The search for a reliable and economical vehicle took an unexpected turn in 2008 when I stumbled upon the idea of owning a classic Mercedes-Benz diesel. Inspired by articles praising the legendary durability of Mercedes W123 models, particularly the diesel variants, I set out to find one. This led me to a white 1983 Mercedes 240D, a car that promised to be both my first classic and a dependable daily driver.
However, purchasing a 26-year-old car in the depths of a Minnesota winter presented immediate challenges. The selection of available vehicles was limited, and my prior experience with W123 models was virtually nonexistent. Despite admiring their classic design and reputation for robustness, I was entering uncharted territory. Adding to the complexity, the 240d Mercedes 1983 I found was located on a farm a couple of hours away, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection difficult in the frigid conditions. This particular model was also equipped with the naturally aspirated four-cylinder diesel engine, known for its longevity but certainly not for its speed, coupled with an automatic transmission. Starting a diesel of this vintage in sub-zero temperatures requires patience, even with the thankfully included block heater.
Despite these reservations, the allure of owning a seemingly indestructible classic Mercedes was strong. After a trip with my family to a farm in southern Minnesota, I purchased the 1983 Mercedes 240D. First impressions were positive: the car felt incredibly solid, exhibiting the vault-like build quality Mercedes was known for. With around 170,000 miles on the odometer, it seemed to have plenty of life left. The ride was comfortable, the engine was surprisingly quiet at cruising speed, and it ran smoothly on the drive home. However, a few quirks quickly became apparent. The dashboard illumination was incredibly dim, making the speedometer barely legible at night. The heater was slow to warm up the cabin, and winter traction with rear-wheel drive, even with decent tires, required a period of readjustment after years of driving front-wheel-drive vehicles.
The robust build of the 240D Mercedes 1983 couldn’t completely defy the effects of time. Within the first month of ownership, significant oil leaks from the oil cooler lines necessitated replacement, resulting in a substantial repair bill. The notorious Mercedes vacuum system also began to exhibit its temperamental nature. The central locking system became unpredictable, with doors sometimes refusing to lock or unlock, operating seemingly based on a logic I couldn’t decipher. Attempts to diagnose the vacuum issues with specialized equipment proved largely unsuccessful. This led to comical (and frustrating) situations, especially for my children, who occasionally found themselves locked in the back seat due to malfunctioning door locks.
Winter driving also brought its own set of anxieties. Unfamiliar with diesel engines in cold climates, I constantly worried about starting failures. While the glow plugs performed their function and the car never left me stranded, the concern about cold starts was a persistent background stress during the colder months. Furthermore, the inoperative air conditioning system meant defrosting and defogging the windows could be challenging, impacting visibility in certain conditions.
However, the most significant drawback of the 240D Mercedes 1983 was undeniably its lack of power. For city driving, the leisurely pace was manageable. Once it reached cruising speed, it kept up with traffic adequately. Handling was competent, and I reacclimated to rear-wheel drive dynamics in winter conditions without major issues. However, highway merging demanded meticulous planning. Entering highways required long merge lanes and careful assessment of traffic in the right lane. While most merges were successful, the margin for error was slim. The automatic transmission shifted smoothly and worked harmoniously with the engine, but ultimately, the engine simply lacked the horsepower needed for the car’s weight, especially when carrying passengers.
Despite these shortcomings, the 240D Mercedes 1983 possessed undeniable virtues. With more time, resources, and expertise, many of its issues could have been addressed. The W123 chassis, while perhaps conservatively styled, is undeniably classic, and the car’s robust engineering was evident. Having later seen numerous W123s serving as taxis in Morocco, I understood their appeal for long-term durability, particularly in warmer climates. The spacious interior, solid construction, comfortable ride, and fundamentally sound design made it clear why these cars were built for longevity and heavy use.
Ultimately, the 1983 Mercedes 240D didn’t quite meet my needs as a reliable family backup car. As warmer weather arrived, my attention drifted to other vehicles, and by September, I found myself considering another classic rear-wheel-drive option – a Volvo 240 wagon. After a few weeks of listing the Mercedes on Craigslist, I sold it to a couple from a rural area north of my location. Perhaps the enduring nature of these cars is better suited to the slower pace of rural life.
Now, with an emptier nest, I occasionally contemplate revisiting the idea of a W123 diesel as a fair-weather classic. If I were to pursue this, I would likely seek out a model with the five-cylinder turbo diesel or, at the very least, a four-cylinder with a manual transmission. Even four decades after their introduction, the W123 series retains a timeless appeal. Seeing the occasional wagon version in my neighborhood sparks the thought, “Maybe someday…”
