Took my first drive
 

I drove my first MB diesel this past Tuesday :)

It was an '84 blue-on-blue 300D automatic. In all actuality, I was expecting to be turned off by the "lack of power", but I was truly surprised. It almost seems as if these cars were tailor-made to fit my driving style (coasting whenever possible, planning ahead, timing stoplights, using momentum, etc.)

I could accelerate just as fast in the 300D as I normally do DD'ing my '04 Silverado, which was a big plus. The ride quality was much better than I'd expected, too. I was thinking I'd hear lots of road noise, engine noise, creaking, etc, but I didn't, even with the car having 595,000 miles on the odo :P

My project is a '79 240D 4-speed, and I'm thinking I'll love having the manual shift. I haven't driven an N/A car, and I'm curious as to how much the performance suffers without the extra cylinder/turbo. Hopefully I won't be dissappointed after having already driven an OM617 W123. But, the car will only be used to commute 0.9 miles to work and 3.7 miles to school, so whether I'm driving a Ferrari or the 240, it'll be at 45 MPH the whole way.

Any thoughts?

There a world of difference between a 617 turbo and 616. However, the 240 LOVES 45mph. I find that its the ultimate cruising speed in mine! Good luck with the 240!

Yep , 617 and 616 are worlds apart . Both great for their uses.

There's definately a reason I call my 240D "noddy" :D

ps, doing those multiple short cold running distances will stuff the engine early, unless you resort to a more rigorus maintance schedule. May I suggest you get a bike?? ;)

Bike, hell. Drivers hate bicycles, and they're a hassle to secure. You could walk 0.9 miles in 15 minutes and be all the healthier for it.

I've got nothing to add about the actual topic, all 5 of my benzos were 5 cylinders.


But I cannot let that this go unanswered... Putting aside the fact that your engine will never reach operating temperature...Unless you are disabled or hauling your kids around, driving <1 mile is pathetic. I put close to 10 miles on my bike most days, I feel great, and I don't mind being objectified by women who look @ my a$$.

Walking will get you there just fine
Bicycle will get you there faster(and probably sweaty)
Motorcycle will get you there in style

Yall do realize that people drive otherwise than just to work and back......;)

I guess I'll have to find myself a job that's farther away from home :P

Get one...you'll love it...and who gives a rip how far it is *grin* drive it with style...just make sure you give it a good hot run once and a while to keep it's lungs clean hehe

EDIT: oops...you have one...sorry ;) but anyway, drive it and love it, no matter how far you go.

If a 600k mile W123 impressed you, go drive a Mercedes diesel with 6 cylinders.

Go test drive a CDI and stomp on it, see have fast that truck gets traded in.;):D

The truck is leaving as soon as possible, it was the dumbest idea I've ever had.


It was kinda dumb to say the car will ONLY be used to go to work and school. It will be used for all of my city commuting, I was just pointing out that it won't see any long distance trips on the interstate and whatnot.

I'll have the 240D for the daily commute in town, the '91 Dodge Ram for hauling/towing and such, and I'm considering buying a 300SE off a fellow member to handle the freeway duties to DFW and whatnot with the g/f.

Not a bad start IMO

I've got a lead on an '85 300D from a guy in town who saw my car parked behind my dad's shop and popped in to see who's it was. He told the guy it was mine and he gave my dad his number to give to me. I guess we shall see what this one is all about this weekend. Might have to take it for a spin :)

He said the paint "needs work" so I'm not gonna overpay for it. If he won't sell for a decent price, so what, there are plenty of other MB's out there ripe for the picking. Especially heading into the Winter months.

Don't rush, a good car will come along.

What are the spec's on the truck? I need a V6 base model for work.:D

PM sent

Sounds like a nice truck, but its more truck than I need. I really want the V6 since I don't need to tow anything, and will be putting a lot of around town miles on it. So 15mpg is better than 10.

I'm gonna miss mine. Someone coming to look at it after work today and 2 people want a look tomorrow.. :(