Mercedes-Benz (1976–1985)

Mercedes-Benz W123. Available as sedan, coupe, estate, and long-wheelbase. Legendary for durability.

Which variant to buy?

The was produced in 5 main variants. The most powerful option is the 230E (M102) with 136 hp (M102.982 engine). When buying, always verify the engine code matches the claimed variant — swapped engines are common on classic cars of this era.

What to check before buying

Based on 15 reported fault cases, the most important pre-purchase checks for the are:

• W123 240D glow plug failure ✅ Known fix available
• W123 engine oil leak from camshaft cover gasket ✅ Known fix available
• W123 200D OM615 glow plug failure — hard cold start ✅ Known fix available
• W123 rust in sills and floor
• W123 valve clearance adjustment — tappet noise ✅ Known fix available

Is the reliable?

Of the 15 fault cases recorded for the Mercedes-Benz on MyCarFault, 87% have a verified fix. Regular maintenance, correct service intervals and addressing known weak points early significantly extends the life of these vehicles.