Considering selling '83 300TD in favor of '03 E46 Wagon; your opinion?

[fahrvergnugen]

I've had this Merc for 4 years now, and overall it has been reliable; however, I never seem to get on top of the repairs that would make it more of a joy to drive. As a consequence, I don't enjoy driving it.

Recently, the ignition cylinder seized and left me without a car, were it not for a good friend who loaned me his spare 325xi with an auto stick. It has been a joy to drive, and reminded me of why I liked German cars to begin with... Ironically, despite the number of things wrong with the TD, I still believe it is worth more than the bimmer, but smiles per mile is certainly lower. Bear with me while I try to list the pros and cons of both...

'83 300TD
--Cons
218K on the clock
Seats need rebuilding desperately, I hurt myself on long drives.
AC controls need rebuilding, they don't work right
No working AC
Turbo is bad (have rebuilt unit to install)
Handling is poor in comparison to anything else I have owned, mostly dubs
Needs new front shocks and tires
Slow to heat in the winter
--Pros
Hard to kill, damn durable
Collectible
Trans rebuilt at some point


'03 325xi wagon
--Cons
Arguably, Not as durable as the TD (just learned about the headbolt problem)
Small rust spots on bottoms of the doors
Broken windshield
Dent in front bumper
200K

--Pros
An absolute joy to drive
Has sport seats and auto manual
Everything works!
AWD, which would be smart here in CO.


I am hoping for opinions here, so feel free to dicker with my reasoning. I Used to enjoy driving the Benz, and I Might enjoy driving it more in the future, just seems like I would have more fun With something More fun... Even considered getting a 124 as I think that Would help, but... This car is available, I think....