I am getting the itch to buy another car , What is the best diesel /body combo,For performance, reliabilty,and looks? Thanks J

300SDL or an 87 300TDT... the 603 can be reliable and perform more than the 617

300D/300CD/300TDT(all turbo)... best looks, best reliability and decent performance

240D - has the looks, most reliable, merging into traffic is a fun.. but it is lovable..

IMHO, the 1987 190D 2.5T or 1987 300D. Lots of aftermarket body parts for both, the engines are powerful and reliable.

'98 or '99 E300 turbodiesel. Hands down, even before a chip.

__________________
99 E300 TD -- sold
01 540i 6 spd

That sounds like three separate questions to me:

performance - one of the 60x engines

reliability - probably a 616, followed by a 617

looks - completely subjective, you have to decide what you like.

W126 617 powered. Unbeatable, huge...safe car. Easy to work on in the engine compartment meant for a huge V8. Engine is determined to run forever....

W123 with the 617 is a close second. I like how they handle...but the W126 is a bit quieter.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

The 1980 300cd is definitely the best combo. No turbo to break because it's not there, plus you get a premium Chrysler brand Climate Control system!

__________________
1980 240d
1999 SL500

W123/OM617 turbo with euro 5 speed. Can't be beat for reliability, looks, longevity.

__________________
99 Gurkha with OM616 IDI turbo

2015 Gurkha with OM616 DI turbo

2014 Rexton W with OM612 VGT

I am a big fan of the W124, so I'd say 87 300D or 95 E300D - and the W210's are really nice and lots of power so the 98 and 99 E300s, but the W123's have a timeless look that I will always love.

Why limit yourself to 1? Buy several and you tell us what you think. I like the 124 300TD, but I'm biased. I would love to have an '86-'87 SDL though.

__________________
1987 300TD 309, xxx 2.8.2014 10,000 mile OCI


Be careful of the toes you step on today, as they may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow. anonymous

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” Dr. Seuss