I have a 85 300sd (165kmi) right now and I have the opportunity to get a 1990 300d (180kmi).
I was wondering if the 1990 would be as reliable as the 85?
Easy to find parts?
Easy to work on (compare to the SD)


Thank you.

Frederic

As reliable, less maintenance, better performance, better heater & A/C, better mileage, better handling, parts easy to find, easy to work on / maintain.

As with any old car, if it's been treated well and properly maintained, it will serve you well. If not, it won't. Also typical with older cars, the suspension bushings if degrading (probably not too bad in your climate) will cause handling and tire wear issues.

Check for A/C operation, look for leaks, check for a newer vacuum pump. Very nice upgrade.

The only reason IMO to stick with the 126 is styling and size.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Man, if the 1990 has a better a/c than the W123 versions, they must not have had a/c at all. The 124's are marginal.

Someone said they were put on in the U.S., I think they're A/C Delco (GM). The a/c's suck.

Is it easy to tell if the vacuum pump has been upgraded just by looking at it or is it a matter of maint records?


Thanks for the pointers concerning what to look for.

If I decide to get this car it will be in addition to the w126, I can't imagine letting my 300sd go....

My A/C works great.

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1993 W124 300D 2.5L Turbo, OM602.962
2000 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2.4L DOHC
2002 Ford Explorer, 4.0L SOHC
2005 Toyota Prius, 1.5L

http://www.fuelly.com/sig-us/40601.png

My 93 will freeze your a$$ off. Keep the systems with r12 and all is good.

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85 300CD Gramps 390K
89 190D Baby 322K
93 300D Grumpy 176K
99 SLK230

The 85 ACs were bad. maxed out you'd barely stay cold and lose power lots of power with it on. And compressors were lousy. Not worth the trouble imo. Hoping W124 are ok.

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

I've had all good 124 A/Cs, the early R12 ones and R134a ones. Yours must need some help Jeff.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff