It’s hard to deny the appeal of classic luxury cars, but it’s also hard to ignore concerns about reliability and operating costs. However, some vintage luxury cars can last a lifetime with proper maintenance. And there is a classic, even if it is not for its performance, it is also known internationally for its absolutely determined service. There is no doubt that there are faster classic cars, but few can be more durable than the diesel W123 Mercedes.

W123 Mercedes-Benz 300CD Turbodiesel | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes and diesel engines have a long history. MotorTrend explained that the German car manufacturer was the first to provide diesel engines in production cars as early as 1935. At one point in time, 79% of all new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold were equipped with diesel engines. The W123 Mercedes 300D sedan (as well as the 300CD coupe and 300TD station wagon) is the first production car equipped with a turbo diesel engine.

It also urgently needs turbo diesel engines. Although the W123 Mercedes was never a sports car like the 190E, it was slow even by the standards of the late 1970s. However, when Mercedes designed the W123 (the predecessor of today's E-Class sedan), it did not consider speed. Although diesel W123 is not fast, they are very durable even according to modern diesel standards.

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On the one hand, like all diesel engines, W123 Mercedes' OM616 and OM617 rely on compression ignition. Therefore, they do not have spark plugs, only glow plugs to heat the block in the cold morning. However, unlike some modern diesel vehicles, W123 does not require two batteries. This is because W123 uses mechanical vacuum to drive components instead of electricity—or, as 600 Grosser did, it uses a hydraulic system to run different components. Door locks, windows, and even oil pressure gauges are all mechanical. Fewer electronic devices means you don’t need more batteries.

In addition, although modern diesel fuel is cleaner than you think, it is not necessary for W123 Mercedes 240D or 300D. Because it has a mechanical fuel pump, you can easily adjust it to use biofuel or used vegetable oil. Hagerty pointed out that many owners have.

1977 London-Sydney Marathon Rally W123 Mercedes 280E | Mercedes

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However, the W123 Mercedes is more than just the diesel powertrain: it's the entire car. German taxi drivers drove them through hundreds of thousands of miles of commuting hell, they just kept driving their trucks. In 1977, a gasoline-powered 280E won the 30,000-mile London-Sydney Marathon rally, and three other W123s entered the top ten. Even after more than 40 years, these cars are still strong enough for everyday use. No wonder it is reported that potential buyers tried to bribe Mercedes workers to get an earlier position on the W123 waiting list.

In addition, for cars from the late 1970s/early 1980s, the diesel W123 Mercedes was quite advanced. It has a safe collision zone, a foldable steering column, a four-wheel disc with optional ABS, and airbags up to 1982. Hagerty said that with the double wishbone suspension, it can "provide absolute comfort on the most bumpy roads."

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It is worth remembering that durability and reliability are not necessarily synonymous. Diesel W123 Mercedes still has maintenance requirements, as a classic model, its maintenance interval is shorter.

Although it does not have many electronic components, its vacuum-based system may fail as various gaskets and hoses degrade. In addition, rusting is still a problem, even for models that were later better protected. Diesel engines also benefit from regular fuel filter replacement and system cleaning, that is, "purification." In addition, mechanical instruments may be damaged or worn, as does the TD's self-leveling rear suspension, Hemmings pointed out.

However, although the price of replacement parts is rising, Mercedes has built millions of W123s. Therefore, it is not difficult to find parts. Although they are not as cheap as before, the diesel W123 is still affordable. Hagerty says that, for example, a 240D from good to excellent condition usually costs 10,000 to 20,000 U.S. dollars. A W123 Mercedes-Benz 300D is in the same state and usually sells for a maximum of US$24,000. Even if it is original, it usually costs about $36,000.

The diesel W123 Mercedes is definitely the tortoise of the classic luxury car world. But in that story, who defeated the rabbit?

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