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  #1  
Old 01-26-2008, 06:48 AM
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What's the Best M-B Diesel Ever Sold in the USA?

Does anyone know what the best-ever diesel engine model was that Mercedes-Benz had sold in the USA and Canada (1968 to 1995)?

Candidates:
1968-1976 (all car models are W115 bodies)
OM615.912 I-4 = 220D(/8) (1968-1973)
OM616.916 I-4 = 240D (1974-1976)
OM617.910 I-5 = 300D (1975-1976)

1977-1985
OM601.921 I-4 = 190D 2.2 (W201) (1984-1985)
OM616.912 I-4 = 240D (W123) (1977-1983)
OM617.912 I-5 = 300D, 300CD and 300TD (W123) (1977-1981)
OM617.950 I-5T = 300SD Turbo (W116) (1978-1980)
OM617.951 I-5T = 300SD Turbo (W126) (1981-1985)
OM617.952 I-5T = 300D, 300CD and 300TD Turbo (W123) (1981-1985)

1986-1995
OM601.921 I-4 = 190D 2.2 (W201) (1986)
OM602.911 I-5 = 190D 2.5 (W201) (1987-1989)
OM602.961 I-5T = 190D 2.5 Turbo (W201) (1987)
OM602.962 I-5T = 300D 2.5 Turbo (W124) (1990-1993)
OM603.960 I-6T = 300D and 300TD Turbo (W124) (1987)
OM603.961 I-6T = 300SDL Turbo (W126) (1986-1987)
OM603.970 I-6T = 350SD and 350SDL Turbo (W126) (1991)
OM603.971 I-6T = 300SD Turbo/S350 (W140) (1992-1994)
OM606.910 I-6T = E300 Diesel (W124) (1994-1995)

In other words, this topic is open to those who know what the best diesel model is in terms of reliability (among other quality issues).

Thank you,



Ben (StrokeEightFan)

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  #2  
Old 01-26-2008, 06:55 AM
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OM617.952 for perfomance/reliability

OM616.912 for reliability.
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  #3  
Old 01-26-2008, 07:19 AM
ForcedInduction
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My vote for the USA would have to be the 1987 190D 2.5T.

For the world, the E420 CDI.
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  #4  
Old 01-26-2008, 07:30 AM
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W123 OM616/617, best ever.
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  #5  
Old 01-26-2008, 10:00 AM
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OM603.960 in the W124 chassis.

Runner up
OM602.961 in the 190D 2.5T
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Previous
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  #6  
Old 01-26-2008, 12:31 PM
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Best in what sense? 616 is bulletproof but I'll take a 603 on the Autobahn. 602 gets great mpg but I'll take a 617 across the Outback.

Sixto
87 300D
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  #7  
Old 01-26-2008, 12:37 PM
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w123 300D with 617 turbo, 82 to 84.

You just about can't kill one of 'em. (Except with wvo, of course).
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  #8  
Old 01-26-2008, 12:39 PM
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W123 with the OM616... maybe im a little biased though
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  #9  
Old 01-26-2008, 12:51 PM
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The 616 or non-turbo 617 if you just want an engine that will last forever...

A 617 turbo if you want an engine that will last forever AND has semi-reasonable performance.

It's all about the cast iron, baby.
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  #10  
Old 01-26-2008, 01:45 PM
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Best in the USA?
E320 Bluetec ftw!

Anyone who has driven one can vouch for it....burning rubber on dry pavement in a diesel is quite something

Best in the world? I second the E420 CDI.
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  #11  
Old 01-26-2008, 01:55 PM
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I swear.. I have seen this thread like a million times already
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  #12  
Old 01-26-2008, 02:34 PM
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83 240d stick.

Ivory or maple yellow.

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.
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  #13  
Old 01-26-2008, 03:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDon View Post
I swear.. I have seen this thread like a million times already
And now a million and one.

And my vote is always W123 616/617
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Current:
1985 300D aka Miss Margaret
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Past:
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1985 300D (CA version) aka Maybelline lost to deer at high speed.
1981 300D aka Madeline (went to salvage at near 400k) rusty, yet best car I ever drove
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  #14  
Old 01-26-2008, 07:45 PM
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gimme a low-tech 240D
 
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I'll take the w116 300SD over all others, best chassis platform for 5cyl 617 in my opinion - longer wheelbase and wider track, surprisingly nimble with amazing tight steering radius too.

Otherwise 4-spd manual everything 240D for the ultimate bread'n butter diesel Benz.
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  #15  
Old 01-26-2008, 09:54 PM
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See sig

W123 240D manual trans for reliability, longevity, simplicity, and ease of maintenance.

W123 300Dt for all around greatness. A little harder to work on, a few more things to go wrong, but not by a lot, and it will actually get out of its own way.

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83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
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