I don't have diesel MB, but I would like to learn about them. (to help me desiede) 1980-1987 cars like 190, 240, 300
Like:
whats their MPG in city and highway auto/manual?
How long transmision holds auto/manual? (miles)
How long engine holds? (miles)
How long Turbo holds?
What is it's max boost?
What engine types are there? (iters, num cyl...)
What are their HP?
Overol opinion?
And more stuff like that?

I need info before I make leap into MB.
PS I just adore MBs.

 

Welcome

I can tell you more about the 1987 300D Turbo as I own one. The 1986-87 300 SDL, (full size)and the 1987 300D, (mid size) both share the fastest engine, OM603, of all MB diesel cars until a few years ago with one exception, the MB 300SD and SDL with 350 engine and they were bad engines.

My car for example, is a 87 300D, or 124 body style, (only imported to US w/ auto tranny) has a 148 hp turbo charged 6 cylinder diesel engine. Gets between 28 and 32 mpg. Better fuel economy than all the previous MB diesel cars including 240D four cylinder, and 300DT five cylinder cars of the 123 body style.

Currently, my car has 247,000 miles, has original engine and transmission. The car has been maintained meticulously and burns only a half quart of oil between 5,000 mi (MOBIL ONE) oil changes. The engine and tranny perform as new. I expect another 150K from this car, but I would doubt the tranny will make that. The car looks brand new inside and out, even smells like brand new inside. The car would be well worth replacing a $4k tranny.

Also, the car is very fast and will go 0 to 60 in 11 seconds. No modifications have every been made it is original stock. MB only imported this car for one year and did not send any more diesel cars to the US until 1990. These 87's in good shape sell anywhere from $3k to $6k depending on mileage of course.

Before you buy, make sure you have someone who knows MB diesel cars look at it. They are a great value if you buy right. If you look at one that needs a lot of fixing, walk away! There is no more expensive a Benz, than a cheap Benz, if you catch my drift! Find one well maintained, even if it has high mileage!

[IMG]local://upfiles/5142/CB675D1CC59141E5AE196081FF0CC6A8.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/5142/B604588B56B64C77947CB7780567CB48.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/5142/F3C99BC6D6C44DB0BCCCBC947ABCBFD6.jpg[/IMG]

 

so you saying 6 cyl gets better millage that 4 cyl or 5cyl. Is 28MPG 32MPG in city or highway.
and what CC size of your engine.
And what is life miles of tranny and engine?

 

Yes, MB diesels from 1986 get far better fuel economy. I get 28 mpg city, and 32-33 hiway. I loose about 2 or 3 mpg with A/C on. It's a six cylinder 2996 cc, 201 (ft-lb) of torque @ 2400 rpm. 148 hp @ 4600 rpm. Later MB diesel's get even better upward from 35 mpg with CDI technology.

I run B-20 biodiesel fuel and it is very smooth and even quieter. I love the car and wouldn't take a brand new MB in exchange. MB no longer builds cars as well as my 87 anymore. The 124 MB models cars were voted internationally as no.1 best built MB's all time. They are the world's taxi cabs!

You ask how long the life of engine and tranny? The transmissions seem to quit around 250K based from several hundred posts I've read over the years from 5 MB forums, of which I'm a member also. The engines are known as "bullet proof" however the early heads on the 603 engines were tender if over heated, but these issues were solved by MB with redesigned heads.

The 86-87 OM603 was followed in 1990 with a OM602 5 cylinder, same block less 1 cyl. 1995 saw the return to the 6 cyl with the OM606, a non turbo, normally aspirated engine. All these 6xx engines are known as bullet proof and many have achieved 500K and more. It all depends on how well they are cared for. If you are slack on maintenance, you may only get 300K, but most MB diesel see at least that mileage regardless. ..............BB

Buy one, you'll love it. I'll never go back!

 

But whats the problem with other engines.
And what about problems in OM602?
for example can you check this cars:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6330
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

like what the diference? excluding body.

 

Please understand that I'm not trying to work against what you initially asked.

I drove my 1984 300D for many many miles. In fact, the engine and transmission sit in my back yard under cover waiting for another body to put in that isn't rotted out!

The OM617's are great engines, but the newer generation MB diesel engines, such as my current MB host's, the 603, is even better, with better fuel economy, smoother operation, quieter, and more power..............why would I think less............I put you on a good path and I doubt anyone here would suggest otherwise!

You would be wise to read up more from the many thousands of posts published in the many forums available. This is only one forum and it wouldn't be fair to the webmaster here advertising others.......................BB

 

okey last question.
Can 6 cyl diesel engine OM603 be placed into 240 or 190 model body. (1980-1987)

 

I've never heard of anyone converting a 603 six cyl into a 240, but I suppose anything is possible, just might not be practical!

The 190 D has practically the same engine, OM602 that has 1 less cylinder then the 603, and a turbo too I think! Also never heard of anyone converting a 190 to a diesel six either!

 

so you mean 5 cyl 3L engine has same MPG as 300D 6 cyl 3L engine?

I asked becouse I have aportunity to buy 190D for $400-600 engines leaks oil a lot, or 240D for about same price bad tranny auto.

I just don't need a big car like series 300. 240 or 190 is cute, affordable, small, and i will make it economic and i will get neer 40MPG. well try any way.
I'm mechanic, young, more expirience with gassoline engines. Love GERMAN cars like VW and Audi. M-B is a new edition to my list. And Diesel for it's economy.

 

Yes! Don't confuse engines. The older 5 cylinder diesels OM617 are old design, newer 5 cylinder diesels OM602 are newer design and are more fuel efficient. I should think those little 190D's get 30+ mpg pushing a lighter car.

Sounds like either way your going to have to pull the tranny! The 190D probably needs a main seal! Great little cars, I owned an 85 190E several years ago and I loved the way it felt and drove. With a disel in it, it would have been awsome!