I have to throw this out to the forum: over the past two years I have had an 84 TD Wagon and 85 TD Wagon an 85 SD and a 79 SD. For performance, none of them come remotely close to the 79. There is none of the smog controls, the throttle linkage is much simpler on the 79. I don't know all the answers. The 85 SD is a mugh nicer driving and riding automobile. But something about the chrome trimmed baby and her gusto for the road makes her my favorite. Can anyone verify this experience of the 79 SD being so much quicker and faster than the later models?

My 116 SD really moves also. My neighbor has one as well and he actually got the tires to chirp when the transmission shifted from 1 to 2. I couldn't believe it. I gather that it is all the emissions stuff that bogs these engines. I wish there was a way to get my TD to accelerate like my SD. How do you "disconnect" the EGR valve?

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Wow, that is interesting! The later turbodiesel engine (in the 123 for example) is supposed to produce more power, as far as I know. Perhaps it is the 116's tranny and/or diff gearing that makes the difference. Does anyone know if the turbocharger vendor was changed at the intro of the 123 turbodiesel? There must be some sort of explanation, because the EGR system is supposed to shut down at wide-open-throttle.

-Joe

I believe that the EGR in the 123 and 126 will deposit soot in the intake manifold. Over time the soot builds up and I would imagine it greatly comprimises performance.

Would the tranny and/or diff. gearing be different in the 79's?

Gearing different in the 116 SD's from the 126 SD's?