Looking For Diesel Guidance - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rmmagow · #1 05-20-2011, 10:29 AM

I am a long time W123 owner, past was two 83's, couple and sedan, present is an 85 sedan with an exceptionally clean body.
I am getting the urge to try a different, younger model (no honey, the car, not you), but don't really know where to begin or exactly what I'm looking for.

I want the BIG bodied cars that seem to get around 30 MPG or so. Nice, heavy, built like a BSH Mercedes Benz.

I am not real good with the "W" designations and am looking for a way to differentate amongst the various platforms that have diesel power. I am expecting to spend say, 10 maybe 15K for a nice car, good power, A/C, lots of room, easyish to service and reliable. 4, 5 or 6 cyl doesn't matter but I guess it better be a turbo if I want it to move. I'm even interested in the Blue-Tech line but think those may still be out of financial reach. I would definitely prefer a wagon over a sedan and would consider 20-25 MPG OK on one of those platforms.

So, what should I look for, W-what, what years are OK. I know about the 613 head vs 614 issue and don't care about that as I can replace a head if needed. Some real general information should be enough to start trolling E-bay and craigslist and other sites. I think I know the W124 and W126 (that the 300SD size?) but pretty much that's it. The W123's I own and have owned were and are easy to care for. Rust prone, sure, but still run for months at a time with no work needed other than oil and filter changes.

Any, no matter how generic, info is appreciated.

Stretch · #2 05-20-2011, 10:35 AM

Is this too modern - or not available where you are?

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/mercedes-benz/mercedes-e-class-w211-2006-facelift/

W211 from 2006 then...

rmmagow · #3 05-20-2011, 12:02 PM

Looks pretty OK. I've not been a fan of the teardrop headlights and slanty grill changes, but now that it's been around for a while I think I can live with it. My wife really likes the 123, I just wanted to get her (and me) something a little newer for a change. W211 search will begin :-)

Jeremy5848 · #4 05-20-2011, 12:05 PM

For a diesel wagon, I think your only choice is an '87 300TD. AFAIK, in later models the wagons are all gassers. The 1996-99 E300D sedans are nice cars; the first two years have the OM606NA engine while '98-99 they added a turbocharger. Another newer alternative are the CDI models from the early 2000's. I think 2005 was the last year of the straight-6 engine, after that it is a V-6. Older cars are somewhat simpler and easier to maintain yourself; newer cars are more complex but have some nice features (yes, I'm oversimplifying).

I had an '85 300D also so I understand the comparisons you are trying to make. The W123 feels like a truck after driving anything newer, even a W124 ('86-'95).

Jeremy

Zacharias · #5 05-20-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

I had an '85 300D also so I understand the comparisons you are trying to make. The W123 feels like a truck after driving anything newer, even a W124 ('86-'95).

What Jeremy said. You will find the w123 crude, loud and slow after driving a w124 300td.

However, after driving an E320 or E300d, you may feel like you have downgraded to an oxcart, when you turn the key in your w123....

The w123 is built like a brick *****house compared to the later cars, but once you get up into the w210 chassis the poor old things' age is really embarassing in comparison.

If you want a slightly nicer car, to coexist with your w123, I would go with an 86-87 300sdl (the long body, six-cylinder w126 turbodiesel). Smoother, quicker and more refined, but not a stark contrast.

Personally, I would not be able to deal with owing an E300d alongside a w123 300d. The poor old girl would never get driven, and that would break my heart with guilt. Honestly.

Yak · #6 05-20-2011, 12:47 PM

Wikipedia has easy links with pics and a timeline:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Mercedes-Benz_model_codes

rmmagow · #7 05-20-2011, 01:41 PM

I did get to wikipedia and poke around and feel a bit better about my knowledge. In truth, looking at the E320 wagaon gasser, if I really want a wagon, AWD etc that would fill the bill. Diesel wagon with any kind of reasonable years/mileage would almost force me to VW. An old 123 wagon would work if i can find a unrotted one for reasonable bucks. This si going to take some thought. I very very rarely spend moe tha 4K for a car and generally drive them until there's no life left. I'll be dead before my 123 and want a nice car for a change. 50 years working and I need some downtime from having to fix my cars all the time.

Stretch · #8 05-20-2011, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmmagow

... 50 years working and I need some downtime from having to fix my cars all the time.

I'm sorry to say this as I'll probably be shot for saying this on a Mercedes forum but most people who don't want to fix cars buy a Honda.

My 1986 Civic just went on and on - we only got rid of it because we couldn't fit the children in it.

Renntag · #9 05-20-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

I'm sorry to say this as I'll probably be shot for saying this on a Mercedes forum but most people who don't want to fix cars buy a Honda.

My 1986 Civic just went on and on - we only got rid of it because we couldn't fit the children in it.

Not going to shoot...

You forget the other groups that doesnt work on their cars....those that are inept, and those that just pay to have them fixed. (regardless of economic stature)

friends dont let friends drive a honda.

There are many many "appliances" to choose from if one wishes to purchase something new and not have maintenance concerns. The Mercedes is not without issues, but if you could afford the payment and the taxes, the new S class is sweet and gets 42-45mpg with diesel.

Stretch · #10 05-20-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renntag

Not going to shoot...

You forget the other groups that doesnt work on their cars....those that are inept, and those that just pay to have them fixed. (regardless of economic stature)

friends dont let friends drive a honda.

There are many many "appliances" to choose from if one wishes to purchase something new and not have maintenance concerns. The Mercedes is not without issues, but if you could afford the payment and the taxes, the new S class is sweet and gets 42-45mpg with diesel.

Phew one less bullet coming my way!

Buying a new car would be good if you don't want to fix 'em... but the budget we're being asked to play with wouldn't get a good new car in my opinion. So what would you say would be a good second hand buy - that's nice and big - that doesn't need much maintenance? I think it is a difficult one...

Orv · #11 05-20-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

My 1986 Civic just went on and on - we only got rid of it because we couldn't fit the children in it.

My biggest problem with my Honda Civic was the seats. I'm 6'0". The median Japanese man is 5'5", and it shows. The seatbacks were just murder on my back. I have a friend who's 5'8" and he loves his Civic.

Zacharias · #12 05-20-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orv

My biggest problem with my Honda Civic was the seats. I'm 6'0". The median Japanese man is 5'5", and it shows. The seatbacks were just murder on my back. I have a friend who's 5'8" and he loves his Civic.

Not a problem in the 2006/7-2010 generation. I am 6ft 4ins and spent a weekend with a Civic sedan.

It was easier to get in and out of, and had more usable legroom, than my w126. Of course it was narrow.

Oh and the seats were excellent. And it was a bloody riot to drive (and this was just a plain vanilla DX-trim rental).

The Civic has been largely bulletproof, around here they rust to bits before they even get close to dying from age or mileage. Unfortunately I don't think the whole Honda line reflects that sort of durability anymore.

leathermang · #13 05-20-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

I'm sorry to say this as I'll probably be shot for saying this on a Mercedes forum but most people who don't want to fix cars buy a Honda.

My 1986 Civic just went on and on - we only got rid of it because we couldn't fit the children in it.

I agree...if you are wanting downtime from working on your car....
But when it does need to be worked on ... you probably will not have the correct tools...or hands small enough to get into the engine compartment...

Renntag · #14 05-20-2011, 01:56 PM

A W124 is a fine machine but your comment of "not working on it all the time" wouldnt fit well. they are still OLD.

the 96-99 W210 E300D with an OM606 is a fine machine. We have one and although I'd never part with my 300TD, I wouldnt mind having a second E300D.

The newer cars get you into the CDi and then the Blue tech. Both are fine autos. The CDi should be in your price range, but note that the newer cars might start to become big money to repair and maintain. Something to investigate.

If you consider a W210, dont buy it up near you. Rust is sadly a big issue with that chassis, right down to front spring perches failing. We went south for ours and picked up a super clean example with a turbo. 98-99 only federal W210s with turbo.

tomscat1 · #15 05-20-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmmagow

I am a long time W123 owner, past was two 83's, couple and sedan, present is an 85 sedan with an exceptionally clean body.
I am getting the urge to try a different, younger model (no honey, the car, not you), but don't really know where to begin or exactly what I'm looking for.

I want the BIG bodied cars that seem to get around 30 MPG or so. Nice, heavy, built like a BSH Mercedes Benz.

I am not real good with the "W" designations and am looking for a way to differentate amongst the various platforms that have diesel power. I am expecting to spend say, 10 maybe 15K for a nice car, good power, A/C, lots of room, easyish to service and reliable. 4, 5 or 6 cyl doesn't matter but I guess it better be a turbo if I want it to move. I'm even interested in the Blue-Tech line but think those may still be out of financial reach. I would definitely prefer a wagon over a sedan and would consider 20-25 MPG OK on one of those platforms.

So, what should I look for, W-what, what years are OK. I know about the 613 head vs 614 issue and don't care about that as I can replace a head if needed. Some real general information should be enough to start trolling E-bay and craigslist and other sites. I think I know the W124 and W126 (that the 300SD size?) but pretty much that's it. The W123's I own and have owned were and are easy to care for. Rust prone, sure, but still run for months at a time with no work needed other than oil and filter changes.

Any, no matter how generic, info is appreciated.

Pardon the slightly off-topic response here, but... I notice that you are from RI. Please consider joining a nice bunch of folks, fellow Mercedes (mostly diesel, but also gassers) owners at our annual picnic, known as Chowdah Q, for the delicious Chowdah prepared by Dwight and his wife. Dwight personally harvests the clams, btw!! September 10, 2011, at Goddard State Park in East Greenwich. Lots of shop talk, nice group of people, camaraderie, and great food! You may even receive some guidance about your next car, if you haven't decided by then! Not to be missed!