How does a w124 compare to a w123? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TheDon · #31 05-17-2012, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

The 603 does sound nice.
How different is a 1995 300d(is that the last year of the w124?) to the 1987? It was mint on the inside but had rust on the body and doors so I passed. My only recent experience in a w124. I've yet to own a w124 but have test driven 3 of them.

The 606 is known for snapping glow plugs off in the head and it will have the biodegradable wiring harness.

The 95 E300D is probably the best diesel you could get,the 97-98 cars are so so. But the 95's do command a premium. I prefer the 603 over the 606 Single cam, turbo,and awesome reliability make it a great engine.

davidlee · #32 05-17-2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver

22 is the latest head unless MB just came out with a new one.

Dont know Y I put 24. both times? You know how when your brain tells your hand to do something but your hand does something else? Well, thats what happened.
22 would be the correct number, you are right.

sixto · #33 05-19-2012, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidlee

If you decide to get a 603 Make sure you get a engine with the #18-24 head,...

The #17 head is more overheating tolerant than the original #14 head.

Sixto
87 300D^2

sixto · #34 05-19-2012, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidlee

I stand corrected... but make sure the trap Ox is gone. Most are but I have seen a couple that still have them. It was a bad Idea putting it before the turbo and Mercedes swapped most of them out for free. they replaced it with a foil wrapped pipe.

... and an oxidation catalyst about where a gasser has a catalytic converter.

Don't forget the 90-93 300D 2.5 turbo which will easily get 30mpg highway.

Sixto
87 300D^2

thatguy · #35 05-19-2012, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

The 603 does sound nice.
How different is a 1995 300d(is that the last year of the w124?) to the 1987? It was mint on the inside but had rust on the body and doors so I passed. My only recent experience in a w124. I've yet to own a w124 but have test driven 3 of them.

If you can find one, grab it. I looked for years in my area for a nice one, finally found a nice one with working AC and good service history. Really even the previous owner had little trouble with my particular car, mostly just fluids and filters until I got my hands on in. Of course I went through and did all the fluids and filters as well, but also some other stuff like ball joints and a front-end rebuild with Lemfoder parts, it was good IMO at over 150k to get that stuff done before racking up miles like I have been lately, and it now drives better than my newer Honda and Toyota--no contest, and one is a 06 with only 30k miles.

You would love a 95 E300, so refined and modern feeling compared to the older machines, a little more complex to work on, but still not bad at all. Everything on this car seems extremely robust and built to last decades, so worry not about the quality of a 95. I love my older w126's more than anything, but nothing compares to how this 95 feels now after the front end work, the steering is ROCK solid, brakes are better than my dad's newer Lexus, and I've managed to squeeze 40mpg highway out of it a few times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

the 95 has a lower geared rear end, and no turbo. the motor is very efficient, but not quite as powerful as the turbo 603. still a very sporty car. just has the typical Diesel non turbo shortcomings. but it'll rev to the moon.

Indeed it will, IIRC its "comfortable" redline is north of 5200rpm. Mine is much more comfortable on the highway at 70+, with plenty of power and smooooth riding comfort at 80...not that I'd ever dream of going that fast.

It's a little gutless stuck at 50-55 or so, especially on a long up hill grade. It definitely is happier over 2500rpm when pulling hills and driving around town, they Germans really did build this particular rig for high speed driving.

benzguy300 · #36 05-19-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

The #17 head is more overheating tolerant than the original #14 head.

Sixto
87 300D^2

I have a crack #17 head I brought it like that I thought it was a good head because it was a #17 and last week I brought a complete engine with a #14 head and it was cheap because the guy over heated it and when we pull it off the head and check it no cracks

sixto · #37 05-19-2012, 02:10 PM

Well, yes, any aluminum head can warp and crack if overheated and any #14 head can go forever if respected. I've heard of junked #18s and #20s too. It's a matter of statistics, not absolutes.

Sixto
87 300D^2