Which Way for More Head- Room - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 05-21-2003, 12:42 PM

I apologize for placing this post here, but figured that this is where all the W123 guys are at.

I've been thinking about selling my W123/ 300CD {COUPE}.
I'm very happy with the car, I enjoy its reliability, classy looks, and rock hard diesel engine. Yet, I find this model lacks the head-room I require (since I'm approaching 6'3'' and still growing), and it also lacks the cargo space I need.
After looking at the the spec's of the three W123 models (Coupe, Saloon & Wagon), I discovered that the wagon model has the greatest height, and obviously the cargo room I need. On the account of this I've been thinking about getting a wagon.
But.........

Does anybody know if the wagon model does indeed have more head room? as I would think since it the tallest of the three W123 models. Or does the wagon have more beefy suspension that lifts the car higher, therefore causing the body to be higher?
I'm also wondering if the W123 TE model can be found in the U.S.? Not that I dislike the diesel engine, but would prefer the acceleration of a gas engine, while keeping the W123 body.
Does anybody recommend I get the W124 wagon instead? I know for a fact that finding a W124/300TE would be much easier, than finding a W123 TE, which I think came out in 230TE and 280TE models.

Thanks for reading, and please reply with any information.

lrg · #2 05-21-2003, 01:57 PM

I don't know the exact specs but own both a 123 and 124. With the seat down all the way they both seem pretty comparable. If someone other than you will be driving the car regularly you will like the 124 (assuming you fit) since the electric seat adjustment is much easier than the somewhat hard to adjust manual height in the 123. Also, 124 gas engined cars are pretty easy to find (although you should try a diesel version because they are MUCH faster than the 123.) Keep in mind that most of these cars have sunroofs that do steal an inch or so of headroom. There are some sedans and wagons out there without sunroofs and you may find they offer the extra room you need. Maybe others who own an SD or SDL can give you some headroom comparisons too. Happy hunting.

franklyspeaking · #3 05-21-2003, 02:09 PM

Speaking of seat height adjustment on a 123, how do you operate the height adjustment mechanism? Both front seats have adjustment handles, but I can't get them to move...they appear to be frozen. Which way are they suppose to move...back and forth, in and out, or up and down? I have been thinking of taking out one of the seats to get a better idea of how to get this feature to operate??? 'Drivers seat is fine, but the passenger seat is set too low.

Thanks.

lrg · #4 05-21-2003, 03:01 PM

While sitting in the seat, you pull the lever on the side of the seat up (it pulls pretty hard) then kind of jerk your butt forward. As the seat slides forward it moves up, back is down. Going down is much easlier than up. I find it's also easier if you move the seat all the way back on the forward/back adjustment first before you try the height adjustment. If yours won't move then you'll probably need to clean up the mechanism.

bjcsc · #5 05-22-2003, 06:44 PM

franklyspeaking:
Both seat adjustment handles pull straight up. The one on the side of the seat sets the height, and the one in the front sets the distance to the steering wheel. The seat is set on sort of a ramp, the further back down the ramp the more headroom. Adjust the height first - it will move back as it moves down (or forward as you move it up), which you then adjust by sliding it forward with the other (front) lever pulled. The height adjustment can be limited by the position of the seat, so if it stops before it's at the end of the ramp, you may have to slide the seat forward or back with the front lever in order to get the rest of the height adjustment to go.

Holson Adi · #6 05-22-2003, 10:45 PM

I don't know about the 230TE. However, my dad used to have a MINT 1992 230E (W124), which I think uses the same engine as the 230TE (W123).

That car drove a lot like my 300CD-T. It probably has a little more power but not too much at all...it was a pretty gutless car. Not to mention a gas guzzler.

If you must have the most powerful W123, I think the 280E/CE/TE w/ the Euro motor would be your best bet.

#7 05-23-2003, 01:04 AM

Thanks for the Replies

The last reply mentioned that they (W123 230TD,TE & W124/ 300TE) are major gas gusslers. Are they really that bad? Would it be better for me to look for a W124 Diesel Wagon instead, since diesel is more economical?

Holson Adi · #8 05-23-2003, 01:08 AM

I don't know what the mileage was. Gas (Petrol) is not a big deal in Indonesia (CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP).

However, compared to my dad's Toyota Crown with its silky smooth and powerful 3.0 I-6, the MB's I-4 2.3L was harsh and very lazy...

I must say that due to traffic and driving conditions (you'd know what I mean if you've been to Jakarta.), my dad and I probably drove the 230E a lot harder than it would be driven over here. That probably explains its appetite for fuel.

In the end the 230E got about the same mileage as the Toyota.

I think the 87 300TD Turbo wagons are really rare but they'd be very nice cars and I think are faster than a W123 230E :p

sorry.. I just really hate the M102 motor.

#9 05-23-2003, 01:33 AM

So..... does anybody who lives in an urban driving environment know what the MPG is for a W124 (300E, 300TE)?

#10 05-23-2003, 07:05 AM

Both the 124 and 201's (sedans, I have not driven a wagon) have plenty of headroom for my 6'4" frame. With the seat all the way back and down in the 124 there is plenty of head and leg room. I actually bump the seat fwd and up just a touch, so I don't feel like I am sitting on the floor. My 87 300D has the memory option on the drivers seat, (expect they all do, IIRC) this adjusts the seat travel, height, angle, seatback, headrest, steering column, with the touch of one of the two preset buttons. Both settings on mine are set for me, so that on long drives I have a second setting that, at the touch of a button, helps to reduce fatigue and discomfort.

I mention the 201, as my 190D has more head and legroom then the one 300CD that I have driven. I always liked the looks of the 300CD, and was expecting the 300CD to have a lot of legroom, very surprised to see how cramped it actually was. The 190 seats will almost touch the rear seats when adjusted fully aft, my only complaint is that the seat back is actually behind the B piller in this position, not as easy for egress.

I would drive a 87 300D before you rule out the diesel, I am very happy with the power and acceleration of my 603 powered 124. The sedan has a pretty good size trunk, the TD's are a bit rare, and somewhat coveted. If you don't rule out the diesel option, and you are not going to do all the wrenching on one of these, then I would strongly suggest you have a detailed ppi done. I would also set aside the funds for a cylinder head, if it has not already been done. It is my belief you can come out pretty well on cost per mile basis on this model, but you might really need to be in it for the long haul, otherwise they are an diesel enthusiasts car.

Good luck on your hunt, Cheers, Mack

#11 05-23-2003, 11:01 PM

Thank You, "MACK" for you clearly stated comments. After reading your post I am much more leaning to the side of finding a W124 Diesel Wagon, since i agree with you that MB makes superbly reliable diesel engines, as i am aware from my own experience. Your comments on the W124 Wagon's space seemed to pretty much seal the deal.

Holson Adi · #12 05-25-2003, 12:58 AM

Check this out

1984 Euro 230TE 5-Speed

if you still like the 123 body style and just can't stand the diesel engine

here ya go.

#13 05-25-2003, 02:15 AM

Well, I don't have anything against the diesel engine, it's just that my seems to burn alot.

Secondly, does anybody know if W124 Wagon Diesels are available in the U.S.? I know that the gas version of the w124 wagon is not to difficult to find, yet I don't recall seeing a diesel powered one although I know they excist.

Holson Adi · #14 05-25-2003, 02:19 AM

124.193
603.960
300TD Turbo 87

Yes they exist! Rare though...

I was so tempted to bid on a MINT MINT 1987 300TD Turbo on e-bay sometime two years ago... (wow.. time flies...)

but keep watching E-Bay as they do show up every now and then.

good luck!