Older Diesel for Commuter Car?

[GradyService]

Hello, everyone. I haven't had time to post in quite a while, but I've made some adjustments to my automotive "fleet" since my last post. I sold my 94 Cadillac and my 94 Lincoln, and have a deposit on my 86 560SEL. Anyway, I went out and bought a 1999 Buick Park Avenue and a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro, but I still want another MB.

I've been thinking about going diesel, even though in my neck of the woods, diesel fuel is running 4.69/gal. I'm figuring that the additional MPG will compensate for the price differential between Premium Unleaded and Diesel. Anyway, I'm considering either a 114 chassis 240D, a 123 240D or 300D, or possibly a 126 300SD. I'll probably be using it for a daily driver/commuter, and it will average 250 miles per week.

What kind of reliability should I expect out of these models? What are the trouble areas? And, is the AC one of the trouble spots?

Dave

[zeke]

Originally Posted by GradyService

I'm figuring that the additional MPG will compensate for the price differential between Premium Unleaded and Diesel.

I think it ends up being about a wash, actually.

Originally Posted by GradyService

What kind of reliability should I expect out of these models? What are the trouble areas? And, is the AC one of the trouble spots?

1. I think they are pretty reliable for their age.....few other cars from the 1980's that you see driving around as daily drivers
2. rust
3. YES. R12 is expensive and the 134a conversion doesn't cut mustard above 90degrees.


I love mine and I am sure many on the board will already have said about the same thing by the time I sit the submit button

[pawoSD]

Do some searching around on the forum.....for that information.

You've already owned (own) a W126 560SEL.....think of a 300SD as being similar except mechanically simpler and less expensive to maintain....and gets about 2x the mileage.

[LUVMBDiesels]

I like commuting in the 300SDL a lot more than commuting in the 300SD. I get antilock brakes (a MUST in Maryland), SRS, and 4~6 mpg better mileage than I got in the '81
My commute is 11 miles one way two days a week and 60 miles one way the other three so I like to be comfortable

Look for a nice SDL you won't regret it.

[bustedbenz]

Originally Posted by GradyService

Hello, everyone. I haven't had time to post in quite a while, but I've made some adjustments to my automotive "fleet" since my last post. I sold my 94 Cadillac and my 94 Lincoln, and have a deposit on my 86 560SEL. Anyway, I went out and bought a 1999 Buick Park Avenue and a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro, but I still want another MB.

I've been thinking about going diesel, even though in my neck of the woods, diesel fuel is running 4.69/gal. I'm figuring that the additional MPG will compensate for the price differential between Premium Unleaded and Diesel. Anyway, I'm considering either a 114 chassis 240D, a 123 240D or 300D, or possibly a 126 300SD. I'll probably be using it for a daily driver/commuter, and it will average 250 miles per week.

What kind of reliability should I expect out of these models? What are the trouble areas? And, is the AC one of the trouble spots?

Dave

I'm driving almost the same distance a week in a 300SDL and enjoying every minute of it. The price difference in fuel DOES make it slightly more expensive than a comparable V8... but that price is returned in engine longevity (and thus, longer before you have to replace the car).

[nomorehurry]

I have an 82 300D turbo. Gasoline is 3.79 here so it cost about 0.24 per mile for my 2003 ford 150 (5.4 engine). Diesel is 4.57 but the per mile cost is about 0.20, but that does not count feeding and upkeep. Yes, I am having trouble with my AC, it has been converted and seems to work OK when it works. Not working is my current problem, but I am working on it. Hunh??

Anyway, figuring upkeep, insurance, oil changes, and all the other junk, I think the MB is a little bit cheaper to drive.

[jkoebel]

My 240D is for sale, if you're interested :p

I love the thing but am upgrading even after all the work I've put into it, to something that's just outright more versatile. a Honda Element.

[Scott98]

If you are looking for better MPGs just realize that the ones you are talking about get usually at most 30mpg. All of them are pretty reliable though I would lean towards the 123 or 126.

Scott