I personally like the 87 300D. the OM603 turbo is quite quick. Mileage about 29 on the highway, so you lose a bit from the later 124s. If not this, I would get a car with an OM 602 turbo. I have a 95, and its slow pick up off the line is quite annoying to me. The 700 mile plus range on vacations is nice though.

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1959 Gravely LI, 1963 Gravely L8, 1973 Gravely C12
1982 380SL
1978 450 SEL 6.9 euro restoration at 63% and climbing
1987 300 D
2005 CDI European Delivery
2006 CDI Handed down to daughter
2007 GL CDI. Wifes