best year for 123 wagon-turbo 81-85

[rosenfe]

whats your suggestions for turbo wagon these years 81-85,i know turbo began in 81-is 79-81 non turbo too much of a slug.stronger trans etc.i want feedback before i start looking for one to buy

[aaa]

85. Higher transmission stall speed (matches the engine's sweet spot for more power), plus higher rear end ratio for lower highway rpm.

Otherwise they're effectively the same.

[sd300td]

Lack of sunroof and split rear seat on the older wagons 79-80, maybe 81 not sure. Other than that there are some differences with the 85, but nothing major. You basically want to find one with FSH, rust free, nicest interior you can find, etc. regardless of year.

[johninva]

85. but personally the ultimate wagon for me would be a euro NA with a stick. I feel like its so much easier to work on the non turbos. and manual climate control would be great. and if in good order I think a NA car can be peppy. but if you must have a turbo the 85 trans and rear are pretty sweet

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Speaking from my own experience, a Euro TD with the rare 5-speed is hard to beat. My NA Euro 5-speed '84 TD also has manual heat-AC and manual windows, plus the third-row seat in the cargo-floor. But if you want a stick AND turbo, you'll have to build your own, as that combination wasn't availible from the factory.
And as always, try to buy the best, least rusty example you can find.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[leathermang]

Originally Posted by johninva

85. but personally the ultimate wagon for me would be a euro NA with a stick. I feel like its so much easier to work on the non turbos. and manual climate control would be great. and if in good order I think a NA car can be peppy. .....

I vote for John's answer.... on cars this old if you ever do have an Auto Trans problem it is really a problem...

So the question is ' did any of the wagons have the manual AC unit ' ?

Edit , Mark posted while I was typing...

So , Mark, YOU have an 84 Wagon 5 speed with manual AC ? ( from the factory)

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Originally Posted by leathermang

I vote for John's answer.... on cars this old if you ever do have an Auto Trans problem it is really a problem...

So the question is ' did any of the wagons have the manual AC unit ' ?

Yes, in Europe.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[babyjames]

MUCH less complicated vacuum system, fewer electronics. Put your own 2.88 in there.

'79 and '84 are, from personal experience, my two favorite years. I've owned an '82 and a couple '80's (and the '79 and a couple '84's).

1980 brought the vac modulator for the transmission. Without the bowden cable (added in '81). It is tough to get these to shift how AND when you want them to.

'81 still has ACCI. Bad news.

If you have to buy an '85, try to find one w/o Cali emissions.

Buena suerte!

Jay.

[JimmyL]

Look, way too much over thinking around here lately. The best wagon is the one you find in the best shape for the $$$$.
The differences in the turbo models, 81-85 aren't significant enough to worry about. Sure, and '85 has more vac lines but so what? It isn't complicated first off, and it doesn't make any kind of noticeable difference unless something leaks. Not hard to find if it does.
Find the cleanest example you can that is in the price range you are looking for. Then just enjoy it....... {between repairs that is.}

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Originally Posted by leathermang

I vote for John's answer.... on cars this old if you ever do have an Auto Trans problem it is really a problem...

So the question is ' did any of the wagons have the manual AC unit ' ?

Edit , Mark posted while I was typing...

So , Mark, YOU have an 84 Wagon 5 speed with manual AC ? ( from the factory)

Yes, and with manual windows. No cruise control.
Also has the split 60/40 rear seat with three headrests and a second rearveiw mirror mounted above the center mirror.
Without the turbo or automatic, the underhood clutter and plumbing is minimal.
Car has US bumpers and headlights, but I found a complete set of Euro bumpers to start putting it back to original someday.
Performance is better than any non-turbo automatic 300D/TD I've tested, but probably a bit short of most turbo versions. But since my first diesel was an automatic 240D, my TD certainly feels more than adequate.
And I really appreciate my car's simplicity. Something that was denied to most North American purchasers of this model.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[JimmyL]

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

Yes, and with manual windows. No cruise control.
Also has the split 60/40 rear seat with three headrests and a second rearveiw mirror mounted above the center mirror.
Without the turbo or automatic, the underhood clutter and plumbing is minimal.
Car has US bumpers and headlights, but I found a complete set of Euro bumpers to start putting it back to original someday.
Performance is better than any non-turbo automatic 300D/TD I've tested, but probably a bit short of most turbo versions. But since my first diesel was an automatic 240D, my TD certainly feels more than adequate.
And I really appreciate my car's simplicity. Something that was denied to most North American purchasers of this model.

Happy Motoring, Mark

It does sound like a nicely "optioned" version of our W123 wagons. Being a Euro you just have to make sure that they don't rust right out from under you. The rust proofing difference was significant.......

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Originally Posted by JimmyL

It does sound like a nicely "optioned" version of our W123 wagons. Being a Euro you just have to make sure that they don't rust right out from under you. The rust proofing difference was significant.......

Maybe, but considering all the rusty US-market W123s I've seen & owned, I can't tell the difference!
My Euro TD wasn't nearly as rusty as my first two 240Ds.
These days, I try to avoid driving any of my diesels in the rain, and never drive them when there's snow, ice & salt on the roads.

[Rashakor]

Mine is NA but automatic. it had manual AC !

I would vote on US models for an 84 instead of 85. 85's have specific vaccum parts and some funny piping for the emission control. Anyways if the OP is looking for a wagon i don't think he can get too picky about what he finds. It took me more than 2 years to come across an acceptable wagon (running, AC, SLS, no rust should actually be your priorities).