Best Diesel Wagon: 1985 or 87? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mbpa · #1 02-06-2008, 11:25 PM

We're considering either the 85 or 87 diesel wagon.....any comments pro or con would help in our decision. Thanks.

81kgb · #2 02-06-2008, 11:31 PM

id lean towards 85

mbpa · #3 02-06-2008, 11:34 PM

Thanks...and your reasons?

TylerH860 · #4 02-06-2008, 11:38 PM

It really depends on the condition of either vehicle, I'm partial to the '85 as well, but not a dogged out one. A good 87 will drive alot better and seem more like a modern vehicle, but you can't match the durability of the W123.

We need more info on both cars to really make a good opinion.

JimmyL · #5 02-06-2008, 11:38 PM

Forgive me you folks that have them, but I simply don't like the looks of the W124 wagon. They are a far superior creature to the W123 wagon, I just feel they have a very plain look.
The W123 will be easier to work on and parts are more readily available. The W124 diesel wagon is pretty hard to find also. You also have to make very very sure the W124 wagon never overheats. They will have more power and be more refined on the inside. Less personality though.
Both are good machines.

81kgb · #6 02-06-2008, 11:44 PM

YEA, what they said, 81 thru 85 mb diesels are the best cars on the planet! hands down,the predecessors are good, but they cant touch there earlier counterparts as far as servicing and longevity, and they bring a hellofa lot more money!!!

t walgamuth · #7 02-06-2008, 11:54 PM

I too prefer the durability of the 617 motor.

I find the looks of the later model very good though.

Tom W

Jeremy5848 · #8 02-07-2008, 12:08 AM

As an owner of both a 1985 W123 and a 1987 W124 (both sedans, not wagons), I agree that the 123 is perhaps 10% simpler and easier to work on but the 603 engine in the 124 is more powerful, smoother, and quieter. Except at idle and very low speeds, in the 124 you forget you're in a diesel, whereas you always know it in a 123. (Some prefer the diesel noise and the 5-cylinder vibration, of course.) The 124 also has a more refined suspension system, makes the 123 feel a little like a tractor. My personal opinion is that the 123 feels old and crude after I've been driving the 124 for awhile.

The 123 has a more "classic Mercedes" appearance whereas the 124 looks "modern." It's slippery body shape and low Cd was copied by everyone in the automotive field. The 123 was my first Mercedes and I like it a lot but if I had to choose today, one or the other, I think I'd choose the 124.

Jeremy

Biodiesel300TD · #9 02-07-2008, 12:14 AM

All the MB diesels after the 85 had aluminum heads right. These heads are prone to warping. The 85 and earlier engine aren't prone to due to the cast iron heads. I would agree with most here that the 123's are more durable than the later models. With that said I've never been in or driven a 124 diesel.

Jeremy5848 · #10 02-07-2008, 12:54 AM

I think that the aluminum head overheating problem is overblown. Andrew is certainly correct that the aluminum head in the 603 engine (which powers the 1987 models) is more prone to being damaged if the engine is overheated. That said, (a) the engine itself is no more prone to overheating than any other engine and (b) the 617 (and any engine) can also be damaged by overheating.

The problem seems to be caused by people failing to watch the temp gauge or if they do see that the engine is overheating, think "I'll try to make it home." In the older car with the cast iron head you are more likely to get away with that. Trying that in a 124 with a 603 engine runs a much greater risk of cracking the head or otherwise damaging it. At that point you learn that the 603 is a very expensive engine to repair.

If you pay attention and keep up the maintenance (change the coolant regularly, keep the radiator clean, etc.) the 603 engine is unlikely to overheat.

Going back to the original question ("which car to buy?"), the conservative approach would vote for the older 123 model -- lots of them around, many used/junkyard parts available, more rugged, etc. However, you would be depriving yourself of a really nice car (the 124) if that were your only criterion.

Finally, the choice really has to be made by the condition of the cars from which you have to choose. A car with complete service records that clearly has been taken care of is preferable, regardless of almost any other consideration (with the possible exception, "wife doesn't like the color").

Jeremy

JimFreeh · #11 02-07-2008, 07:13 AM

...go with the W124. IF you can find one.

Unless you really like the vintage look and feel of the W123.

Jim

SwampYankee · #12 02-07-2008, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbpa

We're considering either the 85 or 87 diesel wagon.....any comments pro or con would help in our decision. Thanks.

I've always liked the 123 for their style, simplicity and diesel feel. I've got one of the red-headed step children in that mine is pre-turbo.

That said, I wouldn't mind getting an '87 in addition to my '80.

Everyone has given you the pro's and con's of each. If you don't have a styling or performance preference, pick your budget and go with whichever one you find is a better specimen with service records.

tami · #13 02-07-2008, 09:10 AM

and I think she's slicker than owl *****.
I can't compare to 123, not having any experience.

We bought carefully... the PO had replaced the head and radiator. (of course, now it's up to us to rebuild the suspension.)

Except for a bit of turbo lag to around 1500-2K r's, the car will flat throw your head back, and I find it hard to stay below 80mph on the highway. Very smooth, very quiet, very responsive.

I'm getting 25ish mpg. (I think, the odometre is broken.) I run biodiesel here lately, I'm not seeing a huge difference in mileage or power between Bio-D or Dino-D.

Engine compartment is well organized, and things are easy to reach. Which is a good thing, for several of the injector lines (from pump to head) broke at the ferrules, but that was easy to fix. I don't know if that's a common problem but I expect it would be with any older diesel, in that they vibrate so.

Search this list, for these folks have good knowledge and offer good advice on things to look for in the various models. I drive a little gem because of the advice found here.

babymog · #14 02-07-2008, 10:19 AM

Look at both at them, drive both of them.

They look completely different, drive completely different. Which is more appealing and important to you is all that matters.

The T124 is more expensive to buy, and likely more expensive to maintain, the price you pay for more power and more comfort. It is also better in active safety (the ability to avoid an accident: more power/more brakes/more handling), and in passive safety (the ability to sustain an accident: better engineered crush zones, newer generation airbag and sensor, more passenger-friendly interior, etc.).

The 123 is less expensive to buy, and possibly less expensive to maintain (although older so who knows what it'll bring), if you like the vintage feel and look.

tami · #15 02-07-2008, 10:55 AM

I just refound one of our references:

www.w124performance.com/docs/mb/articles/124.1x3_buying_tips.txt