What to buy????

[under pressure]

I am new here and looking for some help. I apologize for my ignorance regarding these cars. I have been a mechanic for years but have never worked on Mercedes and very few diesels in general. I am looking for a diesel Mercedes for my wife. Her commute is about 100 miles a day. I am currently looking at a 1995 E300D and a 1985 300SD are either of these a good choice? They both have about 260,000 miles. There seems to be a tremendous amount of knowledge here. What do you guys recommend? Thank You

[holthoff]

I'd buy whichever one is in better condition. That said, the highway fuel mileage on the E300D should be quite a bit better than the 300SD -- probably about 34 MPG vs. about 25 MPG. With fuel prices what they are, that could add up over time.

[sixto]

Newer cars have more safety features. For those two in particular, the 95 will have two front airbags, ABS and possibly traction control. The 85 will have ABS. Driver airbag is a rare option.

Sixto
87 300D

[sixto]

Also, 85 is the midpoint of the W126 chassis development. That body style went through 91 although 85 was the last year of the iron head Diesel. A 6 cylinder aluminum head Diesel was available in that body style in 86-87 and 90-91. Driver airbag was standard from 86, passenger airbag optional from 90.

Conversely, 95 is the last year of the W124 chassis development. It doesn't get better than a 95.

Sixto
87 300D

[Hatterasguy]

I' get the E300D. Much newer, fully sorted last year of the W124, and much better fuel mileage.