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Ok I want to complie a thread on the Diesel models to buy and those to avoid. I have a list at home of the egine codes and year ranges i will get later but for now i am just getting the models. Feel free to add any personal experience with these models positive or negitive to make people's decisons on which model more informed. And try to keep it based on the diesel/engine aspect of the car more than other problems but list those also.
BUY LIST
240D non-turbo
300D non-turbo
300CD non-turbo
300TD non-turbo (were the T is desinating wagon)
81-85 300sd turbo
86-87 300sdl turbo
87 300d/300TD turbo (were the T is desinating wagon)
Ok I want to complie a thread on the Diesel models to buy and those to avoid. I have a list at home of the egine codes and year ranges i will get later but for now i am just getting the models. Feel free to add any personal experience with these models positive or negitive to make people's decisons on which model more informed. And try to keep it based on the diesel/engine aspect of the car more than other problems but list those also.
BUY LIST
240D non-turbo
300D non-turbo
300CD non-turbo
300TD non-turbo (were the T is desinating wagon)
81-85 300sd turbo
86-87 300sdl turbo
87 300d/300TD turbo (were the T is desinating wagon)
94-95 e300 non-turbo
96-97 e300 non-turbo
98-99 e300 turbo
190d 2.2 non-turbo
190d 2.5 turbo
Avoid List
90-91 350sd/sdl turbo
92-95 300sd or S350 turbo
i know i am forgeting some please remind me
Actually all of the 617 engines were good... in both Turbo and non turbo...The 240d's are good if you don't mind the massive amount of bugs that commit suicide on the back windshied. But avoid the 1977 240D because the heater is a nightmare to work on.. same can be said for the 1980 300D... Many mechanics will tell you that the absolute best years for the 617 diesel engines were the 300D T's in the 123 chassis between 1982 and 1985. I didn't know that unitl after I stumbled upon my rust free, no cracks in dash, all power locks, windows, ac, workiing, good compression 1982 300D T, that cost me all of $400. So in that regard, I was lucky not smart.
Also most MB mechanics will tell you to avoid the 86 & 87 300SDL and 300TD because, if they're not allowed to come to heat before driving and cool down before shut down, the aluminum heads tend to crack at the casting bosses.
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1982 300D T, 322,000miles
1991 Lexus LS400 212,000 miles
1986 GMC, HD, "J", 429,000 Km
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenha
I have always been told buy diesel mechainics and MB mechainics that the 86-87 300sdl and 87 300td are the best too buy as far as power even though they may not run quite as far as a 300sd they will still easily get to 500K. I guess it may just be depends who u talk to on those models but mine and everyone i personally have talked to loved theres and never had any problems. But yes if they have been over heated then avoid unless the head has been replaced. I just sold mine toon here.
I have always been told buy diesel mechainics and MB mechainics that the 86-87 300sdl and 87 300td are the best too buy as far as power even though they may not run quite as far as a 300sd they will still easily get to 500K. I guess it may just be depends who u talk to on those models but mine and everyone i personally have talked to loved theres and never had any problems. But yes if they have been over heated then avoid unless the head has been replaced. I just sold mine to MulberrySteet on here.
Well, what do I know? I only wish I were a MB diesel mechanic...
I was only quoting a couple of real MB mechanics whom I admire, Ken Bergsma who's book, "Mercedes Diesel Buyer's Survival Guide, is available at: http://www.mercedessource.com and to a lesser extent, Henry Schuman of http://www.schumanautomotive.com/schufrst.html ..... It's a lesser extent from Henry because I didn't get it in writing.
.
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1982 300D T, 322,000miles
1991 Lexus LS400 212,000 miles
1986 GMC, HD, "J", 429,000 Km
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenha
The 87 300D and 87 190D 2.5T are my personal picks for the best cars.
Well, ForcedInduction.... Since I strongly suspect you're the real deal.... If I ever stumble across a good deal on a 87 300D or 190 2.5 ST I just might buy it...
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1982 300D T, 322,000miles
1991 Lexus LS400 212,000 miles
1986 GMC, HD, "J", 429,000 Km
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenha
I had also heard good things about the 190D2.5 one of our past posters had one. The 87 300D had the same engine as the 86-87 300sdl so basically that comes down to if u like the W124 or the W126
I can personally attest to poor mechanical service from a 91 350sd. My car received perfect care in every regard including all services done on time However at 79k miles a rattle developed and the vehicle was immediately taken to the nearest M/B dealership. They checked it over and said everything was OK and not to be concerned the "rattle" was normal. The following day the timing chain failed which destroyed the engine. Final cost to replace engine with a factory rebuilt engine approx. $9000plus a long-term wait on delivery of the replacement engine from Germany. I don't have to tell you how happy that makes an owner.
Diesels to Buy/Avoid (Pre 95's)
It's a lesser extent from Henry because I didn't get it in writing. 
