I wouldn't buy a car on eBay unless I could personally inspect it before I bid, or the seller would allow rejection of purchase upon inspection. I just bought an 87 300DT for far less than the previous owner paid -- he didn't want to lose his deposit when the car wasn't as advertised. I'm out at least a head gasket, probably a head, and he paid market price.

If you are used to old diesels, the 240 gets slightly better milage, but if you aren't, the takeoff performance will be a real "pucker" experience for a while. Slow isn't really a good description -- the 220D and 240 just don't accelerate until they are up to at least 25 mph. At least the 240 has a torque converter -- my old 220D has a fluid coupling -- engine RPM is only about 600 rpm higher than transmission speed, period.

0-60 times for the 220D are on the order of 21 sec, and that is new! Be prepared to floor the accelerator through the kickdown switch all the time -- won't hurt a thing! If you let up it upshifts, and accerleration dramatically slows!

The 300 is much better, but low speed acceleration is still leisurely unless you floor it and get the transmission to downshift (they start in 2nd gear otherwise).

As far as models go, any W123 (240 and 300 from 79 to 85) in good condition is fine. The W124 chassis is also very good (300 from 86 to 92). Avoid the 190s -- they have a reputation for bad quality and high maintanence. Good examples exist, but only if maintained impeccably.

The older S series (116 chassis) are rustbuckets, and a pain to work on, too. Engine and transmission are fine, everything else goes to perdition.

The W126 chassis (300SD and SDL, assorted gas models) 82-92, are excellent. They can go to bits if abused, but otherwise are superb cars.

The only "must have" is the 87 300D turbo -- it has the six rather than the 5 cylinder diesel and is FAST (which is why I bought one with a bad motor for too much money). It has the same horsepower as the gas model! Gets upward of 30 mpg, too. Unfortunately, they are usually also VERY high milage and/or junk these days. Be extra carefull if you find one.

Have fun shopping! Once you drive a Benz........

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!