Which W124 Will Make Me Happier? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

techguy512 · #1 08-12-2006, 04:04 PM

OK, here's a post intended to collect the preferences of the readership.

Which is the better choice? A 1987 300D for $3250 or a 1991 300D for $6500? Assume identical mileage (sub 200K), identical cosmetic condition, and identical well-maintained mechanical condition, with no major repairs immediately needed.

Things I'm interested in hearing about:

1) OM603 vs. OM602 in terms of general reliability and serviceability (leave out the #14 head issue, I know about it).
2) Transmissions. Any differences worth mentioning?
3) Climate control. Any differences worth mentioning?
4) Interiors. I've heard someone state a preference for the early '90s models over the '87, but for the life of me I think they look the same.
5) Anything else I haven't thought of?

I'm not so much interested in off-the-line performance or top end, as this will be for my daughter to drive.

My W123 and I have grown close over the last year, and I've decided to keep her for myself

vahe · #2 08-12-2006, 04:21 PM

Has the evaporator been replaced? that should be one of the cosiderations.

Vahe
240D/

techguy512 · #3 08-12-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vahe

Has the evaporator been replaced? that should be one of the cosiderations./

Assume identical condition for both.

sixto · #4 08-12-2006, 04:52 PM

1) Easier to work on the front of a 602 than a 603 in a 124

2) 2.5 has first gear start, pretty sure 87 does too.

3) 93 has R134a factory fill. Not sure about 92. Earlier have R12.

4) I don't think there's a difference. 2.5 had leather option, not sure about 87.

2.5 has passenger side airbag standard IIRC, not available in 3.0.

How much service documentation is available for each?

$6500 is a typical price for a good 2.5. I mean if you do your research and are patient you can find them for that price. $3250 is on the low side for a good 87. Seller doesn't know what he/she has if the car is in comparable condition to a 2.5 that's worth $6500.

Sixto
... stay tuned

techguy512 · #5 08-12-2006, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

How much service documentation is available for each?

Neither car actually exists. I'm looking to do a methodical search, and if '91-'92 is the way to go, I want to stick to that without getting distracted looking at '87s.

greasybenz · #6 08-12-2006, 05:17 PM

I love my 87 with the 603, very fast car especially for a diesel. Havent driven a 2.5T but ive read they arent as quick as a 603 but still faster then any 617.

You know about the head issue so you would also know the 2.5T's didnt have that issue as the 87 did.

Both had leather options, but its harder to find a 87 with leather. There was a 87 listed on the SF bay area craigslist with leather but was ripped and cracked. The MBtex is better IMO since it looks like leather but is long lasting and durable as if they were cloth seats.

The later models with the 602 engine, had better interior options like wood on doors and IMO better 2-tone color options.

techguy512 · #7 08-12-2006, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

The later models with the 602 engine, had better interior options like wood on doors and IMO better 2-tone color options.

Great Reuben - exactly the kind of info I wanted. The two-tone effect was done with plastic lower body cladding (I think). Any issues with this, like "traps water, makes rust"?

pmari · #8 08-12-2006, 05:39 PM

The front seats in the 87 did not have the foam bolsters like the 90's 2.5's. Although Dave(GSXR) said he installed them on his 87 and they made a big difference.

$3,000+ difference would be the deciding factor with identical maintince records, milage and cosmetics.

As a matter of fact, I've seen a couple of pristine leather 124's interiors go for about $1,000 at the local bone yard.
Thats a soup to nuts interior swap.

Passenger side air bag was still an option in 92. I prefer the glove compartment anyway.

BodhiBenz1987 · #9 08-12-2006, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

2) 2.5 has first gear start, pretty sure 87 does too.

4) I don't think there's a difference. 2.5 had leather option, not sure about 87.

I thought the 87 started in second, although I haven't the foggiest where I read that ... I read too much crap, and get it all criss-crossed.

I'm also almost positive leather was an option in the 87 ... I have the brochure and I recall my father electing not to go with the leather (or the heated seats or the lumber support). I personally am glad ... I love the way MBTex has held up, and the way he cared for the interior, leather would look like it had come from a deer mauled to death by a bear. I think the 2.5 also has some wood trim on the door panels, although I may be thinking of the concurrent W140, which I've looked at a lot. I think some little things, like the gearshift, are "spiffed up" in the later model, too.

sixto · #10 08-12-2006, 07:36 PM

If you're going into that level of detail then through 89 the side mirrors have a textured finish and from 90 they're painted body color.

Sixto
... stay tuned

TimFreeh · #11 08-12-2006, 07:51 PM

The OM602 is noticeably slower than the six cylinder OM603, its also not as smooth or refined but the 5 cylinder compensates for these vices with better mileage, mid 30's is normal at 60-65MPH cruise. The 2.5 turbo has a computer controlled boost control system that works very well. This gives the impression the car has more power than it really does.

I'd like to second something Sixto mentioned - if you are going to be doing your own work the engine bay of the 2.5 is considerably less crowded compared to the OM603.

Given identical cars with similar pricetags I'd most likely go for the OM603 - you can't beat the power and the OM603 is smooth, responsive and it even sounds nice when you give it the spurs.

I also agree with Bodhi, MBtex is a better choice in these cars - most people don't have the discipline to properly maintain a leather interiors. MBtex is virtually indestructible and requires no maintenance whatsoever.

BodhiBenz1987 · #12 08-12-2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

If you're going into that level of detail then through 89 the side mirrors have a textured finish and from 90 they're painted body color.

Sixto
... stay tuned

Yeah ... the body trim on the side went from a single strip in 1987 and 1988 to a full panel that goes from rocker to 1/4-way up the door and was topped with a chrome strip. Color changed from galinat grey trim to a other options, like a lighter shade of the body color. Personally I MUCH prefer the 87/88 version ... the newer looks bulkier and "plasticy" and I hate some of the colors (the grays are fine). No offense to those with that style ... totally personal preference. I love all the 124s, though, no such thing as an ugly one. Some of the 2.5s have a two-tone bump, with black trim strip and the rest gray. Also later versions of the car had slicker-looking headlights, kind of Euro-looking.