I Bought A Mercedes W123! My Dream Classic Benz! (1983 200 Saloon Driven)

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  • Опубліковано 10 чер 2023
  • WIN with Lancaster Insurance: bit.ly/3YxfBbI
    Project cars are sponsored by LIQUI MOLY: www.liqui-moly.com/en/gb/
    We get the chance to drive plenty of classic cars in this job, including exotica from Bentley or Aston Martin, once-common runarounds like the Fiat Strada or Austin Montego and iconic hot hatchbacks and sports cars like the Escort XR3i or Golf GTI. But some cars leave a lasting impression on us, enough for us to buy our own. For Joe, the first car to have that ‘want one’ factor was a classic German saloon that he’s obsessed over ever since. Thanks to the WB & Sons December auction, he finally bought his own classic, a Mercedes W123!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 134

  • @nigelbond4056
    @nigelbond4056 Рік тому +29

    I absolutely love that you’ve bought yourself a car that’s older than you: a true enthusiast. And what a peach the W123 is too. Made at a time when Mercs were properly engineered and crafted. I’m slightly green with envy 🤓

  • @solsol1624
    @solsol1624 Рік тому +13

    You are a man of impeccable taste, good luck with it☺ I've had my 1983 280CE for 3.5 years and never once has it not started first turn of the key. A 40 year old car has no business being so reliable.

  • @f.d.robben159
    @f.d.robben159 Рік тому +8

    great video!
    My second car after my R4 TL was a '77 W123 200D with 54 breath taking HP. As young guys in 91, after our nightshift as Taxi drivers ( 190D ), we jumped in my old Diesel and happily drove from northern Germany all the way down to Switzerland. It's relaxing like watching a movie. You need just a drink, a snack, some background music and you can cruise for houres. The world on the outside can do its thing and you don't care. It's a sedative on four wheels and should be prescribed against symptoms of stress

  • @VirtualGuth
    @VirtualGuth Рік тому +13

    It looks like you managed to find yourself a real gem. I too am a fan of cloth seats, preferring them over leather. I don't so much as blink when I see a modern Mercedes out on the road today (or most any other modern car for that matter). Your car on the other hand is a real head turner (I think it looks great in white), pure class. Even as someone who is more prone to admire sports cars and motorcycles, I would definitely stop to check out your Merc were I to see it parked somewhere nearby. Congratulations and enjoy!

  • @alancrisp1582
    @alancrisp1582 Рік тому +9

    😅 Joe ,you are a very lucky man!. Good choice for a modern classic vehicle ,made back in a time when the Germans still made both beautiful and very reliable cars.And hardly any awful modern electronics to let you down !. Great stuff............😊

  • @grayfool
    @grayfool Рік тому +7

    Still on of the best cars Merc has ever made. I had a 280E in the mid nineties and absolutely loved it. It suffered badly from rot so went to a new owner who, hopefully, could restore it. I still miss it.

  • @BigPaul62
    @BigPaul62 Рік тому +4

    My dad had one brand new in 1980 (ATK 261W) a 280TE. Brilliant car, did 1250000 miles in the four years he had it with an alternator being the only non service item that needed replacing. He replaced it with a W126 280 SE in 1984- another fantastic car.

  • @charlesb7019
    @charlesb7019 Рік тому +3

    As an old Merc owner I can tell you that you will love it. It will grow on you more and more as time goes by.

  • @kermitefrog64
    @kermitefrog64 5 місяців тому +2

    I have a 1981 W123 240d with a 4 speed manual transmission and it is an incredible car to drive.. I have driven all over California with this car. It is not a fast car but it keeps right up with traffic. I have been driving this car for 10 years.

  • @richardkeen1996
    @richardkeen1996 Рік тому +4

    You're right - a lovely car. I had a dark blue automatic W123/230 in 1984 and drove many it miles both in the UK and Europe without a hitch. I kept it for three years and then changed to the new model 260E which was great but I still preferred the W123. Really enjoy your postings.

  • @marcpettie6561
    @marcpettie6561 Рік тому +4

    I had an '82 W123, 230E 4 speed manual. Should never have sold it - one of the nicest cars ever.

  • @-DC-
    @-DC- Рік тому +8

    My uncle had one in the early 80's can remember riding in it thinking it was Unbelievable compared to my dad's Cortina Estate 🤣

  • @davidarter9670
    @davidarter9670 10 місяців тому +6

    I wish W123’s came in manual versions in Australia. The simplicity and reliability of this car would make an excellent daily driver in todays world where too much technology means more to go wrong. I look forward to more videos on this car!

    • @combosucks
      @combosucks 3 місяці тому

      They did! I've got a Australian delivered, manual 240D in Sahara yellow. Fun fact: it uses the same clutch as a Nissan 350z

    • @davidarter9670
      @davidarter9670 3 місяці тому

      @@combosucks I was thinking more of the 280 petrol version.

  • @SA-zoom1
    @SA-zoom1 Рік тому +3

    The W123 200D had 60hp and was rated at 0-100km in 27.4 seconds. My friend was insured to drive his dads one, we used to chug around London in it and affectionately called it the Titanic.

  • @jmsjms296
    @jmsjms296 Рік тому +1

    All the best for this courageous endeavour! You will hopefully overcome the boredom and the dullness.

  • @paultaylor9652
    @paultaylor9652 Рік тому +5

    Great video on a car which I use to see at new car shows in my teens. Good to see you looking after the Mercedes Benz young man.

  • @philipmulville8218
    @philipmulville8218 6 місяців тому +1

    Congratulations on your recent purchase. That really is a beautiful example.

  • @jimmyjones9780
    @jimmyjones9780 Рік тому +2

    After owning a Rover P6 3500 S for ten years, my late father purchased a new 1984 123 Mercedes 280 E in Metallic Green .... A beautiful car with so many extra's including power steering, electric sun roof, windows, all leather, fuel injection and alloys .... Twelve years later he purchased a new 1996 W210 Mercedes 420 E which he would keep until he died in 2014 .... Hopefully Joe, this is just the start for you, owning a Mercedes .... Keep this one for about five years then move up, just like my dad did .... Cheers

  • @VSB83
    @VSB83 Рік тому +2

    The w123 - best car ever made!

  • @terp8373
    @terp8373 Рік тому +1

    My dream car as well. Mercedes Benz engineering and quality were over the top during that era. They looked great, too.

  • @Richard-Bullock
    @Richard-Bullock Рік тому +2

    I would LOVE to own a W123 240TD. Maybe one day.

  • @houmandehdashtidmd9078
    @houmandehdashtidmd9078 5 місяців тому +1

    Nice ! I started out searching for pagodas, now a drastic change to a 300D.

  • @Paris__
    @Paris__ Рік тому +2

    Brilliant buy, bud 👍

  • @berwhaletheavenger
    @berwhaletheavenger Рік тому +5

    One of the last of the proper Mercedes really. The 230E was the one to have - much quicker than the 200 but better on fuel as well. The 280E is nice and not much worse on petrol than a 200.

    • @LesterLovesWatches
      @LesterLovesWatches Рік тому

      Most 280Es get around 22-23mpg, so significantly more thirsty than a 200. But you’re right about the 230E.

  • @markeastwood74
    @markeastwood74 Рік тому +1

    When I was starting out, I was told a car would be knackered after 10 years and I shouldn't consider buying one. But everyone should get themselves a useable classic at some point, they really are the best of all worlds.

  • @Tito_mutai
    @Tito_mutai Місяць тому +1

    Congratulations Sir. Enjoy your car.I'm still saving up for my W123

  • @Vince_uk
    @Vince_uk Рік тому +1

    I am a Merc guy through and through and W123 is one of the best cars ever produced.

  • @markdempsey4763
    @markdempsey4763 Рік тому +1

    Congrats Joe, really pleased for you, looks fantastic, enjoy 😊

  • @markc3884
    @markc3884 Рік тому +1

    Lovely motor. I grew up in the 70’s & this 3 box shape is burned into my memory of how a Benz should look.

  • @hughjass8430
    @hughjass8430 Рік тому +2

    We all learn the hard way that oil shoots out 1 to 2 feet laterally from the sump, not straight down!😂
    Great car. Have always hankered for a W123 myself.

  • @roygardiner2229
    @roygardiner2229 Рік тому +1

    Great stuff! Living the dream.

  • @kermitefrog64
    @kermitefrog64 5 місяців тому +2

    I have Uniroyal tires with the white walls and they are the 205/75r14. These are the perfect tire for comfort and since the gearing in the rear end 3.69 and with the manual 4 speed rather than the more common 5 speed in Europe the taller tires help to off set the lack of a 5th gear. I just bought new tires about 6 months ago. Michelin no longer makes tires for these cars in the States.

  • @klstadt
    @klstadt Рік тому +1

    This is my all time dream car.

  • @davidarter6271
    @davidarter6271 Рік тому +1

    First time I have come across your channel. Excellent presentation of a lovely car. Thankyou

  • @adamlane5182
    @adamlane5182 Рік тому +1

    Nice W123 Joe and good to see you at FJ Coffee &Chrome at Chateau Impney this morning - a good trek from Kent!!

  • @joedaman8436
    @joedaman8436 Рік тому

    My mates dad had one of these, he bought it from a local Doctor, in about 2005, it only had 36,000 miles on the clock, it wasn't the best colour as it was finished in brown, but had a lovely cream interior, it was one of the most comfortable cars I have ever been in, lovely motor 👌

  • @sydnorth5868
    @sydnorth5868 Рік тому +4

    I remember well my first encounter with a W123. Unlike most it was not in a German taxi. It was in1987 when a smoking hot work colleague gave me a lift home. I can't remember her name, but I do remember it was in a W123!

    • @stuartbritton4811
      @stuartbritton4811 Місяць тому

      Why was she smoking and hot? Wasn't it air-conditioned? Did you smoke at the time, too? Did she ask you if you minded her smoking?

    • @sydnorth5868
      @sydnorth5868 Місяць тому

      @@stuartbritton4811 No, yes and no!

  • @MotorWisdom
    @MotorWisdom 6 місяців тому +1

    Great car bro. I'm happy for you.

  • @peterriggall8409
    @peterriggall8409 Рік тому +3

    BIG congrats. Joe. Love it. Looks smart in white. Material is better than MB Tex. and no doubt it is quality material. MB mudflaps and it’s a manual! You can daily drive it and take it to car shows too. 👍

  • @BomberFletch31
    @BomberFletch31 Рік тому +1

    Very nice, Joe. I've been watching your progress with this on your own channel, too. I'm also a fan of classic Mercs. My dream car when I was a kid was a W126, but I am also very fond of the W116 and the W140. I hope to be able to own one some day.

    • @davidarter9670
      @davidarter9670 10 місяців тому

      I didn’t know Joe had his own channel! What’s it called please?

    • @BomberFletch31
      @BomberFletch31 10 місяців тому

      @@davidarter9670 youtube.com/@MillerCorner

  • @monk3yboy69
    @monk3yboy69 10 місяців тому

    I had a 1983 200 in cream with beige leather interior.
    In South Africa…..it had no a/c . Hot as hell .
    I’m not jealous….at all.
    Enjoy .

  • @nicholaswoodward8191
    @nicholaswoodward8191 Рік тому +1

    Enjoy her Joe, I have 2 here in Cape Town a very pretty blue bog entry level 200 manual. Its very sorted 170 000kms and I would happily drive it from cape town to Namibia without a care. And I have recently bought 230 e auto no rot runs well 247 000kms. Reckons it needs engine mounts and the brakes go soft in traffic to worth sorting then (erk). They are a bit special. A car without ego was a pretty fair description I read somewhere about them. Enjoy your car!

  • @NativeMainer53
    @NativeMainer53 Рік тому +1

    Congratulations and a great review

  • @alexandrecouture2462
    @alexandrecouture2462 Рік тому +3

    Nice car, have fun!

  • @DarthTrotter
    @DarthTrotter Рік тому +1

    Congrats. Had a 85 230E auto. Lovely old barge. 200 carb manual must be glacially slow and thirsty. Last Merc was a 95 W124 E220 Sportline. The best.

  • @magnusmikkelsen539
    @magnusmikkelsen539 Рік тому +1

    I had a stw 300tdt. Amazing car

  • @simontizzard
    @simontizzard Рік тому +1

    Absolutely beautiful car

  • @eujeniu8527
    @eujeniu8527 Рік тому +1

    A beautiful one! Congratulations!

  • @user-ru6wj3vd6h
    @user-ru6wj3vd6h 7 днів тому +1

    that's a nice car and a good man

  • @akrambaig2689
    @akrambaig2689 Рік тому +1

    All colours look nice on W123

  • @michaelhynds8035
    @michaelhynds8035 Рік тому +1

    Fantastic car and super video. Thank you.

    • @ClassicsWorldUK
      @ClassicsWorldUK  Рік тому +1

      Glad you liked it!

    • @michaelhynds8035
      @michaelhynds8035 Рік тому

      @@ClassicsWorldUK yes, very much. W123 great cars. I would have loved a 240D, or a 300D. 230E lovely too, although I have a penchant for Diesel engines.

  • @paulnash4425
    @paulnash4425 Рік тому +1

    congrats on the purchase.I have black 230E, also a manual

  • @michaelthompson5252
    @michaelthompson5252 Місяць тому

    I had an 85 300d turbo, an 82 300d turbo and a 79 300sd. I sold all of them years ago and now I regret it. I miss working on them on my days off.

  • @chrisdonnelly7401
    @chrisdonnelly7401 11 місяців тому

    really nice i missed a one a few years ago kicking myself now

  • @domenicodileo9487
    @domenicodileo9487 Рік тому +1

    Lovely. I own a 230CE from 1981.

  • @TheVintageApplianceEmporium
    @TheVintageApplianceEmporium Рік тому +1

    What a beautiful car. I'm very jealous 😁

  • @patrickmelson4745
    @patrickmelson4745 Місяць тому +1

    Nice car! I'm surprised that you made it home with those old tires!

  • @anakinskywalker4113
    @anakinskywalker4113 Рік тому

    I am a massive Mercedes fan especially the W123. I have a 1985 blue 230E which is one of my daily drivers it is utterly bomb proof. it will always work regardless of how badly I treated her the day before. She is fully restored & in tip top condition. As a mechanic myself I take pride in that.
    However I have 1 problem with yours that is the manual gearbox. A Mercedes with a manual is a real no, no. Down in Australia. 75’% of ours were automatics & they are the ones to go for at least down under. I am so glad you went with a petrol powered W123. I like the diesels but they are expensive & not many people know how to work on where I am.

  • @petercollingwood522
    @petercollingwood522 9 місяців тому +1

    I had an 83 manual in South Africa, and my brother had an 84 in the same color as yours. His was auto but mine had AC which made a world of difference in the miserable Durban summers. The 123 is the best car ever made. I'm jealous of your purchase. I really would like another. I've also owned two 81 240D's they are great but I think I'd prefer a gas car now. I'm in America now and there very few non diesel 123's here. And I also agree that cloth interiors are better than leather. Though the ones I owned all had MB-Tex which was unbelievable in terms of it's durability.

  • @seancain7305
    @seancain7305 Рік тому +2

    Congrats

  • @iDayno
    @iDayno Рік тому +1

    Congrats, I'm going to collect my new W123 from WB & Sons tomorrow! :)

    • @ClassicsWorldUK
      @ClassicsWorldUK  Рік тому +1

      Enjoy it!

    • @iDayno
      @iDayno Рік тому

      @@ClassicsWorldUK thank you, pleased to report it got me back ok, not without hiccup though :P

  • @MrMfaust5
    @MrMfaust5 Рік тому +1

    Congratulations Joe! The MB W123 is probably the best car ever built! I'm saying probably because I'm making allowance for the W124 😎 👍👍

    • @ClassicsWorldUK
      @ClassicsWorldUK  Рік тому +1

      Couldn't agree more!

    • @petercollingwood522
      @petercollingwood522 9 місяців тому +1

      The 123 is better than the 124. And I agree. The best car ever built, no probably about it. I've owned three and hope to have another in the future which will probably outlast me.

    • @MrMfaust5
      @MrMfaust5 9 місяців тому

      @@petercollingwood522 Indeed, it's a very comfortable and durable vehicle.

  • @seanburke5686
    @seanburke5686 Рік тому +1

    Also it's one of a handful of cars that can make your mood improve tenfold just by popping out for the usual daily chores ❤❤

  • @michaelsimpson3548
    @michaelsimpson3548 Рік тому

    Enjoy your ride.
    A little tip, first pull the oil filter before drain the pan.

  • @adebrade172
    @adebrade172 Рік тому +1

    Top choice

  • @TheNismo777
    @TheNismo777 Рік тому +1

    Oh a 200E not a bad car, its a bit better than the 200D (deadly slow unless dropped from airplane) :D I recently drove a W124 200E and I was really impressed how it felt driving, its not slow even in the modern traffic speeds, just need to predict about 15sec before :D

  • @tommyolsen8224
    @tommyolsen8224 Рік тому +1

    My dream car to! 😍

  • @seanburke5686
    @seanburke5686 Рік тому

    Had one of these in 1998 , metallic green 280 e , no frills other than the electric sunroof , paid next to nothing for it yet the most missed car if my life xxx

  • @christosgerakinis2628
    @christosgerakinis2628 8 місяців тому

    Greatest mercs ever build
    Made to last 500yrs +

  • @RupertFear
    @RupertFear Рік тому

    Excellent choice (but a wagon for me!)

  • @seang2822
    @seang2822 Рік тому

    You also get rust under the front windscreen.. might be a good idea to take that out as well and inspect the sill… and reseal

  • @stuartbritton4811
    @stuartbritton4811 Місяць тому +1

    It's this or the Lexus 430. Both great cars. The Lexus is what the Mercedes should have turned into. The Mercedes W123 was the last great Mercedes-Benz.

  • @yeoldegamer5112
    @yeoldegamer5112 Рік тому +1

    And that's why if I have to transport a battery or similar I put them in the rear footwell 😉

  • @cardiffchris
    @cardiffchris Рік тому

    Beautiful example, we don't get too many gas versions in US.

  • @Captain_Scarlet_SIG
    @Captain_Scarlet_SIG Рік тому

    Was a Berlin taxi favourite and still is in the Middle East 🤣 from the end of an era of quality built Merc’s.

  • @darrenwilson8042
    @darrenwilson8042 Рік тому

    Probably the last Merc hewn from solid ..... ever since they have been built to a price. Thats for Merc - an assembly price they like but in terms of price and reputation they trade on the W123 legacy

  • @notroll1279
    @notroll1279 Рік тому +1

    The DS is a fascinating car but it's another dimension of maintenance and you'll reach the point much sooner from where you'll need expert help.

  • @Jasongy827
    @Jasongy827 2 місяці тому +1

    I was thinking about buying a vintage Mercedes, w123 or a w114 or w115

  • @chriswilkinson1991
    @chriswilkinson1991 Рік тому +1

    Lovely, are you using it as a daily driver in all weathers all year round?

    • @ClassicsWorldUK
      @ClassicsWorldUK  Рік тому

      It’s being used regularly, at least two or three times weekly - has been fully rustproofed and cavity waxed!

  • @5amH45lam
    @5amH45lam 8 місяців тому +1

    Pray silence for the greatest car ever made...

    • @LONEWOLF-dr6fg
      @LONEWOLF-dr6fg 6 місяців тому

      Well said brother 👍🏼
      If you already have one, please do not try to sell it, I don't want you to regret it later!
      All the 123 models and not to mention the Volvo 240 and 244 GLE classic cars are the most unkillable machines ever made, if you take care of them, they'll definitely bring you home safely 💯🤞🏼
      Have a great day Bro.

  • @Benzer18
    @Benzer18 Рік тому +2

    123000miles is like 12300miles for a w123😊

  • @Dr.Fiendish
    @Dr.Fiendish 8 місяців тому +1

    Never sell that car young man, you will regret it!

  • @neviozivkovic4545
    @neviozivkovic4545 Рік тому

    IMO headlights are from 280 or 300D. I nearly bought a 280, but bought a 124 230E. My dad still has his 123 240D. I do have a 74 124 Sport😂.

  • @SA-yb7mt
    @SA-yb7mt Рік тому

    Congratulations. Living the dream. I guess at a certaion age of a car one must make sacrifices like getting a 200 and not the better 230. Or choose the cloth over the MB Tex. But a manual?! No way. A Mercedes should be an auto.

  • @MichailKnoller
    @MichailKnoller 10 місяців тому

    I feel sorry for you. I had to drive them for about 200000 mi - that taught me everything. Petrol or diesel, saloon or estate - there was hardly anything worse. Oh, yes : Volkswagen T 3 diesel and turbodiesel....they really took the cake.

  • @arnoillig4792
    @arnoillig4792 7 місяців тому

    Why don't you mention its price? Most important item you left out.

  • @bigboss-oz2vi
    @bigboss-oz2vi 10 місяців тому +1

    when you know. you know.

  • @raypayne2228
    @raypayne2228 Рік тому +1

    Hard to beat them, I’ve got a W123 230e that’s done 20 thousand k’s through off road outback Australia on charity rally’s in the last few years, one flat tyre, one blown shock and drives like a dream, and it’ll still be going when most of todays cars are recycled into white goods.

  • @charliecoco2115
    @charliecoco2115 Рік тому

    How much did you pay for it please?

  • @colinhenry3551
    @colinhenry3551 3 місяці тому

    I would love a one of these personally,but will we be allowed to run a classic car with all the legislation thats coming in against the motorist ,

  • @derekdalton5658
    @derekdalton5658 Рік тому

    Love fact it's white as well. Tragedy in Australia is that most of our examples are cooked by the sun.

  • @qalba3016
    @qalba3016 11 місяців тому

    Can anyone reading my comment in Europe advise me where I can purchase a low mileage original clean W123 or C123 , like European websites that advertise these models, I live in 🇺🇸 and I’ve been looking for gasoline engine W123 for years and every thing in America for w123 is diesel, I love this body style so much but unfortunately I can’t find one
    Cheers 🥂

  • @user-ow1ub7dr3h
    @user-ow1ub7dr3h 10 місяців тому +1

    ❤❤❤

  • @paullacey2999
    @paullacey2999 Рік тому +1

    When Mercedes was run engineers,not accoutants who sell cars to any old riff raff

  • @bizmyurt8582
    @bizmyurt8582 Рік тому

    280E, 250 or 230E.

  • @arnoillig4792
    @arnoillig4792 7 місяців тому

    I'll bet that my 1982 W123 Turbodiesel is faster. Probably about 30% more horsepower my guess.

  • @LOVE_OF_MY_KING
    @LOVE_OF_MY_KING 4 місяці тому

    .Y BRO I LIKE TO BUY IT FROM YOU AND TAKE IT TO iNDIA

  • @bizmyurt8582
    @bizmyurt8582 Рік тому

    A new car is not better on the road before +110 mph and actually they are worse city cars and on bad
    roads.