W-140 Diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PhantomCadillac · #1 11-21-2010, 10:55 AM

Does anyone know which years the W-140 had turbo diesels and which were the best and worst years?
Where is a good place to look for quality examples.
And this last question can a wheelchair fit easily in the trunk. I'm looking for a diesel because I make bio-diesel and this would be for my wife. she has a home health care business where she might have to transport a client with a wheel chair.
Thanks

TheDon · #2 11-21-2010, 10:58 AM

A wheel chair will fit in the trunk. I stay away from the W140 chasis.. way too much gadgetry to go bad/fail.

PhantomCadillac · #3 11-21-2010, 11:08 AM

Well I like the looks but which mercedes diesels would accomidate a wheelchair and run on biodiesel?

Delibes · #4 11-21-2010, 11:17 AM

Hello PhantomCadillac,
The W140 is a disaster waiting to happen. It might be one of the safest "true" Benzes, have lots of space and a quiet, comfortable ride in utter luxury. However, you should be aware of the little bells and whistles that will inevitably fail in this car, as well as the infamous 3.5L OM603 engine, dubbed the "rod bender". Once this engine starts consuming more oil than normal, there will be no turning back. If the car has a factory new engine, then you should only worry about the electronics.

I have read that if you want build quality, go for the first generation W140, also called "pre-facelift" (1992-1993). However, if you want a little more reliability with the downside of cheaper materials, go for the second generation (post-facelift) W140, years 1994 and 1995 in the diesel model. I know this is sacrilege, but you may want to consider a Lexus LS400 if you want a relatively trouble-free car that can run on regular and get *slightly* less mileage.

I would recommend to take a look at the Vintage Mercedes Showroom Thread to find some low-mileage examples, generally in good condition. I tend to upgrade it now and then with the finest examples/bargains I find under 100k miles.

Here is a showroom condition 1995 in New Orleans, a low-mile 1993 in Dallas and another 1993 in Gran Rapids, if you feel adventurous.

My advice: there is no engine like the OM617. Stick with a 1981-85 300SD, a 1986-7 300SDL (more refined and slightly more troublesome, a little longer than the SD with enough space for the wheelchair). The W126 350SDL has the space and can come with dual airbags, but it has the same nightmare engine as the W140. I know this is sacrilege to say in the MB community, but if you want a large, quiet, NUMB, relatively trouble-free car, maybe the Lexus LS400 is the way to go: gas mileage is slightly less than the big diesels and can run on regular. It could save you a bunch of headaches and a broken heart.

compu_85 · #5 11-21-2010, 11:20 AM

Will it not fit in the trunk of a W126? I assume that's where you want to stow the wheelchair.

All W140 diesels have suspect connecting rods from the factory. Unless you can prove that the motor was replaced don't pay a lot for one. Also be prepared to spend a lot of time fixing the comfort features.

The LS400 suggestion above should be considered IMHO.

-J

TheDon · #6 11-21-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomCadillac

Well I like the looks but which mercedes diesels would accomidate a wheelchair and run on biodiesel?

why not get a 98/99 E300D?

Plus a wheel chair should be able to fit in the trunk of an SDL?

#7 11-21-2010, 11:24 AM

I have a friend who likes W140 gassers, he has a couple; but I wouldn't touch a W140 diesel either.

PhantomCadillac · #8 11-22-2010, 09:15 AM

Thanks for the replies. If I stay with the 617 motor I would be looking for a wagon. I think that would be easier for my wife to handle and for her clients to enter and exit. The vehicle has to be diesel so the Lexus is out. I make my own fuel so ..... In these economic times you have to save any and every where you can.

Thanks again!

Fulcrum525 · #9 11-22-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomCadillac

Thanks for the replies. If I stay with the 617 motor I would be looking for a wagon. I think that would be easier for my wife to handle and for her clients to enter and exit. The vehicle has to be diesel so the Lexus is out. I make my own fuel so ..... In these economic times you have to save any and every where you can.

Thanks again!

If that's the case look for an 1987 300D wagon. They are pretty darn rare but the OM603 really isn't that troublesome so long as you take care of it.

Beastie · #10 11-22-2010, 09:28 AM

I use my 85 300SD to transport my Dad and the wheel chair fits in the trunk easily.

PhantomCadillac · #11 11-22-2010, 09:53 AM

I have a friend with and 84 300SD and know they have a huge trunk. My only problem with the SD is getting people in and out I was thinking the wagon sets higher and would be easier.
So if you have any thoughts please post them. I'm not in a rush and would like to find what would be the easest vehicle for my wife to work out of and still run on bio-diesel.

vstech · #12 11-22-2010, 10:04 AM

ride height is about the same with an SD vs a TD... the SDL has more passenger legroom than the SD or the TD, unless you have short drivers... you can't beat the TD for cargo space, but the SD/SDL have plenty of trunk space. not sure you can put a wheelchair in though. I had no issues putting in a hand truck...

PhantomCadillac · #13 11-22-2010, 10:12 AM

Well we are both fairly tall I'm 6'1" and she "who must be obeyed" is 5'9". we have a friend with and 85 wagon and does seem to sit higher for entering and exits. Just maybe me though. My wife liked the looks of the wagon and suggested I get one. I didn't tell her that good wagons are hard to come by. I liked the looks of the one tyler had but the timing was not right.

Maybe he can locate another one