Old Mercedes 300D Engine Reported Dead Pt. 5: Old Spence is Running Again but Is He Worth Saving?

[topear]

In 2014 I was at the Mercedes factory in Germany and they had one of these for sale with 200 km on it for $18, 000. They just basically took old parts and built new cars with it. It was a brand new car I wish I had the money.

[michaeltba]

Whether Kent choses to save it or someone else puts their hand up, this car deserves saving.

Compared to so many others I see around, this one seems most of the way there.

[eldoraware]

Yes, Ken it is worth saving. The reason why I say this is because I had about 90% of these same issues with mine. It took time and research, but I was able to correct a lot over a years time. Now with you doing your wonderful videos the people will not have to go through all I had to do blindly. My vote is "Yes, all means!"

[FreedomSOURCE]

Since restoring a 300CD, I know how much work a W123 can take to bring up to standard. If there's truly no rust anywhere (other than surface oxidization), and it passes the compression test, then I'd say it's definitely worth saving! Best of luck!

[werner.x]

Here in Germany it would be a no brainer to save this one due to it's excellent body condition. Whatever is bolted on is the easy part.
I'd buy it as is, if the price was right. Would be far to expensive for me, if i'd be looking for somebody else to fix it.
In this condition it's fixable in the driveway - which is really rare here.

[Johnathan_Waters]

Yes, I am an MB mechanic in CA, and I absolutely believe that car needs to be saved. Yes, even with me paying the repair bills/doing the work myself!!

[mihaisirbu]

Thank you for the immeasurable ammont of knowledge about these cars that you share with us! Keep up the good work and content, we need more people like you in the old Mercedes world!

[johnshollenberger]

It's worth saving and I think that Kent saving and restoring it is probably "the best" way to go, because he'd do it right and could show us the restoration along the way.. you want a man of Kent's love for these cars and his expertise to give it a new life.. he already knows what the car needs. My 92 W201 had all the wrong hands on it in the beginning and I've suffered but have since recovered. Kent is one of the few who understand the art of these Gems.

[jondawes]

I've been watching your videos for years and purchasing your specialist tool and genuine parts. Thank you! This car is in better shape than ANY of the W123s I've owned. My concern with these is not cosmetics, but knowing that the engine is *relatively* healthy with good compression, that the systems are *relatively* in good working order (brakes, driveline, 12v system, windshield washers squirt ok, at least the blower works for defrost in winter, etc.). I would pay $8-10K for a car that needed body work and cosmetic repairs, but that had the major systems gone through and at least verified to be acceptable for the next year or two before needing repaired/replaced.

[NordicDan]

I've been watching your videos for a long time and it was stumbling on them several years ago (I think close to ten maybe? I honestly can't remember for sure) that got me wanting a W123 to use as a daily driver. My only vehicle right now is my 35 year old Toyota Land Cruiser, so the economy of a turbo diesel Mercedes is very appealing to me, even with today's fuel prices in America.

[Protocallireland]

Perhaps it's worth a "Rolling restoration" ? I agree Kent, it is a lot more fun having someone else do the work and enjoying it vicariously on YouTube than having to do all the worm and take in all the expense yourself! Great series so far brings me back to Digby, what fun!

[drews]

I would say this is a good lesson. I've been doing the same thing with my 560SEC. Since these cars are no longer being made and they are so venerable and lasted this long, it will take another 30 years to wear out once it's properly sorted (with hopefully more frequent maintenance/replacement this time by the next owner). With your instructional videos, tools, parts, and resources Kent, a potential future owner could complete just about every item you went over in this video on their own. The next big hurdle would be a look under the car to examine the suspension--exactly what we're getting ready to tackle on my car.

[antonmk]

Argh those US bumpers 😬
Your channel so good, dear sir.
Thanks for everything.

[stephengorin]

Great to see the old girl back on the road with a bit of money spent on her! . My old man ( who was a car salesman in his day ) used to say, " If it has tits or wheels, it is going to cost you money ". Looking forward to your next video on "Old Spence".

[ChukBuk]

My favorite model of MB...the W123 diesel will still be in fashion 100 years from now.

[keithexum]

Definitely worth saving. I bought a W126 for $600. Took me a year and a half after work a weekends. Was an awesome car a saved original paint. I just couldn’t let it sit by 0:00 the lake rot and die at these peoples house.

[wingman]

Yes, worth saving. If I owned it the first thing to repair would be the motor mounts and the injector pump. Next would be the air cleaner and injectors. Would get the windows working and repair the seat. Then I would work on the exterior. Fairly confident that I could do most of the work and could rely on you for parts, special tools and how-to videos.

[richardgreene]

Currently have 6 W123 in my collection of 42 (mostly Rolls Royce/Jaguars). Everything listed as "broken" is really simple to fix (and very inexpensive)! . Yes, the fuses may correct most issues! This is a very nice 300D, just not maintained! The biggest expense would be the driver's seat, but if you replace the bottom cover with another color (and dye it), it would be inexpensive as well! The dash being that nice is a dramatic +!

[thunderbolt]

Well Kent. Being a proudly owner of a 1993 190D (2.0), and a Mercedes lover by nature myself, if I have the means I'd surely would restore and rescue her. Best wishes from Portugal 🇵🇹.

[felzke]

What brand tires did you get? Michelin defenders no longer available, only decent ones are Generals and BF Goodrich, both expensive, el cheapos are not worth buying (China) . I personally would tackle this car as the body is fine and engine good. I have 14 of these right now so don't need another but if price is right would consider. I really appreciate all you have done to help keep these cars on the road.