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  #1  
Old 10-20-2008, 07:28 PM
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Is a 300CD worth the extra cost?

I know that the 300CD looks great and that there were fewer made and sold in the US, but is there any added performance or handling or is it all about looks?

From what I've read, the specs are about the same as a 300D's, with 0-60 in 14 seconds. On the down side, some parts are more expensive and there is less room than in the sedan.

I drove a nice 300CD the other day and thought the car didn't live up to its appearance. Maybe I drove a bad example.

For those of you who have owned both, which gave you more enjoyment, the Sedan or the Coupe?

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  #2  
Old 10-20-2008, 07:32 PM
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I've never driven a coupe, but the suspension is the same and the weight is similar. The four doors is well worth the negligible styling differences.
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  #3  
Old 10-20-2008, 07:41 PM
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Of course it's worth it.
But the sedan has its own appeal as well.
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  #4  
Old 10-20-2008, 07:42 PM
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Well, the coupe backseat seems to be for dwarfs only. Coupes get neat pillarless windows that go all the way down (granted all the regulators and motors work, which isn't likely) Coupe-specific stuff like windows and seals cost more. The coupes look better, and sell for more than sedans usually.

Coupes are +looks and +value but -practicality and -coupe specific parts. If you plan on transporting 2 people or less it's a good bet. The backseat is a definite penalty box for people around 6 feet or taller since their heads will hit the back windshield.

That hasn't stopped me from transporting 5 adults though. The grumbles from the back seat will drown out the engine. Remember: 2 doors=better.
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  #5  
Old 10-20-2008, 07:47 PM
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Performance is nearly the same except its got a shorter wheelbase (smaller turning radius) and its a little lighter.

If I was offered the choice of a 300D or 300CD, I'd pick the CD.

In fact I'm looking for a cheap 300CD to play around with.
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  #6  
Old 10-20-2008, 07:51 PM
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Quote:
Of course it's worth it.
I'm afraid it wasn't that obvious to me, and that's why I started this thread. Feel free to elucidate
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  #7  
Old 10-20-2008, 08:02 PM
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I have owned both, I prefer the coupe on the basis of looks only.
Hey, if you don't look good, why bother?

If dollars are tight, sedan parts are easier to come by and cheaper.


I guess the bottom line is, do you want to look good.......or old?
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  #8  
Old 10-20-2008, 08:16 PM
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I've driven Elvira for 24 years, before her, I had a '79 300CD that I also bought new. During the same time frame, my wife has had a 300D and her current 300SD that we also bought new.
You either like the coupe or you like the sedan. If you like the coupe, it's worth the extra - they cost more new and are still worth more than the sedan. In equal condition, the couple is faster.
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  #9  
Old 10-20-2008, 08:19 PM
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I was questioned on my sedan "grandpa" car. My coupe with lowered stance and euro bumpers got some kids to come and ask what it was. I like the look much better, and since these cars last forever, whats a little more upfront money anyway.
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  #10  
Old 10-20-2008, 08:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fitz View Post
I'm afraid it wasn't that obvious to me, and that's why I started this thread. Feel free to elucidate
Because a coupe is a coupe.
It's just that simple.
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  #11  
Old 10-20-2008, 08:52 PM
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I'm looking at a very clean CD with 200K miles, leather interior, working AC (non-working center vents), working sunroof, a non-working rear window and antenna and some vacuum issues (car runs after shut-off).

There has been some slight body work under an area of new paint (the entire car wasn't repainted), but the appearance is very good. There is a small area of rust bubbling under the paint next to the rear windshield, and partly under the seal that worries me the most.

The owner is looking to get $5,000 for the car because he has seen the big bucks some CDs have brought on eBay. I like the car if I can get it at the right price, and the owner has agreed to a pre-purchase inspection.

Before I sink money into the inspection I just wanted to get your opinions on owning a CD. I don't know if I will be buying this one, but I do agree that these cars turn heads.

It's easy to see how one can end up with a garage full of MB diesels.
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  #12  
Old 10-20-2008, 09:44 PM
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FWIW there's a '79 CD down here with 80k original miles (!), one owner, and runs perfectly. Interior is very good except for the door pockets. Seats rails need cleaning. Body has rust on the door bottoms inside the door, around the sunroof corners (but the pan looks good) and very slightly in the wheel well corners. Never wrecked. A/C control are intermittent (notorious cold solder problems?). Light lenses have aged and need replacing (though they will probably pass inspection.)

Asking $4k.

This should give you a datum for comparing prices.
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  #13  
Old 10-20-2008, 09:58 PM
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I've got a wagon and a coupe and I believe all w123's are amazing. It depends on the deal you can get IMO. Buy the nicest car you can find for the best price. I got my CD for $3500 and EVERYTHING works on it except for a slight trans flare.

I'd like to buy a sedan now to finish my set.

After saying all that I have to admit driving the coupe gets MUCH more attention and people have gone out of their way to ask about it.
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  #14  
Old 10-20-2008, 10:15 PM
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Chad, I've seen your $3500 Coupe and I doubt that kind of deal is ever going to come my way. That's a beautiful car.
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  #15  
Old 10-20-2008, 10:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fitz View Post
Chad, I've seen your $3500 Coupe and I doubt that kind of deal is ever going to come my way. That's a beautiful car.
Thanks Fitz. I thought I'd never find a deal like that either, but it seems that they come along when you aren't expecting one or even looking. I'm waiting for that to happen again for a 300d or 240d manual. It took about a year for the last one to come along.

My real point is don't rush into a purchase. Buy a w123 that is solid and complete as possible regardless of the body style ... unless you are in love with one in particular. They're all affordable if you do the work yourself and they're all expensive if you buy one that wasn't well maintained.

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