Were gasser w123's rare? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MattBelliveau · #1 06-24-2009, 02:40 PM

I just don't see many of them...at all. I know that the diesel motors tend to last more milage, but I've only ever seen 1-2 gassers, while I see diesels all the time. What gives?

DieselAddict · #2 06-24-2009, 02:43 PM

In the early 80's, 80% of MB imports were diesels, or so I've read. So together with the diesel's better durability, it's not surprising we see many more of them on the roads.

pj67coll · #3 06-24-2009, 03:48 PM

Only in the US. They imported more diesels becaues of CAFE standards. Had to offset all those 4,5's everybody really wanted but couldn't afford. In other parts of the world there were a lot more gasser 123's than you see here.

- Peter.

t walgamuth · #4 06-24-2009, 07:39 PM

True. 80% and more.

But the 280e motor is arguably very nearly equal to the 617 in durabilibty, long time mercedes mechanics talk of tehe 110 motor in reverent tones....words like bulletproof and so forth come to mind.

79Mercy · #5 06-24-2009, 07:52 PM

I agree the M110 in my 280CE is bulletproof, much like the 617.

As stated in the above posts, in other parts of the world there are gas powered W123's all over the place.

Fulcrum525 · #6 06-24-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

I agree the M110 in my 280CE is bulletproof, much like the 617.

As stated in the above posts, in other parts of the world there are gas powered W123's all over the place.

I've recently found myself becoming a fan of that engine having recently driven a 280CE and a 280GE...that engine makes things move a lot faster then you would think.

t walgamuth · #7 06-24-2009, 08:21 PM

Its a really strong engine with a very very flat torque curve and power that pulls steadily to the redline....especially in the high compression euro version.

Back when I was autocrossing my 280e euro with lowering springs and hoosier slicks I would regularly beat mustangs and camaros in ESP. With the posi or the welded diff it would lay two streaks of rubber for fifteen or twenty feet off the line without really abusing the clutch, just on torque.

pj67coll · #8 06-24-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

True. 80% and more.

But the 280e motor is arguably very nearly equal to the 617 in durabilibty, long time mercedes mechanics talk of tehe 110 motor in reverent tones....words like bulletproof and so forth come to mind.

I suspect those thoughts might apply equally to most Mercedes motors. Until the rod bender came along. Can't comment on the newest ones of course. Only time will tell.

- Peter.

DieselAddict · #9 06-24-2009, 08:52 PM

I think most of the newer engines, not just Mercedes, are very durable. These days 200,000 miles is nothing. Back in the 70's the odometers didn't even have 6 digits. I think that says a lot. The good old OM617 was probably more durable than most engines from that era, but I don't think it's any more durable than the average new engine today, gas or diesel. Today's engines are built to a much higher precision, making things like oil burning a thing of the past with proper maintenance.

79Mercy · #10 06-24-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Its a really strong engine with a very very flat torque curve and power that pulls steadily to the redline....especially in the high compression euro version.

Back when I was autocrossing my 280e euro with lowering springs and hoosier slicks I would regularly beat mustangs and camaros in ESP. With the posi or the welded diff it would lay two streaks of rubber for fifteen or twenty feet off the line without really abusing the clutch, just on torque.

On my engine, it feels dead until 3000 RPM, then it just takes off. I haven't ever revved it above 5500 just because I don't want to absue the auto tranny.

POS · #11 06-24-2009, 10:04 PM

The gasser w123 in the US were from 1977 to 1981; after that, you had to go import. The most wonderful thing I can say about the M110 is: do you have any idea how fun it is to drive a w123 quickly? It's a freakin' blast.

t walgamuth · #12 06-24-2009, 10:04 PM

The engine and tranny are built to run flat out on the autobahn. Don't worry about taking it to 6400 now and then.

That's why MB put engine oil coolers on all their engines.

t walgamuth · #13 06-24-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

I think most of the newer engines, not just Mercedes, are very durable. These days 200,000 miles is nothing. Back in the 70's the odometers didn't even have 6 digits. I think that says a lot. The good old OM617 was probably more durable than most engines from that era, but I don't think it's any more durable than the average new engine today, gas or diesel. Today's engines are built to a much higher precision, making things like oil burning a thing of the past with proper maintenance.

Don't kid yourself. I read yesterday in one of my magazines of a lady in England (I believe it was) who has a 240d with 660,000 miles and never had the head off. The only thing that will match that today is a Cummins, I think.