All the pre-90 MB Diesels are essentially computer free (possibly excluding the 190Ds which I know nothing about). Some have EDS and ELR but those systems manage emissions and idling. You're not dead in the water if they fail, but you might have to manaually adjust the base idle to compensate.

I haven't read anything about EDS or ELR failures.

Some 85s have something of an emissions computer.

I wouldn't put any stock in an airbag from the 80s. MB essentially washes their hands of an airbag after 15 years. The ~$3000 you'd spend on a fresh set of airbags is probably better spent getting a newer car.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Just wanted you all to know I appreciate all the comments and advice. Its still hard to look at a car, even a MB, with over 200,000 miles and feel comfortable that its a good investment. I say that even as I marvel at pictures of such cars on ebay. The interior materials of the W123 must be nigh unto indestructable! These interiors look showroom new--thats amazing.
Are the W124 and @201 similarly tough?

You can't go wrong purchasing a $3k car that, if you take care of it, you should get about the same amount out of it when you sell it. I paid $2300 for the one pictured, put another $1k into it for shocks/struts, 1/2 shafts, timing chain and an alignment and drive it every day. By far one of the best cars I have ever owned. If/when I ever sell it I do expect to be able to get more than I paid for it.

__________________
Jim

The extent of electronic control is idle speed. Which even in mine I think it has vacuum idle speed control.

I'm not worried about the aluminum head in my car. Just as long as you keep the cooling system in good order, or if you do get high engine temperatures you act on them very quickly. I have only had one instance of the engine temperature getting too high, that was because my old man opened the coolant tank cap and let the pressure out when the car was hot. THe ride home it got too hot and we had to keep the heater on MAX in the middle of the summer. Fun ride. Got home added some water and antifreeze, temperature problems haven't been back since. I also have gotten a new radiator since then.

My favorite diesel is the the W126 300SDL. Big car, comfortable, and it just looks great. Though I love my 190. A turbo would make it perfect for me.

__________________
1984 190D 2.2 Auto 220k
2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 70K
2004 Lexus RX-330 ??K
2005 Chrylser Crossfire LTD 6K

Play guitar? Go to www.cyberfret.com for free online lessons!

Consumers reports has an Annual Auto Issue....

Fun reading no matter what !!!

One of the categories they list is " reliable used cars" and another is " used cars to avoid"....

Of course this list does not go back to 1914 Maxwells....

The April 2001 issue lists Mercedes C-class 1996 and E-class 1995 as above average in reliability...

They list Mercedes 300E 1993 , CLK 1999, M-class1998-2000 as used cars to AVOID....

I don't know when they got so good at interesting and useful categories... but if they were doing this ten years ago it might give a lot of insight into our early 80's MB's to find a 1990 Auto Issue...

Overall ,though, I agree with those who suggest the 123 body style for many reasons.... I am partial to wagons ... they have a great reputation for being bullet proof in countries with bad roads... and are really firm feeling at speed out on the road.... but I love my 123 240d manual trans , manual windows, manual ac controls and no sunroof also.... .... simplicity is one of the great points to the 123 for repair purposes....

It might be smart to go south or west to find a rust free car and then rebuild the engine... you would almost have a new car...

richunters-

Does your 84 300SD have a drivers side airbag? Just wondering because mine does.

I have really wondered with this airbag being almost 20 years old if it requires any service after all these years.

__________________
2001 VW Beetle TDI Double Yellow
2004 Pacifica AWD

And then there is the problem that many shops do not reinstall an actual airbag... I saw a 20/20 show that went into this scam... some were filled with torn up newspapers...

How does one test an Old airbag without USEING IT UP ? I am talking about an AUTOMOBILE AIRBAG... not any of our forum members....

It's the last full size standard shift model available in the USA.

Owning one will change your driving habbits forever..... Truly a "hammer-down" diesel, full acceleration will take you through all gears at normal driving speeds.... And you learn to be polite towards other cars as the tortoise to the hare in their famous race.

All the jokes about filing flight plans before entering busy intersections and bugs getting squashed while crashing into rear window will bring you closer to your car.

My '79 with 112k does an easy 80mph that keeps me in the fast lane...... And best thing about the 240D is the feel of driving as if the whole car resembled a gigantic, heavy flywheel.

Truly there is no vehicle that is safer or more economical than the 240D..... If you want to go fast - buy a motorcycle!

You forgot to mention " classically beautiful ".

I say stay with between a 1990-1993 turbo diesel... they are indestructable!.... I have a 1992 300 d turbo for sale if your interested email me for details.. you can also find my listing in the CARS section for a more than detailed description.
if your going to buy a diesel .. you should buy the best...
the original Mercedes!

I've read more than a couple of posts on 602 timing chains quitting with no warning.

Probably cheaper to fix than a 603 head giving up from cracks but the 603 gives you months of warning before it leaves you stranded

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD