MB Turbodiesels as driver's cars - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#31 10-02-2002, 11:11 PM

It was very interesting to read everybody's posts. I was not meaning to be malicious, I guess sarcasm is a bit hard to note on the internet.

And how did I know Dave M would have to chime in, being with how many 300Ds he owns, LOL

I used to own an 83 300D, and while definitely not the best example of the model by any stretch (with 300K+ miles and a flaky odometer), it was my first car and I enjoyed it. Maybe the broken odometer and mileage issue is even a greater testament to the durability of the car

To interject some emotion, I remember that when I had the car, I couldn't wait to get something "better" -- and my dream was the 300SDL. And I admit in many ways the later model is a superior car. But after I had the SDL in my possession, it made me miss the 300D that much more. And many times I yearned to be driving that car again.

As to 124 vs 126... I can list many, many things that 126 has superior, but I suppose I will try and take the OPPOSITE side and maybe somebody can cover the 126.

The 124 with its new advances in technology included headrests that can fold down with a push of a button (buttons which are also "newer looking") where the 126 headrests are fixed in rear. The 124 came out with the eccentric-sweep wiper which wipes an incredible amount from the windshield with only ONE wiper. Acceleration is better as I have driven my friend's 300D, even though the SDL is geared a bit lower; and coming with this I would assume also higher top speed. MB lists top speed of the SDL as 119 with the 2.88, so the 124 with a 2.65 would probably get at least into the 120s (FWIW I've seen 115 and I do believe there was at least a BIT more but I did NOT have the courage to keep up with this on public roadways). Oh yeah and the 124 rims have a higher offset so you can go with almost ANY on the Internet rather than the 126's very limited selection.

Larry Ferguson
86 300SDL 165K mi

#32 10-02-2002, 11:16 PM

Ah, the headrest go down when the relay is functioning correctly which is not often. I spent not a small amount of money, also, replacing electric seat motors (none on the 123, thank god) on the 87 300D.

My buddy's 92 500E headrests are permanently up for same reason.

Carl

#33 10-02-2002, 11:27 PM

Anybody seen one of those Euro V8 benz diesels?

LightMan · #34 10-17-2002, 12:51 AM

For the record Spoilsport, although you may have read about it a bit at freds, I have a '99 E300 Turbodiesel. I've added H&R sport springs, bilstein sport shocks, and 18" AMG monoblock II's, with toyo t1s rubber. It corners like its on rails and beyond, NO body roll and i've yet to get the tires to as much as squeak in a corner. Its scary. Definitely rides much firmer than stock, but not harsh at all, but if sporty is what you want in a diesel and budget allows, this is the way to go. If budget allows more, get the Kleeman speed sensitive suspension.($1800) I hear it's unreal.

BlueBabyBenz · #35 10-17-2002, 09:07 PM

Ok, no one else commented to any extent about the 190D, so I'll put in my 2 cents worth.

I have spent time driving other Benzes, including several months with a W116, a 16V and a W124, so I'm not completely without reference.

I can't speak for the 2.2. I hear they are slow, but then its all relative.

I have a 2.5, auto, conventionally aspirated (ie: no turbo) and as far as I'm concerned, it has enough power. The acceleration times are comparable to the 300SDL (within a second for 0-60).

It is a great driving car. It is just as tossable as the W124, quiet, very inexpensive to run (40mpg highway) and no one with a bigger benz ever gives it a second thought.

It's a two seater, but for some reason they put rear doors and a big horizontal cushion where you would normally find a back seat. (Ok, maybe that is a back seat, but why didn't they make space to put your legs?)

I rarely have more than 2 adults in the car, so that's not an issue.

I don't know how many firewalls it has. At least one, I assume.

I'm going to get a bigger Benz in the future, but I'm keeping this one for everyday driving.