[Shakedown St.]

I've been told the earlier W123's are much safer, reliable, then the later W123's. What year is your favorite and why?

 

[Rmac58]

Not sure of any structural changes, so I would think the year doesn't matter.

The later cars, turbos, have I believe a better HVAC system.

The 85's have a higher gear ratio, better mileage.

 

[Shakedown St.]

Thats good to know. Then there's the cracking dashboard problem in which I had heard isn't a problem with late 70's W123's

 

[maboyce]

One thing to consider is that when you order parts, you generally get the 'late' versions (1983 - 1985). This is especially true of interior parts like window switches and such, at least when they are still available. For the rest of the car it's only an issue if you are doing restoration rather than just repair.

I've also heard that the early dashes are less likely to crack.

 

[jackfrost1031]

My 79 dash is cracked all to hell.

I have a later model engine and they glowplugs are much better on the late models. The AC compressor is also easier to service and a better unit - Sanden vs York. York units aren't any good.

 

[Rmac58]

As mentioned, the later models have the pencil style glow plugs, desirable.

The dash condition, I would think, would be dependent on how much it was exposed, as opposed to the year.

 

[BayouFlyFisher]

My 77 has a crack-free black dash. From looking at cars in junk yards it seems that the blue dashes crack more than others and black less. Of course that may have just been with the cars I've seen??

While my 77 has been great and I've had good luck finding parts, I think the newer the better. If I were to buy again I would absolutely be looking for a 1985. YMMV!!

BTW, I installed a new Sanden AC compressor in my car and the pencil type glow plugs (Bosch #80035 ).

 

[gatorblue92]

My 77 240D has a crack free dash but my 79 280E was all cracked. At this point I would look for the car in the best possible condition and not worry too much about the model year unless you are set on a particular model. Then your choices are more limited.

 

[dkr]

The 1985's had the better gear ratio. You're running about 2800 rpm vs 3100 rpm on an earlier 300D turbo. The engine is a bit less noisy and gets maybe 0.5mpg better fuel mileage on the highway... maybe. Although, many of the 1985s had the California trap oxidizer and special air filter.

I really like my 1984 as I don't have to deal with the trap ox and if I wanted to swap in another differential, I don't think there is anything else that would differentiate it from a 1985.

That said, I agree with gatorblue about finding the best example out there. There are many that have been just sitting and abused by previous owners. These cars were meant to be driven and maintained and you will be a lot happier as an owner to find one that was loved by someone.

Dkr.

 

[Franklyspeaking]

I had a 1982 240D for 15 years and comparing it to the early models, I liked mine better. It was prettier (wood on the center console & doors, etc.), all of the updates made the car better (glow plugs, A/C). Cruise control was bad on all of them.

The dash cracking was much worse on the blue ones than than black, but it is still a function of how much sun they get. I covered mine with a plastic dash cover, and most people couldn't tell it was there. If I were looking for a 123, I would go for the newest one I could find.

My $.02 worth.

 

[123Stevo]

I like the simpler manual heater control of the earlier 123s, other than that, which is not a big deal, my preference is for the later version.

 

[MTUpower]

The 1984 versions are the best because that's what I have! I had a 1980 wagon who's ac/heater control box of watch like gears was a nightmare. I loved the non turbo simplicity, and the 5 cylinder version was plenty gutsy- not what other claim as slow. Maybe it was just my particular engine. My 82 wagon of the same color and less miles was a one owner but had more issues. I still kept it longer and restored it even more than the 80 but my 84 wagon had less issues. I still own the 84 and hope to do so for quite some time. Please note that the 240D and euro versions have a different heater control system so calling earlier version controls "better" is not apple to apples.

 

[Me widget]

The 1984 Euro version of the 280E

That's what I bought in Germany almost 31 years ago. It has been a "steady eddie" daily driver since then.

It has required some work over the years, most recently a glove box because the original one had corroded. A new rear view window. A replacement cover for the first aid kit. A new AC unit.

Plus the usual fuses, tires, batteries, that every car needs replacing from time to time.

For most of its 30+ years it was just a car. In the last 4-5 years it has become a passion.

 

[123Stevo]

I believe the US and Euro heater control are the same for the 'early 240D and the same for the later versions at least mine are.

 

[MTUpower]

I meant to say that the 240D (euro or USA) have a different system than the early pre turbo 300D. The pre turbo 300D systems is the one that caused issues. The 240D(all of them) and later 300D systems are fine, but they are not the same system.

 

[MBeige]

1983 up to 1985.

1983 is last year of 240D with updated interior. Earlier interiors seem to not hold up as well. 1983 is also the first year of electric side mirror option which is handy. 1983 also started the newer style carpet material which plays a big role in how dated the car feels like from inside.

Agree with some points on 1985 with trap ox and special air filter but if 1985 is a must get the Federal version, not the California version.

1985 offered the alarm system too and emergency trunk release for those with alarms equipped.

I think the updated switches (illuminated) also started in 1983. 1983 also had the updated visor panel. This allows one to update the front dome light to the version equipped with map light.

The upholstery color feels "lighter" on the newer versions, possibly due to color and textures. Seat belt latch and buckle are newer in 1985, maybe 1984. Seat pleats are deeper in 1985 and some late 1984.

 

[dependable]

Besides the oddball expensive air filter, are there a lot of maintenance or operational deficiencies with the trap oxidizer type?

 

[dkr]

The trap oxidizer had a recall which supposedly would cause engine damage. There's no maintenance to it AFIK. The dealer was still doing the work at no cost (at least as of four years ago).

Dkr.

 

[goodtwin]

I thought that 1983 was the last year for the 240D in the states. Right? Mine is an '83 and I love it. It seems to have all of the updated parts that they eventually came with.

 

[Shakedown St.]

What about the problematic climate control system's on the 77-80 W123's?