Hey guys,

First time venture into the diesel discussion; my experience is exactly 0, by the way.


So I currently drive a 1987 560SEL. It's big, fast and durable.

However, there's a W123 240D in china blue for sale 5 seconds from my house.

I've heard/read stories of the powertrains outliving the car, and was wondering how true this is.

Also, what kind of maintenance would one have to put this through? The 560 is alright about maintenance I suppose; due for a major tune-up soon, so I'm not too looking forward to it

I am also assuming the W123 isn't even half as fast as the 560; but would it be too much of a step down for me to handle? *For a frame of reference, I was driven insane by having to drive a 1990's Honda Odyssey at work for transporting things*

But it is still such a pretty car; has the matching body color wheel caps and looks about as well taken care of as my 560...


Thanks guys,


Carlen

P.S. the car would be for my brother; he's not as automotively inclined as I am, so I would be doing all the DIY'er jobs...

__________________
_______________________________________________

1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)

There is FAR less maintenance on a diesel.
And it'll be FAR, FAR slower than half of what you're used to. You'll have to drive it yourself to answer whether or not it's suitable.
Depending on it's past, the body can have the same longevity as the engine.
On of the biggest deals with a 240 is folks have a tendency to drive it at it's maximum capacity, seriously reducing the number of miles available on an otherwise "properly" driven car.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

The 240D is only 67 HP, low geared Differential, 3:69. so good from the start, but when getting up to 65mph and higher the engine is screaming.

The interior won`t be as plush, and the noise level will be higher, you will have manual everything. they might have started in 82 with electric sun roof and doors.
the 240 is about as basic as they come. very easy to work on if you have to.

With the automatic transmission they will be a little more slugish, the 4-spd manual will make a big difference.

Accept if for what it is, and don`t compare it to your 560SEL. this is a great step backwards.


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Oh I don't mind the Teutonic late 70's luxury; holy cow I had no idea it had that much horsepower I like being able to get out of the way if I have to; Connecticut and I-95 is crazy, almost comparable to Mad Max.

I actually kind of enjoy the fact it's so simple; the 560 has many little features that I don't even use; I don't know how people use all the crazy stuff in a new S600...

I dunno, I definitely need to test drive it; how are these on gas mileage?

I bet it's far better than the 560 (which shouldn't be too difficult )
but lately I'm getting 18 mpg



Thanks again,



Carlen

__________________
_______________________________________________

1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)

Ooooo, major faux pas right there. The phrase you're looking for is fuel economy. It will get better, I've gotten as high as 33 on the highway with a four-speed. I do mostly around-town driving and get about 25-27. Although, unless you plan on running it on alternative fuels, the savings could be minimal depending on the price of petro-diesel in your area. It's often around the price of premium (unless the 560 takes premium, I'm never sure about old gassers).

As for power, I think our 2003 Honda Odyssey is a f*cking rocket ship compared to the 240. If everything is in spec (injectors, compression, acc. linkage, etc. all that good stuff) you shouldn't have a problem, but you'll just be making it.

__________________
1983 240D 3.0T 4-speed manual, now sold

1989 Subaru GL Wagon 5-speed Touring Edition

Fuel economy will depend on your driving style, if you're constantly trying to get up to speed quickly, you won't get much better than low to mid 20's.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

Ooooh, fuel economy; I try to be as kind to the transmission as possible, making sure not to push the old girl too hard.

That's the biggest problem is the premium fuel to fuel economy ratio. It's an ugly one

Around here diesel is about $3.20, with premium at 3.25; it's a win-win on economy to price right there, going almost twice as far on a little bit less buck.

The power is what scares me the most. I really like being able to get out of the way of some raging soccer mom in her V70, and/or merge onto the highway at a decent speed...

I'll see when I can talk to the owner; it's a private sale that is unlisted, as if he's trying not to sell it I don't blame him either, it looks amazing.



Thanks once again,


Carlen

__________________
_______________________________________________

1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)