😄 This was a fun watch, informative, and lots of good humor telling it like it is! I am moving in the direction of a 240D as a new to me daily driver. Thanks as always for your MB wisdom!
Very interesting video, I would love to hear about your opinion on the 200D and 220D, they are famous for being extra slow, but I own a 200D and I am really happy with it's power!
Very informative video! I've had both, a 1980 240D auto and 1981 240D manual. I don't recall one being faster than the other, but I preferred the manual because I like to shift my own gears (as long as I'm not in stop-and-go traffic). Neither car had transmission issues when I owned them and I put about 50,000 miles on each. Fantastic cars.. would love to find a nice one again!
Thank you for caring So Much!!!!!!!!!! I really enjoy hearing your Professional opinion back by experience!!!! I have a 1979 240D 4 manual and I really should be driving it more but lately been driving my 1982 300cd turbo ;-) Bill
@@note_finger I said it WAS in fact reliable... up until the point that someone smashed into it head on while i was driving it one day. What exactly are you asking?
I agree with you a 100%! I’ve only owned automatic 240Ds and when you set them up right they can handle everyday traffic fine. I live in Chattanooga and people drive crazy out here always driving fast and I’ve never had an issue when the transmission shifts how it should. I also worked on a guys 240D and fixed his vacuum system and got his transmission working properly and he said “my car has never had this much power it feels like a different car”.
Pierre, Wealth of knowledge…… I did have an 82’ 240d automatic and thought it was slow as a turtle. Problem was I lived in Boca Raton and my repair show didn’t have you employed…….. now I live in the Crystal River area and am happy to drive my wonderful 220d to visit you …….. as many couldn’t own these beauties without your expert support …… Tony Asaro
You are totally correct. I purchased a w115 240d with a totally rust free body at auction, thinking I would hate the drivetrain but couldn't pass up the condtition. It has not been slow at all. Having lived through the 80s, I remember really slow American cars, some with V8 engines. My 240d will jump if I floor it, and perfroms perfectly. Now, it won't do 90mph with all of the brodozers on the road, but it will allow me to merge or make left turns, which is what the ill informed advise against. I can cruise at 70mph, and cruise in a relaxed mode at 65mph. It is really no slower than any other malaise era car. This is why the 240D was so popular. It never stalled at traffic lights (requiring the neutral shift and flooring the pedal- remember that?), died when accelerating on an on-ramp, and started instantly, and always ran. That could not be said about any of its competition during its lifetime.
Pierre, it's been a long time. Life situations and so forth, haven't been on here in months. Remember talking to you about my 752K- mile 1984 300SD. Anywho, I've had three 240Ds over the years. 1980 and 1983 (my favorite) manual, and about a year ago I bought a 1981 automatic. Great video. I prefer the manual personally, but I bought the 1981 auto for $1000 with a new set of Michelins on it. Couldn't turn that deal down! Needs motor mounts, new front window regulators (manual windows; previous owner was an idiot who thought he was a mechanic), and a few other things. Tranny doesn't want to shift. You can drive it like a manual; let off the throttle when you want it to shift, and it will. This video gave me a few ideas to check into. Thanks for keeping these old cars alive. Now that I'm getting better, I'll get back on there and return to being a Patreon member! God bless you, my friend.
When I bought my 240D, the throttle linkage was way out and had NO acceleration. Fixed it when I got it home and now it's much quicker. A blast to drive and turns heads.
Putting a 1978 240d engine and transmission in a 1983 chassis right now. I’m glad to hear that transmission is a good one. I didn’t want to mess with the vacuum operation of the 1983 transmission.
I've owned two 81 240D manuals and put about 50K on them combined. I loved them but the second one I had to get rid of when the gears grenaded on me. I have test driven several autos' both 115 and 123's and have to say that unless every one of them was severely out of whack (possible) they are dangerously slown in modern (Phoenix AZ) traffic. It's not the driveability getting up to speed that's the issue its simply moving off from stationary such as if you're at a stop light etc. Multiple occasions I feared being rear ended as new cars are simply a lot quicker off the line and people don't think in terms of a forty year old vehicle sitting in front of them. I'd love to be able to compare a properly sorted auto against a manual and see what the real story is.
I just recently changed the filter and fluid on my '81 240D, with guidance from Pierre. They are not slow, but at the same time I don't floor it either. Because I want it to last 40 more years.
You're right. A well sorted 240D is just fine regardless of transmission type. Personally I prefer to row my own gears, so a manual 240D would be my choice, but not because the automatic is slow. Some of the same people who criticize the 240D as being dog slow are the same people who criticize the 300D (non-turbo) cars as being the same way. I loved the '81 300D automatic I had, it had the vacuum-only 722.122 transmission and I found it to be brilliant. In a way, I'm glad these people talk trash about the 240D and N/A 300D cars, it means these will be less popular and therefore less expensive to buy!
I bought a 240D new in 1981. I was originally going to buy a manual, but friends and family convinced me to get the automatic. The thing that really bugged me was the vibration at traffic lights. You could increase the idle speed with the knob on the dash, but sometimes the automatic would upshift. I often thought that if I had gotten the manual, it would solve the shaking and vibration.
I know this video is a year old now, but I had to say thank you. I bought my first 83 240d 6 months ago. She needs a little love. Replaced all glow plugs and ran across a vacuum issue where I must have accidentally removed the vacuum line to the auto transmission. Fun experience. I have the Haines Manual, thankfully, to help with a few uncertain issues. I'm a grateful owner and wish to get her back to her prime. Also, can I buy that hubcap on your wall? Lol. Missing one.
1979 240D 4 speed manual owner here (US Car). Never driven an auto. The 4 speed car gets off the line pretty good in 1st and 2nd gear. My only complaint is that 3rd gear is too low but IIRC Mercedes designed that gear to be an around town gear from 30-50 mph. Based on my survey of other US W123's, I think my car is rare because it has the optional factory installed rear seat headrests.
I've had an itch for a 240D ever since I drove my friend's 1981 (manual, 185k). He bought his back in 1995 for $1,800 and had it for several years before selling it. He bought another with even fewer miles. He's looking to sell that one now, but for around $15k. I shoulda bought one long ago!
Yikes 🤣 I was trying to figure if the 6k I paid for an 80 manual with 147k was fair and it seems like it. Of course pre-covid I probably coulda gotten it for 4k(idk, I got this knowing nothing cause it was so clean and complete)
Aug 1979 motor trend - 240D 4Spd - 0 to 60 27.40 300TD Non Turbo auto - 20.56 300SD - auto - 15.14 Peugeot 504 4 spd - 22.2 Eldorado 350 Diesel - 16.92 Dec 1980 motor trend 240D 4 Spd - O to 60 19.73 Big Variation between earlier and later 4 speed models. ??? 240D seems to perform like a Automatic Vanagon or a good running 1600 SuperBeetle
Good video. I’ve always been scared of an automatic 240d out of lack of knowledge. I acquired a relatives 1980 240d manual. They bought new in Birmingham Alabama in 1980. Do I have the manual with the crazy aluminum bell housing? I think Pierre is saying 1981 and up? Oh lord…I hope I never have a second gear synchro issue how to prevent? Smoother shifts? Keep an eye on fluid? Love the car! Such a majestic analog driving experience!
Great information. I like to hear of the comparisons between the automatics and the straight drive cars. Now that I have driven my third Mercedes, this one a 1967 250 SL Pagoda with the 4 speed transmission, I have a better reference for these machines. But I have a long way to go yet!!!
First! A 240 D with a nice interior and non saggy seats can be quite nice. I looked at one a few months ago and was astounded by how plush and comfortable the driver’s seat was (and this car had over 300k miles). However, it was a loaded car and that meant an auto. It was sllllloooooooooooowwwwww. Humorously so. The 4 speed manuals I have tried were noticeably faster. I am betting Pierre could improve the shifting and speed of the aforementioned auto. If memory serves it was a 1982. I offered the owner 1500, but he wants an absurd 3000. Like many Benz owners he can’t bring himself to part with the car for a reasonable amount of dollars.
6:15 yeah I'd think you'd be able to brick the gas pedal in neutral , and come back when the tank is empty to fill it again and keep going. At least that's what the old vw idi's would do , rev to the moon around 5400 and just do it all day.
I'd love a 240D manual, no sunroof, simple AC controls etc. to "daily" around town (45 mph speed limit 90%) but they are either ragged out or too expensive. Either way, when I see them in traffic I always give the driver a knowing smile, and their facial expression back tells me that they know that I know.
I have a w123 200D 4 speed manual with no aircon, manual crank windows, no sunroof etc... It doesn't even have central locking !! Some rust in the bottom of the front doors and a little bit on the rocker panels and had a crappy respray which is already peeling off, but I love her :D
😄 This was a fun watch, informative, and lots of good humor telling it like it is! I am moving in the direction of a 240D as a new to me daily driver. Thanks as always for your MB wisdom!
Wish me luck I'm picking up a 240d manual Monday. 150000 miles
Is the odometer working properly?
Very interesting video, I would love to hear about your opinion on the 200D and 220D, they are famous for being extra slow, but I own a 200D and I am really happy with it's power!
Very informative video! I've had both, a 1980 240D auto and 1981 240D manual. I don't recall one being faster than the other, but I preferred the manual because I like to shift my own gears (as long as I'm not in stop-and-go traffic). Neither car had transmission issues when I owned them and I put about 50,000 miles on each. Fantastic cars.. would love to find a nice one again!
Exactly drive where u like
Thank you for caring So Much!!!!!!!!!! I really enjoy hearing your Professional opinion back by experience!!!! I have a 1979 240D 4 manual and I really should be driving it more but lately been driving my 1982 300cd turbo ;-) Bill
I drove a 1977 240D for about 5 years. It was one of my favorite cars! By far the most reliable one I had had up until that point!
what do you mean it was reliable up until 5 years? what happened to the car to make it not reliable?
@@note_finger I said it WAS in fact reliable... up until the point that someone smashed into it head on while i was driving it one day. What exactly are you asking?
@@Johnathan_Waterswell you just answered by question, its not reliable cause someone crashed into it..
I agree with you a 100%! I’ve only owned automatic 240Ds and when you set them up right they can handle everyday traffic fine. I live in Chattanooga and people drive crazy out here always driving fast and I’ve never had an issue when the transmission shifts how it should. I also worked on a guys 240D and fixed his vacuum system and got his transmission working properly and he said “my car has never had this much power it feels like a different car”.
Pierre, Wealth of knowledge…… I did have an 82’ 240d automatic and thought it was slow as a turtle. Problem was I lived in Boca Raton and my repair show didn’t have you employed…….. now I live in the Crystal River area and am happy to drive my wonderful 220d to visit you …….. as many couldn’t own these beauties without your expert support …… Tony Asaro
Brilliant advice and video about 240D Thank you!
Ha! Ha! Awesome Piere! Morning coffee is really entertaining!
You are totally correct. I purchased a w115 240d with a totally rust free body at auction, thinking I would hate the drivetrain but couldn't pass up the condtition. It has not been slow at all. Having lived through the 80s, I remember really slow American cars, some with V8 engines. My 240d will jump if I floor it, and perfroms perfectly. Now, it won't do 90mph with all of the brodozers on the road, but it will allow me to merge or make left turns, which is what the ill informed advise against. I can cruise at 70mph, and cruise in a relaxed mode at 65mph. It is really no slower than any other malaise era car. This is why the 240D was so popular. It never stalled at traffic lights (requiring the neutral shift and flooring the pedal- remember that?), died when accelerating on an on-ramp, and started instantly, and always ran. That could not be said about any of its competition during its lifetime.
Pierre, it's been a long time. Life situations and so forth, haven't been on here in months. Remember talking to you about my 752K- mile 1984 300SD. Anywho, I've had three 240Ds over the years. 1980 and 1983 (my favorite) manual, and about a year ago I bought a 1981 automatic. Great video. I prefer the manual personally, but I bought the 1981 auto for $1000 with a new set of Michelins on it. Couldn't turn that deal down! Needs motor mounts, new front window regulators (manual windows; previous owner was an idiot who thought he was a mechanic), and a few other things. Tranny doesn't want to shift. You can drive it like a manual; let off the throttle when you want it to shift, and it will. This video gave me a few ideas to check into. Thanks for keeping these old cars alive. Now that I'm getting better, I'll get back on there and return to being a Patreon member! God bless you, my friend.
When I bought my 240D, the throttle linkage was way out and had NO acceleration. Fixed it when I got it home and now it's much quicker. A blast to drive and turns heads.
My dad had 1976 w123 200D manual, cayenne orange with tobacco interior. The car did everything it was supposed to, and then some.
Thanks Pierre! I love my 1983 240D (auto) Trying to get it back in better running shape, but enjoying the ride.
Putting a 1978 240d engine and transmission in a 1983 chassis right now. I’m glad to hear that transmission is a good one. I didn’t want to mess with the vacuum operation of the 1983 transmission.
I've owned two 81 240D manuals and put about 50K on them combined. I loved them but the second one I had to get rid of when the gears grenaded on me. I have test driven several autos' both 115 and 123's and have to say that unless every one of them was severely out of whack (possible) they are dangerously slown in modern (Phoenix AZ) traffic. It's not the driveability getting up to speed that's the issue its simply moving off from stationary such as if you're at a stop light etc. Multiple occasions I feared being rear ended as new cars are simply a lot quicker off the line and people don't think in terms of a forty year old vehicle sitting in front of them. I'd love to be able to compare a properly sorted auto against a manual and see what the real story is.
100% agree PH.
I just recently changed the filter and fluid on my '81 240D, with guidance from Pierre. They are not slow, but at the same time I don't floor it either. Because I want it to last 40 more years.
you forgot the manual 5speed, like mine
You're right. A well sorted 240D is just fine regardless of transmission type. Personally I prefer to row my own gears, so a manual 240D would be my choice, but not because the automatic is slow. Some of the same people who criticize the 240D as being dog slow are the same people who criticize the 300D (non-turbo) cars as being the same way. I loved the '81 300D automatic I had, it had the vacuum-only 722.122 transmission and I found it to be brilliant. In a way, I'm glad these people talk trash about the 240D and N/A 300D cars, it means these will be less popular and therefore less expensive to buy!
I find my 1976 240D to be quite good keeping up with normal traffic. I actually have to watch my speed in town because it wants to go 50 mph.
I bought a 240D new in 1981. I was originally going to buy a manual, but friends and family convinced me to get the automatic. The thing that really bugged me was the vibration at traffic lights. You could increase the idle speed with the knob on the dash, but sometimes the automatic would upshift. I often thought that if I had gotten the manual, it would solve the shaking and vibration.
I know this video is a year old now, but I had to say thank you. I bought my first 83 240d 6 months ago. She needs a little love. Replaced all glow plugs and ran across a vacuum issue where I must have accidentally removed the vacuum line to the auto transmission. Fun experience. I have the Haines Manual, thankfully, to help with a few uncertain issues. I'm a grateful owner and wish to get her back to her prime. Also, can I buy that hubcap on your wall? Lol. Missing one.
Hi Pierre. Would it be viable to add a/c to 1984 European version 240D? Thank you!
Second syncro, classic!
Great channel, where are you located?
1979 240D 4 speed manual owner here (US Car). Never driven an auto. The 4 speed car gets off the line pretty good in 1st and 2nd gear. My only complaint is that 3rd gear is too low but IIRC Mercedes designed that gear to be an around town gear from 30-50 mph. Based on my survey of other US W123's, I think my car is rare because it has the optional factory installed rear seat headrests.
I've had an itch for a 240D ever since I drove my friend's 1981 (manual, 185k). He bought his back in 1995 for $1,800 and had it for several years before selling it. He bought another with even fewer miles. He's looking to sell that one now, but for around $15k. I shoulda bought one long ago!
Yikes 🤣
I was trying to figure if the 6k I paid for an 80 manual with 147k was fair and it seems like it.
Of course pre-covid I probably coulda gotten it for 4k(idk, I got this knowing nothing cause it was so clean and complete)
I have been driving my '77 240D 4 speed MT for over 17 years with a worn synchro on 2nd. Really wish for a 5th speed on the highways. -Lars
Aug 1979 motor trend -
240D 4Spd - 0 to 60 27.40
300TD Non Turbo auto - 20.56
300SD - auto - 15.14
Peugeot 504 4 spd - 22.2
Eldorado 350 Diesel - 16.92
Dec 1980 motor trend
240D 4 Spd - O to 60 19.73
Big Variation between earlier and later 4 speed models. ???
240D seems to perform like a Automatic Vanagon or a good running 1600 SuperBeetle
Good video. I’ve always been scared of an automatic 240d out of lack of knowledge. I acquired a relatives 1980 240d manual. They bought new in Birmingham Alabama in 1980. Do I have the manual with the crazy aluminum bell housing? I think Pierre is saying 1981 and up? Oh lord…I hope I never have a second gear synchro issue how to prevent? Smoother shifts? Keep an eye on fluid? Love the car! Such a majestic analog driving experience!
Great information. I like to hear of the comparisons between the automatics and the straight drive cars. Now that I have driven my third Mercedes, this one a 1967 250 SL Pagoda with the 4 speed transmission, I have a better reference for these machines. But I have a long way to go yet!!!
240D OM616.912 with 5 Speed Manual!
Hello Pierre, what classic Mercedes would you recommend for daily driving in climates with snow and salt instead of a modern car.
First!
A 240 D with a nice interior and non saggy seats can be quite nice. I looked at one a few months ago and was astounded by how plush and comfortable the driver’s seat was (and this car had over 300k miles). However, it was a loaded car and that meant an auto. It was sllllloooooooooooowwwwww. Humorously so. The 4 speed manuals I have tried were noticeably faster. I am betting Pierre could improve the shifting and speed of the aforementioned auto. If memory serves it was a 1982. I offered the owner 1500, but he wants an absurd 3000. Like many Benz owners he can’t bring himself to part with the car for a reasonable amount of dollars.
6:15 yeah I'd think you'd be able to brick the gas pedal in neutral , and come back when the tank is empty to fill it again and keep going.
At least that's what the old vw idi's would do , rev to the moon around 5400 and just do it all day.
Sir a 1990 300sl 24 a good car with less problem? 40k mileage
So the '81 on manual transmission doesn't have a cover or split case so rebuilding is nearly impossible by a mechanic with normal tools?
still wanna know which car is more durable between between a euro 300d NA and a 240d
does anyone know where to buy the diesel injector shim kit for setting pop pressure? any help? thanks
I'd love a 240D manual, no sunroof, simple AC controls etc. to "daily" around town (45 mph speed limit 90%) but they are either ragged out or too expensive. Either way, when I see them in traffic I always give the driver a knowing smile, and their facial expression back tells me that they know that I know.
I have a w123 200D 4 speed manual with no aircon, manual crank windows, no sunroof etc... It doesn't even have central locking !! Some rust in the bottom of the front doors and a little bit on the rocker panels and had a crappy respray which is already peeling off, but I love her :D
Thanks for stuffing some of these loudmouth know-it-alls.
83 automatic 240D available
👍
An acquaintance's father said that cars with automatic transmissions are cars for disabled people. :D :D :D
Baseless opinions on the Internet?
Can't be.