Which Diesel? pros and cons? what would you buy? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

72junky · #1 11-09-2016, 10:33 AM

The time has come to send my trusted 2003 Jetta TDI on to someone else. a really good car, just tired of it. So, I have been searching CL and asking some questions to others here on the forum. I have come to 2 cars I am contemplating.

1986 W201 190D 2.5 n/a 5 speed 139k, or, 1995 W124 E300 diesel/auto with 133k Both cars are out of state and have talked to the owners. I have not seen in person.

The car will be a daily driver living outside. I have a 20 mile distance to work on secondary roads with several stops. Goal is reliability, decent mileage, and not a lot of time spent working on it.

I have searched here for issues and risks for both cars, and have not really found much that says; "stay away from that!"

Any recommendations or warnings?

chronometers · #2 11-09-2016, 10:49 AM

Hi -- Welcome to forum. I bought a 1995 E300 in 2012 with 145k after moving back to US and still have it. It now has 206k and has made several long trips including across country. I had to replace the wiring harness, R&R serpetine belt and associated pulley and idler arm. I did basic maintenance items such as brakes and new tires. There is lots of information on these cars here.

The car certainly fits the bill of being a reliable vehicle with decent MPG. It does not have sports car acceleration but is great for around town driving and cruising the highway.

Once you sort any maintenance items out, it has the potential to run well into the 300ks++.

I really like mine!

72junky · #3 11-09-2016, 11:04 AM

Thanks Chris,

I appreciate your feedback. I've received the same comments about your car from another friend Jim Freeh (forum member) who had one too. I am familiar with both bodies. My first MB was a '84 W201 2.3 5 speed and absolutely loved that car. I kept up with it long after I sold it and it lived over 350k. I now have a '95 E320 cabriolet that has had all kinds of work done to it this year and finally getting it sorted. Great car. I should probably think specialty tool investment and go with the W124...

Thanks,
Brian

w123fanman · #4 11-09-2016, 02:02 PM

I have a 190D 2.5 with the automatic. It's slow but driveable, would be even better with the manual. I absolutely love it, it's very easy to work on and once I rebuilt the suspension (had 320K on it) it rode like a dream. A future project is to swap the drivetrain into a good body, the one had severe rust issues. The small size makes it great for living in the city like I do.

That being said, the 1995 E300, which I have not owned, would be a great car. Much more power, but it does have the issue of the wiring harness and glow plugs that like to break. It's also a bit larger which some may find to be more comfortable. I'd love to own a W124 but I'd personally go for an E320 wagon.

TheDon · #5 11-09-2016, 03:36 PM

glow plugs on the E300D can be a fun ordeal if one snaps.

Volvo Diesel · #6 11-09-2016, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72junky

I've received the same comments about your car from another friend Jim Freeh (forum member) who had one too.

Hey, you could just buy Jim Freeh's old car!

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-cars-sale/381813-sale-95-e300diesel-sedan.html

dkr · #7 11-09-2016, 09:38 PM

Considering they are both older cars at this point, I would certainly factor in how well each one was cared for by the previous owner. Mercedes cars tend to need lots of maintenance and care.

Dkr.

chronometers · #8 11-09-2016, 11:08 PM

Glow plugs can break and is a notorious problem with the OM606 engine. There are lots of posts on DIY techniques and I think the key is taking your time and removing them periodically.

That being said, I got mine done at a local dealership after reading all the horror stories. They quoted me a price. When they called later and said one snapped off, I said I was going to hold them to their quoted price. They honored it.

Wdiesel · #9 11-10-2016, 12:01 AM

They are both solid options. Like mentioned before I'd check vehicle maintenance histories.

Haven't owned a 190 but have been around them quite a bit. Solid vehicles, smaller size makes them good city cars. I like the idea of the 5 speed.

The E300 is an excellent car. I own one and am doing a motor swap on it at over 420,000 miles on the odometer. Ask about glow plugs - if they have been replaced. May be worth going to a mechanic together to sort that before you buy. The wiring harness as well, mine was replaced before I got it. I do like the space inside the W124 chassis, sometimes I wish for a wagon but I really can't complain.

These cars are engineered very well, it's common to see them as taxis and still going strong in places less hospitable than South Kakalaki. Either way you can't go wrong.

tjts1 · #10 11-10-2016, 03:19 AM

One thing the 95 has going for it is the yuge fuel tank as in 24 gallons if that's important to you. But I would go for the 5spd. It's so much more fun to drive. Both cars will be slow. One thing I don't like about the w201 is the steering wheel sits too low with no adjustment. I routinely hit my left knee against it when using the clutch. No such problem in the w124 with a 3rd pedal. I'm also 6'1" so that might have something to do with it.

The w124 is just a longer wides w201. Almost every moving part is interchangeable. 4 pot brakes off a V8 w124 bolt right on to any w201 with the right wheels for example.

72junky · #11 11-10-2016, 12:35 PM

Good afternoon All,

Thank you for all your input and thoughts. I have done more research and need to provide more info.

W201- PA car, but, no rust. No history, I ran a carfax yesterday and found only title changes and registrations. Interesting, 40k miles in first 2 years, 45k miles next 14, and 50k miles last 14. this car sat a lot. From the pictures it looks like it sat inside. The owner (on 3/2016) is a former MB tech and finds and sells MB's on the side. He got this one to keep, but, just had second kid. He said the car is too small for the kid seats of today, so buying a W210 wagon for family duty. He has done a bunch of work to it. Alt, battery, all fluids, brakes, tires, suspension bushings and such, shocks/struts with H&R lowering springs (good/bad?!?!?) dropped it 1.5 inches and alignment.

Issues: wiper won't stop in park position, cruise control inop, flakey tach, climate control pushed into the dash console. minor oil leaks, clear coat peeling on hood and dull driver rear door or minor dings and dents.

W124 - southern car 2 owners, full service history, first owner at dealer. 2nd owner bought from friend 4 years ago and maintained it at indy. NEW GLOW PLUGS!! does not know about wire harness. original paint, no rust. He will send me the VIN this weekend with more pics.

Issues: hood clearcoat is faded. the trip odometer is inop, rest of dash panel works. All other systems work. The drivers seat bottom is torn/worn, gray MB Tex. the headliner is falling.

So the dilemma thickens. I like the 5 speed and agility of the W201. But I'm 6'2" so thanks for the clutch knee info. I forgot about that. The W124 has better credentials, but, not as fun to drive.

If anyone knows if the issues listed above are a big deal, please advise.

Again I appreciate your insight!

Thanks,
Brian

tjts1 · #12 11-10-2016, 01:23 PM

You can swap a smaller 94+ steering wheel into the w201 to get you some more knee clearance. Also you can get rid of the US only fat knee bolster by swapping in an 84 knee panel.

babymog · #13 11-10-2016, 01:48 PM

The 201 baby benz is a nice car, but small. I'm only 6' but still have my hair, and hated how it always was touching the headliner in the sunroof car. Also, couldn't seat adults comfortably in the back seat so we never took my car on a night out.

Get the 124, more car in so many ways, just take good care of that transmission.