So confused... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbzkid · #1 10-21-2004, 09:17 PM

Ive been trying to decide on what to buy for my first car.

My options are loosely based on this list:

240D (manual everything perferable, and 83-85 also)
300D or 300D Turbo (83-85 perferable)
300SD
1968-76 BMW 2002( Ive been waiting for the owner to get the title for over 2 weeks) I dont think hes going to come through.

I really like the 300SD, although I would think that parts would be more expensive which is not a good thing for a 16-17 yr old.
How do the prices in parts compare between the 240/300 to the 300SD? I have looked online, but I cant be sure since I can only base it on things like injectors.

How is the shifting with the 240D manual? Like a truck or refined? This is the only thing that I am skeptical about.

My father thinks the 240d manual is the best bet. ( I think hes right from a economical point of view)

Ive been trying to decide for a long time now, and im still stumped. I figure with a luxury car like the W123, and W124, bigger is better since high performance isnt expected.

I figured I would ask for your opinions here, since most of the members have owned more than one MB diesel.

Theres a 1980 240D manual windows and trans 150 miles away going for 3k, and I think thats the most logical decision, but I am not sure about the trans.

Theres also a 300d non turbo with "97k mi", and a clean 300SD.

Thank You

Palangi · #2 10-21-2004, 09:33 PM

A 240D manual transmission should be very smooth shifting. On an old one, you will want to change the fluid and probably replace the shifter bushings to get it into tip-top condition. Once in a while you hear of one with a crunch going into 2nd gear caused by bad synchros. That's not easy to fix, so try before you buy.

The last of the 240D's for North America was 1983. There are a few 84's and 85's, but those are Euro cars and are pretty rare. (I have an 84).

mbzkid · #3 10-21-2004, 09:41 PM

I never really thought about the 240Ds ending in 83. Im going to go and look at the 240 on sunday.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6329&item=2495986143&rd=1

A new clutch - pressure plate, clutch disk and throw-out bearing - were just installed in this vehicle by a local Mercedes shop. What do you guys think? The rust on the door doesnt look so good.

Its a 3 hour drive down, 3 hours back. Then if I decide to buy it its another 3 there and 3 back.

Atleast if I buy it, the drive home will be great.

Thanks

whunter · #4 10-21-2004, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbzkid

240D (manual everything preferable, and 83-85 also)
300D or 300D Turbo (83-85 preferable)
300SD
1968-76 BMW 2002 (I’ve been waiting for the owner to get the title for over 2 weeks) I don’t think he’s going to come through.

The 300SD parts are no more expensive than other MB.

As to your age 16-17 yr old, if you keep this car through college, get a job or get married, the 300SD is better, more comfort, slightly higher speed and better power IMHO.

Your father likes the 240d manual because if you fry the clutch it is not expensive, built like a brick, and the car is economical + slow, all good from a parents view point.

The 1980 240D manual windows and trans 150 miles away going for 3k, sounds good, but will it fill the long term need???

A 1985 300SD would be perfect = better gear ratio and power.

Ouch, a 1968-76 BMW 2002, hmmm, I am in the BMWCCA, it is a nice car, they are not a bad car, IF you can do all the work yourself, but if it goes to the independent garage or worse a dealer, be prepared for large bills $1,500 to $3,500 on repairs is common, if you get rough (street race) with it, plan the high end twice a year.

Dana B. · #5 10-21-2004, 09:59 PM

At the risk of getting flamed: The 240D is a dog. The 300SD is an old man's tank. The 2002, cool but tired, could leave you stranded. For fun, power, economy and reliability, go for a 300D turbo.

whunter · #6 10-21-2004, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dana B.

The 300SD is an old man's tank.

:p everyone has an opinion... :p

WANT '71 280SEL · #7 10-21-2004, 10:09 PM

The w126 SD may be, but not the w116, that's just classy. You don't have to wear all the flashy jewelry when the chrome on your car weighs what a Cavalier does. W116's are tanks, no one, even here, will argue with that. Plus, the 116's don't have the emissions and the drivers swear they're faster. Also, 116's handle better.
Thanks
David

mbzkid · #8 10-21-2004, 10:14 PM

I understand the insane amout of power the 240Ds posess. I have driven an auto. The 300SD parts may be the same price, but theres more to go wrong. The SDs are beautiful cars.
I just dont know what to do. Do you think I could get this car for under 3500?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6330&item=2496070508&rd=1

Heres the 300D-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6330&item=2496301994&rd=1

Whats a 116? Isnt that an earlier model than 1978? If I get a turbo car, and the turbo decides its had enough, im looking at $1000 bill.

Im into the big mercedes, look like you are the ambassador of a 3rd world country look. If I could afford a SDL, I'd probaly be driving one. I just dont know if a turbo car or anything other than a 240 is reasonable at my age.

Those 3 cars are my options for this weekend. Atleast one of the 3 will be viewed. Right now, I think the 240 is the one

Gurkha · #9 10-21-2004, 10:29 PM

Between all the choices I would take the 300D turbo, best compromise for performance and reliability, the only unfortunate part is to get a manual shifting one. The 240D is a great vehicle, frugal and super reliable and the tranny if not abused by previous owner shifts like butter but it is slow, needs special skills and extreme amounts of patience to handle one on the highways and ramps, I should know, attended my whole college life with a 83 240D, I loved the car as it never left me stranded but it was difficult to drive it in NYC.

BrierS · #10 10-21-2004, 10:29 PM

Not having driven anything but turbo Mercedes I can only compare them to some other, rather high HP turbo cars I have owned. They are smooth as silk and I don't remember reading about too many problems with them. Additionally, I believe I have seen some of the members quoting very reasonable costs for used ones. I would imagine some of the more experienced folks can confirm or refute that (hope, hope, hope) since I wouldn't want to mislead you.

Good luck and take care of whichever you buy.

PS I have had a small stable of 2002 BMWs and though fun little pocket rockets with fantastic snow covered road characteristics (predictable & driveable) they do tend to run high in the parts. Wierd writing that when I think of the MB parts prices.

Hatterasguy · #11 10-21-2004, 10:35 PM

240D might be a little slow for a first car, you do need some power when you pull out when you shouldn't. I would think a 300D Turbo would be fast enough to get out of peoples way if you need to but not too fast. Get a good one my SDL is driving me broke, keeping an old MB going and going to school can be hard at times. Thier fun cars but need to be a hobby first and you must enjoy working on them.

mbzkid · #12 10-21-2004, 11:09 PM

I wouldnt mind a 300D turbo, since they are the hot rods of the 123's. With some work, they seem to be able to run to 60 in under 12 seconds. The good thing about the 240 is that I can have my foot to the floor at 70, and have more fun than with my moms jeep floored at 85. I guess the 240 keeps me in line. Feels like it works too hard to drive at a normal pace. My only experience with a 300 turbo was an 85 with a stuck turbo, and a neck snapping trans. Couldnt get over 40mph.

whunter · #13 10-21-2004, 11:15 PM

Hello mbzkid
The 300SD parts are the same price, and there is a little more to go wrong.

Do you think I could get this car for less than $3,500?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6330&item=2496070508&rd=1
Yes, you might get the car for $2500.
Call and offer $1500, have your parents coach you on dealing, it looks to be worth 2.5k...

This is a nice looking car also.
Heres the 300D-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6330&item=2496301994&rd=1

A W116 came before the W123.
Even if the turbo dies, check closed sales on ebay for used turbo, the price is lower than you think.
Turbo R&R is a Do It Yourself (DIY) job, ask 1985 300SD SADY, he is 15 and his name tells what he has, read his thread.
wont start for anything! 1985 300SD

The 1985 300SD W126 is what I drive and like, a W110 or W115 would be welcome in my stable also.

Hatterasguy · #14 10-21-2004, 11:17 PM

I'm the same way I bought a diesel to keep me from getting speeding tickets!

It has worked (so far knock on wood) but the problem is my SDL loves to run on the highway 90 just sneaks up on you!

If you like the W126 get one, a 300SD won't cost any more to maintain or buy then a W123 300D. Actually the W126 is easyer to work on because you have more room under the hood. Remember the W126 also had the 5.0 and 5.6 V8's, so a smaller inline engine gives you a lot of room. I started driving my SDL in my senior year of high school and got some "old mans" car response's at first until they took a ride.

Then all of a sudden they didn't think their Honda's were so great anymore!

OhioMercedesBoy · #15 10-21-2004, 11:24 PM

Expanding on this... how does a 240D do on the highway. I understand it will be working hard, but am I going to blow it up trying to run 70 (in an automatic) for 150 miles 1 way back and forth up here to school?
~D.J.~

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