｏｕＴｕｂｅを観て、右ハンドルがＴＥに存在する事に驚きました。日本で走ってるＴＥは殆ど左ハンドル車です。
Here in Thailand people prefer European cars to be RHD. I am always surprised that European cars in Japan are often LHD.... isn't that unhandy in traffic?
😍😍😍