This may be the silliest question ever asked here. I just came across a very well preserved '83 300D- a rare find in my area. I already have a '76, which, although is in not bad shape, is not as good as the '83. But I have a very strong preference for the W115 body style over the W123, and I am actually a person who would prefer a Ponton over my 115- a true vintage lover.

So- I could probably own both, but can only afford to keep one car on the road. I know the '83 is more refined, more powerful, and parts will be more available, but damn- it's just a question of styling. I was actually planning to "pimp out" the 115 a bit -see my attached GIMP retouched photo- I actually have all the parts to do this- a 1970 hood, a '69 W108 grille and split upper bumpers for front and rear, and W115 Euro lights. I was also going to incorporate the W108 wooden window and dash trim into this little beast, and top the whole thing off with new paint. Should I just sell the '76 as is and go for the '83, or should I go with my heart?

Dave M.
New Brunswick, Canada

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Go with your heart. If you sell the '76 you'll regret it.

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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If you can purchase the '83 and somehow keep both of them, then you've got the best of all worlds. But, if you sell the W115 to obtain a more "modern" vehicle, you'll regret the decision forever. A Taurus is a more refined and modern vehicle when compared to the W123. But, most of us would regret that decision in about two days or so............maybe less.

go at it like marriage. if you go for the most modern thing you will never be happy, but if you keep what you love then you will never regret it.

gosh i sound so smart for a only being married for 6 months. lol

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Grey '91 350SDL 214k Dad's car
Beige '81 240D 4 Speed 254k SOLD
Blue '82 300D 225k SOLD
White '95 E300D 46k SOLD
Blue '87 190D 2.5 Turbo 315k SOLD
Brown '80 240D 4 Speed 716k SOLD
Beige '80 300D N/A 119k SOLD
Blue '85 300D Model 186k T-Boned

Kinda wish I hadn't sold my 219, gasser that it was, I miss it.

Jim

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2005 C240 4matic wagon (daily driver)
87 190D - 225K (on loan)
85 190D - 312K (on loan)
2011 Subaru Legacy AWD (Wife's)

loved the lines on the 115. with those headlights it looks like a baby 600.

i love the 123s too.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I have both (in fact, I seem to be collecting the entire set) and the 115 is my fave. Much more room inisde...über high funky factor.

Glad I don't have to make a decision like that.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I'm surprised at the responses so far. Does this mean that all you 123 owners on here are 115 wannabes that would trade for a good 115 in a heartbeat?

BTW- what do you all think of my front end artwork in the picture? To make my car look like this, I'm going to put my W108 grille (narrower and longer) on my early 70's hood (narrower taper to narrower grille), get rid of the giant '76 bumpers and put the W108 half-bumpers in their place, remove the fog lights, make the necessary sheet metal changes to the body grille area (using front metal from my earlier 115 junker), and get rid of the side marker lights. Is this kosher or does it sound like a frankenstien?

Dave

I don't know how insurance is in Canada, but I have a 76' 300d that is insured through a classic car policy that only costs me $60 a year. Granted there are other costs in keeping a car on the road, but such reasonable insurance makes it quite feasible in owning muliple diesels.

Unfortunately, I have to pay $700 per year on these cars. We do have a provision to license any car over 25 years old with Antique plates, with drastically lower insurance, but they can only be driven on "Parade Days" which I think are our May 24, July 1, and Labor Day holidays. On any other day, driving with Antique plates makes you a sitting duck for the Mounties.

Dave