Hey, guys. I've been thinking since my last post, and it seems that the W124 and W210 diesels around here don't cost a whole lot more than the older 123/126 diesels that are in good shape. So, I'm wondering, how reliable are these models, and, how many miles are they good for with proper maintenance?

Thanks, Dave

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Currently Driving:
1986 Mercedes Benz 560SEL
1994 Lincoln Town Car
1994 Cadillac Deville
1985 Lincoln Town Car- Retired

The Official Car of a Realtor- Lincoln Town Car
The Official Car of the Successful Independent Insurance Agent- Mercedes Benz S Class

I'm happy with my '98. It's quiet, solid, drives great. Some things that I'm working on now are a leaking AC system, a few bubbles in the fuel system and collapsed motor mounts. Oh yeah, the glow plugs stick in the head sometimes too...

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

The 606.910, 912 & 962 are as venerable as the 616-617's IMHO; but, I'm probably biased. Many of us already have more miles than lots of the older cars do. Only the W211 diesel owners can argue that they rack up the miles with more creature comforts and safety.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

I've got all three -- 123, 124, 210. The 210 is far more electronic, far harder to figure out what is going on with out a code reader. OTOH, the electronic things tend to be very reliable -- but when they don't, look out, you can't repair them, only replace them. The 606 diesel has a lot of similarities to the 603 and is overall probably just as good -- some would argue better, since the 606 has less sensitivity to cracking its head if overheated. Clearly, any engine is happier if not abused. "Keep the oil clean and watch the coolant temp" was advice given just today by my mechanic to a new owner I introduced.

The 210 is far more modern than the 124 which itself is a leap over the 123. A lot of the decision rests upon your personal desires and always, I recommend that you buy the car that has the best set of service records, so that you know its history, for good or for ill.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970