Hi all. I'm searching for a suitable replacement for my wife's now deceased '92 300D turbo. That was a great car, but we have both had a soft spot for W123's as both of us have happily owned them in the past. Since I intend to do most maintenance myself, we are starting to lean toward a 240D.

My question is what year/s should I be looking for and is regarded as the best? After searching posts here, it appears there may have been some changes from 1977-1983, some good and some bad. Some of the changes I think were: an improved head design somewhere around 81, addition of EGR and possibly other emissions components in 82, improved rustproofing and underbody coating maybe in 82, and switch from horsehair to synthetic fibers for the seat cushions at some point unknown. I don't know if this list is complete or accurate.

So concluding from what I've gathered, '81 looks to be the best year as it incorporates the new head but before the addition of emissions components. Does anybody know if this is an accurate assessment? Are there any other significant changes that might change my analysis? I know I might be able to make some changes myself, but I'd really like to keep the car as original as possible.

Thanks!

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1972 280SE 4.5
1984 300SD, 250K
1991 300SE, 89K
1992 300D (330K miles when KIA'd by mother-in-law 8/10/09 - still sitting in my barn)
1994 E320, 109K
1995 E420, 60K
Proud Member of the Mercedes Benz Club of America - Idaho Chapter