81 300 d vs 87 300d

[elroy]

HI, I am a newb and need some advice. I am looking at two different benz, an 81 300d non turbo 5 cylinder and an 87 300d turbo 6 cylinder. Both in very good cosmetic and mechanical condition.
From my research over the past few months I know the 5 cylinder, if well maintained, is a 500K mile car, but what about the 87? I really would prefer the extra power of the 87 but will be running svo/wvo as well. Any advice or opinions?
thanx
Elroy Jetson

[theused87190d]

Honestly,
I would say become an avid Craigslister do alot of research, and hold out for your "perfect car." The non turbo is going to be just that, non turbo ( gut less) if your ok putting around town, snatch it up. If i remember right the 87 has the w124 body vs the w123 on the 81. I would say typically the w124 body's have more issues than the w123's.
I would say wait for a pre 86 (w123 body style) MB. I think the veh will treat you better in the long run.
I personally have had probablly 5 w124's. They have all had some sort of problem. I have NEVER had a problem with a w123. I'm racking my brain right now guys to try and think of one major ( other than maint) issue i've had. NONE!!!! I LOVE THE w123's!!!!!

Hope this helped you, i really get into stuff sometimes
_________________
1987 190d 2.5 turbo
1992 VW fox
1984 300dt

[Pilzjäger]

A very late reply to a poster who isn't here anymore, i doubt, but I'm going to throw this in just in case anyone ever uses the search tool and this thread comes up.

If you're planning on running SVO/WVO, find a W123. Or a W115, etc. Something old and running indirect injection is the point. True, the W124 has more chassis related issues and there are a number of recalls on that V6 diesel, but it's also running direct injection. DI doesn't give the WVO enough time to atomize and it can be done but it's a much more arduous process than converting an old 5-cyl diesel (or 4-cyl if you have 240D).
_________________
Pilzjäger | '77 240D