Tough decision! 87 or 95
 

OK, I am dying to get into a newer Benz. I found an 87 with just over 200,000 miles, head was replaced about 10 years ago, evaporator replaced more recently. Garage kept, paint and interior look great (from pictures), also new glow plugs and relay. The 95 has 238,000 highway miles. Evaporator replaced last year. Interior could use a new armrest on the console. The paint is a little "chalked". Has a small, dime sized rust spot near the window on back door. Maintained by dealer until two years ago. Price is nearly identical for either.

In the pictures, the 87 looks better, but is 8 years older. I want something that I can keep for years to come.

Advice, suggestions? Both are about 300 miles away in opposite directions.

Thanks!

Tough decision. The 87 has a little more power with the turbo and is simpler to work on. The head has been replaced, so that problem is out the window. The 95 has more modern styling, slightly better fuel economy, and more comfort and convenience items. The 606 in the 95 has been known to have glow plugs stick in the head. Both have had the evap replaced, so that's not a concern either. I would lean toward the 95, only because it's 8 years newer. Accessories and electronic items will last longer.

If you have the time, this is a situation where I would probably drive both and see what you like better. Parting with the time and $100 of fuel is better than buying a car that you may find out in the future wasn't the best choice for you.

For a driver, I'd suggest the '95. I like both, but you've got a newer car, if all else is the same, and a few nice features that the '87 doesn't have. If you live or drive frequently at high altitude go with the '87, you can use the turbo.

Either one could be a cherry, either one could be a lemon, and you won't know until you get there, I've done it too many times to expect otherwise.

If you can get records faxed/emailed to you to show that the history is real, that's a good start. Also, I believe that '95 is still in the bad wiring harness era, ask if the engine wiring harness has been replaced.

My vote is the 87, but I'm a bit biased. The turbo 603 pulls very strong at any rpm and speed. It is also from the simpler to work on era if you turn your own wrench. The only thing computer controlled is the idle.

The 606 has such technical gizmos as variable length intake runners and other trickery to get near turbo performance and better fuel economy, but at a cost of not so simple to work on.

You see both on ebay with over 350,000 miles with regularity so the longevity is what one would expect from a benz.

Is the 95 an E300D or a S350D? Is the 87 a 300D or a 300SDL?

-Jim

95 E300D and 87 300D.

Go with the one that's better cared for. How about do a PPI on both and compare results.

The 95 has more safety features like a passenger side airbag and likely ASR, if those things matter to you.

You really should throw a 300D 2.5 in the mix just to make the decision more difficult :)

Sixto
87 300D

An interesting choice. I have an '87 300D and a '96 E300D (same M606 engine as the '95 in the later W210 body). I just had the intake of the 606 all apart to clean it and replace the #2 glow plug. It's not that complicated; given that the '87 has a turbo and lots more vacuum plumbing, I'd say the engines are a wash as regards difficulty of servicing. The 603 is more powerful, the 606 is more economical.

With a slight lean towards the '95 (newer), I'd go with the one that had better records and seemed to have been cared for more.

Let us know which you choose!

Jeremy

I'd go with the 87.. Its slightly easier to work on..and... the W124 was probably the last great Mercedes...

(But of course the W123 was truly the last "indestructible" Mercedes)


Jeremy.. when ever referencing a diesel engine use, for example, OM6xx. Not M6xx

M- denotes a gas burner

OM- Denotes Oel Motor or a Diesel as we know

Go with the 1995. I think the face lifted W124 looks much better than the older ones, plus since 95 was the last year its fully sorted out.

Both are good engines, but the 606 is better than the 603.

Answer:
 

Expect this issue on the 1995.


MB Wiring Harness Failure
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/128181-mb-wiring-harness-failure.html








Have a great day.