Good or bad idea? Mercedes W123 as a daily?

I have a friend who restores w123s and w126s. He says that the om617 turbo is just fine in modern traffic. He also believes that stock for stock the automatics were better suited to the engine than the manuals. He has a 300td wagon that he installed an air to water intercooler, a dieselmeken 7.5mm element, and (I think) a holset hx30. It scoots, but isn't fast. Still really fun to drive though. As to your original question, I say do it. If it turns out that the merc is more trouble than it's worth, you can always buy another accord. 

Thanks guys! A lot to think about here so I appreciate all the information and thoughts given.

Just to throw a wrench into the bunch, what are our thoughts on dailying a Volvo 240? Thats another car I've been curious about the last couple years.

In reply to Japanspec :

I've dailied both W123s and Volvo 240s (volvo much more recently). They are similar in that they feel solid and not in a hurry to get anywhere. The volvo feels a bit more lively and is cheaper to make more power. Also a lot more support for suspension parts and manual transmissions if you want to turn up the fun a bit. I'd try to test drive one of each if possible, they are an acquired taste for a daily coming from something more modern. 

What's the goal here? I'm sensing "Something that drives well, can be bought for a few grand, and has a cool factor that a 15-year-old Accord doesn't." Is that a fair understanding?

Tom Suddard said:

What's the goal here? I'm sensing "Something that drives well, can be bought for a few grand, and has a cool factor that a 15-year-old Accord doesn't." Is that a fair understanding?

 

Yep pretty much, the Accord is great, but I've had it for 8 years and its not really that interesting, fun, or quirky. I have other vehicles that are fun and interesting, but I'd like a daily that I also find interesting. Don't get me wrong, its a wonderful car, but just a bit...mundane.

I'm open to other suggestions as well, just thought I'd ask about the W123 since I know very little about them. But, definitely open to other choices, such as the Volvo.

In reply to Japanspec :

Stock w123's aren't interesting or fun to drive. 

I don't know your budget or location but...How about an e24 bmw or 91/92 galant vr4?

I'm a new guy on the forum... I have a W114 with a gas M130 engine that I quasi-drive daily, when no salt is around.  (25 minute commute, plus once a week 60 minutes on the highway, each way.)

You can't be in a hurry driving these cars.  It is best to drive them like a motorcycle: assume you are invisible.  Jerk wants to cut you off?  Let  'em.... your acceleration is no match, nor is the value of the sheet metal.

Nobody mentioned rust... the W123 does not rust quite as badly as the W114, but you need to pay attention, especially under the car.  They have a fantastic super-thick undercoating that can hide a lot of evil.  Rust is not a deal-breaker, but understand it won't stop and repairs tend to be complex (expensive).

Parts are surprisingly available*, often cheaper from the Mercedes Classic Center than the various resellers.  And shipping from "the major" suppliers in Germany is surprisingly reasonable ($20 and one week for a small package, for example).  Ebay is your friend.  But parts take a while to arrive, meaning your car wmay be on jackstands for a few weeks.

Having said that:  Cruising down the road, cruising down the right lane of the interstate at 70 mph, the star pointing the way?  Can't beat that!  Even the sound of the horn - very "German" - I beep every chance I get (yes I'm silly that way).

Go for it!  Eyes wide open - keep the Accord; you'll need it.

*Clarification: "Parts are surprisingly available," meaning they are available.  But not at your local NAPA or dealership.  You'll have to search and wait for shipping.

I don't see why a W123 couldn't be used as a daily driver, provided you start with a good example. There are people still today who use them on long road trips and climbing mountains in remote areas, where reliability is paramount. Check out Sir Drifto on Youtube for a 400k+ mile example being used in this manner. You're more likely to experience weird quirks with the vacuum system than anything disabling, at least with the diesels and their relative simplicity.

I actually just bought a Euro-spec 280E (the slimmer bumpers transform the look, IMO) in Germany a few months ago after a long search, and am still waiting for it to be shipped over to the US, which should happen in a few months. Gratuitous pic:

Speaking about the W123 generally, they are superbly engineered and built during a time when Daimler-Benz was arguably at its peak. They aren't sporty at all, but nothing feels like an old Benz. They are very charming, and tend to get under your skin. The cars are full of little details to make them user friendly and a delightful ownership experience. You get the feeling that the engineers thought of everything when they were designing them. I have been in old Volvos and they seem to have the same reputation for anvil-like durability, but the interiors don't have the same Swiss-watch quality to all the fittings and switchgear that a W123 does. Volvos also have a weirdly high beltline for such an old car, perhaps for safety.

Feasibility as a daily will depend on the condition of the car you find, plus your mechanical skill or availability of a knowledgeable specialist. Fortunately there are enough around that most major cities have at least one or two salty old dogs who know how to work on these cars. I previously owned a 1993 190E and I will say that I found it not as easy to work on as my 90s Japanese cars. I remember changing the fuel filter on it and how overcomplicated it was - a bunch of brass fittings and banjo bolts where the lines connected, instead of just a rubber hose and a clamp. Beautifully built, but not as friendly for the shade tree mechanic. W123 being older may be different in this regard, though all old Benzes regardless of age tend to be complex in certain areas or require special tools. Overall though, nothing unmanageable in my opinion, and good examples are known to be reliable once everything is sorted.