Diesel RVs: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Help picking out a diesel w123 or w124 for daily commuter

Thank you Brian -

I appreciate the welcome. That is exactly what I noticed when I began researching -- I happen on the mercedessource website, and he has quite a few how-to videos as well as a decent number of parts.

I definitely have become enamored with diesel vehicles for sure, as well as the over-engineered and high-quality design of the late 80s-early 90s mechanical Mercedes diesels.

I am not in a hurry and have just started me search. My Element is still drivable right now, as the leak is not too bad. That is awesome on the 83 300d cars you have. It's funny -- I've never noticed them on the road before and now it seems I see one every day.

Caveat - there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

I've read that a lot. I'm trying to avoid some of the pitfall models -- early Aluminum block w124s, rusty w123s with vacuum and AC issues, all the wagons with their hydraulic rear suspensions. The 3.5l turbo 90s w124. I'm going to check that 91 2.5 out and see how it looks.

I've also read that it is better to get a car that has more (but reasonable) amount of miles vs. less -- something with 5k/yr avg. because those miles are likely short trips that end up causing more damage.

I look forward to learning a lot from this group!

-Dan

On Dec 19, 2012, at 3:09 PM, BStromsoe <bstromsoe@yahoo.com> wrote:

Welcome to our site. Most of us are happy with our wheels and have some long experience with them. We were kind of ignorant when we started because most of us were raised around gas powered v-8's. Some of us are still ignorant but have become enamored with our diesel vehicles. Personally, I have had two or three dozen Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Volkswagen vehicles over 5+ decades, but am now happy to be driving (2) twin 1983 w123 300d's which I service and maintain. There was a little learning curve, but there are tons of information sites available and if you got out of the 6th grade you should do alright. Do some homework, don't be in a hurry, and don't buy a dog. There are some really nice cars out there, but beware the snake oil salesmen too. Caveat - there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

brian from laverne, ca
Mary (195K) Martha (280K)
1983 w123 300d's

From: danvprod <danvprod@gmail.com>
To: diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 11:35 AM
Subject: [diesel_mercedes] Help picking out a diesel w123 or w124 for daily commuter

Hi Folks --

Looking forward to your help. Here is my situation. I am currently driving a 2003 Honda Element with 125k. I am looking to acquire either a w123 300d Turbo or w124 300d 2.5 turbo diesel to become my daily commuter to and from work.

My Honda has been slowly having more problem and now the exhaust manifold has a crack and is leaking.

The desire for the diesel mercedes is twofold -- one for a reliable daily commuter and two for an engine where I can learn basic mechanical work on an engine that is approachable (with a good online community, parts available and training videos).

I plan on phasing my Honda out while phasing the Mercedes in.

This was one of the cars I was looking at:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/3487746380.html

I did test drive someone's 1985 300d turbo, but the condition was a bit rough and there was some rust (I know to stay away if I see any rust.

Anyways, I don't really know where to start -- only that I am gravitating towards one of these 300d models. Any advice or help would be much appreciated.