Mercedes-Benz 240D Diesel Automobiles Going Back into Production ! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

morgantruce · #1 01-02-2005, 05:31 PM

Mercedes-Benz 240D Diesel Automobiles Going Back into Production ! (Click for article...)

H-townbenzoboy · #2 01-02-2005, 05:42 PM

I wish MB would do something like that. The G500 is basically nothing but a VERY updated 300GD, why not update the old W123 and make it a E300D?
-Joe

phidauex · #3 01-02-2005, 05:56 PM

Lets contract an Indian company to copy the W123 and start production again. I bet we can get them made for 8,000$ a piece.

Seriously though, it was only a few years ago that VW stopped producing the 1975 Super Beetle in Mexico. The car was the same in every way, shape and form to the original '75, except it had the same headlight switches as the newer VWs, because thats all VW was making.

If I were a small developing nation with a burdgening industrial sector and a disregard for the 'intellectual property' of fat cat bureaucrats from the other side of the world, I'd definately copy and start manufacturing W123s. It would be a great platform to start on, and you could fill your country with efficient, reliable transportation. That is, until the World Bank and the WTO bankrupted you in punishment for disturbing the western world.

peace,
sam

rg2098 · #4 01-02-2005, 05:58 PM

Brought my hopes up, then to come crashing down after reading "The story as represented above is written as a satire or parody. It is fictitious."

It would be interesting if Mercedes brought it back for 3rd world markets and such. Then we could import them.

kerry · #5 01-02-2005, 05:59 PM

Not such a far fetched idea. Tempo, in India, is building the MB van equivalent of the 240d with the 616 engine and the MB 508D vans are now being built in Iran.

Hatterasguy · #6 01-02-2005, 08:05 PM

The problem is they couldn't the W123 would never pass todays safety standards, also the 616 wouldn't pass emissions. They would have to spend millions to get them up to 21st century standards then probably sell them for mid $30k.

However you can own a new W123. Find a clean rust free example and drop it off at a resto shop. $50k later and it would be pretty much a new car.

#7 01-02-2005, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

The problem is they couldn't the W123 would never pass todays safety standards, also the 616 wouldn't pass emissions. They would have to spend millions to get them up to 21st century standards then probably sell them for mid $30k.

However you can own a new W123. Find a clean rust free example and drop it off at a resto shop. $50k later and it would be pretty much a new car.

With the average new car price now, it would still be a bargain.

willrev · #8 01-03-2005, 01:52 AM

Y'all are foolin. If you want to buy a new diesel and spend $50 grand you just need to drive to the dealer and buy a new MB E320 CDI diesel. It lists for between $45k and $50k and is already on the lot. Lease one for about $500per month with $4500down right now!

300SDog · #9 01-03-2005, 03:49 AM

I swear to god it sounds like the article was written by posters on this message board. But here's the jab - anybody who has ever owned one knows the 240d is probably the best and most beloved MB that has ever been built. These cars are practically human.

Gurkha · #10 01-03-2005, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

Not such a far fetched idea. Tempo, in India, is building the MB van equivalent of the 240d with the 616 engine and the MB 508D vans are now being built in Iran.

Part from Om 616 in n/a and turbo version, Tempo India is also making engines for C class diesels as well as trannies and they also make the Om 617 in n/a and turbo form and have been recently licensed by MAN Germany to make LCV engines.

braverichard · #11 01-03-2005, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willrev

Y'all are foolin. If you want to buy a new diesel and spend $50 grand you just need to drive to the dealer and buy a new MB E320 CDI diesel. It lists for between $45k and $50k and is already on the lot. Lease one for about $500per month with $4500down right now!

Except when the warranty expires, that sensotronic brake control system will cost you $10,000 for every dealer visit you make to get it repaired -- and you'll make plenty. Additionally, many other electronic gizmos that would be going wrong on a daily basis will ensure that you'll be bankrupt within two years of the end of the factory warranty. And oh, you can't even do something as simple as performing your own oil changes and such on that car.

With the 240D, you can do all of your own maintenance, you will have very few repairs, and best of all, you can own it forever without going bankrupt. There's no comparison here!

Hatterasguy · #12 01-03-2005, 12:01 PM

Thier is a nice silver one sitting on the lot at MB of North Haven, sticker is $53,695, base is $49k. I really like the W211 and probably will get one in 5-6 years if not a little longer.

Although a cherry older MB would be more fun to have around. Having a 6.9 restored would be pretty cool. Or maybe a Pullman, or if I could ever get my hands on one a 1000SEL.

Carrameow · #13 01-03-2005, 12:16 PM

because in South America they buy the stamps and dies from North American cars and continue to make them, I heard. I heard the Bug lived on in Infamy.
And in all seriousness, since some people just want basic simple transportation with a touch of class at a low price, there are probably 10 or so car models that many would prefer over today's $25K, 32 valve, computer controlled monsters:
I'll bet you there would be a BIG market for a diesel powered minivan in the style of the VW bus..

Kestas · #14 01-03-2005, 12:58 PM

For ten years I've actually been trying to push this idea with the 57 Chevy, the all-around favorite with the classic car crowd. Heck, there's enough aftermarket parts available (including sheet metal) to almost build one now. Just find suppliers for parts not available and gear up for a low volume production.

If the economics are favorable and good marketing is researched, I feel it can be done. If the car can't be sold due to DOT and EPA regulations - which is likely - it can be built as a kit car, just as turnkey 32 Fords are presently being built in shops all over the country from new parts.

Hatterasguy · #15 01-03-2005, 02:13 PM

The W124 is still being built in Korea. Also the 3liter 603 is, right down to the star on the valve cover!