Boiling down my purchase decisions…. There are SO many cars to choose from in the Southern California area, and I want to make an informed decision.

It’s likely going to be an early turbodiesel, but what year? – I'd like to know if there were any significant engine differences between the earliest turbo diesels (early 80s) and the ones built later, such as the 1983-1985 engines? (I'm not looking at anything newer than the 1985 cars.)

Are they pretty much the same, or were the later ones better built (beefier internals?) or have better ancillaries such as injection pumps, cooling capacities, turbos, etc., etc..

Secondly, are the turbos just as reliable as the normally aspirated cars – in other words, should I look at earlier cars (pre-turbo) assuming that they accelerate quickly enough to satisfy my needs?

Thanks again everyone for your help! MUCH appreciated!

The '85 turbo was by far the best built. The engine actually lasts longer with the turbo. Why?, I don't know. But, I have re-sleeved MANY of the non turbo engines.

The only way to kill a turbo engine is to run it out of oil.

__________________
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

get a turbo, its faster. A non turbo is dangerous (too slow entering traffic/highways and making left turns) and a nuissance to drive.

Oh I forgot about your second question.

I like the 91-93 300D 2.5 myself. I also own one so I practice what I preach. Of all of them, I like this one the most (except for the repair bills, yikes, its in the shop as i type).

They are not too complicated and can be worked on yourself, not too slow, priced reasonably, etc. Of course if those factors are not important to you, the 99 E300 turbo is the way to go, if you can find one for sale.

I like the S350 myself and was going to get one, and still might to add to my collection, but they have engine problems.

82-85 diesels have a good look, but they dont have a lot of features newer cars have, like my 84 300D turbo doesnt have automatic seats, air bags, anti lock brakes, etc. and its the slowest of the 3. Goodluck