w124 e220 v 300d

[Richardc]

Hello all, this would be my first post on the forum....

Looking at a W124 e220 coupe/saloon or 300d saloon.
Looking for something with full service history (rather than worry too much about mileage - although I hear head gaskets are prone to go at 150K+?)

300d
I understand the om606 (?) diesel engine is 'better' than the older diesel... is there that much of a difference in them?

all thoughts welcome.

Thanks

Rich

 

[prwales]

the 606 is a multivalve version of the 603, same bore and stroke, less power but both very reliable, the 606 is smoother, both have a good reputation, the 606 in turbo form [om606a] with suitable modifications is capable of staggering power outputs. The turbo 603 is a similarly reliable unit but in the bored out 350 version of the om603a it's reputation is terrible.

 

[robparker]

e220 vs 300d in terms of reliablilty are more or less the same, the diesel probably will out live it, but realistically you wont get any problems with the 220 either. I wouldnt worry too much about havuing a full history aslong as its been looked after in its most recent years, not that there is much to do to them anyway. My 300d would do just over 40mpg on a run vs maybe 34mpg out of 220s i've owned, so not a massive difference in them.

 

[Richardc]

cool

e220 vs 300d in terms of reliablilty are more or less the same, the diesel probably will out live it, but realistically you wont get any problems with the 220 either. I wouldnt worry too much about havuing a full history aslong as its been looked after in its most recent years, not that there is much to do to them anyway. My 300d would do just over 40mpg on a run vs maybe 34mpg out of 220s i've owned, so not a massive difference in them.

Thanks Rob

Recent history (06 to now) on one I'm looking at is missing although I have MOT reports. its done 20000 in that time... I thought an independent check of it would be enough?

Rich

 

[Richardc]

adding a turbo

the 606 is a multivalve version of the 603, same bore and stroke, less power but both very reliable, the 606 is smoother, both have a good reputation, the 606 in turbo form [om606a] with suitable modifications is capable of staggering power outputs. The turbo 603 is a similarly reliable unit but in the bored out 350 version of the om603a it's reputation is terrible.

...so one can add a turdo to the 606 engine? (when I say 'one' I'm refering to an expert!)

Rich

 

[epervier]

The 124's are nearly bullet proof, you can find plenty for sale with in excess of 200k miles and still in good condition, of course only IMHO, ours has covered 140k is 17 years old and drives better than a new euro box.

 

[epervier]

Apologies, I didn't fully read the question, petrol v oil burner, I would say mileage is the key, if you're doing high mileage, oil burner. If you are average to low mileage, petrol. The difference in A, cost of fuel and B cost of diesel engined car, it will take years to recoup the cost difference between the two.

Again only IMHO.

 

[robparker]

You cant cheaply fit a turbo to any RHD w124, but it can be done with after-market kits, but then you might aswell just get the petrol which has abit more power anyway.
Some poeple are a real stickler for service history, on cars like this im generally not bothered about it, you can usually tell if its been looked after or not, and even if it hasnt it is unlikely to be a disaster. They are all of the age now, service histroy or not, where they will need bushes, steering components etc replacing here and there and check the front 2 of the rear subframe mounts for rust, as this is whats now writing these cars off.

 

[Richardc]

where from?

Any specialists you'd recommend to buy from?

Ta
Rich

 

[prwales]

You might get a factory turbo on a lhd w124 diesel but not in a rhd one. 606a's from w210s have been retro fitted to w124s but there are clearance issues with the block height, this in turn is due to the difficulty negotiating the steering rack with the exhaust manifold. It is not a question of bolting on a turbo either as there are oil cooling mods to the pistons in the factory turbo engines.

 

[Richardc]

Turbo

You might get a factory turbo on a lhd w124 diesel but not in a rhd one. 606a's from w210s have been retro fitted to w124s but there are clearance issues with the block height, this in turn is due to the difficulty negotiating the steering rack with the exhaust manifold. It is not a question of bolting on a turbo either as there are oil cooling mods to the pistons in the factory turbo engines.

mmm.... interesting, but of course these things seem to be about understated cruising rather than zipping about.

Thanks

R

 

[tjamesbo]

Easier to find a tidy 220 than a diesel Most diesels were more basic spec
and because they were bought at the time for economy and mileage by and large they will have plenty of miles under their belt , rare to find them with under 160K, now they will do 250-300 but will the Box ? 160 is entering rebuild territory for the box ( auto ) unless you know its had a history regular fluid changes .
The diesels are also painfully slow ( this might be acceptable to you ) But the 220TE can be quite economical on a Run and the M111 engine is well sorted Unit It will be easier to find a good 220 IMO Only a few MPG difference between them Diesel 32 average ? 220 27 ish factor in the difference in pump price I would buy on Condition Condition and condition dont get hung up on the rest

 

[syncropaddy]

There are plenty of sub 70,000 mile 220's around for sale and they are every bit as reliable as a 300D. Fuel consumption is almost the same and a 220 is nippier as its lighter and more powerful. I have three E220's and an E200 and I know these cars quite well and I reckon the diesel isnt worth it.

Check out E Bay.

 

[mej]

This is a heart, not mind question. I actually prefer diesels, can happily manage a slightly less nippy take away in the non turbos, and much prefer the simplicity of a OM605/6 to a petrol. Seems a shame to trouble all those electrons to turn up at just te right time and place for everything to go bang, when the simple plumbing system in a diesel can achieve the same effect with much less to go wrong. I do admit to a V8 W126, though, but it's a garage queen now.

 

[ShivaYash]

There are plenty of sub 70,000 mile 220's around for sale and they are every bit as reliable as a 300D. Fuel consumption is almost the same and a 220 is nippier as its lighter and more powerful. I have three E220's and an E200 and I know these cars quite well and I reckon the diesel isnt worth it.

Check out E Bay.

Out of interest, do you find much difference between the 220 vs 200?

 

[mikestrivens]

Any specialists you'd recommend to buy from?

Ta
Rich

Try:
http://www.ccbenz.co.uk
Or
http://www.avantgardecars.co.uk

 

[syncropaddy]

Out of interest, do you find much difference between the 220 vs 200?

Not a lot really except at the pumps! The E220 is more economical.

 

[RFdesigner]

The saloon is nice but the coupe is lovely.. really lovely.

the 300D was never put in the coupe so that would swing it.

Get a 220 coupe with some love and not too many miles. make sure the sunroof and all the windows work. They all sound a touch harsh full boar but otherwise a georgous..

I took mine to 220k miles.. gave it away in the end.. should have kept it.

 

[ShivaYash]

The 220 is more economical? Really?