1978 Mercedes Benz 300D (W123) Review | The Indestructible Diesel Mercedes
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- Опубликовано: 1 июл 2024
- Facebook: Grail-Classics-101602172284377
Instagram: @grailclassics.ph
Blog: kyleliongcars.com
Facebook: Kyle Liong Cars
Instagram: @kyle.liong
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The legendary W123 Mercedes Benz is probably one of the most iconic cars of the brand known for its durability and timeless design. Having no frills, being completely mechanical, and bare-boned, but still well appointed with luxury, the W123 hails from a time in which cars are just made differently. A time when technology does not equal to luxury.
This review today is on this beautifully restored, and semi-preserved early model of the W123, the 1978 Mercedes Benz 300D non-turbo. Packing a non-turbo diesel engine from the 70s producing 80PS and 172Nm when new, you should not expect speed. Being a 1978 model, it is also yet to have ABS, and has a rudimentary version of today's automatic climate control.
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I'm so in love with these cars, true timeless classics
This was Mercedes Benz's peak, from the 60's to 80's. They were truly in a class of their own, best cars ever made.
Keep those classic MB reviews coming.
I'd say all the way up to the 90s, but it depends on the model. I still swear by a W140 :D
@@KyleLiongCars
I stand corrected, the 90's were still a great era for MB. Things really went downhill during the Daimler Chrysler era 99 to late 2000s.
Btw kinda missed your W140 vlogs hoping to see more in the future :)
I actually posted it for sale already yesterday haha! Hope no one buys it hahaha! Yes, Daimler Chrysler era was really bad
@@KyleLiongCars what's the most reliable gen for you sir?
@@automachinehead W140 :D
I've been waiting for this. Wow. Old cars were really meant to last. I still see W123 on the road. Galing!
Yes. Mercs before 2000 were built to last
@@KyleLiongCars So Cal driver here. I see a W126 every few days around here. Sometimes a W123, too. I have a 95 w124 cabrio, Mostly keep her in the garage!
That’s great! But do drive them once in a while too hehe! Would be a waste to sit in a garage all year :)
@@KyleLiongCars She does get her exercise every few weeks.
Yeah im happy i have one
The younger generation thinks the styling is just "squares on squares on squares", or "something a child would draw". If that were really true, would you be making a video of it? This is the second time I've seen a younger reviewer say such things about the W123. Wherever I drive mine around town, even when dirty, it gets LOOKS. For goodness sake, Mercedes designers took a lot of time and care to make this timeless, classic styling. Sometimes called in the old days, "conservative elegance". Everything is so "over the top" now in the world you grew up in. Everyone has to drive a Ferrari, style wise, that it is now easy to miss the perfectly proportioned understatement that is "just right". Its all about the proportions, the perfect balance between too curvy and too boxy, the lighting (a lot of black in just the right places, not just chrome), etc. If you are really blind to these, please take a closer look, or do some research, or take an art course even. Saying "like a child could draw" is really a huge insult to the work that went into the truly timeless aesthetics of this car, which you are appreciating, but not realizing you are.
Don’t get me wrong, I love how it looks. I’m a huge fan of old Mercs, having owned a bunch of them. My point is that it simply looks that way.
It’s great to see fellow young people being interested with these youngtimer mercs. Great car review!
Thanks! Yes we’re a rare breed
It's always nice to see an unmolested example of such a fine automobile! Great vid as always, Kyle!
Thank you! This is in exceptional shape
I just discovered your channel and I really like it. I love the fact that you review not only new cars, but also old and classic ones like this Mercedes, which I totally love!
Subscribed! Keep up the good work!
Thanks :)
I love how your reviews and commentry includes rolling shots of this car!
I try my best to add as much as possible hehe! Thanks
Beautifully Restored & the review is top notch....👍👍👍
Keep them coming
Thanks
I have been waiting for this as well. Finally a w123 review!
My pleasure to have made this video
@@KyleLiongCars W124 next? I keep seeing it in the video. Keeps peeking. Keep it up! :)
The owner wants to restore the interior muna eh before agreeing to the video haha! I did make a review on the C124 na though
Amazing review 🔥🔥🔥 keep up the great work bro👍❤️
Thanks
Love the remembrance of my W123 200-petrol ; olive green~so pleasant n comfortable to drive. But the morning start, need to pull choke n crank a bit. Constantly checking the stromberg
carburettor for excessive oil deposits. Great video 👍 👍 👍
Thanks! May we all have our cars of old back some day😍😍
@@KyleLiongCars
Cheers Kyle, always love n support your vids; keep making them.
Will keep making them. Thanks 😊
Stunning car! Based on the seat design, the seat material is MB tex and not leather. Leather was an option but it meant the pleat was different than what you have here. Also, pre-81 sedans in the US didn't have the wood insert around the shifter. That must be a later add on. The wood shifter is not original either but looks nice. The straps on the back of the front seats adjust the lumbar support. And like someone said earlier the steering prob needs adjusting. If you drive one that is properly tuned you'll be amazed at how well it drives.
Yep I think the wood was added. Right right it felt like MB Tex too haha
This is by far, the most beautiful and best engineeried automobile ever built.
Not born to be wild but born to run.
Buy one if you can, it's never too late.
❤❤❤
I'd get one too if I had the chance
I always loved Mercedes turbo diesel someday I will own one my dad used to have a 1977 300SD turbo diesel
I absolutely love them as well. Despite being rattly, it adds character haha
@@KyleLiongCars awesome
That dead zone on the steering is a steering rack coupler/bushing that’s worn out under the dash. I found this out on a different model with the same rack. When you replace it, the steering is very spry and heavy.
It becomes more precise?
AT LAST THE REVIEW HAS ARRIVED! Very good review Kyle. These cars just drive differently from other cars. When I was 18 I test drove one of these as I was about to make a purchase. When it was suggested that I should get one of these as my first car I was really skeptical. I didn't really know much about Mercedes of these era at the time, but based my skepticism on my lolo's W201 190 (4cyl). My mom and my uncle, who seems to be a "Mercedes Aficionado", said that the Merc that my lolo had was unreliable, and based that notion that many Mercedes from 1999-2006 were expensive to repair when something goes wrong. Being the open-minded person that I am, and because of the fact that I would be driving a Benz I gave in to the suggestion and did the test drive. My impression of the car was that it was still cool, despite the exterior and interior condition of the car was not the best, I enjoyed the feel of it. It was a slug, however it was more powerful than my '88 Mistubishi Mighty Max 2.0L (Carb). Surprisingly, I found myself driving much slower than the speed limit on the road because to me it felt like I was driving fast! It's weird I say that, but the plushy softness of the seats and the suspension made me perceive the boaty ride as fast as it glided over the road. After that 30 minute test drive, I fell in love with the W123; it was charming.
I never ended up making the purchase as it wasn't practical for what I needed my first car to be. I was just starting college and needed something as reliable, but with better amenities such as A/C the most important thing. The 300D Turbo that I test drove wasn't in the best aesthetic condition; the headliner was ripping and some exterior trim pieces were missing, and the paint wasn't the best either. My mom knocked some sense into me saying that I would end up spending a lot of money restoring it. when I should be spending it elsewhere like school, school supplies, and saving money. In all, if I ever have the money I would get definitely get one. If I could have some cars to start a collection the W123 300D turbo, Volvo 240, Porsche 944, E30 325i, '78 Honda CVCC, and a W201 190E 2.6, to honor my lolo's memory. (The best version of his car).
As a college car, it was a good choice not to get a classic, and yes you’re absolutely right, Mercs from 1999 - 2006 are the worst (no thank you Daimler Chrysler). Although, I had upperclassmen back in Ateneo who did daily drive an S123 300D TD, W123 260E, and even a professor with a W201 190D 2.3. Today however, should you have the chance to restore one, I do urge you to get one of these. Maybe prepare around 400-500K or so and as long as it’s a diesel W123, you should be set for a very long time.
I’d like to thank you for this details comment as it really is appreciated, and gives me more motivation to continue these videos :)
@@KyleLiongCars Now I drive a 07 Lexus ES350, I love it, however I wish it was little bit stiffer to corner better, but I can't complain since the car wasn't for that kind of driving. Nonetheless, I still love my car. I just replaced the water pump, but I need to get the CV Axles replaced. Other than that I'm golden for a long time.
Should be be set for a good while aside from basic maintenance :)
@@KyleLiongCars Totally man. Im always on top of maintenance. I do mine every 5k miles on Mobil 1 oil and Filter. I give my cars the best stuff. When I had my Civic, I replaced the water pump and clutch, and just did the regular maintenance, and it was golden, until I had to get the clutch replaced after 4 years, but I just sold it anyway since I got my Lexus, my new daily driver.
Best Car ever made! I had a 1981 300D and now I have a 1985 300D turbo. I want to be buried in this car!
Even burying it with you won’t kill it hahaha
Nice nice❤💯👌🙏 Love the Classic Cars!
Thanks! Same
@@KyleLiongCars appreciate Bro!
Great review, I have a w123 300D and a w116 300SD. Both are a joy to drive and easy to work on. Awesome car for introduction into classic Benz!
Wow nice collection. Will be reviewing a W116 300SD hopefully soon actually. Just drove one yesterday
@@KyleLiongCars they’re a nice ride. A joy for daily driving. you’re located in Philippines right? I would totally let you use mine as an example if you were in US!
I loved the ride of the W116 a lot. Yep, I’m in the Philippines haha! Thanks for the offer though
Which model is best for you?
@@warrenacevedo5695 w116 300SD. It’s more luxurious. They really paid attention to detail on this car. The doors slam like a bank vault. The materials keep longer. Overall it looks better as well. My issue with it is the lack of parts. Very hard to find some parts especially interior and climate control.
Great review! Thanks! 😁
Thanks
Been anticipating this, and your R107 review. I also saw your ad on the W140. Sayang bro! Keep it nalang.
Thinking about it hahaha! Sobrang daming offers already. Thanks
Amazing review sir, staying tuned for more. waiting padin sa montero sport review haha😂
Salamat! Not sure pa kailan magkakaroon haha
I witnessed your review IRL!
Did you see us at the parking lot rooftop too?
@@KyleLiongCars Nah I saw just you and Jiggy around that McDo area. I literally shouted Kyle when you passed by! I'll check if I'm in the video!🤣🤣
Didn’t hear you na hahaha
@@KyleLiongCars I'll post in the Car Spotting I do have the moment I spotted you!!
..................Kudos to you for maintaining this vehicle
I have two cars benz w 115 and 123
Both vehicles do not run very badly
The w 115 car was the official car used by the world’s first prime minister
My dream is to get those 2 cars running
It is not easy
The politicians of sri lanka have stolen the national economy and the whole country is in debt to the world
The country is now being run by IMF and world aid
Everything is taxed
Just breathing is not taxed
I have seen benz cars abandoned in some countries which are in the best condition
Both my cars have about 60% damage to the bumper
Recovery is difficult
If you have the body of the w 115 or 123 cars in you possession, I would be grateful if you could provide me with the body of those cars.
Also, if there is any possibility to help me in making these two cars, I would be grateful
Sorry if there was a mistake……
I am also a person who loves benz cars…………………
He is not exaggerating when he talks about how glorious it is to close these doors. They're as solid as a bank vault.
Yeeeep hahaha
Wow a perfect w123! I used to own one passed down from my grandmother. But Had to sell it already.. Im missing it dearly. Great review! hope to meet you someday.
If you could find it and buy it back, that would be amazing. Thanks btw. Hope to meet my viewers too
@@KyleLiongCars haha will see. Btw I Have a buddy from MB club when I used to attend. his name is Zeke you might know him.
Yes I’m very close to him hahaha! He was the driver for the rolling shots in this video 😊😊
@@KyleLiongCars Small world indeed haha! Looking forward to meeting you!
You too
This is the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word: Chedeng.🤙
:D
Ultimate daily car
This is actually being daily-ed by the owner
This car is amazing!
Sure is
Awesome car! I see many us-spec mercs from the philippines on Instagram and wondered, are these converted or were just so many exported from the US to there?
A lot were imported from the US :)
Hi Kyle, suggestion lang Can you do door thud tests from the outside it sounds way lot betttteeerr eh
Actually yeah it does hahaha I might start doing it
I just bought one 💙💙💙
Congrats
There’s one for sale near me but needs break calipers, how much would that be ?
Not too sure
Yown mercs ulit!
Even more to come
My tito have a car like that before nung childhood ko. Benz fan siya talaga eversince nung one time nakita ko siya sa labas ng house niya inupuan namin siya ng pinsan ko yung backseat sobrang solid for me nung leather di siya basta basta.
Ayos. Nasa kanya pa ba?
@@KyleLiongCars wala na ehh yung pinaka old car niya yung SCargo na nissan.
Dito sa Pinas yung Scargo niya????
@@KyleLiongCars import. Napost ko na siya before sa interesting car spotting ph. Question uli ako kagkaka review ka ba ng Yaris GR Or LC300?
@@NeilGabz LC300 may tentative next week pero di pa sure. Yaris GR no idea pa haha! Pwede ba mareview yung SCargo niya?
There is an adjustment on the steering box to remove the play in the steering wheel. Side note, at 11:49 that looks exactly like my 300D!
Oh whut how to adjust?
@@KyleLiongCars If I remember correctly, on top of the steering box is a lock nut with an adjuster. You loosen the locknut then use a screwdriver to tighten the play. You'll have to do some more research on the specifics, but that's the general idea.
@@youtoobe169 Thanks! I'll check it out
Makes sense. I really did expect a lot of play from a car of its time
@@KyleLiongCars Jonathan doesn't know what he is talking about. These cars were very precise machines when they were built and when properly sorted, drive as such. That being said, it is possible to overtighten, so the adjustment must be done by skilled hands. Worn suspension components like tie rod ends can also cause slop.
What was that tire size? I thought 190/70/14 was the max size? Anyone know? I want to upgrade the tire size on my 1980 240d
I have a 1979, same color, except mine doesn't have wood interior 🤩
Beautiful
Hi @Kyle, may I know where this video was shot? I had a hard time figuring out where that is. Thanks and more videos to come.
Greenhills parking lot :)
@@KyleLiongCars Thanks a lot, Kyle. 😃
No prob
I had a 1979... what a f'ing tank! Slow....77 Horsepower and 4,000 lbs....
Still a joy to drive haha
the wonder full car
Yis
Yesssss!!!!!! Finally a w123
As promised
@@KyleLiongCars actually I have one is just a 200e
Still not bad
@@KyleLiongCars mine is parked for 15 years so I guarantee that it wouldn’t run anymore
Time to restore
Where do you go to maintain Benzs?
The owner of this car goes to EZFix in Makati
i was buying a motorcycle and the seller has amb like that in his garage. he said the engine was messed up by a mechanic but body and interior is super clean. owner asked me if im interested and i said no......because i know mercedez parts are expensive
Depends really. Some parts are surprisingly cheap, some cost a fortune
Parts are not expensive lol
Built like a tank
Yes
WOW 👍☺️
:D
Whats the difference in the 300sd?
That’s an S Class. Much longer, more luxurious, and more comfortable
Om617 put bigturbo plus hood exit
Nahh let’s enjoy 80 horsepower goodness hahaha
Juuh mersussa on lisävarusteita onko Mersu museorekisterissä
3:15 Oh my! If you pulled on the grill of my Mercedes grill like that I would have to slap you ;)
Think about the 240d if 300d is slow :D
Think about a 200D :D
@@KyleLiongCars yeah i have one but its w124
Sa greenhills yan lugar n yan
yes
Hi, its me again
You’re back!!
@@KyleLiongCars We actually have a W123
@@_thekick3r Still running?
@@KyleLiongCars Yes, a 230C
Still using it?
Nice car cute boy enough said….
Thanks haha
Looking to resurrect a 240d with 290k. Guy let it Sit 3 years.I thought hubcaps were on the 78?
Sadly it’s being donated I tried to get it started with help. No one could figure it out. It was getting water inside, carpet falling apart. Front driver seat very worn. I tried.
@@djkenny1202awh im sorry dude, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise and you’ll find a better 240 in the future!!
@@gloveworld thank you. Been a little bummed out. 290k is a little up there, but hard to know the costs to get sorted. Transmission was redone only 5 years ago and not even 10k in miles.
Its a tank. But im more enamored with the W115
Tentative video shoot for a W114 tomorrow 😉
@@KyleLiongCars niceeee actually w126 below models I love em Mercs. The 108/109 is the most elegant for me.
I also got an incredibly old and unpolished video on a 109 that you may wanna check out. Also done a video on a C107, but reshooting it due to lighting issues
@@KyleLiongCars awesome keep em coming. I love classic cars!
is that for sale ?
Yes but long waiting line haha
@@KyleLiongCars how many bullets ? :)
Got 3 people in line + me 😂😂
What is your height friend? Cause i'm 6'3. Can I fit?
I'm fun sized at 5'6 but given that this was the executive car of Germans back then, I'm pretty sure you'll be fine too
@@KyleLiongCars Thanks for the reply. Will try to test drive one.
You’re welcome
W123 is a legendary car.. But You pick the wrong model boy.. Try the 230e with 5 speed..
Even this was a joy to drive haha! I want one
@@KyleLiongCars no doubt.. Get one.. Cheers
Maybe when I sell my W140 I’ll get this exact one haha
I got 1
Still going strong?
@@KyleLiongCars yes it is
Yan yung ginamit na taxi noon..... At sa mga movie ni Eddie Garcia at Sharon Cuneta nung 90s
Ganda pa rin hanggang ngayon. Taxi ata dati sa Pinas yung Ponton pa
"Not reliable, but dependable." Uhmm, what?
More like durable I mean haha! Can’t guarantee it’ll start everyday given it’s age, but it can always be fixed and kept going
@@KyleLiongCars It should start every day if taken care of. I have had 8 over the past 20 years and not once has one ever let me down.
He said 1970🤔
I did?
@@KyleLiongCars Correction, no you didn't, I miss heard you. My apologies
Oh haha no worries
@@KyleLiongCarsI'm a W123 turbodiesel fan, I have a 2005 E320 Cdi. Cheers
Which one do you prefer more among the 2?
“Not the most reliable”. Shortly afterwords you say, goes 1 millions easy? Haha
Being old only that is. Not the most reliable if you getting it now haha