90-93 300D 2.5 Turbo - what to look for? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ltrain300D · #1 08-07-2006, 03:09 PM

Hey everyone... I haven't been posting much on here lately because I traded cars with my mom back in December (she has a 2001 Dodge Intrepid R/T). Anyway, I have been home recently and was driving around the 300D and really really really miss not just the Mercedes, but the feel of the diesel. I have been talking with my parents about maybe giving the Intrepid back to my mom to drive, and selling the 83 300D for a W124 300D, preferrably a 90-93 with the 2.5 Turbo (I like the interior of the 90-93 better than the earlier W124s), and it seems that memebrs on the board with this car have more praises than knocks against it.

Anyway, I've been doing a lot of searching about the cars lately... know they have the 5 cylinder OM602. Do these engines have any notorious problems to watch out for? I think remember reading something about timing chains. Also, anything else in general to look for when shopping for one of these? I really love the W124 body style and wouldn't mind driving a 400E either, but with the price of premium gas at around $3.20 and the fuel efficiency of the 2.5, I think the 2.5 would be a much better car for me. I think my parents would rather see me in a diesel too instead of a V8 benz!

Sorry for the lengthy post, just tryin to get my research together to bring a valid argument to my parents. Thanks for any and all information in advance.

sixto · #2 08-07-2006, 04:09 PM

Not much to say. Fabulous cars. No bad habits. Purely for peace of mind, change the chain if there's no record of it having been changed. Some clain it can be done in 45 minutes (inside joke).

Sixto
... stay tuned

sixto · #3 08-07-2006, 04:13 PM

Do a search on what to look for in any W124. What would scare me away besides frame damage, rust, wild animal nests, etc. is AC that doesn't cool. Replacing a W124 evaporator is a considerable task. Having a shop repair it can consume the value of the car.

Sixto
... stay tuned

2.5Turbo · #4 08-08-2006, 02:19 AM

Those are the only real things that are a major consideration. The cruise amp also has a tendency to go bad (mine currently is).

Even though the 602 is pretty much just a shortened 603, it doesn't have the head problems the 603 does. Check the ALDA plumbing before you judge the car's power. Should do a 0-60 in about 12 seconds. If not, check the ALDA stuff. Mine was all clogged up when I got it...it did a 0-60 in about 18 seconds...approaching 240D territory

They're actually quite quick (compared to the majority of the MB diesels), and with the fantastic handling of the 124, it's a great car. Good mileage too, expect to get 30mpg regularly in the real world. Highway driving gets 32+ depending on speed. Do 60 and you'll maybe get 35-36mpg.

iceman3876 · #5 08-08-2006, 10:13 AM

I have a 93 300D and have found it to be an excellent car...on the hwy it gets in the neighborhood of 36mpg. Power is more than expected. As far as repairs, I have replaced the clutch fan and done the usual maintenance i.e. fluid changes....Air conditioning is ice cold but the stereo sucks. The ride is very comfortable. I have a new GL Diesel on order and expect delivery in January 07 (at least that is when I was told to expect delivery). Good Luck on your purchase.

nokileka · #6 08-09-2006, 07:56 PM

i never heard that cam chain fails. it will scretch over the time and pump timing gets retarded and the engine sound gets smooth. few degrees behind the factory specs makes huge difference in MPG. sound gets little more agressive, but car pulls like crazy. some pump adjustsments, intercooler... It's a 150hp monster...

bnaquin · #7 08-15-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman3876

I have a 93 300D and have found it to be an excellent car...on the hwy it gets in the neighborhood of 36mpg. Power is more than expected. As far as repairs, I have replaced the clutch fan and done the usual maintenance i.e. fluid changes....Air conditioning is ice cold but the stereo sucks. The ride is very comfortable. I have a new GL Diesel on order and expect delivery in January 07 (at least that is when I was told to expect delivery). Good Luck on your purchase.

That's a clean looking car. You should probably contact me about selling it when you get your new one.

I have a '92 300D 2.5 and LOVE it. I could use another for my wife.

Dana B. · #8 08-15-2006, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nokileka

i never heard that cam chain fails. it will scretch over the time and pump timing gets retarded and the engine sound gets smooth. few degrees behind the factory specs makes huge difference in MPG. sound gets little more agressive, but car pulls like crazy. some pump adjustsments, intercooler... It's a 150hp monster...

Wait a sec: Are you saying that retarding the timing makes it run better? Not sure I buy that one.

Rudolphrocks · #9 08-16-2006, 01:54 PM

[QUOTE=2.5Turbo;1239780] If not, check the ALDA stuff. Mine was all clogged up when I got it...it did a 0-60 in about 18 seconds...approaching 240D territory

QUOTE]

Screw you!! my 240D is fast! er than a moped or bike....

nokileka · #10 08-18-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dana B.

Wait a sec: Are you saying that retarding the timing makes it run better? Not sure I buy that one.

pardon me french. i mean 2 degrees advance to the factory specs makes better power and mileage.

iceman3876 · #11 08-31-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaquin

That's a clean looking car. You should probably contact me about selling it when you get your new one.

I have a '92 300D 2.5 and LOVE it. I could use another for my wife.

I will send email when my new one is delivered....This car has all service records and has been a great car...It would make someone a great car....

dieselbeagel · #12 08-31-2006, 11:06 AM

Sixto ???

This is exactly the car - color too - that u r looking for. U better throw ur hat in the ring if u want it.

Iceman - I would like to buy the car too when u get ur new GL.
Do let me know and lets see what happens.

sixto · #13 08-31-2006, 12:46 PM

Why would anyone want a white over gray 2.5 when they're so common? :p

Sixto
93 300SD - moby dick

Holson Adi · #14 08-31-2006, 08:32 PM

Nice car...

I'd love to have a 300D 2.5Turbo myself.

I drove one and thought it's got to be one of the best 124s in the US.

slowmoe · #15 09-01-2006, 12:12 AM

I had a 92 300D 2.5 that I sold to purchase a 96 300D (big mistake).

I put about 120K on the 2.5 - taking her to 205K when I sold it. I needed to do the fan, fan clutch, tensioner, tie rods, sway bar bushings, shocks x2 (I think Bilstien HD's are only good for about 60-80k), radiator, aux. vacuum pump, a few door lock vacuum actuators, and brakes/rotors. Other than those items it was fluids, filters and tires.

Just about all of the above you would need to do on any car over 120K. The great thing about the 124 2.5 is that it is so easy to work on. I did all the above myself and am a very novice home mechanic.

I sold it to a good friend who actually still lets me take it around a few times. It now has 250K on it. He has needed to a few odds and ends - glow plugs, fan relay, odometer, cruise control module and other bits.

They are wonderful cars and I highly recommend one - if you do a lot of your own work.