Very indecisive about Daily Driver Merc purchase - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

AD43576 · #1 07-30-2011, 10:35 PM

I want to start by saying how much fun I've had surfing around this forum. I've learned a lot but realize that I have a ton more to learn about these very cool cars.

As the subject line suggests, I am thinking about buying an older diesel Mercedes to use as a daily driver. After reading through the forums I have really become infected with the love and admiration these cars seem to invoke in their owners. But at the same time I'm a bit leery because as a technical forum, there are a lot of problems posted here. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person out there but would love to learn and think that these cars might be a fun way of doing that.

I have recently come across a couple of very nice examples that have caught my eye. One of them is a 1976 W114 or 115 in really nice shape and the other is an absolutely mint 1979 W123 300D. Both appear to be rust free. I'm planning on taking them for test drives next weekend, but in the mean time would like some guidance as to which might be better and why. Would the 114/115 be better because it might be a more simple design and therefore easier to work on? Or would it be better to go with a newer model. Neither of them has a turbo, do you think that would be a turn off to someone whose only driven modern cars? Will I be taking my life into my hands trying to merge into traffic going 75mph with either of them? Do they even go that fast!? Are these good cars for hauling my two month old daughter in? Do they suck in snowy conditions? So many questions!

As I said, I have a lot to learn but always enjoy doing so. Thanks in advance for the knowledge and advice.

Aaron

TylerH860 · #2 07-30-2011, 10:47 PM

I wouldn't recommend one that old as a daily driver. There's just too many age related issues at that point, unless its been pretty much completely gone though. Its not the drivetrain I'm worried about, but all the rubber and sealing components. The 79 300D also has the AC2 system, which is not a pleasant auto climate control system. If its not working, best just walk away or plan on a long road ahead. You're also not going to be satisfied if your expectations are modern terms in acceleration.

I started with an '85 300D, and as much as I enjoyed it I now realize how primitive it was. I initially bought into the whole durability aura surrounding these cars, but now after having 20+ of them I've finally realized that they're very fragile machines that age well, but are 20-30 years old. For the same or less money you can get a Buick with the 3.8 or a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis that's 15 years newer with far less miles and it will be a far more reliable car.

If you want one of these do it for the right reason. Don't think you can daily drive one and do a few little side repairs every once in a while. Most of us have multiples for the dual purpose of liking them, and to drive when the other one breaks.

compu_85 · #3 07-30-2011, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

...I've finally realized that they're very fragile machines that age well, but are 20-30 years old.... Most of us have multiples for the dual purpose of liking them, and to drive when the other one breaks.

This is so true. Time marches on and it's boots trample all the rubber and plastic parts on the car... and there are quite a lot of them.

Multiple cars is also fun.. but also more expensive. Two sets of tires, two insurances, two license plates. My train of thought is: I can keep my SDL and TDI in really nice shape for about / less then the cost of a new car payment. Then I'm left with two nice cars instead of one

compu_85 · #4 07-30-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AD43576

I am thinking about buying an {older car} to use as a daily driver.

Do you like working on cars? Do you have the time, space, tools, and knowledge to do repairs? Old cars are tons of fun, but don't get into a situation where you can't get to work

It's a great hobby (I enjoy it a lot!)... but is that: a hobby. That said I drove, and still drive, older cars every day.

I'd think a 300D would keep up with traffic, though the climate control on those is troublesome.

-J

Diesel911 · #5 07-30-2011, 10:53 PM

This is just my opinion based on my experience with my Own Mercedes; and that without having another Vehicle to drive when the Mercedes needs work it will be very difficult to live with your Mercedes when it comes time to Fix it.

Take a look at some jobs listed in the threads below like changing the Oil Cooler Hoses, Rear Axles, Rear Wheel Bearings, Lower Control Arm Bushings, Motor and Transmission Mounts, the various Transmission issues, Valve Adjustment, Changing or adjusting the Front Wheel Bearings, replacing the Timing Chain, and changing a Ball Joint.

Some of the above jobs are easier than others; but, imagine having to pay someone else to do those jobs; or, if you did the jobs Yourself how much time it would take to round up Tools and Parts.

DIY Repair Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=82

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf

Do some reading and decide for yourself.

okto · #6 07-30-2011, 10:54 PM

Drive one first. None of the W123 diesels are fast, and the W114 is going to make the 300D look sprightly. That's not to say they're dangerous or undriveable, but you need to know what you're getting yourself into.

Also, if it's in your budget and you can find a nice example, consider a W124 diesel. My E300D has been completely bulletproof for 20,000 not-very-gentle miles, and it already had 238,000 on the clock by the time I got my hands on it. Much smoother ride than a W123 because of the multilink rear suspension, which is important in a DD car. Also somewhat nicer inside, AC is more likely to work, more comfort touches.

The W123 is a durable car; the W124 was the first E class you could actually think of as a luxury car.

citationtech · #7 07-30-2011, 11:03 PM

read this thread: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=302495

i've always lusted after a 115 but only for a toy. if you want a daily get a 124.

charmalu · #8 07-30-2011, 11:14 PM

Hi welcome to the forum. looks like you have been doing some studying before deciding to jump over the fence and get your feet wet. you know once you get one, they are addictive.

The 79 W123 will be a 300D 5 cylinder engine, with 80hp or so. It should get you moving into the traffic ok. at the higher elevations not being a turbo, it will be a little slower.

The 76 W115 could be a 240D or a 300D, they had both that year. the 240 is 60 hp or so, and the 300 probably the same as the 123 above. with the 240 you will have to plan you move some what and drive a little more defensive.

You are right, there are a lot of problems posted as you read through the forum threads. usually in the fall it is starting issues and heat, and in the spring it is air conditioning issues. there are a lot of new diesel first time owners that have various concerns learning the various noises these engines make.

You will be buying an old 30 yr old car +-. and there will be issues and po neglect and abuses you acquired in your purchase.

I have an 80 240D with 323K, and we have made 3 trips to Portland, Or and 4 to Carson City, Nv, and one to los Angeles in the past year. tuesday we will be going back to Portland, 730 miles. the 80 has 67hp and can hold it`s own on the road, also has a 4-spd transmission. it get 33+mpg on the highway.

If you do buy a 240, an automatic will be doggy slow. the 79 123 will be an automatic. they did not come with a manual transmission.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W123

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W114

Charlie

frankengrant · #9 07-31-2011, 12:14 AM

I daily drive an 85 300D, I love my car, but the small repairs will break your spirit eventually, and you will left with a car that you can't sell for nearly the amount you have invested in it to get it reliable. Buy a newer car if you want a daily driver, I plan to get one as soon as I can afford it.

I have invested about 3000 dollars into my w123, and the paint is awful after one AZ summer, I've considered repainting it, but do I really want to drop 1000 more dollars for a okay at best paint job on a car that will get totaled for the slightest accident.... See what I mean about breaking your spirit. For a weekend or a restore project, they are great, for a daily car... They make me sad sometimes.

whunter · #10 07-31-2011, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AD43576

I want to start by saying how much fun I've had surfing around this forum. I've learned a lot but realize that I have a ton more to learn about these very cool cars.

As the subject line suggests, I am thinking about buying an older diesel Mercedes to use as a daily driver. After reading through the forums I have really become infected with the love and admiration these cars seem to invoke in their owners. But at the same time I'm a bit leery because as a technical forum, there are a lot of problems posted here. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person out there but would love to learn and think that these cars might be a fun way of doing that.

I have recently come across a couple of very nice examples that have caught my eye. One of them is a 1976 W114 or 115 in really nice shape and the other is an absolutely mint 1979 W123 300D. Both appear to be rust free. I'm planning on taking them for test drives next weekend, but in the mean time would like some guidance as to which might be better and why. Would the 114/115 be better because it might be a more simple design and therefore easier to work on? Or would it be better to go with a newer model. Neither of them has a turbo, do you think that would be a turn off to someone whose only driven modern cars? Will I be taking my life into my hands trying to merge into traffic going 75mph with either of them? Do they even go that fast!? Are these good cars for hauling my two month old daughter in? Do they suck in snowy conditions? So many questions!

As I said, I have a lot to learn but always enjoy doing so. Thanks in advance for the knowledge and advice.

Aaron

Drive the 1976 W115.114 300D and 1979 W123.130 300D.

Then try to find an 1981 - 1985 (all are TURBO) 300D and 300SD to test drive..

Then make your decision..

.

sixto · #11 07-31-2011, 02:25 AM

Aren't US spec '81 300Ds and CDs normally aspirated?

Sixto
87 300D

whunter · #12 07-31-2011, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixto

Aren't US spec '81 300Ds and CDs normally aspirated?

Sixto
87 300D

All 300SD where TURBO
1978-1980 W116.120 300SD OM617.950
1981-1985 W126.120 300SD OM617.952

1981 MB offered the 300D, 300CD, and 300TD both ways.

The 240D was already scheduled to end production in 1984 = no resources wasted re-designing for a turbo.

Sales where so bad in 1981 on the naturally aspirated diesel cars that most dealers would NOT stock them, except as a demo showing customers the OM617.952 turbo power.

It is difficult, by comparison to find a 1981 NA 300D

1982 + the USA diesel was OM617.952 = turbo only.

rrgrassi · #13 07-31-2011, 03:47 AM

I love my '82 as a daily driver! It is predictable in bad weather.

Yes, they do require maintenance, and at times seems like lots of it. My car has 290,000 on it now. I have had it for five years now, and I will not part with it.

Next weekend I get to replace the flex disks, center support bushing and bearing.

My car also needs painting. But, it is solid and reliable. Since it is mainly mechanical, it needs reliable maintenance to stay reliable as a driveable car.

I am an IT guy. I love this car for no computer or ECM. No CEL and codes to read. The only idiot lights it has is for charging, brakes, and brake pad wear on the front. The glowplug light is not an idiot light.

I do want a w126, but funding keeps it from me.

Travis_k · #14 07-31-2011, 04:12 AM

I bought an 83 300SD as a daily driver, so far it has been great. I have rebuilt the whole front suspension already though, and fixed a few other things. I think it is pretty easy to work on, and it keeps up with traffic just fine. The previous cars I have driven daily were a 1985 shelby charger and a 1987 alfa romeo milano, so the mercedes seems pretty simple and reliable compared to those.

Skippy · #15 07-31-2011, 04:56 AM

You can have an old (>15 years old) car as a daily, but you must have a backup. My '71 250 was a daily for a while, as is my 300D, but I've always had backup rides so I can get to work when one is down. I'm currently loving my '06 Kawasaki as my daily, but it isn't so good for hauling a load of groceries.