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  #1  
Old 08-18-2002, 01:42 PM
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Looking for my first diesel and I have about 1 $7000 in the I have somewhere around $

I have somewhere around seven thousand dollars to spend on a used turbo diesel, and I'm wondering what models are considered the most reliable overall.

It's interesting the strong reactions you get from people on the subject of diesels, but I'm fairly convinced that getting one of these Mercedes turbo diesels is the way to go. I'm open to any suggestions and advice, being a novice in this area.

Do you smell the diesel odor in the passenger compartment? Also I've heard there is a proposal to make available a 50-50 mixture of ethanol and diesel which burns cleaner with a more pleasant smell. Anyone know anything about this?

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks from one who is poised on the brink of joining the Disel club.

Peter4

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  #2  
Old 08-18-2002, 02:23 PM
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I would say to spend $5000 on pristine 83 to 85 300SD and keep the other $2000 for repairs. Any car that old will need some repairs and this way you will have the money to spend on it.

P E H
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  #3  
Old 08-18-2002, 02:26 PM
turbodiesel
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Yep, you can't loose with a good old 81 to 85 300SD Turbo. You can get a MINT low mileage example for under $5000. That is probably your best bet.

No, you can't smell diesel fuel or exhaust in the cabin.
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  #4  
Old 08-18-2002, 08:26 PM
mccan
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PEH has it nailed. Drop 5K on an 83 to 85 SD (shoot for under 150K miles) and then consult this forum for guidance on upgrades/repairs. I paid $1100 for my 79 SD and have learned more than I could anticipated. I have an excellent car that has more charm and soul and miles left in her than anything I have ever owned. Tonite I changed the fluid in the differential and six months ago would have told you that "differential" was a banking term.

This forum is a great place and I wonder sometimes what the cummulative value of dollars saved and earned might be as a result of our activities here.
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  #5  
Old 08-18-2002, 09:48 PM
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I've had people riding shotgun tell me that they hate diesels cuz they stink so much. They just went on talking and didn't have any idea they were in one....

I'm with the other guys. I'm averaging about $3k on mine and have great cars. Don't spend $7k

Don
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  #6  
Old 08-18-2002, 11:10 PM
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Wow, for $7000 you could easily get yourself into a 300SDL or W124 300D turbo (603 powered).

Or find a perfect 300SD. Or a not-so-perfect SD and then make it perfect!
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  #7  
Old 08-19-2002, 08:36 AM
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If spending the whole 7K would reduce your bank account to zero I would go for any nice W123 Diesel. 7K is about the lower limit for a servicable W124 Diesel but I think the W124 a much more refined car than the W123. When I have a long trip to take my 300D 2.5 turbo gets the nod over the W123 240D everytime.

Only problem is the W124 is more complex and expensive to maintain than the W123.

Tim
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  #8  
Old 08-19-2002, 01:58 PM
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Great replies

Once again, thanks everyone for your suggestions (keep 'em coming!). I'm taking it all in, and I'm appreciative of the quick responses of this forum. Looks like you MB diesel guys are a good bunch!

Peter4
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  #9  
Old 08-19-2002, 04:51 PM
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Drive an older W123 diesel and then find a W124 diesel to compare with. I think after a few test drives you will much prefer the W124. In your price range you can find either a 1987 300D (6-cyl, OM603, 148hp) or possibly a 1990-92 300D (5-cyl, OM602, 120hp). The newer one is preferable if you find it, other than having less power... The OM602 will get better mileage and the 90-up models have a bunch of body updates. For speed, the '87 is better. My last piece of advice is to drive SEVERAL different cars of the same type BEFORE you buy. The difference between cars can be amazing. Good luck!


PS: I keep forgetting about the S-class. Check out 1986-87 300SDL's too, if you like a big car...
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Last edited by gsxr; 08-21-2002 at 12:25 AM.
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  #10  
Old 08-20-2002, 09:53 PM
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Finding a good 300 SDL in Los Angeles?

OK, I'm pretty much settled on a 1987 300 SDL Turbo Diesel. I looked at one today, 170,000 miles, good external appearance, interior worn and dingy... obviously not well maintained, suspension didn't seem tight... even a bit rattley. air-conditioner never worked since the owner bought the car from her brother, Turbo seemed a bit sluggish. I remember driving an early model Turbo diesel years ago, and that seem to have a bit more briskness to it despite its significantly lower horsepower. All of this was for $7000.

So, any suggestions were I can find a really mint condition 1987 SDL in or around Los Angeles? I might be able to go a bit higher dollarwise if that makes a difference between an average car and a great one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Peter4
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  #11  
Old 08-20-2002, 09:55 PM
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Addendum

Another thing... the owner wouldn't let me take the car to my own mechanic who is maybe 20-25 minutes away.

Peter4
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  #12  
Old 08-20-2002, 10:40 PM
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7K for that SDL seems very steep! With all of that you mentioned that is not working at all or fully... I wouldn't give more than 2500 for it. You're going to put at least 4 with repairs in that thing!

Supposedly the SDLs have engine trouble... I am more for the 60x engines than the 616 and 617. 60x is more powerful and gets significantly better mileage. Lots of people on here have a beef with them that they are aluminum head, where the 617 and 616 are cast iron head. I've never overheated a car... Honestly don't know anyone who has overheated a car that keeps the car in good maintenance.

Like all the guys said, drive lots of MBs. Older and newer. I love the newer W124s. I personally have a 201 and highly recommend the 190D 2.5 Turbo version. I've got the 2.2L, which is slow, but gets great mileage and is a fun little car. No matter which one you choose, you're going to get crap from people. Oh you shoulda got this, shoulda got that. You could of had this one... blah blah blah.

If you're happy with what you get, that's all that matters. But you will get the most love on here w/ a W123! But ALL of the diesels are great cars, and if properly cared for will be reliable. And no matter which you buy you're going to have to get repairs which aren't cheap with any car in the entire world. Find one in the best condition you can find, talk them down on the price, take what you have left over and put it into repairs.
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  #13  
Old 08-20-2002, 10:51 PM
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300 SDL

I have to admit I'm a bit ignorant as to engine model numbers (W123, etc.). I thought the 1987 300SDL was best because of the six cylinder turbo. Is there a more powerful engine in the 1980's cars?

I can probably go as high as eight, or possibly nine for a primo car that doesn't need repairs.

Peter4
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  #14  
Old 08-20-2002, 11:01 PM
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Mercedes part numbers are easy once you know what means what. If it starts with a 6XX that's a diesel engine. W123 is the car's chassis number. They are the early 80s late 70s 'E' class (300E, 300D, etc). W116 is the early 80s 'S' class (300SD etc). W124 is the late 80s, early 90s E class (300D, etc etc). W126 is the late 80s early 90s S class (560SEL, 300SD, 300SDL). W201 is the latest 190 class, which ran from 1983 to 1993.

What's really cool about MB part numbers is the first 3 digits shows what chassis it came from. Like my headlight switch starts with 126 and then has a bunch of digits after. So that came from the S class. MB uses lots of parts between cars. In my car, if a part has a 601 and then digits after it, that part is associated with the engine. It's fun to poke around the car and see what parts were designed for the car you have, and what parts were used from other chassis'. I'm sure you'd probably find 201 parts in a C class.

60X engines are the newer of the diesel engines from the late 80s. First appeared in the 190D I believe. The 616 and 617 are the older diesel engines.

I would probably go with a 300SD. Or a 300D turbo with the 2.5.

I think that 6 cyl in the SDL is the most power diesel of the 80s. But their reputation on here is not good I guess. Though there are few guys on here with 300SDLs that haven't many problems. But since that car's interior was neglected, it's safe to assume under the hood has had the same care, if not worse.

With that much money you're willing to spend, you can get yourself a NICE MB diesel! Just search hard!
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  #15  
Old 08-21-2002, 12:24 AM
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Peter4,

190D22 answered most of your questions I guess. The 1986/87 SDL (W126 S-class chassis) and 1987 300D (W124 E-class chassis) use essentially the same engine, the 6-cylinder OM603.96x with 148hp. It is the most powerful diesel engine Mercedes imported to the USA until 1998, when they turbocharged the new 24-valve OM606 to provide 177hp.

The OM603 is a robust engine but you do need to keep an eye on a few things, such as the vacuum pump (replace every 150-200kmi even if it's not broke yet), serpentine belt tensioner (fails every 50-100k), and cooling system parts (fan clutch & radiator specifically). The 1987 models had a "trap oxidizer" catalyst that was a problem, MB has since recalled it and will remove it free. The problem is that it could have caused minor head cracks IF it plugged and the car overheated, also cracks are possible if the cooling system failed and the car overheated. MB redesigned the head a few times to cure that, so if the head is replaced, it won't happen again. But it's something to watch out for. Both of my '87 300D's had cracked heads, I've replaced one and plan to do the other eventually. The iron-head OM617 engine used in older cars (pre-1985) is nearly indestructible- however it's noisy, vibrates, has less power, gets less MPG, and requires other nuisance maintenance like valve adjustments. I think you're correct to look for an SDL if you want the S-class chassis, OR for a slightly smaller car the 300D is great and much more nimble.

About that $7k one you looked at, forget it and keep looking. The fact he wouldn't let you take it to a mechanic is a baaaaad sign. You should be able to find a nice clean one for $7k, but most likely from a private party - NOT a dealer, they're more likely to have abused cars at higher prices (not always though). It shouldn't be slow, either. Factory spec for a 1987 300D is 10.9 seconds 0-62, and the SDL should be roughly 13-14 seconds. That's an easy performance test. If you find a GREAT car that is just sluggish, don't give up without taking to a competent MB shop for an inspection first. A common problem is the turbo signal to the injection pump - the line gets plugged, and you get no fuel enrichment with boost - translation, terrible performance. But a 10--minute cleaning can turn a slug into a rocket. Not that this is always the case, but it could be. I walked away from a few cream puffs years ago before I learned this, I wish I had known. This is one reason performance can very so widely, and why I recommended DRIVING SEVERAL DIFFERENT CARS before you buy!! (sorry for shouting!)


Anyway, I've rambled enough, good luck!

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