w123 300d as a daily

[flat6buster]

Hi gang

I have come across a W123 300d (non turbo). One owner. Low, low mileage. As I now only do 50 or so miles a week pottering to the shops at no more than 60mph, why should I not buy it to use as a daily? Would the noise be too dreadful? Not worried about performance but would not want to be driving a tractor. I had a grey fergie once and that was lovely but I feel a Merc should be more refined! Alas the car is distant enough to make a visit not worthwhile so I'd be buying sight unseen. It looks beautiful though and I've always loved the 123, but only have experience of petrols.

 

[Stratman]

I'd say a physically large diesel engine wouldn't be a good choice for just the occasional short journey. It will never get properly warmed up, giving poor fuel economy and running the risk of contaminating the oil with fuel blow by, as clearances won't get a chance to close up because of the low running temperature.

 

[alabbasi]

Depends on where you live. These cars are very comfortable drivers that handle great , ride great and stop great. They will get to 70-80mph and cruise there all day, but they're very slow to accelerate (worse if it's an automatic). Expect 0-60 times of around 30 seconds. If I lived in London, I would not hesitate in owning one for the simple reason that I'd stick my thumb up to the idiots who came up with ULEZ and you can't go more than 20mph.

Odo gears can fail so make sure your mileage is accurate. The OM617 in a W123 is capable of intergalactic miles.

 

[Bellow]

I'd say a physically large diesel engine wouldn't be a good choice for just the occasional short journey. It will never get properly warmed up, giving poor fuel economy and running the risk of contaminating the oil with fuel blow by, as clearances won't get a chance to close up because of the low running temperature.

True for modern day common rail direct injection engines but those old indirect injection engines put a lot more heat into the coolant. On top of that, that particular series of engine beats an anvil for durability.
If it's rust free....

 

[ChipChop]

Like others have said old pre CDI OM diesels get up to temperature pretty quickly so the slow warm up & associated potential issues do not apply. Also being able to fix them with basic tools and their ability to be powered by non fossil fuels (legally in the UK, unsure about Spain) is a consideration when pump diesel prices are quite so inflated.

Get it bought.