Best years for diesel? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-20-2002, 01:05 PM

I'm seriously considering buying a diesel Mercedes. I think someone told me that Mercedes in particular years tend to have chronic problems. Can you give me any info about that? Are they any advantages, say, to buying a diesel from the '60s or '70s as opposed to those more recent?
Thanks for your expertise and opinions...Steve

samiam4 · #2 12-20-2002, 01:51 PM

Mercedes has made improvements through the years....

The lowest cost and easiest to repair Mercedes would be a W123 from 1982-1985 in the USA. These are turbodiesel engines. You can find them in your paper "300" td, dt, diesel, turbodiesel. Engines are stout. Your looking for regular service records, interior and exterior condition etc.. When you find a good prospect pay a mercedes mechanic to check the car.

Newer have some better driveability, fuel economy and etc..
Older are simplier, but parts and service can a worse. How many mechanics have replaced a heater fan in the last 2 years??

Airconditioning and HVAC controls being a negative on pre1981 cars. Vacuum leaks being the disadvantage on 300d's in general. All pre 1992 cars have the old R12 freon which is moderately expensive. It requires a liscense, but is less expensive than any other part in the a/c system.

1981-1985 300sd- same engine as the 300d(t). Petty much condition and service records. Reliable engines and transmisions. A/c, suspension are likely canidates for $$

1987/1986 300sdl are the bigger body. Powerful. Avoid the later ones with the 3.5 engines which are all time bombs.
E300d's to 1995 were nice cars.
1996+ diesels there is questions still on long term transmission reliability. But, the turbo versions are extremely quick and comfortable=0)

I'm not a 240d fan, but they have their devoties and are simplier.

I've seen beautiful, wonderful running cars that needed thousands to get up to snuff. Don't skimp on a PPI!!!

Michael

turnne1 · #3 12-20-2002, 09:33 PM

buy a 1995 is you want the best combo of creature comforts,safety features and simplicity

buy a 98-99 if you want a really fast diesel but are willing to give up simplicity

Warren
1992 300SD 153k
Columbus Ohio

speedy300Dturbo · #4 12-20-2002, 09:39 PM

I personally vouch for the 1986-1987 diesels. Yes, they have their share of problems (like all cars) but look for one that has been well maintained and of course has had the trap oxidizer replaced. More complex than the W123 diesel, but a much better driving car. No valve adjustments to worry about either

#5 12-20-2002, 09:41 PM

welli aint much of a car person yet just got into it and all but i got an 84 300 sd and it is running like a champ at 500,000..... now one thing i got lucky with is that i got a free motor from valvoline (sp?) but other than the motor all other parts are original and doing fine

Aaron · #6 12-21-2002, 12:32 AM

You want a MB diesel that will give you the best, troublefree service? Then here's my $0.02.....

1982-1985 300D Turbodiesel (mid-size)

or....

1982-1985 300SD Turbodiesel (big body)....Yes, I did exclude 1981 for a reason, and that is because they are rather more trouble-prone than the later ones.

or....

1977-1983 240D (non-turbo four cylinder). Sloooowwww. But damn reliable and simplest to work on. Other bonuses include manual windows and manual trannies.

or....

1978-1980 300SD Turbodiesel (1st generation big body diesel). This is the W116 S-Class. VERY awesome road cars but also VERY rust-prone. If you live in the rust belt, forget about one of these. But they would get my vote as best MB diesels.

I'd really stay away from the '86 and ALL later diesels. Mainly because they're rather trouble-prone (although they are still good engines, but nothing near as solid as the old cast iron engines). The six cylinder diesels have head problems (they have an aluminum head) and the later 3.5 liter sixes bend con-rods. The newest MB diesels we have (the W210 chassis) E300 turbo and non-turbo versions are nice, fast and quiet but also trouble-prone because of unnecessary computers.

Point-in-case: I think you would probably be happiest with a 300D from '82-'85. Unless you're really tall, then the 300SD would be the better pick.

The Warden · #7 12-21-2002, 01:10 AM

Granted I haven't had as much experience with MB diesels as others on this board, I tend to agree with Aaron. No offense to the 603-esque engine owners, but I feel that the aluminum-head/cast-iron-block design is inherently prone to head-warping if the engine hasn't been treated right, and therefore, getting one of these engines used is a crapshoot.

Just my $.02...take it for what it's worth. Good luck with the decision!

Also, FWIW, although it isn't as fast as most g@$$ers, my 300D will (probably) outrun a stock Geo Prizm, and is actually the best-driving diesel I've owned.

#8 12-21-2002, 01:37 AM

I don't care what anyone says. The 1986 and 1987 model 603 3.0L engines are excellent. At 296,000 miles, my drivetrain is completely original with the exception of a timing chain replaced due to preventitive maint. If you can take care of a car, you should have no issues with the head cracking.

asti84 · #9 12-21-2002, 02:20 AM

I have an 84 300DT with 266k plus. I bought it at at about 130K. It's been good to me. Had an excellent service record(all dealer ) from an old lady (her baby). The caar is solid. Just make sure you follow the recommended service schedule (oil,tranny,changes religiously). And the guys on this forum is right don't skimp on the pre-purchase inspection. COMPRESSION TEST is key. If you are a DIYer this car will be a nice toy. Goodluck. GOD BLESS.

Gold 1984 300DT- 266k
Red 1999 430ML - 44K

P.E.Haiges · #10 12-21-2002, 10:38 AM

'78 to '86 300SDs with cast iron engines.

P E H

#11 12-21-2002, 04:47 PM

Thanks a lot, those of you who responded to my question about the best years for the Mercedes diesel.
Steve

kweimer · #12 12-21-2002, 11:03 PM

IMHO---which is probably not worth much---the 1975-1976 300D 115 chassis. Bullet proof. Small body and short turning radius. Easy to maintain. Won't win a drag with an 18 wheeler, but will roll all day at 80 MPH.

Holson Adi · #13 12-21-2002, 11:30 PM

I have had a lot of luck with the OM617A powered 300CD.

However, if I could make a custom built diesel.... I'd love to have a W124 E300 TD with the 1999 engine and tranny (E300TD and 5-Speed) and the 500E's suspension!!!

Dreams aside, I like...

W123 TurboD's (good power, classic looks, unattractive at best...)
W124 TurboD's (87 or 91-93) - My favorite chassis of all time.
W126 SD's (big body, quieter somehow, and more luxuries)
W126 SDL's (Powerful engine, updated 126 looks, etc.)

the older ones are cheaper to maintain but think about all the features of the newer ones and the fact that it's got less worn out parts...