Tempting - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rcounts · #1 11-21-2009, 09:29 PM

Although this isn't an MB, if I didn't already have my 300CD and too many other vehicles, I'd be REALLY tempted to buy this
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/1475703170.html

From what I understand these have the 4-cylinder VW turbodiesel installed in them - and those engines rival the MBs for reliability. My only reservation would be as to whether the 4-popper has enough grunt to move a car this size with any kind of decent acceleration.

EDIT: I just looked up the specs. At <2400 lbs curb weight and 107 HP/ 151 ft-lbs torque it has a better HP to weight ratio and ought to actually move a little quicker than our MBs since they tip the scales at just over 3500 lbs and have only 125 HP / 180 ft-lbs.

Now I really wish I had room for it in my driveway!

otto huber · #2 11-21-2009, 10:06 PM

I'm pretty sure that the engine is a poorly engineered, 5 cylinder piece of junk.

rcounts · #3 11-21-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otto huber

I'm pretty sure that the engine is a poorly engineered, 5 cylinder piece of junk.

Actually it is the 6 cylinder 2.4 liter turbodiesel VW motor that they put in some of the 1st generation LT commercial vans (meant to fill the same market niche as the Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter). I guess they are a lot more common in Europe, and have a pretty good reputation there.

I mistakenly ID-ed it as a 4 cylinder based on the pictures in the CraigsList ad - because I mistook the intake manifold for the valve cover and it looked too short to be a 6 cylinder (even such a small displacement 6).

H-townbenzoboy · #4 11-21-2009, 10:35 PM

My mom's friend had one of those, I think it was an 85. Same exterior color too.

rcounts · #5 11-21-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

My mom's friend had one of those, I think it was an 85. Same exterior color too.

OK, OK, tell us more. Was it a decent car? Ever get to drive it? Know anything more about it you can share?

Joseph_Conrad · #6 11-21-2009, 11:21 PM

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/1467844277.html

...and if you aren't sure about the 760 body style, how 'bout the 240...

Volvo Diesel · #7 11-22-2009, 12:11 AM

Mine is a 240 body style, and is a non-turbo (as were all 240 models). It is a 2.4 litre, in-line 6 cyl. They have aluminium heads and a timing belt which needs to be changed every 75 to 90k. They have one fuel filter/water strainer that needs to be changed every 15k; valves need adjusting like MBs. I have one with over 400k on the engine. At about 320k the headgasket started to leak and I had a valve job, etc. If maintained, they are dependable cars; however, most of them were not maintained. If you don't do your own work, it is getting increasingly difficult to find a mechanic. There is NO support from Volvo on these cars. With the standard, it is more powerful than a MB 240, but it is not a very fast car. The build quality is far superior to most other cars of that era, but does not equal MB, especially the interior. I love mine. I commute from Austin to San Antonio 3 to 4 times a week; I use the Volvo for one trip and the MB for the rest. With the A/C off and the overdrive (5th gear) engaged, it will get ~38 mpg. A lot of people think they're junk, but they are actually pretty cool cars if, again, they have been maintained. They smoke more than a MB, and sound like a truck or tractor, they don't have the "well-tuned sewing machine" MB sound. I have no experience with the turbo version of the engine, but my mechanic told me once that in his opinion, a turbo on that particular engine wasn't such a great idea.

rcounts · #8 11-22-2009, 12:51 AM

The 240 doesn't look like it would be for me. A little research shows that they were 500+ pounds heavier and only had 82 HP. A little better power to weight ratio than the MB 240 to be sure, but still a little too underpowered for my taste.