So I am pretty much had it with the spousal unit's PT cruiser (dang thing wouldn't turn off a few days ago) It is just so over computerized !
So I have an 83 300CD that I am enjoying, but finding somewhat challenging to get all the bugs out of.
The question:
If I am willing to spend a bit more for reliability (perhaps simplicity?) what MB diesel would you guys recommend for 'the wife'? (or for that matter 'the daughter')?
Thanks Alberta Luthier

You're in Canada so you have a range Euro models that are not common in the US.

A 90-93 300D 2.5 is a good balance of modern and simple.

Sixto
93 300SD

My wife drives a 240D, which I think is an appropriate "balance of modern and simple," with the emphasis on simple.

Just about any well maintained diesel can be reliable, it's just a matter of how "modern" you want it to be. I don't believe age is the critical factor, it's all about condition. If she wants more comforts, look for a good W124.

Good spot I REALLY should have mentioned that I am in Canada.
Was looking at another post just now where the fella is currently doing mechanical work and fighting the mosquitos.
It was +15 Cel today (about +59 F) and will be -11C tonight (+12.5F)
I figuire she can drive the old Chev Caprice when it is-25 or colder which isn't too often in southern Alberta.
Is the 2.5 a good motor? Another site says it's a 602.962 but not a turbo?
As tough and reliable as the older turbo 5 cyls?
Thanx for your input,
Alberta luthier

A Euro 250D probably won't have a turbo. A US 300D 2.5 has a turbo.

It's a solid little mill with none of the vices of the 6 cyl variants. Some are known to slip the timing chain and all the fun that entails. It's cheap insurance to roll in a new chain and cam sprocket if there's no documentation that it's been done.

The 60x engines have difficulty starting even in mild weather when the glow system is inoperative but with a glow system in good shape they start more easily than 61x engines in cold weather.

Sixto
93 300SD

Sorry for going off topic, but a quick question, Do you build guitars alberta luthier? Or is that a last name thing?

__________________
"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

http://www.wecrash.com/pics/ddda_banner.gif

It is perhaps a silly way to try to feed a family but yup that is my day job.
Certainly not going to be able to buy her a new 320cdi.......(or me ( sigh)
Alberta Luthier

Depends upon the sort of wife in question. I would recommend a 240D stick as simple and reliable, but not much for creature comforts and geegaws that some ladies might like.

__________________
80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

My wife and my tech's wife could not tolerate the vibration of the older diesels (123). My wife says she gets mildly nauseous driving in my car, and my tech said something similar happened to his wife.

I am sure there are plenty of women diesel drivers out there, so it may just be that some women don't like the vibe. My wife doesn't even want to consider the more modern ones, although I know they are much more refined.

Just trying to keep peace in your home.

__________________
Peter
1985 300TD 4-speed 212K
1992 400E 343K
2001 E320 72K

What vibration? Other than the sound at idle, it should be the same as a gasser.

Great thread! I'm currently shopping for a second Benz; that or the current 300D will then be "the wife's" daily driver.

"The wife" has owned a VW Beetle for most of her life so she's used to underpowered sticks; a 240D would be great. However, good ones are hard to come by so I may end up getting another 300D, probably something between 1982 and 1985. Having two very similar cars should make maintenance easier (but we will see).

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Thanx Jeremy,
I see very few MB diesels up here and almost never a 240D. I also like the idea of 2 similar cars. For one thing it bolsters my desire to have a 'parts car' too. But I am thinking something slightly snazier.

Although she is comfortable with a stick, I think she would be disapointed with the horsepower of a 240d. I suspect she would like a more 'modern' mb than my '83 300cd to replace the PT cruiser.
6-2 suggested:
"A 90-93 300D 2.5 is a good balance of modern and simple."
Me? I might like an '85 sdl for a second MB, but I do have enough vaccum issues right now.
Other thoughts?
Alberta Luthier

my mother says her 190D turbo best car she ever driven I think it was 1959 dad bought the first mercedes so she has driven a few

__________________
commercial fisherman diesel in my blood in my boats trucks and Dear old Dad has had me drivin them since i got my first license in 1968
1986 300 SDL 427654
1999 Chevy Crew Cab Dually 225423
1986 300 SDL 287000 Dad's
1987 190 Turbo 158000 Mom's (my inheritance)

This is a long way from Alberta -

1990 300D in IL nice $3k

A 240D in good shape can fetch more than that.

Sixto
93 300SD

I second the 300D 2.5. The 602 engine is more refined than the 617 and quieter too. It is also in the W124 body which is the first generation of non chrome trimmed Mercedes. They look modern but still have few electronics compared to anything modern. They are dependable but not too expensive to work on. One down side is the evaporator which is difficult to replace because you have to remove the dash first.

Changing the subject completely, I have an acoustic steel string guitar with a bow in the neck. Is that anything a typical woodworker can fix or should I only trust it to a luthier. By the way, I used to resaw guitar backs and sides for a group of spanish acoustic guitar makers in central florida.

__________________
Doug

1987 300TD x 3
2005 E320CDI