The unexpected demise of our trusty VW Passat back in 2008 left our family in a tight spot, suddenly down to a single vehicle. While city living allowed us to manage for a while using public transport and ride-sharing, the need for a second car soon became apparent, especially with a growing consulting business and a desire to avoid a brand-new car purchase for financial reasons. This was the backdrop to my foray into the world of classic Mercedes, specifically a 1983 Mercedes.
My search for a reliable and affordable used car led me to a compelling New York Times article highlighting the durability and appeal of Mercedes W123 diesel models as daily drivers. The idea resonated instantly: a classic car that could also serve as a dependable everyday vehicle. Inspired by articles on Curbside Classic echoing similar sentiments about these robust machines, I began the hunt for my own indestructible Mercedes. This quest culminated in the acquisition of a white 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D.
Looking back, purchasing a 1983 Mercedes in the depths of a Minnesota winter might not have been the most pragmatic decision. Firstly, winter in Minnesota severely limits the available selection of used cars. Secondly, despite my long-held admiration for the W123’s aesthetics and legendary reputation, my direct experience was minimal. A brief 10-minute ride in a friend’s parents’ Mercedes years ago was the extent of my familiarity. Thirdly, a 26-year-old vehicle, even a Mercedes, comes with inherent risks and the need for realistic expectations and thorough inspection. Fourthly, the car was located on a farm a considerable two-hour drive away, further complicating pre-purchase checks in freezing conditions. And finally, this was the infamous 240D, powered by Mercedes’ four-cylinder diesel – a reliable workhorse, undoubtedly, but also notoriously slow, especially when paired with an automatic transmission. Starting a 26-year-old diesel in sub-zero temperatures presented its own set of challenges, although thankfully it was equipped with a block heater.
Despite these potential red flags, the allure of owning a 1983 Mercedes was too strong to resist. After convincing my family to join me on a trek to rural southern Minnesota, I met the affable young seller and, swayed by the car’s solid feel and undeniable presence, I handed over $2200. These W123 Mercedes models are renowned for their exceptional build quality, often likened to a vault. With approximately 170,000 miles on the odometer, this 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D seemed to have plenty of life left. The test drive was promising – it rode smoothly, was remarkably quiet for a diesel, and at cruising speed, it ran effortlessly. However, the drive home revealed a few initial shortcomings. The dashboard illumination was incredibly dim, making the speedometer barely legible in the dark. The heater was slow to warm up, and winter traction with rear-wheel drive, even with decent Michelin tires, required a period of readjustment after years of driving front-wheel drive vehicles.
The 1983 Mercedes certainly lived up to its tank-like reputation in terms of construction, but time inevitably takes its toll on any vehicle. Within the first month of ownership, the oil cooler lines began to leak profusely, necessitating replacement at a cost of nearly $1,000. The notorious Mercedes vacuum system, responsible for various functions including door locks, lived up to its finicky reputation. Door locks would operate erratically, sometimes locking, sometimes not, seemingly at random. Despite investing in diagnostic tools, troubleshooting the vacuum issues proved largely unsuccessful. My children, then of grade school age, frequently found themselves trapped in the back seat due to malfunctioning door locks, adding to the ownership experience’s quirks.
Winter driving also brought its own anxieties. Having never owned a diesel in a cold climate, the fear of the car not starting loomed whenever temperatures dropped. While the glow plugs performed their function and the 1983 Mercedes never actually left me stranded, the worry was a constant companion during sub-freezing excursions. Furthermore, the inoperative air conditioning system meant defrosting and defogging the windows could be inconsistent, impacting visibility in challenging weather conditions.
However, the most significant drawback of the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D was undeniably its lack of speed. For local driving, this wasn’t a major impediment. Once up to speed, it kept pace with traffic adequately. The handling was competent, and after reacclimating to rear-wheel drive dynamics in winter, driving became manageable. However, highway merging presented a different challenge altogether. Every on-ramp required meticulous planning – needing a long entry lane free of approaching vehicles in the right lane. While most merges were executed safely, the margin for error felt uncomfortably slim. The automatic transmission shifted smoothly and worked harmoniously with the engine, but ultimately, the engine simply lacked the horsepower required for the car’s weight, especially when carrying passengers.
Despite these drawbacks, the 1983 Mercedes possessed numerous redeeming qualities. With more time, resources, and specialized knowledge, I believe it could have been a truly exceptional classic car. The W123 chassis, while perhaps stylistically conservative, is undeniably a classic design, and Mercedes’ renowned over-engineering was evident throughout. Witnessing numerous W123s serving as taxis in Morocco years later underscored their durability and practicality in demanding conditions. The spacious interior, robust build, comfortable yet controlled ride, and fundamentally sound engineering made it an ideal candidate for long-term ownership, particularly in warmer climates.
Ultimately, the 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D didn’t quite fulfill its role as a reliable backup family car. As warmer weather arrived, my automotive interests began to shift, and by September, I was considering another classic rear-wheel-drive vehicle – a blue Volvo 240 wagon. After a few weeks on Craigslist, the 1983 Mercedes found a new home with a couple residing on a farm north of the Twin Cities. Perhaps the robust nature of these cars and the demands of rural life were a more fitting match.
Now, with an emptier nest, the idea of revisiting a W123 diesel as a dedicated warm-weather classic car occasionally crosses my mind. If I were to pursue this, I would likely seek out a model with the turbocharged five-cylinder engine or, at the very least, a four-cylinder with a manual transmission. Even four decades after their introduction, these cars retain a striking and handsome silhouette. Spotting wagon versions in my neighborhood often sparks the thought, “Maybe someday…”
