Pierre, I love my 300CD (1985 by the way!) and it’s 30mpg, but my beautifully sorted 6.3 getting 12.9 mpg is hard to beat. You make them run so well!!!
Loved the ENIAC reference. Thank you for making a truly two-sided video rather than just saying “diesel over gas”. People who say that clearly have never experienced smooth V8s before.
Always a pleasure to listen to your precious advice. I have a 300d w123 with 370000km and it has been my daily for 12 years now. Greetings from Normandy France.
I guess the other determining factor is the price difference of the two fuels in your particular country. Here in NZ I pay $2.30 per litre for petrol, but only $1.60 per litre for diesel. That's why I drive a diesel Mercedes for work & long distances, and a petrol Mercedes for fun & short distances.
One of my favorite advantages of owning my Mercedes diesel and not gas, is I don’t have to worry about ethanol in modern gas clogging up a carburetor and needing a rebuild. It can sit for long periods while it’s getting worked on, and it always starts back up again even in the cold. So it makes a great daily driver.
Here in South Florida steel fuel tanks that are rarely used eventually collect enough condensation that the ethanol will not keep the water in suspension and the bottom of the tank rusts out. My father would have added "gasoline vapor is explosive, Diesel burns;" he'd also mention you don't need to pay highway tax on the Diesel if you know what you are doing. Allow me to mention that he is dead and the statute of limitations has run out.
Hi I am in Canada Ontario cold weather conditions. I am planning to buy old diesel Mercedes Benz for first time which and which model should I buy From 1990 to 2000 Model Thanks
As the owner of a 2006 Sprinter what you said about the newer diesels is spot on. When it's working it's great, fast as you can want a breadbox to go, 30 + MPG! but when it breaks open your wallet...
This is what I needed to see. Currently deciding between W123 280E vs 240D (both manual). I want something that will run right once sorted. 240D it is :)
What about a gas engine with an lpg system? I have heard it makes the engine wear out earlier but since the lpg is less than half the price of diesel here in the Netherlands it does seem like a good option when you drive allot. Any opinions on it? Pro's and con's maybe?
This is a far more complicated/involved subject to try to cover in a brief video. You did however do a creditable job discussing the older models. I been a Diesel Mechanic and Instructor as well as holding several Managerial positions in the Trucking/Construction Equipment Industries over 50 years. Ever since I was a kid , the "Lore," of Mercedes Diesels has intrigued me! Their reputation in Passenger Cars/Trucks worldwide, is truly legendary! However, I am not sure this is still the case with the newer "Bluetec Diesels" found in their newer models. Note, I own a MB Sprinter with this engine in a RV Chassis and a used 2010 ML350 with a 3.5 L Gas. Enough back ground. I would like to hear your comments regarding these new "Bluetec diesels." Obviously, the older models were as close to perfect, as it can get, but let's not live in the past! The newer technologies available today, Safety/Emission/ Comfort/Entertainment/MPG, etc make it an unfair foot race! I am still a big Diesel Advocate and I am considering trading my ML 350 in for a Diesel version! The main reason are for this are listed below. 1. The reliability of the 3.5L gas is questionable at best over 100,000 miles, sadly it has it problems! I am not 100% sure of the situation with the Diesel. 2. Greater MPG, and competitive fuel cost, Gas vs Diesel. When you consider that the Gas engine requires Premium Fuel the pay back is much shorter!. 2. Greater Torque of the Diesel. I've driven both versions and the Turbo Diesel is fantastic to experience. The Torque advantage manifests itself in much different feeling during acceleration, not the customary Diesel performance, really peppy! Another area you will experience improved performance, is in a Towing Application, your vehicle will maintain its Cruise Speed (MPH) on a grade without downshifting. Lastly, you get improved performance when downshifting as a result of the Higher Compression Ratio of the Diesel. This provides greater vehicle control and longer Brake life. I look forward to hearing your comments!
So I just realized what is causing the inside of my windows on my 450SEL to be greasy and cloudy so soon after cleaning the glass: using Aerospace 303 on the dash and Lexol on the seats. Im going to have to find something else to use. I don’t have that problem on the SL- the top is always down!
Pierre Hedary it seemed to a little bit. On the SEL I had a slight residue on the windscreen using only 303. When I used Lexol everywhere, very cloudy and greasy. By the way, 303 is supposed to be like a sunblock for your vinyl. My SL vinyl door skins faded anyway. They were from AutoBerry.
I’ve had both I love the diesels more. The e320 wagon was good. Lots more repair work if you let it sit. I’m sure you know that tho. I really love your channel.
Interested, 91 350 SDL owner. Tested high speed yesterday, god like stability at speed even if it takes a bit to get there. Once you are there, all day cruiser at 25 mpg
In Egypt we look down hard on diesel mercs so much that they're basically non existent since diesel is mainly associated with trucks and buses, and consequently diesel fuel stations are only reserved exclusively for them. With the exception of the w120 diesel pontons that used to run as taxis, and very early w115 diesels; all of these older mercs in Egypt (w123, w116, w126, w124, and w201 all the way to the modern ones) are exclusively gas powered (m115, m102, 200 and 230s four cylinders and m110 280s six cylinders for the w116 and w126 are by far the most common old merc engines in Egypt) and parts are readily available for both carb and injected
it was similar in lebanon.....unf. gasoline engines are less efficient for taxis. Funny how some developing countries in this area look down on diesel engines, when most of them can't even afford cars.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 It's a 2001 C320. I bought it in 2004 with 2813 miles. The only mods I made were to install springs from a C55 and a set of AMG 17" staggered wheels from a CLK430.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 A friend has a 1999 300D and always tells me he loves the sound of my 1983 300D better. He should have bought a W123!!
A lot of us diesel consumers that aren’t purist buy Mercedes diesels to run them off veggie oil/ biodiesel I feel like this subject is hardly ever touched but is an important discussion. It’s what got me into Mercedes diesel as a young lad. I’ve always used conversion kits but I’ve heard the pre 79 Mercedes diesels can run on straight veggie oil.
we are in titusville florida. Our offical business name is "Pierre Hedary's: Specializing in Classic Mercedes." Here's our google page: www.google.com/search?q=pierre+hedary%27s&rlz=1CAHKDC_enUS842&oq=pierre+hedary%27s+&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.11357j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Dear Pierre. I want to purshase a Mercedes Benz. I got Teo alternatives , 300e w124 1987 or C240 w202 1998. Both in good conditions . Thank you and greetings from Chile.
If an old gas Mercedes is running well when you buy it, the engine is probably in good condition. Diesel Mercedes however tend to still be "running" even when they are on their death bed. Meaning, you could buy a diesel Mercedes that is running, but has low compression and burns and drips oil.
More it goes more I hear mechanics saying that it’s better to have a Mercedes or any other car brand older than today’s cars that have at least 30 computer’s modules...I bought my 2014 GLK Bluetec new believing that it was as good as the older diesel Mercedes but more reliable than before due to the electronics. Now I wonder how big is my mistake. I bought it expecting to last for ever such the W123 turbo diesel...but now I am scared about the future for it. Up to now, my GLK250 Bluetec have been extremely trusty and economic to drive. I heard that some remove all the Bluetec system to have less pain you know where... So, What is your believe, your thoughts on this and on my X204?
honestly, you and many other people thought this, but the fact is that no mercedes built after year 2000 is as repairable as the previous versions. Why? well, first of all, diagnosis of major problems with the vehicle's electronics is dependent on a computer. if the modules, the diagnostic wiring, the diagnostic module or the diagnostic machine fail, you're in trouble. On the 123, the repair consists of a cognitive diagnosis involving a human being. that's all. Also, the success of these older cars is aided by their lack of control units, ignition systems, total independence from an electrical system to run and drive....your x204 has to have a fully operating electrical/electronic component to make every function of the car work....even the brakes. Try dealing with these issues twenty years from now. When you buy another 123 and spend $40,000 restoring it, you will end up with a better car.
Merci beaucoup Pierre! I like your straight forward answer and comments. I live in Montréal (Québec) Canada. That mean a reconstructed W123 would make only a summer car. Our weather is well known for making car rust meanly in our winters...once again thanks for your help and videos.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👌🏻
On a different note how can a company that produced such classics as the 116, 126 , 123 and 124 throw it all away by giving us the A class , SLK , 210 etc ?
Main reason for gas is acceleration. If that isnt important, a diesel is great. My 617 did eat a head gasket at 180k though, so there are no guarantees. I think these type failures are typically due to overheating at some point in the car's life.
most 617s are running around with their original head gaskets...ironically, on both models, the failure of the cylinder head was more common than the gasket itself.
Yes I was pretty surprised when my gasket went on the #4 cylinder. It was a good opportunity to put a new head on it. But they are not so easy to find uncracked with the SLS pump. Need to find a good furnace brazing place to save the ones that fail magna flux. @@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753
I have a w124 300E (probably the most boring old mercedes out there) since 2009, and I'm still driving it... This thing just goes if maintain properly.
I don't think they are that boring. I think that the 124 is actually a very exciting car, especially when you're using its full potential at high speeds
Pierre Hedary not as cool as w123 and w126, but it’s pretty awesome when cursing on highway. The only two problems I have with the car are: it has rough idle when the car is warm; and the heater blows cold air when stops or driving at low speed... both problems are not noticeable while i’n driving on freeway at 100km/h though.
Well stated intro. Everything causes cancer, but diesel exhaust supposedly causes cancer. I like the word “robust” to describe the d-jet system. Daily driver diesel, yeah. Interesting point that the 300cd was the only diesel coupe/non-4-door sedan... but wait! 300td w123 wagon!!!
Does anyone ever think about pollution? Are old diesels worse than old gas cars? Diesel has had a lot of bad press recently with Nox emissions. I am finding it difficult to find comparisons of old cars.
In their endeavours to make the later diesels more like their petrol driven counterparts Mercedes definitely slipped up . We lost toughness , longevity and , most regretfully, character.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary . My all time favourite was a 124 300D with a very professional after market turbo conversion . Probably didn’t make economic sense but , boy , that was some car . Other than that the normally aspirated six cylinder was fantastic .
das wright 210 reminds me of a mid 80s Korean chintz chariot . Factor in a woeful reliability record and the corrosion protection of a Lancia Beta when considering purchase .
Although over my personal line in the sand of 2000-2001; I've been interested in the 2005-2006 CDI (turbo) which was pre-blue tec. 6 seconds to 60 and near 40mpg. Blue Tec and emissions diesels are fraught with issues related to the egr and cats.
It is a better living through technology thing. More economy, better emissions. It will not be so different from the mechanical ones in the end. Bluetec is probably a bridge too far though.
I like gas I can't stand slow cars and 0-60 times in 12-13 seconds are unacceptable to me. I know the diesel is reliable but S L O o o o o o o o w w w w w w.
Another aspect to consider when deciding gas vs diesel is noise. If you live in a neighborhood full of annoying people that gets upset pretty easily, or if you live in a condo or if you work at a place that doesn’t allow certain type of cars in the parking lot, you may be better off with a gas since they are smooth and quiet, something older diesels are not.
I respect your opinion but beg to differ. My w126 with the 3.5l om603 is only slightly louder than the gas version. It's nearly the same when hot and regularly gets 26mpg city and highway. Hands down diesel imo. Plus there's a lot more sound deadening which makes the interior much quieter than the gas version at speed.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 They do. The other day a co-worker of mine complained to me about the noise my 300d produced. He said it polluted way too much (which is a lie of course). Unfortunately there are quite a lot of idiots who complain about everything these days.
Gas,gas,gas. The W124 E280 2.8 gas engine is absolutely brilliant & I have 473,000 klms. on mine & absolutely no trouble.. I would never consider a diesel..........yuk! Diesels are great in trucks & T34 Russian tanks. And no, they don't need valve jobs every 150, 000 miles...........absolute bullshit!
The major problem I see today on driving an old (70/80/90 decade) Mercedes is this new Political issues that forbide to drive cars before 2000 and 2006 (gas or diesel) in most big cities. The false environment problem questions! 🤯
Diesel all the way🥰
Pierre,
I love my 300CD (1985 by the way!) and it’s 30mpg, but my beautifully sorted 6.3 getting 12.9 mpg is hard to beat. You make them run so well!!!
Loved the ENIAC reference. Thank you for making a truly two-sided video rather than just saying “diesel over gas”. People who say that clearly have never experienced smooth V8s before.
yes, they are both really good.
I think that people don’t realize how good Classic Mercedes V8’s are until they drive one. BMW V8’s are amature in comparison.
I love my manual 1988 W124 300D, still looks and drives as new with 302.000 km
The best car I have owned is my 1981 Mercedes 240d diesel with a 4 speed manual.
My 76 240D easily did 768,000.
Always a pleasure to listen to your precious advice. I have a 300d w123 with 370000km and it has been my daily for 12 years now. Greetings from Normandy France.
That's wonderful. It's always great to hear from people who still have these cars in Europe
Thank you! Keep it up your vids are always instructive and confort my choice and passion for these old Benz.
I''ve had a 300D Turbo Diesel and a 300CD Turbo Diesel. Anvil dependable and both a pleasure. Slowing down now to appreciate a 240D.
There are few things in life finer than a straight-6 Mercedes Diesel... (OM606.910)... (a straight-6, overall, in general)
I guess the other determining factor is the price difference of the two fuels in your particular country. Here in NZ I pay $2.30 per litre for petrol, but only $1.60 per litre for diesel. That's why I drive a diesel Mercedes for work & long distances, and a petrol Mercedes for fun & short distances.
Thanx for story. I love Mercedes Benz,i love it very much and i am happy to have found this channel. Thank you.
Glad you enjoy it!
One of my favorite advantages of owning my Mercedes diesel and not gas, is I don’t have to worry about ethanol in modern gas clogging up a carburetor and needing a rebuild. It can sit for long periods while it’s getting worked on, and it always starts back up again even in the cold. So it makes a great daily driver.
amen!
Here in South Florida steel fuel tanks that are rarely used eventually collect enough condensation that the ethanol will not keep the water in suspension and the bottom of the tank rusts out. My father would have added "gasoline vapor is explosive, Diesel burns;" he'd also mention you don't need to pay highway tax on the Diesel if you know what you are doing. Allow me to mention that he is dead and the statute of limitations has run out.
Love my gas guzzling 500SEC! But I do want a 300CD. 😎
Once you drive an SEC, it's hard to want anything else
I am considering a W124 Diesel. I noticed you didnt mention the W124 here when talking about the diesels. Why?
Love the comparison. Formerly 300d,86. It nice when you pop up a photo of the model.
Great quick visual reference.
Thanks
Thanks for the brief review, I am contemplating to buy diesel Merc 124
Another great diesel point is that great diesel engine sound. Thanks Pierre.
Sounds like victory to me.
i used to drive a 220d...it was loud but I preferred it for its faultless reliability....especially for a $150.00 car
Hi I am in Canada Ontario cold weather conditions. I am planning to buy old diesel Mercedes Benz for first time which and which model should I buy From 1990 to 2000 Model Thanks
As the owner of a 2006 Sprinter what you said about the newer diesels is spot on. When it's working it's great, fast as you can want a breadbox to go, 30 + MPG! but when it breaks open your wallet...
Such genuine advice my brother
This is what I needed to see. Currently deciding between W123 280E vs 240D (both manual). I want something that will run right once sorted. 240D it is :)
Around 6:48 Pierre said “preferably pre-85” however I’m certain he mean to include the model year 85 also.
Pierre ?
yes correct
My 300D was an 85 and had 280k miles when I traded it off. You can kick me if you want. Lol. Lost no oil and ran like a top.
What about a gas engine with an lpg system? I have heard it makes the engine wear out earlier but since the lpg is less than half the price of diesel here in the Netherlands it does seem like a good option when you drive allot. Any opinions on it? Pro's and con's maybe?
Diesel for life.
I like both of my 617's in the 123 & 126.
I had 2 w126 V8s and 1 w116 300SD. Still have the 300SD but not the other two. I miss my 500SEL. It had so much power, great car.
I'm looking at a 1991 300d for sale. It has 318k with and automatic transmission.
I do prefer the gaser myself, summation was spot on . 9.9k 👍
right...it;s a matter of preference.
This is a far more complicated/involved subject to try to cover in a brief video. You did however do a creditable job discussing the older models.
I been a Diesel Mechanic and Instructor as well as holding several Managerial positions in the Trucking/Construction Equipment Industries over 50 years. Ever since I was a kid , the "Lore," of Mercedes Diesels has intrigued me! Their reputation in Passenger Cars/Trucks worldwide, is truly legendary! However, I am not sure this is still the case with the newer "Bluetec Diesels" found in their newer models. Note, I own a MB Sprinter with this engine in a RV Chassis and a used 2010 ML350 with a 3.5 L Gas.
Enough back ground. I would like to hear your comments regarding these new "Bluetec diesels." Obviously, the older models were as close to perfect, as it can get, but let's not live in the past! The newer technologies available today, Safety/Emission/ Comfort/Entertainment/MPG, etc make it an unfair foot race!
I am still a big Diesel Advocate and I am considering trading my ML 350 in for a Diesel version!
The main reason are for this are listed below.
1. The reliability of the 3.5L gas is questionable at best over 100,000 miles, sadly it has it problems! I am not 100% sure of the situation with the Diesel.
2. Greater MPG, and competitive fuel cost, Gas vs Diesel. When you consider that the Gas engine requires Premium Fuel the pay back is much shorter!.
2. Greater Torque of the Diesel. I've driven both versions and the Turbo Diesel is fantastic to experience. The Torque advantage manifests itself in much different feeling during acceleration, not the customary Diesel performance, really peppy! Another area you will experience improved performance, is in a Towing Application, your vehicle will maintain its Cruise Speed (MPH) on a grade without downshifting. Lastly, you get improved performance when downshifting as a result of the Higher Compression Ratio of the Diesel. This provides greater vehicle control and longer Brake life.
I look forward to hearing your comments!
great topic for a video. I think one of my nest ones will be old vs new diesels
Many failed OM642 in South Africa. Sounds like LR VW FORD 😂
What's your opinion on diesels in cold weather climates?
Im working on my 77 123 240 d and i was wondering how ot where is the best way or place to find basic parts
I'm pretty satisfied with the gas mileage i get on my '93 280e w124, i get combined 25-29mpg,and when i need it to pull,damn it pulls!
Best one yet! Thank you
Thank you!
Love my 24 mpg 89 260E!!
Informative and fun.
Thanks!
Well said. And great topic
Thank you
So I just realized what is causing the inside of my windows on my 450SEL to be greasy and cloudy so soon after cleaning the glass: using Aerospace 303 on the dash and Lexol on the seats. Im going to have to find something else to use. I don’t have that problem on the SL- the top is always down!
So formula 303 is causing it? I always thought it was more of an outdoor application
Pierre Hedary it seemed to a little bit. On the SEL I had a slight residue on the windscreen using only 303. When I used Lexol everywhere, very cloudy and greasy.
By the way, 303 is supposed to be like a sunblock for your vinyl. My SL vinyl door skins faded anyway. They were from AutoBerry.
I’ve had both I love the diesels more. The e320 wagon was good. Lots more repair work if you let it sit. I’m sure you know that tho. I really love your channel.
300e diesel? Any comments on those?
Pierre what's the story on the W126 350SDL. Thanks
i recorded a video on this yesterday. it should be up in a few weeks.
Interested, 91 350 SDL owner. Tested high speed yesterday, god like stability at speed even if it takes a bit to get there. Once you are there, all day cruiser at 25 mpg
When most cars are electric, those diesel sounds will be music to some people’s ears
@forge17 I am one of these. When you get it up to 70-80 MPH the whirring of the motor is indescribable!
what about the W124's I have 2 1987 300's one TD and other D
Those are both great cars. I hope you're enjoying both of them.
@@thisisnightshop2037 yes love them got the TD painted and the D is just keeps chugging
In Egypt we look down hard on diesel mercs so much that they're basically non existent since diesel is mainly associated with trucks and buses, and consequently diesel fuel stations are only reserved exclusively for them. With the exception of the w120 diesel pontons that used to run as taxis, and very early w115 diesels; all of these older mercs in Egypt (w123, w116, w126, w124, and w201 all the way to the modern ones) are exclusively gas powered (m115, m102, 200 and 230s four cylinders and m110 280s six cylinders for the w116 and w126 are by far the most common old merc engines in Egypt) and parts are readily available for both carb and injected
Very interesting. In America we love both so much. Diesel Mercedes are seen as engineering masterpieces
it was similar in lebanon.....unf. gasoline engines are less efficient for taxis. Funny how some developing countries in this area look down on diesel engines, when most of them can't even afford cars.
Is there any advantage in maint cost to a 240D over a 300D (assuming pre 85)?
1 less glow plug and 2 less valves to adjust.
I have a classic diesel & a soon-to-be classic gasser and love them both. Well... at times I hate them too. But wouldn't drive any thing else.
which gasser?
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 It's a 2001 C320. I bought it in 2004 with 2813 miles. The only mods I made were to install springs from a C55 and a set of AMG 17" staggered wheels from a CLK430.
The Mercedes diesel sounds like a small truck you can either find that cool or not cool. I find it awesome :)
one of the things i enjoy most about these cars....
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 A friend has a 1999 300D and always tells me he loves the sound of my 1983 300D better. He should have bought a W123!!
I’ve never driven a diesel Benz before. My brother had a 300D right before I had mine, but he never let me drive it and I wish I asked.
They do drive really well. I like the solid bite of the diesel engine when you press it hard. Also, they just run so well with little effort
Pierre Hedary wow! Maybe one day fingers crossed!
A lot of us diesel consumers that aren’t purist buy Mercedes diesels to run them off veggie oil/ biodiesel I feel like this subject is hardly ever touched but is an important discussion. It’s what got me into Mercedes diesel as a young lad. I’ve always used conversion kits but I’ve heard the pre 79 Mercedes diesels can run on straight veggie oil.
stick with biodiesel so you don;t ruin your injection pump and engine.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary I’ll keep this in mind! I’ve been worried about the long term effects of veggie oil
Where about is your shop located, and what’s the name of it, if you don’t mind me asking.
we are in titusville florida. Our offical business name is "Pierre Hedary's: Specializing in Classic Mercedes." Here's our google page:
www.google.com/search?q=pierre+hedary%27s&rlz=1CAHKDC_enUS842&oq=pierre+hedary%27s+&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.11357j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
👍 diesel vacuum pump rebuilt kits are not available for all models.
Correct
Dear Pierre. I want to purshase a Mercedes Benz. I got Teo alternatives , 300e w124 1987 or C240 w202 1998. Both in good conditions . Thank you and greetings from Chile.
300e. much easier car to service and better quality.
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 thank you very much Pierre and go on with your great contribution ti Mercedes enthutiasts.
How about an old diesel mercedes running on jet fuel?
If an old gas Mercedes is running well when you buy it, the engine is probably in good condition. Diesel Mercedes however tend to still be "running" even when they are on their death bed. Meaning, you could buy a diesel Mercedes that is running, but has low compression and burns and drips oil.
I've owned a mini diesel Mercedes of people thought were on their last legs. After two or three days of rehabilitation they usually bounce right back
I met a guy at a fuel pump who had transplanted a OM617 into a R107! I should have gotten his contact info 😞
its been done before...i saw a 300sd engine in a c107 before
More it goes more I hear mechanics saying that it’s better to have a Mercedes or any other car brand older than today’s cars that have at least 30 computer’s modules...I bought my 2014 GLK Bluetec new believing that it was as good as the older diesel Mercedes but more reliable than before due to the electronics.
Now I wonder how big is my mistake. I bought it expecting to last for ever such the W123 turbo diesel...but now I am scared about the future for it. Up to now, my GLK250 Bluetec have been extremely trusty and economic to drive. I heard that some remove all the Bluetec system to have less pain you know where... So, What is your believe, your thoughts on this and on my X204?
honestly, you and many other people thought this, but the fact is that no mercedes built after year 2000 is as repairable as the previous versions. Why? well, first of all, diagnosis of major problems with the vehicle's electronics is dependent on a computer. if the modules, the diagnostic wiring, the diagnostic module or the diagnostic machine fail, you're in trouble. On the 123, the repair consists of a cognitive diagnosis involving a human being. that's all. Also, the success of these older cars is aided by their lack of control units, ignition systems, total independence from an electrical system to run and drive....your x204 has to have a fully operating electrical/electronic component to make every function of the car work....even the brakes. Try dealing with these issues twenty years from now. When you buy another 123 and spend $40,000 restoring it, you will end up with a better car.
Merci beaucoup Pierre! I like your straight forward answer and comments. I live in Montréal (Québec) Canada. That mean a reconstructed W123 would make only a summer car. Our weather is well known for making car rust meanly in our winters...once again thanks for your help and videos.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👌🏻
On a different note how can a company that produced such classics as the 116, 126 , 123 and 124 throw it all away by giving us the A class , SLK , 210 etc ?
haha I am still trying to figure this out myself
Well put !
Main reason for gas is acceleration. If that isnt important, a diesel is great. My 617 did eat a head gasket at 180k though, so there are no guarantees. I think these type failures are typically due to overheating at some point in the car's life.
Mostly it is usually lack of regular coolant flushes. My 126 with the om603 had the head gasket done due to the coolant being neglected
most 617s are running around with their original head gaskets...ironically, on both models, the failure of the cylinder head was more common than the gasket itself.
Yes I was pretty surprised when my gasket went on the #4 cylinder. It was a good opportunity to put a new head on it. But they are not so easy to find uncracked with the SLS pump. Need to find a good furnace brazing place to save the ones that fail magna flux. @@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753
I have a w124 300E (probably the most boring old mercedes out there) since 2009, and I'm still driving it... This thing just goes if maintain properly.
I don't think they are that boring. I think that the 124 is actually a very exciting car, especially when you're using its full potential at high speeds
Pierre Hedary not as cool as w123 and w126, but it’s pretty awesome when cursing on highway. The only two problems I have with the car are: it has rough idle when the car is warm; and the heater blows cold air when stops or driving at low speed... both problems are not noticeable while i’n driving on freeway at 100km/h though.
Rough idle could be many things. Cant remember if your series has a helper pump for the heater at idle or not. If it does, be suspicious.
Is 420SEL a good car?
yes!
10 points for including the ENIAC in your video. 😂
haha thank you
Well stated intro.
Everything causes cancer, but diesel exhaust supposedly causes cancer.
I like the word “robust” to describe the d-jet system.
Daily driver diesel, yeah.
Interesting point that the 300cd was the only diesel coupe/non-4-door sedan... but wait! 300td w123 wagon!!!
wagon is still a sedan. but i see your point. Diesel particulate filters cause cancer.
Does anyone ever think about pollution? Are old diesels worse than old gas cars? Diesel has had a lot of bad press recently with Nox emissions. I am finding it difficult to find comparisons of old cars.
Old diesels are better!I have both a 85 w123 and a 02 w210 and my old diesel is easier to fix and there's less goes wrong on it.
I can't believe I found this channel. I'm looking at getting my first classic Mercedes probably a 300 se. Can't wait.
11/15/23
U haven't ?
gas mercedes is like your wife!
so much hard work, so much care, so much time and money.... after all the pain you will call that LOVE
Whys the hatred of om602 and 3 lol
I prefer diesel on anything in the 70s-80s. Gas on the 90s.
My diesel model is still the orphan, that's name is whispered
Wasn't the om648 still awesome
you can also put a mercedes diesel engine in a mercedes petrol car
Yoir awesome make me a patriot member what ever that means. car love Tasmania
In their endeavours to make the later diesels more like their petrol driven counterparts Mercedes definitely slipped up . We lost toughness , longevity and , most regretfully, character.
when would you say that occurred? I think the last good diesel was the 1995 e300.
Mercedes Classic with Pierre Hedary . My all time favourite was a 124 300D with a very professional after market turbo conversion . Probably didn’t make economic sense but , boy , that was some car . Other than that the normally aspirated six cylinder was fantastic .
das wright 210 reminds me of a mid 80s Korean chintz chariot . Factor in a woeful reliability record and the corrosion protection of a Lancia Beta when considering purchase .
Although over my personal line in the sand of 2000-2001; I've been interested in the 2005-2006 CDI (turbo) which was pre-blue tec. 6 seconds to 60 and near 40mpg. Blue Tec and emissions diesels are fraught with issues related to the egr and cats.
It is a better living through technology thing. More economy, better emissions. It will not be so different from the mechanical ones in the end. Bluetec is probably a bridge too far though.
I like gas I can't stand slow cars and 0-60 times in 12-13 seconds are unacceptable to me. I know the diesel is reliable but S L O o o o o o o o w w w w w w.
Diesel
Diesel Mercedes all the way.....less parts.....never need to hanger out a spark plug.... Nothing to get fouled out by bad fuel......500,000miles +
this is why my main car is '83 300d
No spark plugs, but glow plugs! Just had them replaced on my 1991 350SDL.
You should put diesels in gassers
Anyone rolling a 300td. 400,000 + miles on mine.
i had one....with similar miles....
Gas is cheaper per gallon than diesel
Another aspect to consider when deciding gas vs diesel is noise. If you live in a neighborhood full of annoying people that gets upset pretty easily, or if you live in a condo or if you work at a place that doesn’t allow certain type of cars in the parking lot, you may be better off with a gas since they are smooth and quiet, something older diesels are not.
I respect your opinion but beg to differ. My w126 with the 3.5l om603 is only slightly louder than the gas version. It's nearly the same when hot and regularly gets 26mpg city and highway. Hands down diesel imo. Plus there's a lot more sound deadening which makes the interior much quieter than the gas version at speed.
i think people overexagerrate diesel noise. I didn;t mention exterior noise becuase it is not really an issue
@@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753 They do. The other day a co-worker of mine complained to me about the noise my 300d produced. He said it polluted way too much (which is a lie of course). Unfortunately there are quite a lot of idiots who complain about everything these days.
@@richardlazarski4553 Is not my opinion. I love diesel engine noise. The other people are the problem. They usually don't like it.
are you in california?
is your arabic fluent? :)
no...haha it used to be a lot better too
Clearly his comments dont apply to the 90-95 3.5 liter diesel
Get a 1987 Mercedes 300td wagon the last diesel wagon ever sold in the United States by Mercedes
Gasoline is not a ‘gas’, it is a liquid
Gas,gas,gas. The W124 E280 2.8 gas engine is absolutely brilliant & I have 473,000 klms. on mine & absolutely no trouble.. I would never consider a diesel..........yuk! Diesels are great in trucks & T34 Russian tanks. And no, they don't need valve jobs every 150, 000 miles...........absolute bullshit!
You need a diesel Mercedes in your life 😊
@@123works Never had a diesel, never will. They smell like crap & sound the same way....................sorry!
I guess you don’t like 603, 602,601,606
The major problem I see today on driving an old (70/80/90 decade) Mercedes is this new Political issues that forbide to drive cars before 2000 and 2006 (gas or diesel) in most big cities. The false environment problem questions! 🤯
Fake
123 likes 0 dislikes gg :D
finally.