I had a mill-run Mercedes gasser once. I wasn't terribly impressed. I could see if it was a special one though, like a 300 SEL 6.3, a 450 SEL 6.9, an SLS AMG, or something like that.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

I'd probably say I like working on my 190D better than my 190E 2.6 but the M103 makes the car so much easier to drive, I don't have to worry about lack of power as much. I haven't owned each since new to say which one is a better car, but I have seen Mercedes gassers still going at high milage as well. We of course also know about certain diesel engines that have major issues so I wouldn't say that an MB diesel is always better than a gasser.

__________________
Current: 1975 450SEL, 83 300D, 88 Yugo GVX, 90 300D OM603 swap, 91 F150 4.6 4v swap, 93 190E Sportline LE 3.0L M104 swap, 93 190E Sportline LE Megasquirt, 03 Sprinter, 06 E500 4Matic wagon.

OK, here's my perspective on the diesel vs gas engines.
The 123 diesels were a distinct design, made as diesels and well known for longevity, ease of maintenance etc.
124s brought about the aluminum head deficiencies. I've experienced one '87 head failure but the #14 head in my present '87 diesel is still running strong - perhaps a testament to good maintenance

Then the 4-valve/cyl diesels came along with their glow plug problems, those engines are based on the M104 gas engines, with some differences but they share the same problems with serp belt tensioner and pulleys, a problem common to many engines nowdays and just something you learn to accept as a maintenance item.

Now, what I really really want would be a 94-95 turbodiesel wagon but they weren't sold in the US and the ones in Europe were I believe underpowered non-turbo designs. The 124 wagons I've seen are mostly trashed, having been used to haul kids, dogs,

With a lot of work I could have dropped an OM603 into a 94-95 wagon but I am too old for that anymore besides the fact it would have been a nightmare to satisfy the smog police.
I looked at the availability of M104 gas engines and found they are plentiful at prices a lot less than diesel engines. $750 will buy you a running fairly low mileage gas engine, this is not something I plan on having to do, ie replace an engine but its nice to know there are loads of them available. Try finding an OM606! I would be in a real bind if I had to replace the engine in my '99 (actually my wife's car, I have to do "borrow" it occasionally to feel the diesel tiger in it! And those were not made in wagons either!
Sadly there are no W210 diesel wagons either else I might have yielded to temptation and got one. I don't know why MBNA didn't order some built for the US market.

So there you have it, basically I want a clean low mileage 124 wagon and I have to accept the fact there are no diesels in that, the most refined series in that rugged chassis.

One thing for certain now, I really have to be sharp at the fuel pump and not put diesel in it!
DDH

__________________
'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

Having driven an E320 wagon (workshop director's car), a W123 300TD and a W124 300TD, I will still stick to the W123 wagons. I simply won't drive anything else. Day after day, I always expected something small and non-critical to fail on my '87, while in any of my W123's I never had any issues once I got most things sorted. Should I have to drive down the Panamericana again, it's clear in my mind which car I'd choose. Simple, safe (I got out alive of a massive crash and rollover), and loyal as they can get. My only complaints are the noise levels and seat comfort compared to the W124.

By the way, here's a nice one for a reasonable price:
1984 Mercedes 300TD Wagon 3rd Row Seat!

Best of luck in your decision!

__________________
[GONE] - 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel - 130k miles - Smoke Silver (702) over Mushroom leather (265) - Bladder blasting, coast-to-coast work machine.

That gold wagon is a good one to have, a little work and it would be almost perfect. ALso an example of a Pinkamino interior seen so often.

I know what you mean about 123 reliability, my '79 w/ its '85 turbo engine has only let me down once, in W Texas on a sub-zero morning the neutral sensing switch failed and the rear shocks blew hydraulic oil, fortunately I carried a bottle of the stuff and replentished it and as they warmed up the leak stopped. I had them replaced when I got back to Calif. Another time a ball joint failed but I don't blame anyone but myself for not fixing it sooner.
OTOH, the '95 is such a powerful car I never get beads of sweat on my brow when the car bogs down on a steep incline and cars try to pass and then there's the exhaust smoke from the OM617, even 123 w/ a perfect engine will put you in those situations at one time or another. The E320 will do everything I need include Autobahn speeds I see on the interstates but at a price, I've noticed a greater fuel consumption in the gasser but at the prices they charge for diesel here the gasoline cost makes it more on a par for operating costs.
but Tada! I've found the solution to the dilemma: owning BTH a 123 and a 124 wagon! Each car seems suited for individual purposes!
I intended to sell the 123 but with all the little things to detract from obtaining a decent sale I decided to keep it as a junk hauler, which is what I use it for primarily, carrying things I would never put in the clean 124 wagon such as tools, heavy electronic stuff I use to maintain a ham repeater, etc. Then I'll use the 124 as a people hauler, its great for lots of luggage, runs to the airport and an occasional cross country trip, the noise level is considerably lower in the 124 and that is a huge plus for long trips (and the E320 is so silent!)

At least thats my plan, if I find the 124 gasser wagon not being used enough I will sell it, or if I find it indispensable I may give the 123 Klugewagen to my brother.
DDH

__________________
'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

Kind of a Hobson's choice.
Currently, I have an '82 240D and '84 Euro 300TD. Both with manual heat-AC and manual tranny. Plus manual windows and third-seat on the TD. I've had to deal with usual old-car issues on both, but the lack of electronics has been a relief.
OTOH, every W124 I've test-driven - gas or diesel - has been a pleasure and way more refined than any of the W123s I've owned. But even the W124 is now getting pretty ancient and the increased complexity and electronics make me nervous. Plus the many reported problems with aluminum heads, mono-wipers and belt tensioners that I've heard on these forums.
Most of the old RWD Volvo wagons were solid, safe, boxy cars with enormous interior room, but some electrical issues.
I'd run away from any of the FWD Volvos
As for the various modern minivans, even the more reliable ones like Toyota, having the engines buried under the cowl makes horrible access for even routine maintenance.
Maybe a Toyota Highlander. Starting in 2006, those were availible with the third-row seat.

Happy Motoring, Mark

__________________
DrDKW

Minivans are fantastic and there are times I do miss my Odyssey but I sure do not miss the monthly payment. Selling the Odyssey for a pair of W124's is one of the smartest automotive decisions I made. The only problem is once you buy one W124 you need three