Again, Jivesh indicated he wants the most reliable. Power does not seem to enter into his criteria. The 300D's bring automatic transmission, climate control, electric windows and electric sunroofs into the equation. These are all items that offer more possibility for failure and need of expensive repair.

I agree that the 300DTurbo is a more pleasing car to drive. I've driven most every combination of the 123 car. But if reliability, and economy is what you want, the 240D with a manual transmission is the clear choice.

For me the perfect 123 car would be a manual transmission 300DTurbo with manual windows, manual sunroof and no climate control. The only way I could ever have one would be to build it myself. If I could mate a manual transmission to a five cylinder turbo, I might just do that.

Best of luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles