My CA '85 is a fine car. I wish the fuel economy were better (about 21 around town, 24 on the road with B100 and 2 ounces of Redline 85+ per tankful) but "oh well." The air filter is more expensive but if you shop around you can buy one for about $40 and it's only once a year. The EGR and ARV don't seem to work -- I think there's something wrong with the vacuum lines.

According to the factory's "Model Year 1985" book, the rear axle ratio of all 1985 123.1 models was changed from 3.07:1 to 2.88:1 (gear ratio 46:15 changed to 59:17). [page 114]

Additionally, the California version (only) of the 1985 models 123.1 have a slightly different transmission, model 722.416 (W4A020), and a different torque converter with a higher stall speed, 2600 RPM, to improve "driving quality." The book says "Transmission 722.416 starts in 1st gear in all forward driving positions, and downshifts to 1st gear when coasting to a stop." [page 97]

Both specs (diff and trans) include the coupe (123.153), the sedan (123.133), and the wagon (123.193).

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970