Is there a comparison between the early 300D models (86/87) and the later 300 D models (92/93)? I'm looking for a good base to play with a Mercedes Diesel after viewing the post about a 400 HP diesel in finland.

Normally I would like to think newer is better but havn't found much out there.

I've love to obtain a 99 E300, however with prices around 20 large, they are a bit out of my price range for a project car.

In what respect are you asking? Do you mean between bodies, engines, driveline?

Certainly if you are considering the engine only, and I did'nt follow the post from Finland very closely, so I don't know which MB diesel engine they used but my guess is that it was a 603, the six cylinder diesel.

The bodies of all W124 are pretty much the same from early to late, although there were many upgrades. Also, there are a multitude of different variations within the W124 production both gas and diesel.

Several differential ratios, transmissions, in the diesels. No 124 diesels imported to the US in 86, 88, 89, and 94. 124 diesel engine models to the US included OM603.960 6 cyl. turbo in 87(the fastest) and OM602.962 5 cyl. turbo from 90 to 93, and lastly in 1995 OM606.910 6 cyl. non-turbo.

Other variations of MB diesel engines were available in Europe and not in the US.

My guess is that a 1987 300DT, that also as I have read has a stiffer suspension than later US diesel benzs, maybe what you are looking for!

Good luck, and keep us posted..............................

I guess what I am mainly concerned with are engine reliability and tuneability, as well as problem areas with the chassis. do the A/C systems get better as the car gets newer?

The Finland thread was about 6cy 603's, they were availible from 1986-87 in the US, they came in 300D/SDL/TD. As for tuneing one good luck you will be braking new ground in the US at least. The only aftermarket intercooler kit for them is $2k and it might not work without some changes on the US cars. If you are serious I would try to get in touch with the Finnish guys who made those. I would be very interested in your progress, as I would like to play with mine but I don't have the time and extra car to do R&D with it.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200