Looking for a new adventure

[The FNG]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and possibly soon to the Mercedes world. I currently own two other vehicles, one being a lifted Subaru and the other a Ford IDI turbo diesel. The first of the two will be sold to help provide funds for the Mercedes purchase.

There are a couple reasons I would like to buy a diesel Mercedes:
1) I love diesels
2) I have started making my own diesel for the ford
3) I like the style and reliability that can be had with the older Mercedes for a reasonable price.

I have done some reading and I have officially elevated my Mercedes knowledge from extreme dumb newb to extreme confused newb with many questions and a headache. The way they decided to name body styles and randomly insert different engines in different configurations baffles me. It seems absurd to me because most manufacturers tend to stick with a configuration for x amount of time before offering something different in a particular body style.

Anyway, I was hoping you guys could help me sort things out. I really just want a reliable diesel car. I don't like the wagons, but that's kind of irrelevant. I don't really care if it's a 4,5, or 6 cylinder or turbo or n/a. Which is best for alternative fuels, has the least issues overall, which years to stay away from???

Also, any tips for things to look at when buying or red flags would be nice. Maybe we can get to this more when I narrow it down to a specific vehicle.

Anyway, hope this makes some sense. Thanks for any help in advance.

[t walgamuth]

Buy the best one you can afford. Model and year not so important as condition. Take it to a mechanic who is well versed with MB diesels to get it checked out. Enjoy.

[toomany MBZ]

Yeah, try and get the best example.

A very simple easy to work on car is a 240D.

The IPs are completely mechanical.

The OM616 engine (240D, four cylinder) and OM617 engine (300D, five cylinder turbo or not) are bio friendly, as there are no rubber parts in the IP. Also, they have spring actuated valves and an iron head.

The OM603 engine does have rubber seal rings in the IP, hydraulic valves and a cross flow aluminum head.

Trying to understand German nomenclature is a daunting task and if you think that's difficult, try dealing with their IT stuff.

But the 1977 to at least the 1985 units had the engine size, 2.4 liter is a 240, the 3 liter is a 300. Then you have the body style. A sedan is just a 300 D. A coupe is a 300 CD. A wagon is a 300 TD.

Now comes the confusing part. The above are E class cars. The 300 SD is an S class. 300 liter and turbo only.

Ask away. Have fun figuring out what you want and keep us posted.

[The FNG]

Thanks for the info. Here is one I like (quality wise). I absolutely hate red interiors, but it seems impeccably maintained. * 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 SD 300SD Turbodiesel 188K Diesel, Records

[The FNG]

Thanks for the input.its still confusing somewhat more clear. Here is one I found that seems to fit the bill * 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 SD 300SD Turbodiesel 188K Diesel, Records

[charmalu]

Each chassis type has a different letter number attached to it. W123, W126 etc...

W116 1972 - 1980 used the OM617 Turbo 1978 - 1980 and 110HP

W114/115 1968 - 1976 used the OM 615, OM616, OM617 none Turbo. 617 used only in 1976
W114 used the 6 cyl engines and the W115 used the 4 cylinder engine.

W123 1976 - 1985 used the OM617NA to 1981 88HP, the trunk badge will be 300D.
1982 - 1985 OM617 Turbo 123HP, trunk badge will be 300D on left and turbodiesel on the right.
1977 - 1983 used the OM616 4 cyl engine. 1980 they upped the HP to 67 and first yr to use the small pencil GP`s.

W124 1985 - 1996 used the OM601, OM602 4 cylinder engine. OM605 5 cylinder engine. and the OM603, Om606 6 cylinder engine.
these used the aluminum heads, and are quitter and more fuel fuel efficient that the earlier engines.

W126 1985 - 1991 used the OM617 Turbo 123HP and refered to as the 300SD.
1986 -1987 used the OM603 and called the 300SDL, 97 - 88 no Diesels imported, then 1990 - 1991 OM603 3.5 and refered to as the Rod bender.
there was a 350SD also.

W201 1982 - 1993 used the OM2.5NA 1984 -1985 2.2NA
1987 one year only 2.5 Turbo

OM stands for Oel Motor


Here is a bit more info on MB Diesel engines.
Diesel engines in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars | Daimler Global Media Site > Classic > Daimler AG > Technology


Charlie

[vstech]

Originally Posted by The FNG

Thanks for the info. Here is one I like (quality wise). I absolutely hate red interiors, but it seems impeccably maintained. * 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 SD 300SD Turbodiesel 188K Diesel, Records

not sure why your posts were being moderated, but I released them. (maybe your post count forbids links...)

anyway, the car you linked, is a nice example, but it's a salvage vehicle, and likely has WAAAAAAAAY more wrong with it than the seller is telling... find someone in your area from THIS FORUM to look at it with you, if you decide to go look at it.

the 85 is the best year, and the SD has the most options, I've gotten an HONEST 30mpg out of my 85SD...

personally, I'd keep looking, but if the price suits you, and you are comfortable learning on a salvage vehicle, this one may be for you.


I'd look in the south for one. you can find better examples for a grand less, and use that grand to ship it to you...

[vstech]

FYI... here's one in charlotte NC, while not a pristine example, it's an honest ad...

1983 Mercedes 300SD Turbo Diesel

[vstech]

heh, here's one already converted to use 2nd heated tank for WVO use...
1983 300sd Turbo Diesel Mercedes

[toomany MBZ]

Originally Posted by The FNG

Thanks for the input.its still confusing somewhat more clear. Here is one I found that seems to fit the bill * 1985 Mercedes Benz 300 SD 300SD Turbodiesel 188K Diesel, Records

That is a California model, the intake is different than a Federal model.

The attachment shows a Federal version.

[The FNG]

There is a buch on CL in my area for less than 3k, I just figured that it looked nice and had the records... Reconstructed title can mean a lot or not much, it really depends on the damage. I will keep looking though. I was trying to find a good one this one seemed more or less to fit the bill. Also, I'd like to test drive before I buy...

[The FNG]

Originally Posted by toomany MBZ

That is a California model, the intake is different than a Federal model.

The attachment shows a Federal version.

What is the difference and why would that matter? More emissions, more restrictive?

[POS]

Prob more restrictive. Best driving diesel I've ever owned was a 1995 e300 diesel. Great car. Great mpg (33-35 hwy). Modern by comparison to the w123s. I love my w123 wagon, but I consider it a classic - not a modern. Which do you want?

[vstech]

Originally Posted by The FNG

What is the difference and why would that matter? More emissions, more restrictive?

the california model has a $90 approximately air filter that's nigh impossible to source...

also, the turbo has a catalyst football that relocated the turbo...

[toomany MBZ]

We don't know where your area is, but if possible, obtain a Federal model, as mentioned, cheaper consumable parts.

The Cali models have a trap oxidizer (that football looking thing), recalled by MB, check your local dealer to be sure tho.