W123 Replacement Options - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rs899 · #31 05-15-2013, 01:53 PM

^^Why ? There certainly seem to be more of them out there, but the stick population seems to be light as well. I see a lot of CL ads with mechanical problems.

http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/3793673172.html

...although this one has my attention (hate the wheels)

ruchase · #32 05-17-2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Look for an E34 if your going to go BMW...

I've only owned e28's and my wife had a e46 for a few years - however, I thought that car to be poorly made.

Is the e34 really a better car than the e28?

Stretch · #33 05-17-2013, 04:42 PM

We know that all E numbers are bad for you.

Skid Row Joe · #34 05-17-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimFreeh

... I'd waive the requirement for a stick shift MB.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a manual transmission.

I currently have 4 in the fleet: 54 Chevy 1/2 ton stepside with 3 on the tree, 68 MGB with 4 speed with OD on 3 and 4, 89 Dodge-Cummins with getrag 5 speed, and a 99 Zed3 with a 5 speed.

I've also owned many MB manuals, starting with my first MB, a 190SL in 1974, and the last was a W124 300E five or six years ago.

For later MBs, W123 and up, the need for a manual moves from absolutely necessary to a depends.... By the 240D, MB had added enough HP to make the auto a viable alternative. Comparing the MB shift experience to lots of other cars most always left me disapointed in the MB action and ratios choices. By comparison, the 4 speed autos were exceptional compared to most automatics in contemporary vehicles. I enjoy manual transmissions in my cars, but I don't miss them in my MBs, and as I've aged (matured?), I find I prefer them for day to day use.

I've moved from W123 chassis cars W124 chassis cars and in my opinion, there is no comparision between them. The W124 is faster, much better handling, and gets superior mileage compared to the W123. It has all the attributes I loved in the w123, and comes with features you'd never find in a W123.

The logical upgrade from a W123 diesel is a W124 300D or E300 diesel. Not common, but they are out there in reasonable numbers.

Jim

X 2 on the stick shift.

Depending on what he wants, and wants to spend (both unknowns......) - since he's driving an MB diesel now, it would seem to indicate his comfort level with something that old/aged, and economical==mpg. That said - I would skip the W124 AND the W210 diesels for the W211 diesel car - light-years ahead of anything MB ever made diesel. Not in any disparaging way, but because of that version of car's age alone - if he is looking for another un-dependable, and prone to break down hobby-type-car-diesel, then yeah, go with another one of any of the old stuff. Having owned several MB diesels all with at least 100K on them for over 14-years - undependable is just not something I see as useful. As a replacement, I would not buy another W210 diesel @ any price - unless it was the second hobby car, and even then I don't think I'd want to endure the problematic areas of the W210 again over time. BTDT. The 05/06 CDI makes too much sense, 360 degrees, when looking for a dependable, long term used MB diesel purchase.

buckwill33 · #35 05-18-2013, 02:17 AM

there are 2 one in los angeles one oin orange county, older 300d 81 and 83 less than three thousand both butterscotch color less than 200 k miles buck

Skippy · #36 05-18-2013, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

X 2 on the stick shift.

Sorry, automatics just don't do it for me anymore.

Quote:

Depending on what he wants, and wants to spend (both unknowns......) -

Fun to drive and as little as possible. However, no one is giving away free 911 SC's. There isn't exactly a set limit on what I'm willing to spend, but more than four to five thousand dollars would be unlikely.

Quote:

since he's driving an MB diesel now, it would seem to indicate his comfort level with something that old/aged, and economical==mpg. That said - I would skip the W124 AND the W210 diesels for the W211 diesel car - light-years ahead of anything MB ever made diesel. Not in any disparaging way, but because of that version of car's age alone - if he is looking for another un-dependable, and prone to break down hobby-type-car-diesel, then yeah, go with another one of any of the old stuff.

My 300D has experienced zero operational mission failures in 8 years. Flat tires and needing a jump start don't count (going by the Failure Definition Scoring Criteria I used when I was in automotive testing). My 240D had one (bad starter). My '71 250 gasser POS was a completely different story

Quote:

Having owned several MB diesels all with at least 100K on them for over 14-years - undependable is just not something I see as useful. As a replacement, I would not buy another W210 diesel @ any price - unless it was the second hobby car, and even then I don't think I'd want to endure the problematic areas of the W210 again over time. BTDT. The 05/06 CDI makes too much sense, 360 degrees, when looking for a dependable, long term used MB diesel purchase.

More money than I want to spend, not available with a manual transmission, and the one I already have won't fit.

iwrock · #37 05-18-2013, 01:29 PM

How about a Porsche 944 Turbo?

TylerH860 · #38 05-18-2013, 02:58 PM

Justin, are you nuts?

Any idea what it takes to keep one of those going? Price of a decent one?

P.C. · #39 05-18-2013, 04:43 PM

Better off with a 928.

iwrock · #40 05-18-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

Justin, are you nuts?

Any idea what it takes to keep one of those going? Price of a decent one?

Nuts... Perhaps.

A friend was able to keep one going for a month and a half! After that, well... Lets just say it earned the nick-name "Sparky"!

How decent is decent?

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.C.

Better off with a 928.

Oh, that is also an excellent choice!

iwrock · #41 05-18-2013, 05:07 PM

You know you can also pick up a Porsche Cockster for around $5k!

Mölyapina · #42 05-18-2013, 05:27 PM

Y'know, the 240 can be quite a decent handler if you install IPD anti-sway bars in place of the stock ones.

Skippy · #43 05-18-2013, 06:12 PM

Based on what I know of 924, 928, and 944, I'm staying away from those. I did see a 914 in apparently good shape and in my price range. I've worked on them before, and the mid engine installation makes it a bit tough to work on.

wolf_walker · #44 05-18-2013, 06:38 PM

914 should really come with a two post lift..

NA 924/44 isn't bad if the known annoying maintenance has been done, clutch, front engine service, few other things. 928 is a nightmare but fun to drive as its intended.

242 Volvo, newer turbo motor swap, or a high comp NA with some real speed parts. Or a V8..

Alfa, Fiat, Triumph.. I have a supercharged 88 Mr2 here that is a blast and pretty well made. I'd have it over a P Car any day, no question.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Mölyapina · #45 05-19-2013, 10:22 PM

Hey, have I mentioned this before?

What? You say I have? Must be old age setting in...