[hutch555]

Hey guys, new to forum. I was in an accident and someone hit me in my black 1995 bmw 525it. it was a great wagon, pristine with 241,000 on the clock and still going strong. anyway, I have a chance to purchase a nice 82 300td wagon with 135,000 miles or 93 300te wagon with original 65,000 miles and in pristine condition. Which is more suitable to put my samples and catalogs in the back of the wagon with seats down and do 30,000 miles of travel a year. I know both of these cars are reliable workhorses but maybe the 300te has a more modern creature comforts? Opinions? Thanks, Hutch

 

[mfagus]

you are posting on a W124 board so I would expect the responses to be slanted towards the 93.

You are right on regarding creature comforts. I have driven both cars and after driving the W124 when you get behind the wheel of a W123 it is like driving a tank.

For your situation here is what would make me buy the 93 over the 82:
* 11 years newer
* More comfortable seats
* More power
* Super quiet cabin on the 93 v. the 82
* Strong blower motor = better cabin heating and cooling while racking up those miles
* Do you really want to be pulling up to a customer in a 30 year old car?


thanks

Mark

 

[hutch555]

Thanks Mark. That's what I thought.

 

[augapfel]

The only reason i can think of for buying the 82 TD is the fuel mileage. Not insignificant in your case but IMO not enough to drive the dinosaur.

 

[POS]

The only reason i can think of for buying the 82 TD is the fuel mileage. Not insignificant in your case but IMO not enough to drive the dinosaur.

I've owned both. Definitely get the '93. The '82 will only get low 20s mpg, and the '93 will do easily the same. The w124 is a much, much better highway cruiser; the w123 was built for 55 mph speed limits and they struggle to maintain 75; the w124 will gladly cruise at 80 all day. Lastly, the w124 will have way more 'little comforts' than the w123.

 

[elbeik]

The w123 is also more vulnerable to rust.

 

[Real1shepherd]

There were enough advances in the 124 over the 123 to make it a much safer and more modern car. The 124 wagons WILL cruise on the hwy, that's for damn sure.

Only plus I can think for the 123 is that it's far easier to work on-almost primitive by 124 standards. I guess price point could be a factor, but they both sell for dirt right now.

Stay away from the 4matic if you can.....you'll take a continual beating here if you own it. Everybody is an expert on it, even if they never had one and they all say it's shit.

Kevin

 

[LeftCoastGeek]

I've owned both. Definitely get the '93. The '82 will only get low 20s mpg, and the '93 will do easily the same. ....

psst? the W123 1982 he's looking at is a diesel, vs a gas W124. I would *ONLY* get a W123 diesel if its the turbodiesel. those get amazing mileage but aren't exactly 'fast' by any stretch of any imagination, except maybe in comparision with a snail.


note both those wagons have 'electrohydraulic' rear suspension. There's a bunch of plumbing and accumulators and such that need maintenance. if they have been properly maintained, the system is fabulous, rides as well empty as it does with 1000 lbs of junk in the back. if its not been maintained, the car will drag its tail with any sort of load, and you'll be in for some $$$$ repair unless you're a do-it-yourself type.

 

[Zeitgeist]

Where's the electro part of these "electrohydraulic" rear suspensions? The S124 has a way more robust SLS system, and it's completely mechanical and very reliable. Having owned an '84 300D, I can tell you that they don't get all that great of fuel mileage, but the acceleration isn't bad--I'll never own another, since the 124 is just so much more modern, safe and comfortable. My personal business travel vehicle is my '90 300D, and it suits me to a tee. It gets 32mpg and cruises effortlessly at illegal speeds up every grade I've encountered.

 

[LeftCoastGeek]

Where's the electro part of these "electrohydraulic" rear suspensions? The S124 has a way more robust SLS system, and it's completely mechanical and very reliable. Having owned an '84 300D, I can tell you that they don't get all that great of fuel mileage, but the acceleration isn't bad--I'll never own another, since the 124 is just so much more modern, safe and comfortable. My personal business travel vehicle is my '90 300D, and it suits me to a tee. It gets 32mpg and cruises effortlessly at illegal speeds up every grade I've encountered.

I thought benz called it 'electrohydraulic'.... Its got at least an oil pressure pump, and a electronic control valve in the system somewhere, doesn't it?

 

[augapfel]

Nah, no electronic (or even electric) parts whatsoever on the 124 SLS.

Pump, lines, control valve, and accumulators. Okay, a fluid reservoir.

The height control valve is purely mechanical. (As for the rust, welcome to Pennsylvania.)