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Originally Posted by Ironforger
Any good info or recommendations for the best diesel models? I'd love to get another 123 body 300d but they are very hard to find.
How are the 1st gen or 2nd gen E-class diesels?
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1st generation (124.1xx) are not far behind the 123 cars in terms of reliability. More plastic (inside and out), more analog electronics to go bad, but far better handling, faster acceleration, cleaner exhaust. Overall they are a little cheaper in terms of interior quality. Engine and transmission are much improved for performance but a little more fragile. Big difference: hydraulic lifters so you don't need to adjust the valves every year.
2nd generation (210.1xx) I have no experience with, but I think they move further along the continuum away from the 123 (cheapening / lower quality, but improved performance).
I think the 124 cars hit a peak as far as rust-resistance, comparing 123 / 124 / 210.
Don't knock the non-turbo 124 and 210, the OM606 is a very nice engine and you may like it. I've got a '95 E300 (124.131) with that engine and she does just fine accelerating off the line and holding her own in city and highway traffic. Not going to win too many races, but far from the slowest car on the road today.