What are the differences between the two models? The two cars I am comparing seem to have a different climate control buttons, different configurature of the front seats.

But they basically seem to be the same. The '81 seems a little better appointed, tinted windows, the seats seem to be closer to an early 124 model.

Any majors differences between the two?

--Craig

79 has the dreaded ACC servo, 81 has the monovalve system. (I think) Servo is expensive. Does the 81 have a turbo?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

No turbo. I have owned the '79 for about 4 years. the engine is great, but the body is rusting, water leaked from windows and sunroof filling trunk and floor boards. I was thinking of putting my engine and trans in the '81 body.

The '81 is real clean, the same color. I figured most of the parts are interchangeable. Now that I am starting to clean up the '81, I am starting to notice the little differences and wondering if there are big differences I wasn't aware of.

--Craig

The 81 was the last of the non turbo 123's as you know. Its a little more involved emissions-wise. more vac hoses etc. better climate control system. by that I mean less (not by much!) trouble prone.

__________________
81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.

In responce to a question that I asked awhile back......during the late '70's there was a big Steelworkers strike.....and the MB folks were forced to get their steel from alternate sources.....so I think that the '81 should have a better grade of steel that is a bit less prone to rust!!

SB

__________________

Diesels:
'85 300D, "Max, Blue Benz", 155K, 27.0 MPG
'84 190D 2.2, "Eva, Brown Benz", 142K, 40.2 MPG
'77 240D (parts car)
'67 Eicher ES 202 Tractor "Otto" (2cyl, Air Cooled, 30HP)
Gassers:
'94 Ford F-150, "Henry", 170K (300 Six) 17.5 MPG
'85 190E 2.3, 148K....Parts Car
'58 Dodge W300M Powerwagon (Flat Fenders) Less than 10 MPG

the glow plugs are differant too.
the 81 has the small body pencil type.
if you put upgraded pencil style plugs into your motor, you should have no problems putting it into the newer car.
John

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

EGR?

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

The throttle linkage if different but thats no big deal as is the rest of the differences if you have both cars side by side.

__________________


1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Its an 81 300CD California designation. Yes it has an EGR valve.

__________________
81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.