I am seriously thinking about replacing my 1985 BMW 535i with a 1984 300TD. I like the BMW, but I really miss driving a diesel, and I have always wanted the wagon. Am I nuts? There is nothing wrong with the 535i, and I get about 24mpg (it is a 5 speed). Other than slightly better mileage, which may be offset by the higher diesel prices, what are the advantages of the diesel?

Your only probably going to get 1-2mpg more with the 300TD if your getting 25 with your bmw. Im not a big fan of BMW so for me there is no comparison. No, your not nuts.

My comments are the same as turbodiesel. I would add though that the solidity and feel of a 123 Benz can get in your blood. They don't handle all that great, especially compared to a BMW, but they outhandle about any American sedan. But the feeling that you get, you know the feeling that the car is cast out of one piece, is very comforting.

I don't think you're nuts at all. These are just different type cars. If you are planning on taking the car to high mileage, you will most likely be ahead with the MB.

Have a great day,

1. Longevity
2. Agree with Larry, Solid
3. Relatively easy to DIY
4. Personality
5. Class

That combined with the fact that NOTHING drives on the open road like a Diesel, and you get to fill up you tank surrounded by a bunch of cool trucks.

Go for it,

JCD

Be careful, that turbine-like purr of BMW's 3.5 is a tough act to follow. I remember hearing an old story about Mercedes top P.R. man in the U.S. during the Seventies (Arthur Keser?) who was asked how Mercedes Benz could possibly improve a specific model. His answer: "Install a BMW engine".

deeph8,

what are you looking for? sport performance or a strong runner. if you like the sportiness of the bimmer don't go to a 300D-consider a 300E with bilstein hd's and you get best of both worlds. it's kind-of an identity crisis- huh...

-truth