Chime in -Which Diesel? 78 300CD or 91 300D 2.5 turbo? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Austin85 · #1 08-12-2013, 07:36 PM

OK. I have 2 choices I am looking at now. I am more familiar with the CD than the 2.5 D .. any preferences or why please give your input...I have not seen either one yet - but talked w/ both owners

1) 78 300CD - Really Nice body - interior good - supposedly runs shifts brakes steers good- possible accurate 141,xx miles on OD Body looks it. Owner knows little to nothing about these cars.. only has it 6 months . White
pic below

2) 1991 300D turbo diesel - 1 owner family - 140,000 miles - black / beige
Ext had 2 small fender hits front and back - body good - interior excellent - AC works "the way it should" fine. Mechanically Cruise may be unhooked via linkage after transmission was replaced 2 years ago.. pass window needs motor. no pics yet but we all know what these look like...

Please advise input & preferences . I probably look at the 300D tomorrow or Weds & the CD is a hike for me but could get there Friday - Sat...

Thanks,

Austin

....

ROLLGUY · #2 08-12-2013, 07:47 PM

As much as I like the coupes, I have driven a 124 2.5 Turbo quite a bit (bro has one), and they are great cars. My vote would be for the 124 if the price was similar. However, knowing myself, I would try to get both cars!

Edit: Personally, I really like white cars. After reading your post again, the 124 is black. That might sway me toward the coupe just a little, because black cars are so much harder to keep clean, and they attract heat in the summer. Either way, it is your choice, so make it easy- get both....Rich

Phillytwotank · #3 08-12-2013, 08:01 PM

I have loved my CD for almost 10 years now and still do! It's a great daily driver for me and I will probably keep it forever.

I am looking at w124 diesels. I feel like i could really like a more "modern" MB. I think what I really boils down to is... Faster, quieter, better MPGs and probably more comfortable.

Austin85 · #4 08-12-2013, 08:31 PM

HAHa . Ok since I agree with you both on every point, I need more replies....
...

Similar in price - the CD is about $500 cheaper - I really like the white CD coupe , but the interior is older and looks it by a tear on the driver boulster & slight 2" rip on the cushion. rest of seats look good. Dash is OK , but has a small leather tear or two under the speedo, 1 above the steering column, other corner below the glow light signal area...The CD may have AC issues - not known but it has not been used in a few years much - and is anywhere from just needs a charge to complete overhaul.

I had a black 300E 93 and I think the quieter ; better mpg; more comfortable, more pick up too,... 300D is better but - flip side is the CD (* with cold AC ) is much cooler car and once I get up to 35 mph or on the highway the both are still Benzes..

....................

ROLLGUY · #5 08-12-2013, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Austin85

Similar in price - the CD is about $500 cheaper - I really like the white CD coupe.....The CD may have AC issues - not known but it has not been used in a few years much - and is anywhere from just needs a charge to complete overhaul.
.............

The cost to update (correctly) the A/C in the CD will be more than the difference in price of the 2 cars. Yes the CD's are "cool" (even without working A/C), but the 124 is looking better the more "we" think about it. Also, consider that the coupe has the "evil servo", and can be costly to make the climate control system work correctly. If it was an'81 or newer, we would not be having this conversation about the CC.

ROLLGUY · #6 08-12-2013, 09:11 PM

Also, if you get the CD, those wheels just have to go! They look hideous on that car!

cooljjay · #7 08-12-2013, 10:34 PM

^^^^^ plus one on the wheels....yuck....

Depends on if you want a class or a more modern car....person I am greedy, I would want both....they will both have headaches, its a given with any Mercedes....I suppose you will need to flip a coin? Remember the CD is going to be 77hp and slowwww up any grade...

Austin85 · #8 08-12-2013, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

The cost to update (correctly) the A/C in the CD will be more than the difference in price of the 2 cars. Yes the CD's are "cool" (even without working A/C), but the 124 is looking better the more "we" think about it. Also, consider that the coupe has the "evil servo", and can be costly to make the climate control system work correctly. If it was an'81 or newer, we would not be having this conversation about the CC.

OK . This is the stuff I am looking for that I do not know about yet. What is the story of "The Evil Servo"? I know the AC could the big "behind the dash" work, but I am still now thinking 300D's will come & go for a few more years still, but if this white Coupe has a body as good as the pictures and the drivers seat can be taken in to a good upholstery shop the zebrano wood can be fixed or replaced, that the AC job even if it's $1,700. repair it may be worth the wait...

..

Austin85 · #9 08-12-2013, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooljjay

^^^^^ plus one on the wheels....yuck....

Depends on if you want a class or a more modern car....person I am greedy, I would want both....they will both have headaches, its a given with any Mercedes....I suppose you will need to flip a coin? Remember the CD is going to be 77hp and slowwww up any grade...

I think I can find a set of bundts somewhere around here

..As far as the slow rollin' I just got out of an 83 automatic 240D so I am not thrilled about the non turbo either but it is more than 10 hp stronger and 0-60 in 19.7 seconds which is almost half time of that 240D !!

....

Austin85 · #10 08-12-2013, 10:56 PM

I am going to have to find the time to inspect & drive the D turbo either tomorrow or Wednesday. This car is a little over an hour drive from here. If I am not "sold" on the spot after inspecting and driving , the coupe is about 6 hours away and will take the trip by the weekend.

I know what to expect with the coupe, so the distance may decide for me..

What is the evil servo deal & are there any other "evils" to know about with the 91 300D turbo ??

....

Phillytwotank · #11 08-12-2013, 11:24 PM

Evil servo is well documented if you search that term. Let's say it's crapped... Best case senario, your looking at a $500 repair minimum.

I went for the "electronic upgrade" option in mine and it's been %100 functional and trouble free for years.

eatont9999 · #12 08-12-2013, 11:37 PM

Mechanically, the CD will be easier to work on. The climate control servo is a PITA to deal with but until you know that it is a problem, you can't assume it is. I would go with the CD if I were to choose between the two.

Austin85 · #13 08-12-2013, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phillytwotank

Evil servo is well documented if you search that term. Let's say it's crapped... Best case senario, your looking at a $500 repair minimum.

I went for the "electronic upgrade" option in mine and it's been %100 functional and trouble free for years.

Searched Evil servo & this is the only thread that came up. So now I need to search for for the "electronic upgrade" option.

...

vstech · #14 08-13-2013, 12:10 AM

the servo is a chrysler climate control gadget that controls the heat, and a/c and it's fragile and problematic. I have a good one for sale if you go that route and it's needed.
those wheels belong on the 124... so they must have spacers on them to fit... not good.
there are plenty of other problems with the coupe. the HEAVY york a/c, the vacuum controlled seats, the trim that's ONLY available from other coupes, the rear window regulator that is ALWAYS broken...

the 2.5T has timing chain needs, and delivery valve leaks, and turbo rebuild needs, along with other engine and transmission possibilities in a 23year old vehicle...
I'd vote the 2.5T personally, but as said, if it was an 82+ it's a slam dunk for the coupe...

cooljjay · #15 08-13-2013, 12:34 AM

The evil servo unit isn't all that bad......if it has the newer style aluminium bodied servo your already half way there....there's a lot of things in the system that can go bad....the usual is the servo, the computer, aux water pump and the sensor tube....it can be pricey to get working...then the upgrade kit is also expensive plus it doesn't operate the fresh air flap....you will also need to upgrade the CD to the fast glow plug system....depending on the seats, new pad and skins can be sourced at pick n pulls....would have to see the interior...its possible it doesn't have the original upholstery..

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode