The quest for a reliable and distinctive vehicle often leads enthusiasts down intriguing paths. For me, that path took an unexpected turn in early 2008 after the unfortunate demise of our family VW Passat. Suddenly a one-car household, we navigated city life with a Mazda MPV, public transport, and ride-sharing. However, as I transitioned to self-employment in the fall of that year, the desire for a cost-effective yet dependable second car grew stronger. New car prices were daunting, and the hunt for a used option began.
Serendipitously, a New York Times article highlighting the enduring appeal of Mercedes W123 diesel models sparked an idea. Could one of these famously robust machines serve as both a practical daily driver and my first foray into classic car ownership? The concept resonated deeply, echoing sentiments shared within online automotive communities. This thought process culminated in the acquisition of a white 1983 240d Mercedes Benz.
Looking back, purchasing a 26-year-old diesel Mercedes in January in Minnesota presented a unique set of challenges. Firstly, winter in Minnesota is far from ideal car-buying weather, significantly limiting the available selection. Secondly, despite admiring the W123’s aesthetic and legendary reputation for durability, my direct experience was minimal – a brief 10-minute ride years prior was the extent of my familiarity. Thirdly, common sense dictates that a car of this age demands a thorough inspection and realistic expectations regarding potential maintenance. Fourthly, the 240D in question was located on a farm a considerable distance away, hindering pre-purchase inspection due to time constraints and the frigid conditions. Finally, and perhaps most notably, we were dealing with the naturally aspirated four-cylinder diesel engine – renowned for its longevity but equally infamous for its leisurely pace. Compounding this, the car was equipped with an automatic transmission. Starting a 26-year-old diesel in sub-zero temperatures requires a particular brand of patience, although thankfully, a block heater was present.
Nevertheless, after convincing my family to join me on a trek to rural southern Minnesota, I met the affable young seller and made the decision to purchase the 240D for $2200. These Mercedes W123 models are undeniably built to last, possessing a vault-like solidity. With around 170,000 miles on the odometer, it seemed to have plenty of life left. The ride was smooth, remarkably quiet, and at cruising speed, it ran effortlessly. However, the drive home revealed some immediate realities. The dashboard illumination was incredibly dim, making the speedometer barely legible in the dark. The heater was slow to warm up – exceptionally slow. And winter traction, with rear-wheel drive, required a recalibration of driving habits, a reminder of how much drive wheels influence handling in snowy conditions, even with decent Michelin tires.
While the 240D exuded tank-like construction, time inevitably takes its toll on any vehicle. Within the first month of ownership, significant oil leaks from the oil cooler lines necessitated replacement, incurring a substantial $1,000 repair bill. The notoriously complex vacuum system exhibited typical W123 quirks – door locks operating with unpredictable logic, sometimes locking, sometimes not, seemingly governed by automotive voodoo. Attempts to diagnose the vacuum issues with specialized equipment yielded limited success. Frustratingly, my young sons frequently found themselves inadvertently locked in the back seat due to malfunctioning door locks.
Winter driving brought its own anxieties. Having never owned a diesel in a cold climate, the fear of a no-start scenario loomed whenever venturing out in sub-freezing temperatures without plugging in the block heater. While the glow plugs performed their function and I was never actually stranded, a persistent unease remained throughout the colder months. Adding to the list, the inoperable air conditioning system impacted defrosting and defogging effectiveness, particularly in humid conditions.
However, the most significant drawback of the 240D Mercedes Benz was undeniably its lack of pace. For local driving, this was manageable. Once at speed, it kept up with traffic adequately. Handling was competent, and re-adjusting to rear-wheel drive in winter was a quickly overcome learning curve. However, highway merging became a calculated maneuver. Each on-ramp required careful planning – selecting long entry lanes with no approaching vehicles in the right lane. While most merges were successful, the margin for error felt minimal. The automatic transmission shifted smoothly and functioned well with the engine, but ultimately, the engine simply lacked the horsepower required for the car’s weight, especially when loaded with passengers.
Despite these shortcomings, the 240D possessed numerous redeeming qualities. With more time, resources, and expertise, it could have been a viable long-term project. The W123 chassis may be perceived as somewhat conservative in styling, but it represents a timeless classic design, and Mercedes-Benz undeniably over-engineered these vehicles. Observing numerous W123s serving as taxis in Morocco years later underscored their inherent durability and suitability for demanding use. Excellent interior space utilization, robust build quality, a comfortable yet controlled ride, and fundamentally sound engineering made them ideal for longevity, particularly in warmer climates.
Ultimately, the 240D Mercedes Benz, in its naturally aspirated four-cylinder diesel and automatic guise, didn’t fully meet the needs as a reliable family backup car. As warmer weather arrived, my automotive interests began to shift. By September, I was contemplating another classic rear-wheel-drive replacement – this time a blue Volvo 240 wagon. After a few weeks listed on Craigslist, the 240D found a new home with a couple residing on a farm north of the Twin Cities. Perhaps the inherent ruggedness of these durable cars aligns particularly well with rural life.
Now, with an empty nest on the horizon, the idea of revisiting a W123 diesel as a warm-weather collector car resurfaces. If I were to pursue this, a turbocharged five-cylinder model or, at the very least, a four-cylinder with a manual transmission would be preferable. Even four decades after their introduction, the W123 series retains a remarkably handsome silhouette. Spotting wagon versions in my neighborhood often prompts the thought, “Maybe someday…”
