I gotta say, it's nice to see someone on KZfaq who can actually drive a manual. Even a lot of big-name youtubers I see driving manuals can't pull off smooth quick shifts

As a German I can tell these cars are truly indestructible workhorses. Many of these get exported to Africa, racking up millions of miles with minimalistic services. A truly thankful, forgiving car

I have a manual 200D W123, if you think the 240 is slow then try that one !

The 240d isn't the slowest Mercedes 123. It's the 200d, which has the nickname "shifting dune". Only 55 HP and insanely slow. We owned such a car, when I was a kid in the late 70s. It had the same colour as your car which was called "sahara-gelb" in Germany.

I do love the W123 and own SEVERAL. My biggest complaint is how quickly the rust destroys them so quickly. I have a 1983 240D like yours with only 50K ORIGINAL miles and documentation since new, but the rust is getting to the body. That's such a turn off! Worse in 2024, seems the "current administration" wants to destroy and eliminate all diesels from the US markets. While I own several W123's that are 300TD wagons and the 240D sedan, I only keep them around so that someday I might pull the motors out and use them in something else. If it weren't for the rust, I'd surely drive them. I have come to love the Volvo 240s! They do not rust and while not completely "reliable" they are VERY DURABLE and I have more than I'm willing to admit. Thanks for the video!

They’re quite literally the best passenger sedans ever made. You don’t need a reason if it pops into your life at the right price, it’s just a given lol

Sounds like it has an exhaust manifold leak. I had a 1981 240D with the 4-speed manual and it had no trouble keeping up with traffic. The throttle linkage can get out of adjustment over time, so you have to check it and make sure that it's actually reaching wide open throttle when you floor it. And don't trust the Chinese-made oil, air, and fuel filters you get at the auto parts store -- they're of inferior quality compared to German-made parts.

I owned a 1984 240D, here in the UK, for about 6 months around 2003. Frighteningly slow when pulling out into a road with moving traffic. Barge-like handling when on a windy country road. It had a manual gearbox. The plus points were that I liked the looks, it was very comfortable, and the engine which had 300,000 miles on it felt like it was good for another 300,000 with no trouble at all. Scrapped it after the 6 months, due to rust. I paid £300 for it.

Funfact: these were used as taxi's in morocco until 2019 and now i can still see some of em in he streets

I daily drive a '72 220D with a 4 speed manual and it is a blast. I've had a few W123 300Ds, and while they are very nice cars, I prefer my W115, it is just a more enjoyable driving experience, in my opinion.

The 240 D is a quite fast car. It offers 20% more cubic capacity than the 200 D. The difference is mindblowing - you can feel the pressure in your back accelerating the 240 coming from the 200.

Momentum is the key to driving these you never really want the wheels to stop turning. Teaches you how to read the road ahead for sure. Most important thing is the dog seems to like it.

I don't know why, but i find the sound of these old MB Diesel engines calming. My first car was a W123 300D (non Turbo) manual wagon. It wasn't fast to accellerate either, but it still as a place in my heart. (if i would find one in good condition i would be intrigued to get one again.)

I thought the Dog was special😁I am a German Cab Driver and this was my first Car back in 1988.I loved those uncomplicated and unbreakabale Engines.Greetings from Bavaria,Frank

The W123 is the most reliable & make to last vehicle from German MB. Its still in operation here in Malaysia with it mostly as interstate taxis (240D & 300D). My dad first Mercedes Benz W123 is the 300D.

I have a 240D 1976 and a 300D 1978. both automatic. In Australia Turbo was not available. But Self Levelling Suspension was. Which both have as sedans. As you say, they proceed, but the upside is that you feel the stresses of the day leave you as you cruise at the Highway speeds, not needing to overtake anyone . But relaxed in your cocoon of relaxation , knowing that you could drive forever. What driving should be. No stress.

This car only needed the consumables changed in the first 150,000 miles! Then the maintenance expenses were minimal. Reliability was out of the ordinary, exceptional!

I have owned two manual 240D's. Both 81 models. They are unique in terms of the bulletproof brilliance of the total package. Both of mine had way over 300K on them when I bought them, one was approaching 400K when I lost it. If I can ever find another one - that's not too badly beat up or poorly maintend - I'll buy it in a heartbeat. There is literally nothing like them out there from any manufacturer ever. By the way I think you are being optimistic on your power figures. I think the 77 only had about 67 horses. Went up to about 77ish in 1980 if my memory is correct.

I have a 76’ 2.4d and it never let me

Maple yellow with that deep brown interior is one of the best combos. I got a manual 240D Caledonia/Bamboo, with the idea that it would be in the stable for a minute before moving it to make room for something else, but that's not going to happen.