I love these cars - will the passion fade? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

s38junkie · #1 12-03-2009, 04:37 PM

I've owned a lot of cars over the last 10 years, and I just have to say the W124 diesel has to be one of the finest cars I've ever had the pleasure of living with.

Granted, I've only owned the diesel for several months, and I bought it on a complete whim. But I can't imagine another car coming to close the build quality, the comfort, the economy, the understated elegance, and bags of character this car has over everything else in my driveway - past and present. And this, after 23 years and 240K+ miles. In fact, if I had to pick a car to jump in right now and drive cross country, it would be my diesel.

So my question is this: has your love for your diesel dwindled over time and it becomes just like any other car? Do you have thoughts of selling it and moving on? Or is what I'm experiencing going to make me keep this car indefinitely?

By the way, I just filled up after mostly city driving, including in and out of NYC, and the 300D returned 29.1 MPG!

stimpy451 · #2 12-03-2009, 04:44 PM

It fades every time someone rides your ass because you're going too slow.

s38junkie · #3 12-03-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stimpy451

It fades every time someone rides your ass because you're going too slow.

Yes, but it's so much fun too mash the throttle when a latte sipping, save-the-planet Prius or Insight driver insists on putting your dirty derv drinker in its place. I had a guy in a new Insight ride my tail halfway up the helix out of the Lincoln Tunnel until I just got tired of seeing his slack-jawed face burning a hole in my rear view mirror like I was some kind of Nixon-era outcast. So I put the accelerator down through 2 inches of plush floormat and left him in a wake of black, beltching smoke which looked like an oil tanker exploded behind me. I stopped a few miles down the road and planted a tree to make up for my indiscretion

JEBalles · #4 12-03-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s38junkie

Yes, but it's so much fun too mash the throttle when a latte sipping, save-the-planet Prius or Insight driver insists on putting your dirty derv drinker in its place. I had a guy in a new Insight ride my tail halfway up the helix out of the Lincoln Tunnel until I just got tired of seeing his slack-jawed face burning a hole in my rear view mirror like I was some kind of Nixon-era outcast. So I put the accelerator down through 2 inches of plush floormat and left him in a wake of black, beltching smoke which looked like an oil tanker exploded behind me. I stopped a few miles down the road and planted a tree to make up for my indiscretion

I'll drink to that! Unfortunately, my 240 doesn't belch too much, but that sd sure does. Can't wait to put that in. The '87 is fast enough to keep up with anything. Going too slow is only a problem with the 240 and below.

Hatterasguy · #5 12-03-2009, 05:42 PM

Mine got sold of a newer gas truck.

Chad300tdt · #6 12-03-2009, 05:45 PM

I've owned many cars over the years and once I owned a MB diesel, I was hooked. I have 2 now and am looking for my third. I'll keep all of them 'til the end.

Welcome to your new obsession.

moon161 · #7 12-03-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEBalles

I'll drink to that! Unfortunately, my 240 doesn't belch too much, but that sd sure does. Can't wait to put that in. The '87 is fast enough to keep up with anything. Going too slow is only a problem with the 240 and below.

Downshift and floor it. Since it's naturally aspirated, it doesn't get enough air when wound out, and smokes like the batmobile. Ironic since a 61x or 60x diesel car will have a comparable life cycle carbon footprint to a prius, and the smug footprint is definatelly smaller, unless WVO is involved in which case it is potentially larger. The 190D has comparable mileage w/o the battery pack. I expect you're looking a twice the service life of a prius with a 70's through 80's benz.

NoSparkNeeded · #8 12-03-2009, 06:03 PM

I've owned a pile of cars in my life. Several I just HAD to have. The passion was overwhelming. You think "damn I'm gonna love this thing forever". Nope. Nothing lasts forever. I love my TD, but do I still have
the boundless fixerup energy I had the first week of purchase, no.
Do I recognize it is one of the more worthy vehicles to commit to for a
long time, yes. I suspect I'll have it until I die, barring any accident like
Staggerlee's Stella. Will you still have the "buzz" to change your oil after
a few years, naw, but you'll do it just because you know, if you do, this car will be running very many years after your neighbor's annoying Prius
is in the boneyard

71inka02 · #9 12-15-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s38junkie

Yes, but it's so much fun too mash the throttle when a latte sipping, save-the-planet Prius or Insight driver insists on putting your dirty derv drinker in its place. I had a guy in a new Insight ride my tail halfway up the helix out of the Lincoln Tunnel until I just got tired of seeing his slack-jawed face burning a hole in my rear view mirror like I was some kind of Nixon-era outcast. So I put the accelerator down through 2 inches of plush floormat and left him in a wake of black, beltching smoke which looked like an oil tanker exploded behind me. I stopped a few miles down the road and planted a tree to make up for my indiscretion

Amen brother --- it's so cool to know that I'm not the only one that enjoys an occasional blast of smoke and soot in the face of a tailgater or just someone who looks like they deserve it!

I was behind a brand new (temporary paper tag) E class CDI the other day -- he took off fairly strong from a light, and that thing blew basically nothing.....WELL - that's not ok! I managed to work my way around him, and then it was my turn at a light ---- I hit the 617, the turbo was hitting full spool and black smoke was rolling! A moment to cherish and someday share with my grandchildren...

PS....Also love to do it when my kids are following - They call it the "James Bond" smoke screen.

Actually sad what turns us on as we get older...

Oldwolf · #10 12-15-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71inka02

Amen brother --- it's so cool to know that I'm not the only one that enjoys an occasional blast of smoke and soot in the face of a tailgater or just someone who looks like they deserve it!

I was behind a brand new (temporary paper tag) E class CDI the other day -- he took off fairly strong from a light, and that thing blew basically nothing.....WELL - that's not ok! I managed to work my way around him, and then it was my turn at a light ---- I hit the 617, the turbo was hitting full spool and black smoke was rolling! A moment to cherish and someday share with my grandchildren...

PS....Also love to do it when my kids are following - They call it the "James Bond" smoke screen.

Actually sad what turns us on as we get older...

Ha! I am really temped to do that to bicyclers that hog the middle of the lane and not letting a stream of cars pass. Seems like that happens a lot where I drive. Never have done it though...but I should!

JEBalles · #11 12-15-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

Ha! I am really temped to do that to bicyclers that hog the middle of the lane and not letting a stream of cars pass. Seems like that happens a lot where I drive. Never have done it though...but I should!

Well, as a bicyclist, I feel I should stick up for my comrades. Before you let your smokescreen go, look at the side of the road. If there's ****ty road or sand or ice or something, don't force 'em in there. If they're just in the middle of the road, or not riding single file, be a huge dick. I know I do. They deserve it.

winmutt · #12 12-03-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stimpy451

It fades every time someone rides your ass because you're going too slow.

I've never had this problem that you describe.

Phil · #13 12-03-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s38junkie

So my question is this: has your love for your diesel dwindled over time and it becomes just like any other car? Do you have thoughts of selling it and moving on? Or is what I'm experiencing going to make me keep this car indefinitely?

Nope not yet and to add to your other comments these cars are amazing in that they were built with the idea that some one some day would have to work on them unlike almost every other car I have ever had.

300SD81 · #14 12-03-2009, 05:52 PM

Its on and off, love it when I have time to work on it and take good care of it... fades when I'm too busy with other stuff and I only drive it to class...

johnathan1 · #15 12-03-2009, 06:01 PM

I'm gonna quote that for my sig, if you don't mind.