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  #1  
Old 11-01-2005, 11:13 AM
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603 MPG's better than 617's

I've noticed that I get way better fuel economy with my '87 300D than I do or ever did with my '85 300D. At my last fill up on the '87, it had averaged 34.5 MPG's! I didn't drive it conservatively, just in my usual manner as I do with the '85. I struggle to get 25 MPG's with the '85. I don't get it. The '87 has more power and I think even weighs more than the '85. One thing I do notice is that the rpm's on the '87 are lower at cruising speed but having one extra piston may have something to do with it but I suspect it also has better gearing than the '85. I am impressed by the W124 only as far as power and economy is concerned. Everything else about the car doesn't come close to the quality and solidness of the W123.

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84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012
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  #2  
Old 11-01-2005, 11:29 AM
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Well, you are being a bit unfair. Comparing the body of the W123 to the body of the W124 is comparing apples to oranges.

Let's compare the W126 body. I've got one 617 and one 603. That's fair.

The SDL consistently gets 28-29 mpg.

The SD consistently gets 25-26 mpg.

Hopefully the new valves, 2.88 diff, adjustment of injection timing, recalibrated injectors, and proper valve lash will get the SD up closer to the SDL, but, I don't think it will ever catch it.
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  #3  
Old 11-01-2005, 11:34 AM
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i definately agree on the quality comparison.i just have to close the door on my 116 THUNK to appreciate the quality that mbz used to build in.it isnt quite the same experience on my 124s
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Old 11-01-2005, 03:37 PM
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I get a nice solid thunk from my 124's doors but they're not as vault-like as my 123's. The plastic trim in the 124 makes it look so damn cheap and this is for a car that cost near $40K when new.
I kind of thought that was a fair comp since both of these cars are mine and that they're both 300D's. After all the 124 replaced the 123.
Comparing an SD and an SDL is not quite the same either since the SDL is a LWB version of a 126.
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84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012
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Old 11-01-2005, 08:32 PM
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Yeah, the w123 was overbuilt considering the safety technology of the day. The sound of door closure is pretty nice. So solid. The w113 door closure is very solid, too, but sounds tinny and more of a distinct racket, but this is to be expected I suppose as the doors are aluminum. I much prefer the w123 heft and sound.

BTW, of course the w124 will get better mileage, this is normal.
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Old 11-01-2005, 11:15 PM
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everything

has its time and place.

the older cars had less technology but more hand made parts. the newer cars have more tech and less durability and less simplicity.

a fintail has a wood glove box door, sanded shaped and stained. or painted to match plastic trim in the cheaper models.

and i just dont know what to say about those aluminum head diesels!

so trade off simplicity and hand made stuff for better pickup and economy.

tom w
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.
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  #7  
Old 11-01-2005, 11:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lietuviai
Comparing an SD and an SDL is not quite the same either since the SDL is a LWB version of a 126.
And why not? The two cars are exactly the same save for that extra six inches in wheelbase and length. Comparing an SDL to an SD is much better than comparing two different chassis.
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  #8  
Old 11-01-2005, 11:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton
The SDL consistently gets 28-29 mpg.

The SD consistently gets 25-26 mpg.
You must spend all of your time on these cars on the highway. I've never come close to those figures (for the SD) with much city driving.
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  #9  
Old 11-02-2005, 12:07 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lietuviai
Comparing an SD and an SDL is not quite the same either since the SDL is a LWB version of a 126.
Yeah, I guess you are right. The SDL weighs about 200 lb. more than the SD, so it's fuel benefits from the 603 are that much more significant.
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  #10  
Old 11-02-2005, 12:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by braverichard
You must spend all of your time on these cars on the highway. I've never come close to those figures (for the SD) with much city driving.
90%
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  #11  
Old 11-02-2005, 12:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton
90%
Me too - that's why I got it.
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  #12  
Old 11-02-2005, 05:35 AM
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82 300D (turbo) ...23mpg
90 350 sdl .......25 mpg
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  #13  
Old 11-02-2005, 10:46 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by braverichard
And why not? The two cars are exactly the same save for that extra six inches in wheelbase and length. Comparing an SDL to an SD is much better than comparing two different chassis.
Yeah, I'll give you that but I was just wanting to compare the same model in the case of the 300D's.
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  #14  
Old 11-03-2005, 04:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lietuviai
I get a nice solid thunk from my 124's doors but they're not as vault-like as my 123's. The plastic trim in the 124 makes it look so damn cheap and this is for a car that cost near $40K when new.
I've had both the w123 and w124 wagons and sedans. The doors in my w124 had a more satisifying thunk compared to the w123 when closing...which could be attributed to the age of the door seals I guess. And when driving, the chassis/body feels a lot stiffer in the w124 as well.

But I question if there is more plastic trim on a w124 vs w123. I thought there was already lots of plastic/vinyl in my w123's. The major extra plastic I can see in my w124 is on the door frames surrounding the windows....but I would rather have this plastic which is still holding its shape, vs the vinyl that was used on the w123's which are usually warping by now. And on the door trim around the door opener and on the piece that hold the door panel around the latch, they switched from the chrome metal piece to black plastic.

My mileage is better on the w124 as well. My mostly city drive gets me about 23 in my w124 wagon...which was all I got on 100% highway on my 85 wagon.

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