I am a former 3-series BMW owner. I've been taking the train to work but I want to be with my kids more, so I need a daily driver for commuting a total of 66 miles per day (33 miles each way). My neighbor owns 2 1987 Diesel Mercedes and if I help him collect vegetable oil - he converts it to biodiesel using methanol -- then he will sell me the biodiesel for 55 cents a gallon. At this price, I would be able to stop taking the commuter rail, assuming I could pick up an 80's Mercedes Diesel in decent condition. I'm more of a computer guy, but I am learning to do mechanical stuff and did a bunch on my bimmer (e.g. change oil, replace rear shocks, replace fan motor inside the dash). Can you help me evaluate this one? I know these cars can go very high mileage, but the high miles scare me:

1987 Mercedes 190d 2.5 turbo - $2900
The rarest of the rare. Imported in 1987, only 1,169 of these were sold in the U.S.; they cost $29,800 new and were all automatics. This one has been converted to a Mercedes 190d 5-speed. Since 5th gear is an overdrive, it only turns 2,000 rpm at 70 mpg and gets 40 mpg highway. The engine is a powerful, reliable 5-cylinder unit that was usually used for the larger E-class cars. Starts instantly, runs smoothly and uses no oil. Antilock brakes and driver air bag. This is the deluxe edition, with walnut dash and headlight wipers. Radio is a Sony unit compatible with a cd changer and a cassette-type iPod adapter. Except for the A/C and cruise control, everything works – including sunroof, power windows, power seats, power antenna and power door locks. A/C worked for years until last year, but my Mercedes mechanic said there is now no pressure, so the system must have a leak. It also runs on R12 so will require a conversion to R135. Odometer stopped at 28X,XXX miles; actual miles is probably around 300,000. Body is good except for a minor back-up ding on the lr fender. No cracks in the MB Tex upholstery. Dash has a few cracks. California original car with no rust. Repainted in the original charcoal color. Recently replaced: water pump, serpentine belt, idler pulley, brakes, heater core, oil pump, ignition lock (matches other locks), clutch, master cylinder, slave cylinder, battery. These were expensive repairs worth far more than the asking price of the vehicle. Tires are a matched set of 4 Michelins in good condition mounted on factory alloy wheels. Comes with a number of extra parts, including bilstein shocks and struts. Clear current
title in my name. Serious buyers only who can come with cash.

I am not sure about 2000rpm at 70mph in 2.5L. My 5sp 190D turning over at close to 3000rpm at 70mph. I suppose the gauges don't lie.

It is a big commitment to collect WVO and to convert it to biodiesel. I think it would consume 4+ hours of your time per week to get the quantity of WVO to go to work. Do you have the time to do it week in and week out?

I think $2900 is a bit pricey for the car without A/C and a broken ODO. The A/C can set you back $800 to 1K easy. I will let others to comment on it.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

They are a great car if you're not concerned about interior space, and really do well on fuel with good power.

The original head has some issues, if overheated or overstressed it can crack. Check the casting number on the head http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=289965 and be sure that it doesn't have oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil.

Rust in the rockers is another thing to watch, and in the door bottoms.

It's a pretty easy car to own, not much fails and there are so many of the gas version around that used parts are easy to find. With the original 2.65:1 differential and an overdrive it should turn pretty low RPMs on the highway, and great mileage. Mine (with the original automatic trans) regularly got mid-30s on the highway.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I don`t know anything about the 190`s or 60X engines. But if your neighbor will continue to sell you the Fuel for 55¢ a gallon, that is a no brainer. with fuel here on the west coast now in the 4$ per gallon range, and soon to be over $4.50 a gallon, it won`t take you long to recoupe your investment.

20 gallons @ 55¢ a gallon = $11.00

20 gallons @ 44.50 a gallon = $90.00

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

Thanks everyone. This car sold last week at close to asking. I myself thought the price was a little high, so I didn't go see it. I am now looking at a 1986 190D 2.5 non-turbo with standard transmission from factory, < 160k miles, a/c needs some apparently minor fixing,
all for 3k.

I have a 87 190d na with 300Klms I put a 5 speed in it which makes it barely tolerable to drive. The automatic just sucked too much performance. You are talking a 2900lb car with 90hp. Check that the engine does not burn oil ie lingering blue smoke as you drive along. My experience is that the NA 2.5s had valve stem seal issues, seemingly the 2.5 turbo does not. Do not convert the AC to R134 as it does not work as well or last long. 3K is a bit pricey but if the car is cherry it could last you a long time, you just won't go anywhere very fast. Cheers Dan

__________________
It's always something simple
91 300D 603.960 (from japan) 194K
92 Toyota Diesel Landcruiser HDJ81-t 116K
02 Golf TDI new head courtesy of PO
87 300D
97 BMW 525 TDS Wagon 5spd
bunch of Onan and other diesel generators

SO basically what you are saying, the 190D is a new version the the old 240D, with an extra 23HP and a over drive.

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