New to Mercedes, Not Diesels--Need Help!
 

First off, this looks like a great forum!

I'm a long-time diesel nut and have a good grasp on most things diesel, but I'm completely new to older Mercedes diesels.

I'm considering buying an older MB to serve as my commuter. It doesn't have to be collector-quality, but I am fairly fussy and want a mechanically sound car.

I've found these two fairly close to me:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&item=140014903375&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&item=160016895660&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

On the first link, I contacted the seller, and he assures me the mileage listed (72,400!) is correct...

On the second car, it looks reasonable to me. It does bother me the seller seems fairly clueless...lol!

What does everyone think?

Thanks!

You might want to hold out for an 82-85 turbodiesel (300D, 300CD, 300TD, 1978-1985 300SD). The older non-turbo's were quite slow (22-24 seconds 0-60 for a 240D, 18 seconds for a non-turbo 300D) and the turbo's seem to fare slightly better for longevity. They were built stronger to stand the added stress of turbocharging.

The 72,000 miles might *show* correct, but it's only a 5 digit odometer. It could be 072000 172000, 272000, 372000, etc.

35mpg in the 300D is BS. The 240D would get 24-32mpg and the non-turbo 300D slightly less. The turbo's will get 22-30mpg. The later 190D diesels (2.2, 2.5, 2.5T) will get much better MPG and have a more modern body. The W124 300D was the fastest production diesel in the world at the time and will get better MPG than any of the older pre-85 diesels.

I'd be careful with that 75 300D. The second battery may have been added to cover up a starting problem.

Thanks for the help! I knew the naturally aspirated models weren't going to be any rocketships, but that's even worse than I thought!

I'd much rather have some boost...

Unless either car goes extra cheap, I'm going to keep looking...

One thing to look out for on the newer MB diesel models is the 6-cylinder 603 engine, found in the 86-87 300SDL, 87 300D, and the 90-94 350SD/350SDL/S350D. The head on the 603 has the tendency to crack, unless it has been replaced with an updated revision. The 603.970 motor in the 90-94 350SD/350SDL/S350D bends rods, which will eventually lead to low compression and huge oil consumption (and eventually a new engine). But a 603 with a good head is the fastest MB diesel up until the US introduction of the 606 in 1995.

An alternative to the 603 is the 5-cylinder 602, found in the 90-93 300D 2.5T, the 86-89 190D 2.5, and the 87 190D 2.5T. The 602 does not have the head or rod bending problems the 603 has, and is a very reliable (and fast with the turbo) engine. I have a 300D 2.5T, and it's pretty quick for an MB diesel (0-60 in about 12 sec). Great fuel mileage too, expect low to mid 30's.

To my knowledge, the 606 does not have any of the problems the 603 does. The N/A 606 engines get a few more horsepower than the turboed 602. The 1995 E300 has the N/A 606, as do the 96-97 E300 (in the W210 chassis) The turboed 606 engines in the 98-99 E300 are really fast. But they're really expensive compared to everything else.

If you want to go with a W123, you're probably better off with a 300D turbo, since you said you want the power of a turbo. They're not too shabby in the power department either; they're only slightly slower than the 300D 2.5T, but the fuel mileage is quite a bit less. Expect mid to high 20's. The 617 engine found in the W123 is a rock solid engine. I've been told they're easy to work on.

The aftermarket chrome fender trim on the yellow car is likely hiding something you'd rather not see. I don't know how you feel about rust but if the car needs steering and suspension work it'll be that much more difficult with a salted underside.

I had to check the option codes of the gray car (http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng) to be sure MB offered gray over blue. MB is known for unorthodox colors but that just isn't right. Or maybe it's how my monitor renders the colors. Either way, those seats are beyond tired. Replacement horsehair pads are available. The pretty dash cover is hiding some nasty cracks, I'll bet.

Don't discount normally aspirated Diesels without trying a couple. It's a lifestyle choice but it might suit you.

Sixto
... stay tuned

Yeah, my dads 78 non-turbo 300D is quick enough in the city. Never drove a 240D but i imagine they are slow dogs compared to the n/a 300D. Only part were the turbo would go good in is on bigger hills. With the n/a 300D youll have to prepare for a hill on the highway. Other then that, the car will keep up with traffic just fine. You can find yourself in the fastlane easily, we have! shoot we were passing up most traffic in that little car!

Just have to get the transmission leak fixed........