There's a 1991 300D 2.5 turbo for sale that has drawn my interest. 178K
miles, dealer maintained, US$11K. Does this sound like a reasonable
price?

Also, how are these engines compared to the older 5 cylinder turbo's?
Are they also prone to oil pump blockage like I've read about in the
6's? Any other costly engine gremlins in these cars? Are the heads
aluminum or iron?

Does anyone have one of these cars? How do you like it in terms of
handling, agility, acceleration, top end, reliability, maintenance, etc.
especially compared to a 124 300E? I see that the car is about 100 lb
heavier than a 300E and 123 hp vs 177 or so.

Thanks in advance for any helpful experience or insight,



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Robert W. Roe
1983 300SD 264K mi

The 300D 2.5 turbo is a great car!! Unlike the problems that its brother has. The engine is from the same family, but only a few shortcomings. The rear muffler seems to rot away. Also on higher mileage engines have the timing chain checked for excessive stretch. The engine does have an aluminum head, but there is a low coolant warning lamp & temp gauge. Over heating isn't a problem if you can see.

Thanks for the reply! I needed a pro's opinion before going further with seriously checking out this car. Supposedly it was dealer maintained. I'll keep everyone posted and I'm sure I'll be detailing away if I am successful in getting my newest Mercedes yet.


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Robert W. Roe
1983 300SD 264K mi

I drove this car today. It seemed very solid and clean, except for one thing that I thought a bit odd: when backing the car up into an inclined area of the car dealer's parking lot where the car had been parked, I let off the accelerator and the car rolled forward several feet. Should I consider this a warning sign of impending transmission failure or is it fairly normal? Thanks,

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Robert W. Roe
1983 300SD 264K mi

I had the same problem with a '92 500SEL rolling forward what I thought was an inordinant amount.

I took it to the dealer, and they said it was within acceptable tolerance by Mercedes Benz.

I took it too an independent Mechanic, he made some adjustment, and it lessened the problem (unfortunately I havent a clue what he did.)

Since this model(2.5 Turbo) starts off in 1st gear, it's normal for the car roll back on an incline. Important for anyone purchasing a used car to have the car inspected before buying. $125 before the purchase can save $$$$$$$$!!

Interesting that you mention that the 300D 2.5 turbo starts off in first gear. That would explain why I couldn't get the kickdown switch to do anything on a standing start.

Time for another test drive I believe This car has Michelin X radials on it, not a great tire, I know. I was able to break the rear end loose accelerating hard out of into a corner from a standing start.

Should this model have traction control or some mechanism to prevent slippage of the driven wheels? Do other 124 owners have better luck with Michelin MXV4 H-rated tires? I don't like cars that are unstable in the rain and I'm wondering if the extra weight of the heavier engine up front makes the rear end of the car more skittish in the rain. I wonder if this would this apply to the V8 124's as well.

Any opinions on relative durability of the 300E engine vs. the 2.5 turbo?

Thanks in advance,

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Robert W. Roe
1983 300SD 264K mi

If the heavier engine up front does anything (besides drive the rear wheels) it helps keep the front tires from hydroplaning. That is why with tires like the P-Zero, front engined cars use the max grippy Asimetrico on all 4 corners. Mid and rear engined cars use the Asimetrico in the rear but the slightly less grippy (but better wet traction) Directionale up front.

In the 91 model year the 300E's had ASR as an option. Diesels had ASD which is a locking differential. ASR is the more advanced option and is better at reducing rear-wheelspin. ASR uses the rear brakes, throttles back the engine, etc. ASD is a locking diff so if traction is bad at both rear wheels it isn't much help. (twice nothing is still nothing)

You would have to be REALLY trying to break the tail out on a M103 300E if given good tires. OEM sized Michelin MXV4, Energy MXV4, or Energy MXV4 Plus (whatever the latest michelin evolution of that model is) are about the best tires you can buy for the W124's in a touring capacity.

BTW, if/when the W124 V8's spin the rear tires loose it is because they make enormous amounts of torque down low with a huge rush of top end HP. ASR was available on the 400E/E420's and standard on the 500E's.

Having owned a 300E I may be prejudice, but it had a special handling feel that was *almost* as endearing as the rush of thrust from either of my more recent V8's. I believe Automobile magazine said "The 300E is as close to a perfect used car as you'll find on the market today." April 1999. The diesel is a good engine too, but the 300E gives you a more complete package of reliability, handling, performance, economy, and standard features.

Hope this helps...Lee

Thanks for the replies. I think you've sold me on the 300E, but now my wife has gotten involved in the searching process, and has brought up the practicality aspects of a wagon. How much of a handling difference is there between a W124 sedan and wagon?

I drove a 300E 4matic sedan a while back and liked the tossable feel of that car more than the 300D...although I drove the diesel car in the rain. How "tossable" is a 300TE?

I'd love the extra cargo volume, but not if it means that the car isn't fun to drive anymore. I'm driving our 91 Volvo 940GLE wagon now, and not enjoying it much at all