Quote:
Originally Posted by tdw28210
The old skool guys will say the w123's were the last of the REAL Mercedes diesels. (they are are the preferred civilian taxi vehicle in most war zones). I own an w212 and still really like it after 80k miles. Even though the oil cooler seals recently failed and it puked a couple quarts onto the driveway. 39 mpg on the highway and tons or torque. 
This one is in the sweet spot. Pre-EGR turbo diesel technology with bullet proof early diesel DNA.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-1980-Mercedes-Benz-300-Class-300SD-Turbodiesel-t55414#listing=226726280 |
They do not know what they are selling. That is a 1980 300D, (non-turbo), not a 300SD, which was a turbo in 1980 and had an EGR, FWIW. I had a 1980 300TD wagon, (same car), that was in almost unbelievably good condition. 116k miles and drove like brand new.
All of the old iron head diesels were good motors but technology has really left them behind. I drive a 2006 Jetta TDI that is just light years ahead of those cars in any possible metric of measurement. Performance/efficiency/quietness/emissions/etc.