Should I buy a W123 300D or a W124 300D? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 11-07-2007, 01:50 PM

Should I buy a W123 300D or a W124 300D? I have found two different Mercedes 300D's for sale, one a 1984 and one a 1987.

I was told different thing about the two vehicles and now I am confused. Is it true the 87 300D has bad engine design and is an upkeep nightmare? Man what a beautiful car. The 84 looks like a Studebaker in comparison..

BobK · #2 11-07-2007, 02:14 PM

Both cars have their plus and minuses. 124 is a much newer design. Both rust in certain places. 124s seem to rust really bad at jack points and front upper spring perches. 123s rust floors and some fender areas. 617 engine in a 123 is stout. 603 engine is smooth and powerful but can have problems with head cracking if overheated on earlier #14 heads. Both of my 603s have over 250k miles with no engine trouble. My 617 had almost 400k when i got rid of the car. I'd say, get the car with the least rust and best maintenance records.

greasybenz · #3 11-07-2007, 02:28 PM

I thought it was the W210's that had the spring perch problem not W124's. And i also thought it was W201's that had the rusty jack holes? Neither the spring perches or the jack holes on my W124 are rusty but i could be wrong.

As for which 300D? well it depends on what your looking for. The W124 is more refined and has a muchhhh better suspension then the wobbly dinosaur suspension in the W123. The W124 has the #14 head issue which just means youll have to keep an eye out on the temp gauge a bit more often.

Both are easy to work on, all personal opinion but i find the 603 to be much easier to work on then the 617. Power on the 603 is its strong point but the 617 turbo has good passing power as well. No valve adjustments on the 603.

BobK · #4 11-07-2007, 03:45 PM

My old '87 300E had terrible rust at the top of the left spring perch. Dirt just sits up there and holds water. My '87 300D has three out of four jack points rusted terribly. If that car gets a flat, daughter will call me and I'll bring the floor jack.

Wodnek · #5 11-07-2007, 04:52 PM

I see many 124 sedans in Wisconsin that are still rust free. I have both. The 123 has a classic look, the 124 a modern look. The 123 handles and brakes better than most cars 10 to 15 years newer. The 124 out handles and out brakes a 123 and has abs. The 123 has a little wore width and can be a bit more comfortable for the overweight driver. Some jobs are easier on the 123, such as glow plugs. Some jobs are easier on the 124, oil changes that you dont even need to raise the car, but glow plugs that you have to remove the intake or be a contortionist. On the 124 you need to watch the cooling system and maintain it perfectly. At the red light and on the highway the 603 will beat the 617. The 603 really can get 30 mpg on the highway at 75 mph, the 617 25 mpg.

They are both awesome cars.

Dana B. · #6 11-07-2007, 05:07 PM

The w124 six-cylinder 603 was only produced one year, in '87, but gets a lot more attention on this board.

The 300D 2.5T five-banger 602 built from '90-'93 doesn't have problem heads and gets much better mpgs. Same hp as the w123 300D. My last fillup, at slow highway cruising, netted 38.45 mpg. In stop-and-go Los Angeles, I get around 31.

babymog · #7 11-07-2007, 08:35 PM

Agreed, the '87 much much more of a modern car, the '84 much more classic looking.

Sure is a grin stepping on the loud-pedal in an '87 and hitting 100 before the end of the entrance ramp, ... and no smoke.

Wodnek · #8 11-07-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Sure is a grin stepping on the loud-pedal in an '87 and hitting 100 before the end of the entrance ramp, ... and no smoke.

I wouldnt know

Or would I?

pdrayton · #9 11-08-2007, 07:50 AM

Get both. I did, and I like them both....

I'd probably get the W124 for the speed and fun factor. Depends what you want though. I drive a 83 240D to work because I drive for work, and with the 240D I don't worry about it getting messed up. I might worry if I was driving the 92 300D...