Just a general query: 300TD (123) vs 300CD (123) vs 190D (201)
 

i've been toying with this idea for quite some time now.

I currently have a 1979 300TD non-turbo.

It is my only car.. and my daily driver. My hauler (this happens quite rare, but it happens)

Would it be wise to let go of this car for a CD or maybe a 201 diesel? i'm thinking 190D 2.2 but of course if i could find a 2.5 (doesnt really have to be turbo) then it would be better.

Am i crazy to think of it?

I've always had a liking to a coupe and a US Version 300CD (turbo) would be really nice to have...

And as for the 201, well.. it is a small car and it is easy to drive around traffic as compared to my wagon.

Keep the TD and get a CD also! You will be very happy. ;)

A 190D introduces the possibility of a manual transmission if that appeals to you.

Wait! You're in the Philippines. You can get anything with a manual transmission there.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

hehehe.. true.. we do have the option of having manual tranny here..:D

i cant have two cars.. only one car can fit in the garage.. otherwise i'd park the other car outside.. dont wanna do that here.. and it is really not practical for me to have two cars.. ehhee...

I had a 1984 190D--5 speed and sold it a few months backk--it was the happiest day of my life--the quality compared to the 240s and 300s just doesn't compare. You couldn't give me a 190. Look for good 240!

What about a 240D or the more bigger sedan 126?

I don't think you'll find a US-spec 300cd with a factory stick anywhere. Stick + turbo = frankenbenz.

I've got a turbo coupe and a turbo wagon. The coupe moves out a little quicker (lighter weight) and is more agile (shorter wheelbase) than the wagon. The coupe also has less road noise in the cabin than the wagon at highway speeds. The wagon's hydraulic rear suspension is pretty cool, though, especially in curves on bumpy/buckled pavement. Under those conditions I'd say it outhandles the coupe.

Russ M

Driving style really plays into which of these I would lean toward......
 

Always loved the looks of the 300CD, but the few examples that I have driven did not handle near as well as my 201 or 124. The 201 just handles much better, this and it's small outside dimensions make it a great city car, yet if feels much bigger in a sense of solidity on the highway, then I ever expected. IMHO, the 201 and 124 chassis are not as timeless nor as ruggedly reliable as the 123, but they are much improved and advanced in areas of road feel and handling, then again I drive too damn fast, otherwise I doubt one would care. As with any MB, a PPI, general condition and good mtc. history are very important, but IMO, this is especially true of 124's and 201's. I cannot back the following up or quanitfy it, but the early 201's just seem to have a quality feeling to them WHEN compared with the later ones, though the early ones are also more "plain jane" and often not as flashy or optioned out as the later ones. Even though the 87 602 turbo really made an impression on me, I have greater confidence in my 1984 non-turbo 601 5-spd, even at 265k miles, it just feels solid. Choose the model with your heart and emotion, then use your analytical mind to pick the specific car.

For what it's worth I was in the market recently for a new daily driver.
After having looked at a few 300D's and one very nice 300CD (black/palomino), I decide to go with a 300TD.
At 6'4" and 200lb, I found the 300CD rather claustrophobic. I really love the look of the coupe, but it is functionally a 2 seater, and the headroom leaves a bit to be desired.

I don't know, I absolutely love my 300CD. I posted pictures of it shortly after I brought it home (http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/101183-my-new-300cd-warning-image-heavy.html). Be warned that it's very image heavy.

nice coupe you've got there phantom..

ok.. let's see..

i'm 28 5'4" about 150lbs.. so having a small car is not really of a problem to me.

I think i'd hold on to my wagon for now.. until i do find a nice example of a coupe or maybe a 300TDT.. ehehe... maybe it is just me craving for something more fun to drive around than a 3.0L NA wagon. :D

Thanks for all the replies...:D

Kind of hard to find a decent one these days, but you might consider a 190D with the stick, throw some sportline sway bars on it, and use it for trips where you get a benefit out of the 38-40mpg. They are slow, but IMHO, they really don't feel slow with the stick, that is until your around faster cars, and they will haul down the hwy at 80+mph getting 36MPG or better. My 84 190D is pretty spartan, but aside form all the fun bells and whistles on the 300D, the 190 is actually more fun to drive. I would keep it if insurance costs for it as a second car did not offset the money it saves in fuel. (Not to mention I need to be able to tow two motorcycles behind my "primary" car, and I think the weight of two bikes and the trailer is to much for a non-turbo 190.)

Hope you find a good one, the hunt is half the fun. Mack