I've just about decided to hold off on my suby plans for a bit. I think I want something a bit older. I'd love to have a 2DR Impreza... but I really would like an older turbo diesel merc.

I have owned 3 of these. Maybe 4.

I recommend an 84 or 85. The year range actually starts in 79 and goes to 85.

The 85s have the best and strongest transmission. Also look at 300TDs which are the wagon version. My dad actually has a very good condition 83 TD for sale.

The vacuum system is indeed a pain as the same system runs both the door locks and the transmission. That's a lot of lines to get old in a ~30 year car. You will also need to replace the windshield gaskets, door gaskets etc. They also rust. And most of the ones for sale are "firm" at 2x blue book because they're FS by fucktards who think that just because it's a benz it's worth $$$$ even though their car is in shit condition. Nice ones are fairly nice, but really now, the Miata interior (I have a NB) is ++++ compared to a W123. They are also pretty damn loud. About as loud as your miata, but swap out the engine for a diesel. Replacement engines are not cheap. Expect to pay over $1000 for a longblock with 200k+ miles. Shit can go wrong, with the motor too; I know. Water pump dies, your engine overheats and dies. It happened to me twice. They burn oil. They leak oil. But you can run them with like, 1quart in them. Cold start is a pain. Get a block heater. Make sure your freaking glow plugs are working. Glow plugs are expensive, like $100 apiece. You will need to replace ball joints and your suspension will be saggier than your grandpas dick. Africans (not african americans) will adore your car as they are highly esteemed over there. Mobutu sesei or whoever the fuck dictator of any country in that continent will be carted around in a benz or whatever but moreso they are used as cabs etc and will "run forever" in that hell on earth. Then again, so will a fucking caprice and parts are much much much cheaper.

I did however learn how to drive fast in these cars. They are by no means fast, or quick, and they do not "move" at all. 0-60 is 15-20 seconds, depending on whether you are heading up or downwind. Momentum is the name of the game and it's all you've got.

Lastly, I do not recommend the 86+ w124. They are shit in comparison.

holy shit.

sounds like the biggest headache I've heard of

Wait I have more.

Electrical bullshit is common. Expect to have to replace your AC compressor at $400. HVAC control panel is obtuse and pretty much you will only be able to run it at full blast heat or not at all. The buttons in general, only sometimes work. Expect mileage to have been fucked with because dash cluster tach and speedo dies and the fix is to replace. Sunroofs requires special MERCEDES BENZ BRAND AUTHENTIC GREASE and if not greased will stick. Closed. Or open. To manually open or close them you have to rip off the headliner to get to the manual gear. Windows will fall "off track" and slam down into the door. Cruise control will not work and accellerator pedal is heavy. Your turbo compressor piping will likely crack and fucking die because it is old. In the winter they take like 15 minutes to warm up and you will be freezing until that engine heats up. Then you will need to run the HVAC on defrost (hot air) because nothing else blows hot air and your fucking face will burn while the system blows hot air on the glass and cold air on your feet. If you have a fucking mechanical crisis, most shops will refuse to work on it because it's a MERCEDES and is "SPECIAL".

More lasterly, diesel is fucking expensive. Bill Clinton ain't around no more and diesel is not 99c /gallon.

Plus side is for $6000 you should be able to find a fairly decent one with under 200k. Budget $6000 more for repairs. Just fuck yourself with a band saw instead and die.

For that much $ you can buy a super nice built engine miata. Fuck, buy the ugly LS1 miata someone linked to and unfuck it.

You just ruined my day.

Been around Benz forums for a long time, and i've not heard that except by those who despise complexity.

Everything i've heard about the later W124's has been pretty much just awesome.

The later 300D's get 143 horsepower, almost 200 ft/lbs of torque, handle well, and get above 30mpg. They're also supposed to be very solid.

Not as solid as the W126 diesels, but still incredibly well made compared to any other engine.

Yes, they're a newer car, so they have more to go wrong, but if you test drive the two, one will feel much newer.

OP: Recommend checking out Peach Parts. Great forum for older MB's, BenzWorld is more for newer ones, though they have some good people there too.

damn it

Lol, i feel that. Trying to keep a 560SEL in top shape is... difficult. Personal experience.

i'll stick with my M42 E30 BMW, thank you very much.

Very entertaining...

pssh, get an evo.


but personally, i'd want a 2.5rs coupe to tinker around with. i have a friend that droped the ej20 into it and it's a blast. i love the sound they make, and they make good numbers