HELP, Wagon Owners, Please - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

AlexCole · #1 12-10-2008, 08:11 AM

I would like some info on MB wagons. I have a w115 240D ("Fraulein")as a DD, but this car was bought as a stop-gap after an accident until I decided what I really wanted and could afford. I have a wife and 4 kids (3,4,6 and 7 yrs old), so I obviously can't put everyone in Fraulein. I am impressed with the durability and ease with which I have been able to work on Fraulein, she is my first diesel, but really need something bigger.

So, would those of you with wagon experience share some knowledge and let me know what you think would be a good vehicle for me, as in year and style (is there more than 1 style of wagon?) and pros and cons. I would like to be able to put the whole family in it at once, but use it as a DD if I don't keep Fraulein, I like the idea of diesel for it's durability (not interested in veggie conversion) and would still like to be able to do most of the mechanical work myself. Once I get some info I can begin a search. Thanks, Alex

UriahT · #2 12-10-2008, 09:27 AM

A wagon is a very versatile creature.

But I wouldn't put a child in the W123 300TD third row seat regularly. They were built before many modern improvements in crash test ratings, and don't protect very well in a crash. The car also doesn't have airbags, but neither does your current W115.

That said, the 1987 300TD is smoother, more comfortable and quieter. The 81-85 turbo 300TD is easier to work on, parts are more readily available (and cheaper), and still much faster than your 240D. Not to mention the huge tech supprt base you'll find here. I have an '81, and while I'm working out its kinks (and you will too, no matter the price you pay), I'm enjoying the cargo room and style compared to my 300D.

The 79-80 wagons are also nice, but having a turbo eases your commute, with no real sacrifice in fuel economy or reliability.

leathermang · #3 12-10-2008, 09:38 AM

I loved my 80 wagon ... but it had AC and front suspension problems which I could not afford to address at that time...
but in general it was a great car. I would avoid the 1985 only because I think it has some parts which are not shared with the 1980-1984 models... thus parts in salvage yards may be harder to find. I am pretty sure the turbo brand on the 85 is different than those others. The main problem with any MB that has an auto trans is getting them fixed if they start going south... I paid $2000 for my wagon and several years later getting the trans fixed would have cost $2500 IF you can find someone you trust to do it... The other main problem is the Climate Control .... I have a 1980 240d with type ONE CC.... wire controls, etc.... the simplest of the MB systems... once you get to type 2 and 3 you have vacuum over electrical stuff which is amazingly complicated... I have the FSM and actually read the ( I think80 pages ) troubleshooting section. Way over my head and interest in dealing with. You can see some of the threads in the archives about that stuff...
My wagon, a turbo diesel with over 200,000 on it.... which cost me $2000 would get 27 mpg out on the road going more than 70 mph.... I did not believe that when I first computed it... but checked it several times... diesels love turbos.. very efficient... be prompt about valve setting, change the oil and filter, use the proper fluids ( especially the wagon's special accessories ) ... and you can have a very satisfying experience with these cars.... abuse or neglect them at your own peril...

Chad300tdt · #4 12-10-2008, 09:51 AM

I love my 85's and don't think it's a problem to put the kids in the third row seat. I won't put a baby seat back there, but compared to every other car on the road, these are tanks. The third row seat has shoulder belts too and I wouldn't use it without the rear seat headrests.

I haven't had any problems getting parts either.

EDIT: Oh yeah, 1987 is the only year for the w124 300TD.

mobetta · #5 12-10-2008, 09:57 AM

the 85 turbos are basically the same- interchangeable with others. the CA models turbo's are different. there are more vacuum thingy's associated with the tranny. the gearing is a bit better for highway speeds.

the biggest problem with the third row seat is this- if you use it for humans, you dont have anywhere to put stuff. like groceries. luggage. tools. dogs. really the only storage area you have is the spare tire hole, the area where the first aid kit is, and the wedge between rows 2 and 3. /\ like that,maybe 7 inches on the bottom.

so it is not the perfect vehicle for a large family. diesel suburban w/ third row, maybe?
Or I kinda like the chevy astro vans- they can haul 8 and still fit a bunch behind the rear row. but then its a gasser. and a GM car.

leathermang · #6 12-10-2008, 11:17 AM

LOL, I never would have guessed that the third row seat would be the focus of most of the comments...
No matter which way the kids are facing.. if they are hot or cold due to that complicated type 2 or 3 climate control not working no one is going to be happy...

kerry · #7 12-10-2008, 11:36 AM

I'm with Chad. The third seat is fine. In fact, because they face rearward, they seem a little safer to me.
The 85 is nice because of the higher gear ratio in the differential.
As far as the climate control system, the servo on the 79 or 80 version is expensive to replace and the later climate control is less expensive to repair, but I've found both systems to work fine when their components are operating. I've gotten 7 years of maintenance free function out of both of those systems.

On the other hand, I'm the kind of person that would add a seat belt to a W116 300d and stuff all four kids in the back seat.

JimmyL · #8 12-10-2008, 12:23 PM

I wouldn't fear the '85 wagon any more than the other years. You can get any '85 specific parts from an '85 wagon or sedan, and really there aren't that many things different.
I also wouldn't have an issue with a '79 or '80 being a non-turbo. I had one of those too and the lack of a turbo is a non-issue.
One thing I can tell you about the 3rd row seat and kids: In the summer you cannot get that area cool if you live in a warmer climate. You can barely keep the 2 front passengers cool enough, much less backseat or 3rd row.
Wagons are great for hauling things but otherwise everything back there is in full view, even with tinted windows. Trunks aren't that bad of a thing.......
Good luck in your search and decision!

kerry · #9 12-10-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

the lack of a turbo is a non-issue.
!

If you live near sea-level. Big difference at altitude.

mbdieselwannabe · #10 12-10-2008, 02:31 PM

Does the third row seat require a booster?

...in a W123, of course

Chad300tdt · #11 12-10-2008, 02:41 PM

If your child is the size and weight where a booster or child seat is required by law, it must be used no matter where they sit ... second or third row.

odie · #12 12-10-2008, 03:06 PM

any MB diesel wagon is a good pic. 1980-1985 123 series are bullit proof tanks. Solid workhorses.

1987 124 series wagon is way more refined, little harder to work on but not by much. But you will shed a bit more tears if you work her too hard...since she is so much prettier than the 123 series.

tough call 123 or 124....but either with the diesel motor will serve you well.

Chad300tdt · #13 12-10-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odie

any MB diesel wagon is a good pic. 1980-1985 123 series are bullit proof tanks. Solid workhorses.

1987 124 series wagon is way more refined, little harder to work on but not by much. But you will shed a bit more tears if you work her too hard...since she is so much prettier than the 123 series.

tough call 123 or 124....but either with the diesel motor will serve you well.

Ouch. Such hurtful comments.

The w123 Estate is the KING of the wagon world!

odie · #14 12-10-2008, 03:52 PM

hey, I've owned two 123 wagons and two 124 wagons.....sorry but that's just the way it is

the 124 is damn sexy, the 123 is the ugly sister...but guess who is more "sturdier" and reliable? the same with women.

But what can I say, I like my trophy wagon

kerry · #15 12-10-2008, 03:57 PM

Chad's right again. A 124 wagon compared to a 123 wagon would be like Jayne Mansfield getting a boob job. It just ain't necessary.