Mercedes W123 - talk to me

[jim]

I've been offered a project W123 230e that's been sat for 3 years after the radiator started leaking, I've only seen 2 photos of it and I already know I want it!

I don't know anything about these or Mercedes Benz cars in general so where's good for service parts etc

any advice/ motivation would be great!

these aren't the one I've been offered but it is white!

[jader1973]

If it has been sitting for 3 years the chances are the brakes will have seized on. Mine has been garaged for a while, and while it still moves the fronts are very definitely stuck on.

Factor in a rebuild, or even replacement.

[zeberdee]

Had one .
Lowered it .
Loved it .
Would definitely have another .

Check for rot , rear sills & boot mainly on mine , i’m sure someone on here will be able to give you more info .

👍

[jim]

Aug 2, 2022 11:18:09 GMT zeberdee said:

Had one .
Lowered it .
Loved it .
Would definitely have another .

Check for rot , rear sills & boot mainly on mine , i’m sure someone on here will be able to give you more info .

👍

Did you lower it using lowering springs? I've read there's different cups that can also help?

I'm expecting some rust, hopefully the rear window area is OK!

[zeberdee]

Erm , no . It was a proper budget ride & lowering springs didn’t really go as low as i wanted .

Cut the springs .

There’s loads of info on how much to trim off , still drove really nice .

[zeberdee]

Bit of reading for you if you’re thinking of cutting the springs .

lermscustoms.com/blogs/news/mercedes-benz-w123-coil-springs-info-and-tips-lifting-or-lowering

[jim]

Aug 2, 2022 16:30:15 GMT zeberdee said:

Bit of reading for you if you’re thinking of cutting the springs .

lermscustoms.com/blogs/news/mercedes-benz-w123-coil-springs-info-and-tips-lifting-or-lowering

That's interesting reading, I had considered lowering as it makes everything look better but never thought about raising -Safari spec would be fun...

[jader1973]

If you are removing the springs please use the proper internal spring compressors.

There are some horror stories about external compressors failing during removal and the spring escaping at a very high speed.

Someone on here had one let go iirc.

[zeberdee]

Safari spec would be pretty epic & definitely a different route from the norm .

👍

[jim]

Aug 3, 2022 11:10:55 GMT jader1973 said:

If you are removing the springs please use the proper internal spring compressors.

There are some horror stories about external compressors failing during removal and the spring escaping at a very high speed.

Someone on here had one let go iirc.

Springs generally terrify me so I won't take chances with improper tools.

I watched some videos of springs being done - those merc springs are hefty!

[jim]

Aug 3, 2022 11:48:55 GMT zeberdee said:

Safari spec would be pretty epic & definitely a different route from the norm .

👍

I've found some more inspiration

Lows









Raised

[zeberdee]

There’s a good argument for both styles there .

Although i like stuff that’s raised , I always revert back to type & go low ! 😂

[tonycocacola]

Check the floor plans for rust. The carpets are proper thick, nice and easy to remove, then there's a layer of moulded rubber stuff, that doesn't come out. Then there should be metal, and on the outside a nice thick layer of underseal. My first 123, a 200t looked fine but it wasn't, there was no metal, just the underseal and rubbery bit holding most of the floor together.
So it got stripped and scrapped and a 230e was bought, then lowered, using the choppy choppy method. 😁
Anyhoo, a couple o'pics.





About ten years since I had those.

😀

[chandlergti]

I’m having a hard time staying away from this one

[jim]

Aug 3, 2022 16:37:03 GMT zeberdee said:

There’s a good argument for both styles there .

Although i like stuff that’s raised , I always revert back to type & go low ! 😂

I'm exactly the same!

Aug 3, 2022 17:32:43 GMT tonycocacola said:

Check the floor plans for rust. The carpets are proper thick, nice and easy to remove, then there's a layer of moulded rubber stuff, that doesn't come out. Then there should be metal, and on the outside a nice thick layer of underseal. My first 123, a 200t looked fine but it wasn't, there was no metal, just the underseal and rubbery bit holding most of the floor together.
So it got stripped and scrapped and a 230e was bought, then lowered, using the choppy choppy method. 😁
Anyhoo, a couple o'pics.





About ten years since I had those.

😀

Thats interesting the metal is the weaker bit, I'm expecting the welder will be getting some use, from the photos I have I can't see any issues with the screen sections but it does have a sun roof so that could be a problem with ingress.

both of yours looked great and shows they look better lowered

Aug 4, 2022 1:07:19 GMT chandlergti said:

I’m having a hard time staying away from this one

That is tempting! Is this the 5 pot diesel?

[HARDCORE]

300D is 6-cylinder - OM603 engine

[mantiac]

I'm on my second 123, previously I had a saloon which I loved, but sadly it was terminally rusty. As others have said already, rust is the main issue with these and if you are going to lower it, invest in the correct spring compressors. Fortunately there is quite a bit of pattern metalwork available if you are handy with a mig.

[mantiac]

[60six]

Great, great cars - one of the most comfortable cars I owned. Take a strong magnet and a cloth and go around all the edges. You will find filler somewhere. They were built out of metal that loved to rust. If the central locking doesn't work, LEAVE IT - It's based on air pressure, and it will break your sanity. Mileometers break and are a pig to fix, get hold of a spare dash if possible. 2.0 slow, diesel's slower, 2.3 is perfect. Auto boxes are excellent and more reliable than the manual.

Would love another but now out of my price range...

Regarding lowering - definitely, but make sure you experience the superb ride quality first, just to be sure.

most spring compressors are not strong enough for these beefy springs - take it to a place that has lowered these before.

It is a very quiet ride. You will become obsessed with getting rid of any squeaks/noises inside whilst driving.

Easily have the coolest hubcaps ever made - don't lose them as they can be expensive. Check the clips and zip-ties are sometimes handy.

[chandlergti]

Aug 7, 2022 17:06:08 GMT mantiac said:

Those Rials look amazing on there! In the US we got the 240 and the 300 in diesels, the 240 is dangerous it’s so slow and the 300 can keep up with modern traffic. I’ve had two 240d; one with a manual and one auto; and one 300d auto. They rust but the mechanicals are pretty straightforward and everything is available or has a work around. Good choice for a retro.