yeah, that was overstating it, i think. i have owned both and would rate them similarly; they are also purposed differently, as you noted. the only thing that relly bothered me about the fj8o was the 11 mpg-i get 15-18 in my 8cyl range rover

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0o==o0

James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

I have not found wagon parts to be very expensive. The Toyota dealer wanted $300 for the power steering hose for my 80 Series. The only thing I've done to the SLS is replace the accumulators and those cost less than $150 total if my recollection is correct.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I've gotten 17mpg on the highway with the 80.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

By the way, we just saw 'Adore'. There's a nice TD in that film. It's as much of a an old clunker as Naomi Watts and Robin Wright.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Sure Nuff....

I have a customer that bought a '83 300D with a quick and dirty R134a and who knows what else conversion.

A week after she bought it, all the gas leaked out. The look on her face when I told her that someone had pumped it full of sealant and R134a using only a low side fitting and that it would cost more than the car was worth to fix the ac was heartbreaking.

At least I had a good used vacuum pump that I gave her for free and only charged her .50 hrs labor to install it so that she wouldn't run into someone in traffic. That's what it rolled in for, actually she almost ran me over in the parking lot when she tried to stop.

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"I was a dirty bird, Carol's not grungey - she's *****in" John Milner....American Graffiti

I forgot, I also replaced the high pressure hose on the SLS. Cost about $30.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The accumulators are regular maintenance, along with fluid and filter changes.

The rest of sls system should last almost forever IF it is treated well. The problem is when you buy a wagon from Joe Dirt owner/curb stoner. People will use ATF in the system, they sure aren't going to buy the real stuff. WVO users are the worst sinners.

I get 15mpg with the 80, I sure don't mind because it makes the 18mpg W163 we bought new look the real pos it was.

We ended up selling the ML320 we bought new because even though it had Mobil 1 in it from its first oiled change the blowby was getting ridiculous. It only had 63k miles, and the oil would turn black by the time it got changed at 5k intervals.

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"I was a dirty bird, Carol's not grungey - she's *****in" John Milner....American Graffiti

Try toyota parts barn, or Village Toyota on the Internet. Have bought from both and they offer a decent discount of true list price. My local dealer charges 10 to 30 percent over list price.

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"I was a dirty bird, Carol's not grungey - she's *****in" John Milner....American Graffiti

Maybe so, but all of Johns cars are in the Kit form.

One piece at a time.


Johnny Cash One Piece At A Time - YouTube

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Used 'Benz parts can be had for relatively good prices if you know where to go... besides, you don't need to replace umteenth spark plugs/coils/ignition wires/ etc.

__________________
"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes

1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod

2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."

no wonder you're pissed. my comment you quoted was completely facetious, btw. my last name isn't daimler, mercedes or benz, so feel free to disparage away; we could all regale one another with story after story about pos cars and botched repairs. i think you just overcooked it a little bit damning the range of w123 wagond

__________________
0o==o0

James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

1morebike, Welcome to the Forum, and the "Grumpy Old men".


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to look at this one today 1981 300TD OBO Need to sell this weekend! not really going to buy it but its just down the street so it doesn't hurt to look.

I really do like my 80 but think when I bought I had big visions of what I was going to do with it. I just don't need all that and the other day I took it on 200 mile round trip and it got 14 mpg. I'm just looking for something that has good web support and will last for awhile, and be something I don't mind working on. Maybe its a 300td maybe its not

Figure might as well add my opinion... Owned since December, and been enjoying it greatly. Currently down because of MY stupidity and miss her greatly. There is something unique to the way a Mercedes classic diesel behaves.

I brought one that was owned by a certified Mercedes mechanic for 10 years, 100,000 miles. To boot, a friend of mine, so know he helped and trust him. Plus, plenty of references of the quality of his work.

I don't know why folks are only getting 23 M.P.G., as I get 27M.P.G. regularly and have hit 36M.P.G. a handful of times. Yes, diesel is more expensive, but engines last much longer.

As for S.L.S., about $2,000 for the whole system, then you are done for years if treated right. My rear damper started to leak when the jack dropped too fast... These wagons in good shape fetch at least $7,000. So, figure if you get a inexpensive club special, putting $4,000 into it is still a good deal, as still below market value.

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Current fleet:

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280TE - Waiting for heart surgery.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TDT - Rear ended 23 September 2016 and now looking for a new home.

1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD - Parted out.

1964 Volkswgen Beetle - Vater's since September 1968 and undergoing a restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - in need of full restoration.

1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic with F.I. - Vacationing with her caretaker until he is in better health.

You'll notice there is a group called "Grumpy old diesel owners club" .

__________________
"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes

1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod

2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."