Alright-whats the true run down on W124 300D invincibility.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carrameow · #1 10-20-2004, 07:59 AM

I love my gleaming 87 W124 300D and the fact that I can do a 100 and hold it endlessly. I love it so much I barely drive it!! The problem is I have reverted to driving my 85 300D because its like Old Blue Jeans or Boots--and I know its a very very Tough Car-- and simple and cheap to fix..
And yes, I love cars, and I only paid 2100 for my 87 W124 300D but I am thinking of....yes---selling it and getting a 1990 SDL, or something..
The reason I am thinking of selling it (for 3200, I put a lot of work into new control arm bushings, eccentric bolts,new AC, new struts, tires, new chain, etc) is that my duaghter is going to college and I cant afford to have a car sitting in the driveway (plus insurance) I am not driving.
Fianlly I am concerned over the W124's erractic aluminum head and repair history on other items as well. If you can fix it, it will break!!!! Last week we went on a 1500 mile trip and I took the W123 over the W124!!!! Even with its possibly bad bearing/rod...!!!!
Am I wrong for thinking this? The speed and performance of my 87 W124 300D are great, but if you are scared of taking it on a 1500 mile trip, then why keep it?
Someday I hope to get a 90 300D or something as cast iron as the W123...

oldnavy · #2 10-20-2004, 08:23 AM

I don't believe the 124 was ever a problem diesel, but the 140D was along with any other car with a 3.5 OE 603 engine.

Problem head car's:

W-140 1992/93 300 D
W-140 1994/95 350 SD
W-126 1990/91 350 SDL
W-126 1990 350 SD

fz500sel · #3 10-20-2004, 08:52 AM

IMHO, you will never find another diesel as "cast-iron" as a W123. The bigger diesels i.e., 300SD, 300SDL, 350SDL, are nice but the chassis just seem too big for the car. Sure after you get some speed up you can just sit back and cruise. But I always liked the acceleration (

from a diesel?) of the W123 '85 300D I had. It was just the right size that on the freeway I could dart in and out between cars with no problem whatsoever. I miss that ol' thing.

Carrameow · #4 10-20-2004, 11:56 AM

its just the right size, and i like its durability

Old300D · #5 10-20-2004, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fz500sel

IMHO, you will never find another diesel as "cast-iron" as a W123. The bigger diesels i.e., 300SD, 300SDL, 350SDL, are nice but the chassis just seem too big for the car. Sure after you get some speed up you can just sit back and cruise. But I always liked the acceleration (

from a diesel?) of the W123 '85 300D I had. It was just the right size that on the freeway I could dart in and out between cars with no problem whatsoever. I miss that ol' thing.

Now that I have an engine in my 240D that allows the car to get out of it's own way, I am finding it quite a joy to drive. I've always driven smaller cars, so the 240D is one of the larger ones, but it's very comfortable, fast enough, handles well, and is an excellent commuter. It just feels so SOLID.

oldnavy · #6 10-20-2004, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old300D

Now that I have an engine in my 240D that allows the car to get out of it's own way, I am finding it quite a joy to drive. I've always driven smaller cars, so the 240D is one of the larger ones, but it's very comfortable, fast enough, handles well, and is an excellent commuter. It just feels so SOLID.

I never felt like my 240D was unable to get out of it's own way. :p

Your right it sure feels solid, and is oh so comfortable.