Recommendation on Purchasing a Diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mamali · #1 08-24-2006, 09:40 AM

Hi I have a 72 108 Gas but was thinking of purchasing a diesel Benz. Which model should I be looking for? WHat kind of a mileage should one expect out of a tank? I looked at a few 123 coupe and sedans still not sure which to get. What should I watch out for when purchasing one? Thanks

Dale240D · #2 08-24-2006, 09:48 AM

the w123 series is famous for being extremely dependable and well engineered. i'm very happy with mine which i recently purchased after admiring them for 10 years. the thing to watch out for the most is excess smoke in the exhaust. rebuilding the engine is very pricey. also, let the engine idle and loosen the oil filler cap and let it just rest loosely on top of the opening for the oil. make sure it doesn't bounce around excessively from high pressure gas escaping from the vlave cover. that would indicate that exhaust gasses are getting past the piston rings and that you need a rebuild.

good luck.

Dale 240D

superbeast1098 · #3 08-24-2006, 11:55 AM

I would reccomend any of the w123, w116, w126, and w115 chassis diesels.... Those chassis were really the best ones in terms of being solidly built cars....

vahe · #4 08-24-2006, 12:34 PM

If you checking account balance is nomally around +/-$1000, consider 240D, if that balance is +/-20000 look at a S class SDL, if it is below $1000 stay away from Mercedes cars.

Vahe
240D 77

#5 08-24-2006, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbeast1098

I would reccomend any of the w123, w116, w126, and w115 chassis diesels.... Those chassis were really the best ones in terms of being solidly built cars....

Ditto, however, I would also consider a 201. My first Merc was almost a 1987 190D, 2.5 turbo. Go, go, go! Unfortunately, I questioned the owner's care, especially, on the engine oil.

A friend of mine has had a 201 gas and diesel. Liked the 2,4 diesel, but did not care for the 2.3 gas.

mamali · #6 08-24-2006, 04:03 PM

I have heard a lot of good and bad about the 123s. 240D is supposed to be the simplest but slowest. I am not a fan of turbos either. I am not sure how long the turbos last and what is the replacement cost. I would like to have a wagon. Price range really depends $2K or so. How many miles per Gallon can you get out of a diesel Benz?
My plan is to sell my daily driver (subaru AWD) and replace with a Diesel Wagon hopefully.

Dale240D · #7 08-24-2006, 04:22 PM

the 240D IS the slowest, but i find acceptable. the rebuild parts for the turbo is about 50 bucks, no big deal. the turbos are pretty robust anyway. I've been in the turboed ones and find them nice. if you really don't want one, then i'd go with the NA 300D for the extra cylinder.

Dale 240D

mamali · #8 08-24-2006, 07:43 PM

I hjust picked up the 240D sedan for dirt cheap until I find a wagon.

400E · #9 08-24-2006, 08:13 PM

Do you plan to drive on the Interstate, or similar high-speed roads? You may be disappointed by the 0-60 acceleration of a non-turbo diesel like the 240D.
On another MB list, some have even suggested that a 240D is really not a safe vehicle on the Interstate due to its slow acceleration curve, and inability to "get out of its own way."

I wouldn't be spooked by a turbocharged MB diesel.