California or Federal?
 

No favortism from the home crowd but with cars of this vintage condition and records are the primary concern and everything else is a distant second. There's nothing about a California model that you can't Federalize with a little time and patience.

Sixto
93 300SD

Avoid 84 and 85 Kalifornia models like the plague.

They have a TrapOxidizer (aka Particulate filter) that is harmful to the car and the environment.

If you get a california model, get an 83. Later models can be federalized but if you are looking for a nice car (and want to spend the money) I wouldn't want to have to deal with the work. Arizona will have some of the driest 123's around but make sure they have been garaged.

Thanks guys!

ForcedInduction: I think your pic answered another question for me. I was trying to figure out why some turbos had the air cleaner housing forward, and some amidships.

I guess the CA models have the forward placement...to make room for extra junk?

Correct. The TrapOx sacrifices MPG, engine longevity, turbo reliability, performance, simplicity, and cost (The air filter is unique to that car and costs an average of $50-70). It also increases NOx, CO2, and heat emissions. All this to "look" cleaner out the tailpipe by removing visible smoke particles from the exhaust.

Like I said, the plague.

I think I am 100% sure, but the 1984 California didn't come with a TrapOxidizer. It is basically the same setup as the '85 Federal. The '85 California had the odd-ball AirCleaner assembly up front because it couldn't clear the TrapOxidizer.

The 84 models had just an ARV valve on the turbo (nasty). The 85 Cali models had the trap ox and the ARV valve (extremely nasty). The ARV can be easily "accommodated" ;) . The trap ox is much harder to "accommodate" and is much more noticeable when you do. There is a reason why Cali cars have lower miles on them, they get lower mileage and cost more to operate.

If you see a nice CA car and you like it, buy it. Cars aren't powerhouses, does it matter the CA cars make 2 less HP? Still goes 100 mph if I want it to, and it'll get 25mpg on the highway. There are recalls for the CA models and most of them have been done, so there isn't any need to be worried about the trap oxidizer. If it hasn't been done, take it to the dealer.

I agree, a CA MB up thru 1983 are better choices...
 

My sentiments exactly ! And I say this as I ponder the day I will have to get into my Father-N-Law's 1985 300SD W126 which is a CA car!
How difficult do you suppose it would be to loose/lose(?) that Trap Oxidizer?... what all would I have to replace with a federal version?
Regards

Still, if you can avoid one with a TrapOx, do it. There are much better MB's out there. The $50-75 (Link) air filter alone should be a deal killer.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617CalToFed

I believe with W123s they replace the trap with a different device in the same place. I don't know if it looks any different from the original trap. There's supposedly a lifetime warranty on the replacement unit. FWIW, I've talked to a couple of local W123'ers who are on their third or fourth cats all courtesy of MB.

I've read of a few 603s with plugged oxidation catalysts but never of anyone getting a free replacement... nor trying.

Forced, will an 85 CA turbo bolt up to a Federal intake/exhaust manifold set-up?

Sixto
93 300SD

Don't let the CA thing scare you away. One of the reasons they make less power is because the boost is lower from the factory. De-tuned I guess you can say.
The manifold swap is pretty easy and straightforward. My CA car runs just fine now. It ran OK before I did the swap, nothing to be ashamed of. If you find one with the original trap you may even get a free turbo.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617CalToFed

Engine longevity?

I hadn't heard that before. How so?

I don't understand all the 85 Kali hate. Mine runs like a freakin German' top.