190 D or 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

william rogers · #1 11-05-2002, 09:22 PM

My son wants to buy his first Mercedes. He has always driven Honda's and thinks that a 190D would be more of a like size for him. I don't know anything about the 190's but would really like to see him get a 300 D as I know how durable the good old 5 banger is and the overall quality of the model. He likes my SD but thinks it's much to large for him as he is single. any thoughts or any one in the Eugene -Portland OR.area got a good one for sale.......oh yes he wants to pull a small tent trailer!
William Rogers.....

74 240 D
81 SD
86 Euro 500 SE (with Euro 420 engine)
81 454 Blazer 350 HP log splitter

#2 11-05-2002, 09:45 PM

My two teenagers think the 300D is an "old farts" car. They'd rather not be caught in one. On the other hand, they really like the 190 (preferably an E). I'm looking for a good 190D for them, as a compromise.

william rogers · #3 11-05-2002, 10:01 PM

Ron, yes that did enter into it even though my son is well past teen age he did say something the 190 being a girl catcher .oh well they still have a star ot the hood "I think"
William Rogers........

psfred · #4 11-05-2002, 10:39 PM

The W124 chassis looks a lot like a 190, but is a better car. 86 to 93, I think, lots of diesels. 603 or 603 engine, not the 617, but they also run nicely.

The 190 doesn't have the reputation for longevity that the "big" benzes do. VERY small rear seating, too.

Peter

190D22 · #5 11-05-2002, 10:56 PM

Well the 190 has always been looked down upon by the mercedes community because it is the 'baby benz.' Why aren't the C classes looked down upon the same way? They are based upon the 201 chassis.

The 124 is a big 201. They share many of the same parts and follow the same designs. I love both cars. I have the 190, and have had it for a year. Definately an expensive car (a 124 would be equally expensive) to upkeep. I mean come on, these are nearly 20 year old cars we're talking about here and they still run and look as good as they do, 190s and 300s alike! Compare an 84 domestic car to mine, even take a more pampered domestic car, the benz is still in overall better condition and still has years of life ahead of it. No one believes me that it's an '84 after seeing or being in it. How many 190s do you see on the road still today? Much more than you do domestic cars of the same era. I see just as many 190s as I do 300s.

I would say shop for both at the same time. Which ever you find in the best condition for the best price, buy it. I've seen cars a fraction the age of mine die simply because they just don't hold up like a benz.

My car isn't a girl catcher... but maybe it's just the driver though!

I personally think you can't go wrong with either, if the car was taken care of, of course.

adamb · #6 11-06-2002, 06:23 AM

Here is a link to a really nice 190D with only 50K miles on it on Ebay. I would buy it but I enjoy my marriage more than having an additional car that I don't need. Good luck!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1871568485

JPL · #7 11-06-2002, 08:30 AM

The 123 has a very distinctive and classic look. You can pitch it as an Old Skool Pimp Ride, kinda like an old Barracuda or Dodge Charger. Those old 70's "Hot Rods" are kinda hip again, although a 5 banger diesel is hardly a hot rod, it evokes the same sense of style.

just my .$.02

#8 11-06-2002, 08:49 AM

I've never had a 201 car, but generally most of them in the used market are not in very good condition. My theory about this is that these were often purchased new by people who did not have the budgets to keep them properly maintained.

I was amazed at the comment that the C class is based on the 201. The 202 and 203 cars are the same size, but most of the similarity ends there.

The low parts cost and proven long term durability of the 123 would be a big draw for me if I were deciding between a 123 or 201 car. As mentioned above, the 124 deserves consideration. The prices have come way down now. My brother in law(my dealer MB tech) and I have an ongoing argument about which is best, the 123 or 124. Actually I think they are different but equally great. But, how can you have an argument unless there are opposing sides, so I always argue in favor of the 123 so we can keep the dialog going. I am really neutral on this one.

Have a great day,

Ridge · #9 11-06-2002, 10:53 AM

William,

I have to agree with Larry on the 123. Have you son look at one of the 300DTs. Find one that's maybe perfect in everything except the auto tranny and replace it with a 240D 4 speed. The swap is a modular one. That way your son gets the durability of the 123 and the best acceleration around. He'll have a lot of fun surprising every other MB owners with how well the thing moves out.

Ben

Piotr · #10 11-06-2002, 12:07 PM

I had a choice to buy a 1985 300TD with 225K mi or a 1985 190D with 95K mi for the same price for a family car after wife got pregnant. After test driving both, 190 won hands down. It's way more nimble, agile, accelerates better and is more fun to drive. We are both in mid 30-ies and although not the youngest, the 300 made us feel like our own grandparents. I agree though on the comments that most people bought baby benzes w/o funds or will to maintain'em properly. I had to invest about $2K
into it due to missed stuff (car has EVERY scheduled maintanance signed and stamped). For instance, AC compressor leaked, radiator was plugged up and corroded, oil pressure sender unit was bad, heater bower squealed, and the aux fan was corroded with main not working due to bad switch and engine was running hot at idle (tookme 6 month to figure all this up). All of which were missed during standard maintenance.

However, I believe 190sare easier to maintain and fix, have bodies in better shape, and are more sporty and less dated. However, I would suggest 190 D 2.5, because 2.2 is horribly underpowered

Jim Anderson · #11 11-06-2002, 12:19 PM

If its a parent buying their teenager a car, a small back seat would be a good thing

Joe Blowe · #12 11-06-2002, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Anderson
If its a parent buying their teenager a car, a small back seat would be a good thing

yeah. whatever you do, don't buy him a wagon!

jobah · #13 11-06-2002, 01:43 PM

I hate to add to the debate, but I will anyway. Currently I have a 123 (617); 126 (617) and a 190 (601), and for a number of reasons, my favorite is the 190D -- and it is not only because it is the only 5 speed.

just my $.02.

Jim Anderson · #14 11-06-2002, 02:05 PM

How is your 190d 5 speed for power?

jobah · #15 11-06-2002, 02:25 PM

The 2.2 auto is aweful;
The 2.5 auto is acceptable.

The 2.2 manual to me feels much better than the 2.5 auto. It is not the 2.5 turbo or the 2.5 manual, but I'm pretty happy with it.

I am happy with the pull and the top end. Take that with a grain of salt because while I did own a 911 carrera with modifications, I also came from a rabbit diesel years ago.