Better purchase-- 84 300sd Vs. 05 e320cdi - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

oldsinner111 · #16 05-26-2020, 11:18 AM

loved my w126 in snow,a snowmobile

wallbenz · #17 05-26-2020, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay

It doesn't make sense to compare 2 cars 21 years apart. The 2005 CDI is years ahead, literally, in every aspects. However, the CDI is way too complicated for my liking. The car I really prefer is the W124 1987 300D, very contemporary looking and easy to maintain. But I like all my cars, period.

Well- that's another thought...

E300 diesel w124 body.
How come every time I see one for sale those drivers seats look to be in GREAT shape... both cosmetically and Springs?

Is that seat made that much differently versus early 80' 300sd?
MOST of those seat (springs/sag included--look like trash)

why is that? Is that w124 as smooth riding as SD or 05/e320cdi?

chronometers · #18 05-26-2020, 02:44 PM

I think MB stoped using Horse Hair stuffing with the W124. Horse Hair breaks down over time....hence the sagging.

awsrock · #19 05-27-2020, 05:27 PM

How about a nice 87 SDL that is modified for less than half that price?

I am selling mine soon.

I can't say when because I bought an 05 CDI and am waiting on the secretary of state to process my plates

awsrock · #20 05-27-2020, 05:36 PM

I certainly wouldn't call a w126 a snow mobile but on the flip side I have never had an issue with traction in rain or even light snow. Make sure you have tires that have good ratings in wet and snow and you'll be fine. "Good tires" doesn't always equate to big brand or high $$ either.

pawoSD · #21 05-28-2020, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

Forget the snow (it never snows here), but just fog on a cool morning is enough to make my 350SD just about undriveable with its tail-happiness. Everything is fine until that turbo spools, I don't care how carefully you drive it, in wet conditions there's always going to be a "hip wiggle" when making a right turn and merging onto a main road. I'm no fan of "traction control" or "AWD" but that car needs something!

Part of that is how firmly the transmission shifts, and the other side of it is the smaller tires than modern cars have, and what quality/type of tires. My 300SD was horrible in the rain until I got better tires (Michelin) then it was MUCH better behaved, it was acceptable in the snow with a full set of snow tires, but if the going got bad with deep snow or icy slush/hill etc you'd be out of commission fast.

Meanwhile my GLK can plod along through a foot of snow effortlessly. I tried to get it stuck last winter with a few experiments and it always managed its way out.

WDBCB20 · #22 05-29-2020, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I miss my 300SD but those are even older and there's always something annoying wrong with the rest of the car.....rust, water leaks, suspension, steering, vacuum system, AC, climate control, worn interior........etc. Plus there's the whole winter/rust/snow capability issue again.

Yes, the youngest of those would be 35 years old and with the exception of rust (the definitive deal breaker and yes w126 not the ideal rust belt DD) redoing all the items you list would be $2000 in parts tops after which you'd be good for another 35 years or as long as your engine/trans hold up.

pawoSD · #23 05-29-2020, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WDBCB20

Yes, the youngest of those would be 35 years old and with the exception of rust (the definitive deal breaker and yes w126 not the ideal rust belt DD) redoing all the items you list would be $2000 in parts tops after which you'd be good for another 35 years or as long as your engine/trans hold up.

You cannot fully re-do everything on a 300SD for $2000, not even remotely close. Then there's the part where half the important parts are not even available anymore, and those that are, often are china junk and not original quality. Try rebuilding a 722.3 trans, finding a flawless working rear window glass, or rebuilding the climate control unit + accompanying system. $$$$$ And thats the tip of the iceberg. I owned one for 12+ years and 120k+ miles and while a very reliable car overall, it still cost many thousands to keep going during that time frame along with hundreds of hours of work....which all ended when the rust finally destroyed it here in MI.

I have been doing some work recently on my dad's 500SL, a 2001, and have had a VERY hard time finding OEM of several parts, including the basics like engine mounts!! They either don't exist or cost a fortune.....its planned obsolescence.

83w126 · #24 05-29-2020, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WDBCB20

Yes, the youngest of those would be 35 years old and with the exception of rust (the definitive deal breaker and yes w126 not the ideal rust belt DD) redoing all the items you list would be $2000 in parts tops after which you'd be good for another 35 years or as long as your engine/trans hold up.

Just the suspension alone costs over $2k to do everything they usually need...

Screwdriva · #25 05-29-2020, 01:18 PM

I agree. You're looking at $5-7000 at a minimum for a pristine, mechanically restored car (Assuming the powertrain is without issue). That said, you'll make back every penny you put into the car and more in appreciation over the next decade. I cannot say the same for the W211. That said, I'd still recommend getting the newer car for running into the ground as a commuter.

tjts1 · #26 05-29-2020, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallbenz

Any opinions-

I am looking to add a diesel-

Both cars are in top shape... around 65k miles

Both asking around $13k

Which one is the "better buy" cost wise?
And which one will be cheaper overall-- assuming I run as DD for next 160k miles over several years... and will ONLY do basic repairs- so Local indy will be making some coin

Personally - love the look of the 84.... BUT- the 05 is way faster/ and 20 years newer...

also- I think the Longer WB - 84 sd- drives nicer-imo

You can buy an 05 E320 gasser or E500 for $3-4k. The $10,000 CDI premium can buy a lot of gas. I paid $3k for my 04 E320 wagon. My friend paid $4k for his 05 E500 with 100k miles. $13k for a CDI is stupid regardless of mileage.
https://i.imgur.com/T8ThkBA_d.jpg
Also please be aware that with the right equipment and know how the W211 odometer can be rolled back.

ROLLGUY · #27 05-29-2020, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

You can buy an 05 E320 gasser or E500 for $3-4k. The $10,000 CDI premium can buy a lot of gas. I paid $3k for my 04 E320 wagon. My friend paid $4k for his 05 E500 with 100k miles. $13k for a CDI is stupid regardless of mileage.
https://i.imgur.com/T8ThkBA_d.jpg
Also please be aware that with the right equipment and know how the W211 odometer can be rolled back.

Being a Diesel guy, and having had three 211 Diesels, I bought an '04 211 wagon and am loving it. Yes I wish it were a Diesel, but it has been very reliable and is nice to drive. The wagon is more utilitarian than the sedan, so I don't mind it being a gasser. I only spent $4,000 for a very well cared for example.