I am in the market for a circa 1983-90 300-series diesel. I have my eye set on a 1987 300D Turbo (W124), but it looks like there are mixed messages regarding problems (especially the 6-cylinder diesel). The care I am looking at has about 140,000 miles and is priced at $5,500 (U.S).
Any input from the forum would be appreciated! Thanks!
I have had my 87 for 17 years.
I have seen some of the interior plastic begin to get brittle. I have replaced it.
The headlight doors were discolored...cost $100 to replace.
The side lights on the front became brittle and I replaced them $100
The mechanics say the 87 had too small of connecting rods and would sometimes bend. They indicated that if this was going to happen it did so in their earlier life.
The timing chain should have been replaced at 100K.
If the wheel paint has faded, figure $230 to exchange them.
If you look at the post regarding A/C leaks and Vaccumn leaks, you might get some ensight too. Does the recirculating heat work?
One thing for sure, they are good drivers and do not have many wiring failures like the 90+ models.
Check these things out berore you buy. [;)]
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Visit my website: www.oldsalemhomes.com and see what it is like living in a histoic town
I have one for sale as we speak its a 1987 300D Turbo (W124) 1987 300D Turbo (W124)or 300 D-T I can give you more inforamtion if you want to call me my name is melissa my number is 803-463 2003 its a SC phone number I am taking offers on it right now it runs great but it will need a few hundred dollars put into it because its an 87 so certain thihngs need attention. call soon as the car will be sold to the highest bid tommarrow night,
My 2c may be of little value as our '87s the only Mercedes we've ever had and despite the recently snapped axle (no big deal really), I'd buy another one in a second.
We're getting good mileage and it'll cruise for days at 80mph quietly and happily. Solid car with good manners and good looks.
Have owned my '87 300 TDT (260,000 miles) since 1991. Best car that I've ever owned, bar none. Nicely engineered, easy to work on. Never even had mine aligned. I've heard that the heads warp easily if overheated but that has, of course, never happened with mine.
If you don't neglect the hell out of it and at the very least perform oil changes and keep it from overheating, it'll be your best companion and possibly your next generations
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.:"The Ambassador":. - 1982 white W123 300D turbodiesel
The mechanics say the 87 had too small of connecting rods and would sometimes bend. They indicated that if this was going to happen it did so in their earlier life.
The timing chain should have been replaced at 100K.
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Your mechanic is confusing the 3.5L OM603 in the W126 (350SD, 350SDL) and the W140 (300SD, S350) That had the weaker connecting rods.
The 3.0L OM603 in the 87 300D DOES NOT have the connecting rod bending problem.
The Early #14 heads on the 87 300D do have a tendency to crack if severally overheated.
And timing chains last for the life of the engine, unless there is alot of chain stretch they shouldnt be replaced, changing the chain guides and tensioner is more important than changing the chain.
Driving the heck outta my 124 diesel.
365K, gets 650-1000 miles every week.
Worst mileage 25.5, best 32, av 27MPG. 10K oil changes. Still uses no oil.
My greatest snivel - price of parts. Just ordered new master cylinder, and all four calipers, $694 with core charges. MC and calipers are occasionally sticking. Noticed when changing pads. Gotta pull and lube drivers door stop.
Smoothe powerful diesel.
Wayne
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