They all have their plusses. I think getting even 3K out of the gasser might be a challange today though.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Undoubtedly. The E420 would blow the other two out of the water in terms of refinement and performance. However it lacks the class of the 240D and will be largely gone from memory as well as the streets while the 240D carries the "star" into eternity as one of the true automotive wonders of all time.

While I'm aware of the hippocracy of my next suggestion coming from one who recently junked his own 240D, I'm leaning towards the idea that all 240D's should be saved no matter what their condition, even if they are currently non runners.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

I'm kind of leaning towards the SD now. Just cut my losses! I'm in 3K, and will need to spend a couple hundred to get the seats wired and installed. I'd be lucky to get 2K based on cosmetics, but you never know...it does have a lot going for it. I just have this vision for the car in brand new Manganese Brown with the Black 2nd gen interior. The "Peanut Butter Cup"!

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RT


1984 300D---Sold
1995 E420 - 106K - Brilliant Silver Metallic/Orion Gray --- Sold
1984 300SD - 151K Manganese Brown Metallic/Mostly Black --- Sold
1982 240D - 79K - Manila Beige/Palomino---Sold

That's what I'm worried about, although I just bought it about a year ago I believe (5K), and it was tough to find a nice one with service history. Factory warranty through 2003!

__________________
RT


1984 300D---Sold
1995 E420 - 106K - Brilliant Silver Metallic/Orion Gray --- Sold
1984 300SD - 151K Manganese Brown Metallic/Mostly Black --- Sold
1982 240D - 79K - Manila Beige/Palomino---Sold

Not a slam in any way, however, on an apples to apples like-condition 240D versus a 300SD - the SD is a money pit. This was my experience getting my '83 300SD to 305K miles, vs. my Brother's '77 240D with like miles on it.

Could not AGREE more!

If not for the rusted rocker-panels 360* around my Brother's '77 240D, bought new, with about 350K miles on it when junked - I would have saved it, but I could not justify it at the time, 12 or so years ago. I am now somewhat remorseful.

I'm thinking maybe you should sell the 240D to Peter in Phoenix.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.

I'd keep the 420 and 240. Use the 240 for local errands, etc. Use the 420 for trips to SD, etc.

I would personally love to drive a v8 w124.

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1982 240 D, 308,000 - 321,127 miles (sold)
1982 300 TD,166,500 - 226,000 miles
1998 E 320, 120,000 - 144,000 miles
2005 C 230 K, 26,000 - 77,000 miles (sold)

I'd consider buying your w124 if you were closer. Nice car.

I'd sell the SD - like others have said, drive the 240D and enjoy it's classic style, and cruise in the E420 when you get tired of the older car.

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1984 300D: 275,000 miles (soon to be for sale)

In search of my 1987 300D in anything but white.

I'll buck the trend. I'm a large guy so I know what you are talking about when it comes to the 123 being small. that being said, if you don't like driving the 123, sell it... we are talking about selling the car after all people, not crushing it and making it into soup cans. If the 240 is worth $2500-$4000 its not going to be junked.

I say find the 240 a nice home, and put that money into the 126 as your around town car, and keep the 420 as your fun mobile.

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Nik...if I had bought the 240 from a total stranger, then this is most likely what I would do.

I suppose I could just give her another $500 out of the blue and tell her I got an offer I couldn't refuse for it.

My estimate is more than reasonable after looking at recent e-bay sales on 240's.

Look at this one with 100K MORE miles than mine....same color combo....same car....mine is salvaged title, though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-MERCEDES-BENZ-240D-DIESEL-BEAUTIFUL-LOOK_W0QQitemZ130368404092QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item1e5a8ffa7c

Watching this E420, too----again mine is in comparable condition with fewer miles and a great service history. Nice ones don't come up for sale too often. The W210 E420 from 1997 are always all over e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260559151910&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

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RT


1984 300D---Sold
1995 E420 - 106K - Brilliant Silver Metallic/Orion Gray --- Sold
1984 300SD - 151K Manganese Brown Metallic/Mostly Black --- Sold
1982 240D - 79K - Manila Beige/Palomino---Sold

I was unjustly suspended without pay from my job for a week starting Monday. I just found out this afternoon. This turn of events has forced my hand, and made me realize what is important and that is to take care of my 7-year old son. I have also racked up (2) parking tickets to the tune of $90 for parking on the street here in Pasadena. The 240 is for sale. I'll be listing it here for 3K. I will be putting it on E-bay starting Sunday evening if no interest from the forum.

I transfered the title and registration into my name last week, so I guess I will have to go to AAA and have that signed over to the new owner. If any California folks know if this will be a problem, please let me know.

I believe this to be a good deal, and think it will bring at least that much on E-bay, but I would like this car to go to a fellow forum member. I have also not lived with this car for any period of time, and I don't like selling a car without knowing all faults, BUT I have made up my mind on which car to sell. You all know what I paid for the car. I can meet someone in Pasadena anytime next week (CANT go to work)....maybe we could meet at Rusnack Mercedes where the car was serviced and see if we can get some information about it's service history. Perhaps I should have a PPI performed by the dealer???? Do you guys think this should be something I should do as I don't know the car as well as I would like?

Anyway....I will update this thread once more with a link to the FS ad.

My name is Randy. I can be reached at (909)342-8879.

__________________
RT


1984 300D---Sold
1995 E420 - 106K - Brilliant Silver Metallic/Orion Gray --- Sold
1984 300SD - 151K Manganese Brown Metallic/Mostly Black --- Sold
1982 240D - 79K - Manila Beige/Palomino---Sold

I agree. Unfortunately "Peter in Phoenix" is flat broke. So my motoring purgatory will continue.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

I took a hit in my 99 C280 in the driver door and the side airbag did help. That is why I upgraded to the E300. Because we were driving long distances. If we moved closer, I'd get a gas car.

I can get gas at ANY fuel station. Not every fuel station sells diesel. Don't have to deal with the oily floor and dirty pumps, no fear of gelling, dealing with diesel engine oil, etc, etc. The only reason I put up with the diesel E300 is that it has better gas mileage and if you are doing 200 miles a work day, it does add up. Trying to move within 20 miles of our workplace and if we succeed, I would go drive my vette or get a better gasser.

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

So is my 99 E300. I haven't had too many issues with that. AC compressor, starter and turbo were the main issues besides glow plugs seizing in the head.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow