we all know about the durability and tanklike construction our diesels possess, I sometimes find myself opening and closing the doors, especially the rear one just for the simple enjoyment of listening to the sound and feeling of what a tanklike chassis is like. I think that's one of the things I enjoy more about my car , just knowing that solidity is there. I think we will never see cars built this way again as all the interest shifts to weight savings and fuel economy on regular cars and even worse for electrics. Thats the reason we use this medium, because we all have one thing in common: We wish we could drive this cars forever or until the next one comes along but that time may never come, hence the question: which do you think was the last, true tanklike Mercedes w123, w126 or w124?

I believe the big body w126 probably has the most "tanklike" feeling..(being the largest and heaviest).
You can open and close the doors of a w123, a w126, and a w124 and I think you will feel the solid shut and the most heavyness from a w126.

I have tinkered with all these cars and own both a w123 and w126 yet the w126 just feels more tanklike...the w123 feels a bit more sporty.

In the opening-and-closing the doors test, the W126 wins hands-down, those doors are damn heavy. The W123's no slouch though, and im sad to say i've never had the pleasure of being in a W124.

__________________
1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

In terms of heft, weight, and physical solidity, the W140 is above the W126.

Oh BS about the 140. I've been helping a friend work on one lately and it's nothing but a big piece of plastic. Sure, it has the thick laminated side windows, but that's all it's got. Nothing but plastic and fiberglass from nose to tail. I'd never take one over an all steel (except for the aluminum hood and trunk lid) 126, and "tank-wise"? Not even close.

hmm, well i have never been in a w126, but out of my 123 and 124 hmm, tough, the w123 felt alot heavier, like the doors were made out of solid metal, but the "clunk" on the 124 doors sounds nicer to me, i think the materials in the 123 probably feel slightly more expensive than the 124, but i think i prefer the 124 for overall feel! ( if we could get 126's with diesel engines here u better believe i would have one aswell!!! i just cant afford to feed the v8s!)

Speaking of closing door sounds, I thought my little 190E had a better sound, trunk too, than my 124. The 107, or 450SL, has a large door and it sounds solid when it closes, especially when the window is up, tends to rattle when down.

Well, the W140 is substantially heavier than the W126, has thicker pillars all around, much higher structural rigidity, and is a safer vehicle overall. IMO, that makes it more "tanklike". I'm not sure what Bondo-ed up POS you were working on, but to say that a W140 from nose to tail is "nothing but plastic and fiberglass" is simply ignorant.

Please, the 140 makes a mockery of the 126 in just about every way, including of course, repair costs. The doors are MUCH thicker and heavier. What fiberglass, other than maybe the side panels (uh, same with the 126) are you talking about? Sounds like you might have been working on a Saturn in the dark?

__________________
'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

Between the 123, 124 and 126? Neither. They went downhill in the late 60's/early 70's. 108's and 111's were the last true MB's. Just about everything on those cars could be repaired rather than replaced. Let's not forget about styling Regard the new 220's as the safest MB's ever. Steel doesn't necessarily make a car safer people.

Thanks
David

__________________
_____________________________________________

2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

_____________________________________________

I hope you were being facetious. I'll take some pictures of all the broken exterior plastic panels on the 140 I'm working on. So far, except for the lower trim pieces, I haven't seen any exterior plastic on my 126. The entire front end is plastic on the 140 I'm looking at. And 140 repair costs?
Brand new, the 140 would be an awsome car, but after 25 years and 300k miles, I doubt anybody will want one.

really? the trunk on my 190 sounds sooo "tinny" like the thinnest sheet of metal ever! the 124 feels much heavier and solid to me.

In my opinion, the '81-'85 300SD (126.120) was the most durable Mercedes ever made and would tolerate more abuse than any other Mercedes ever made. The 123s weren't quite as rugged. The 201/124 diesels were a major improvement in handling and COULD last just as long, but the maintenance to get them there will likely cost a little to a lot more.

Marshall

I think mine is a standing testament to that statement...was that a field I just drove through???

Oh, I used to have an '84 300SD. I wish I had it back. Even though I have a 603, the 617 has a special place in my heart.

__________________
1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)