Best choice for 1st MD diesel 82 240D or 83 300D?

[FXRocket]

I am looking around in the paper for a project car (driver) for bio or grease and am trying to sort out the difference in these cars. Is the 300 a Turbo car and if so does that make it the obvious choice if the price and condition are even close?

I have searched and looked at a few different MB charts that compare motors and such, but it all left me somwhat confused. I still do not know if there is a "popular" car for projects like this so if you have an opinion or a thread to point me to then please let me know!

Thanks
Alex

[Dodge440]

I would look at the 300D which is a 3.0L non-turbo 5 cylinder cast iron diesel. The 240 is a also great car, has a 2.4 L cast iron 4 cylinder engine, is much slower to get up to speed. Part for the 240D are much more expensive if they can be found used. Be carefull of the 'grease' you use if you use it. The used cooking oil should be free of any water and have no grease from bacon, or other meats. Oil must be well filtered and pre heated before entry into engine. Biodiesel is a better way to go than SVO. I would not rist ruining one of these fine engines using SVO.

[FXRocket]

Thanks for the tip, I know just enough to be dangourus on the greese, but I was planning on doing that part right, or just making bio oughtright.

I thought that it was a turbo car though?

Anyway the 300D owner said it all worked and had no visible rust,windows worked and sunroof is ok. No tears or cracks in the dash etc.. he also has the 1982 240D both are about 148k on the odo and in like condition.

I think that all things being the same getting the 300 for about $500 more would be a good deal at $2500 ?? Comments or suggestions?

[graham999]

The 300d it is a great car. I've been running mine on svo for 11,000 miles without any problems. $2,500 sounds like a fair price if it's in good shape. If the car has original vacum connectors and fuel lines you should replace these. When I did this my car's shifting and power improved dramatically.

[JPMose]

In the USA, the W123 300D non-turbo was available in model years 1977-1981 for the sedan and coupe. For the 300D turbo, the model years for the sedan and coupe were 1982-1985. The 300TD wagon was turbo from 1981-1985. If it was me, I would certainly aim for the turbo model due to added performance. The turbo unit normally last the life of the engine. This is not a put-down to the non-turbo models.....they may be too slow if you are used to a modern gasoline vehicle. As I recall, 0-60 MPH acceleration is around 13 seconds for the w123 300D turbo version (never clocked mine) versus 19-20 seconds for the 300D non-turbo version. But you do get used to it! As a daily driver, I went from a 560SL to a 300D Turbo in March. I have been very happy...especially when I pay the fuel bill! :D

[lkchris]

Part for the 240D are much more expensive if they can be found used.

Curious why that is.

It's the exact same engine as the 300D save for one cylinder.

It's the exact same car save for some chrome.

In any event, I'd opt for the 300D, as the 240D is painfully slow. It's purpose for being was to be a taxicab in Europe in urban environments. Methinks Germans intending to run the Autobahn bought gasoline cars.

PS: The 240D isn't turbochargeable.

[Maxbumpo]

Curious why that is.

Basically because it could be had in an even more simple form than the 300 models. You could get a manual transmission, manual windows, manual sunroof, and the manual AC I system.

So, you gave up some speed, but enjoyed a dirt simple and indestructable car, on which a talented DIY could probably manage any repair up to and including a complete engine and transmission overhaul. Fuel consumption would also be lower.

To a purist, such a car could be nirvana.

[FXRocket]

Thank you all for your insight. I am going to look at the 300D Today if possible, the 240 will be sitting right next to it so that is convienient. I may drive both just so I will have a point of reference in the future.:)

The owner mentioned that he was geting around 25mpg,from what I have read on this forum that is not bad, but not great. Now with that said I guess that could have been city driving perhaps?

[FXRocket]

Well, when I was on my way to look at these cars I called and the owners wife said "he had a guy from out of state buy them both"... Sight unseen..Is this going to be a theme or was this a fluke? I am not interested in doing a nationwide search for a cheap diesel car, so if anyone knows of any decent deals in the Indy area let me know...

[JIMZ-MBZ]

Ive a 83 300D turbo with over 200K mi.$3000, have good use as a daily driver over 1 year,, I should get another 200K Mi-- >turbo makes a big difference<,, keep your eyes open,,, I got mine from a 'foreign' repair shop,,

--- im not gettin into the veggie thing,, just put fuel in him
--- im not too into all that techno krap that newer cars have,,,I enjoy NOT having electronic ignition (that could fail)

I love the 123 chassis, not sure of later models,, no experience

1 should find its way to you--
Good luck,
Jim