I have a chance to pick up this car and want a little feedback from owners about it, particularly relative to the 240's I now have.
Thanks

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

Similar to my '85 300D. If a factory USA-imported car, it will be turbocharged, have the automatic climate control system (ACC-III), power windows and power sunroof, 4-speed automatic transmission. Body will be essentially identical to the 240D, the W123. The 5-cylinder turbocharged 617 engine puts out about 123 HP compared to the 65? HP of the normally aspirated 616 engine in the 240D.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Were nonturbo 300d's made this year?

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

I would suggest driving a 300d yourself to ultimatly decide. The additional power if it is runnig well is very nice. Much depends on your needs. The reduced rear end ratio alone quiets things down substantually at speed.

On average if both the 240 and 300d cars are in simular condition now the 300d may require a little more effort to maintain over time. Just more detail items present dictates that. I enjoy driving either one but they are certainly different.

Perhaps in euro examples but not for the north american market sales. The turbo is desired as it increases efficiency a lot and there is no penalty for having it that occurs to me either.

The na version 5 cylinder is not even as good on fuel. I suspect it might have a higher ratio rear end than the turbo examples as well. I would not refuse one for nearly free in good condition though.

Turbos only imported. A more detailed description will help.

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83 SD

84 CD

My w123 1981 300D European non turbo has a 3.69 differential ratio.

I can bimble along quite nicely at 75 - 80 mph (depending in which country I'm driving in of course). At these speeds it uses a bit more fuel than the usual 12 km / litre on country roads - about 10 km / litre.

The acceleration at traffic lights is perfectly quick enough for most modern traffic - I only get blasted into the weeds by 18 year old plumbers in vans, but then who doesn't?

All in all I think it is a great modern classic.

The turbo version of this engine must be fantastic.

If you can get a 300D!

Called the owner today, it was bought new by family member in 1984 and then sold to current owner.
PO said it had a motor changed @ 150k and thinks it has over 300k on the clock.
Been barn stored for last 9 years and started occasionally.
According to owner, the paint is bad. has chips in a repaint job.
He says the glow plugs are NG and had to jump start it in this cold.
Front windshield is cracked from falling slate off the leaking barn roof where it was stored.
Won't shut off at the key and needs the stop lever,
Trunk needs a key to open likely vacuum issue
2 sets of wheels with fair tires.
Claims no obvious rust in the likely spots.
Asking $1600
I will try to see it this week.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

Yeah, inspect in person.

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83 SD

84 CD