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What would it be like going from a 400E to a 240d?
- Thread starter Joncf
- Start date
Back in 2003, I bought a 1997 E420 which I later sold to a buddy of mine as I wanted to drive a classic. I drove a 560SEL for a while but it nickled and dimed me to death and then a W115 300D came along. I love the W114/W115 model and its driving dynamics but the 300D was so slow, i had my foot buried in it all the time. I eventually bought my E420 back after my buddy bought an E55. It was such a relief. The E420 was a fast car by any measurement and got about 20 MPG around town and 24 MPG on the highway which was pretty much all my 300D got because my foot was in it all the time.
More importantly, I want car that could get me out of a situation should the need arise. With a 240D, I don't think that it can get you out of a situation even if the other party is on foot. Think it through.
More importantly, I want car that could get me out of a situation should the need arise. With a 240D, I don't think that it can get you out of a situation even if the other party is on foot. Think it through.
I realize it’s a rocket compared to any of those old diesels but so many people love the 240d and 300d. Many own a few and put up with them even though they are dangerously slow. I’m assuming it’s because they’re easy to work on and simple. Also cheap to repair. I’ve never owned anything diesel but it seems they need more attention on a regular basis than gas engines. They also offer no real fuel economy benefits as you said. There has to be something magical about those cars. They have a cult following even though they are infamous for being underpowered and lethargic.
If you're considering a W123, get a 300D Turbo. Those will get out of their own way and with a bit of tweaking on the timing, can move along pretty nicely. I now have a 2005 E320 CDI in my daily rotation. It's a fantastic car. I can get 700 miles from a tank, it's smooth , quite and pretty darn quick (other daily included a W210 E55, S55K and SL500). If you want to get into diesels. I would suggest that the CDI is a good place to start.
These days, there are other ways to self-flagellate that don't involve searing-hot-excruciating pain. I understand that whipping oneself's backside with a steel whip made of rusty barbed wire is actually considerably less painful than the flagellation method you propose.
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Do you have a special reason for choosing a 240d?
In my opinion (after drives with a W460 240d and various W123s), the OM617 is the only diesel I would consider. The 240d felt ok up to around 35 mph, but getting "faster" took a LONG time!
If you do not need a diesel, the 230E with the M102 is a great option. Relative high mpg, ok power and lower running costs than the 280E.
Or, put a M117 in a W123, like AMG did!
In my opinion (after drives with a W460 240d and various W123s), the OM617 is the only diesel I would consider. The 240d felt ok up to around 35 mph, but getting "faster" took a LONG time!
If you do not need a diesel, the 230E with the M102 is a great option. Relative high mpg, ok power and lower running costs than the 280E.
Or, put a M117 in a W123, like AMG did!
More importantly, will you enjoy driving an older car with minimal creature comforts?
I don't recall where I read it, might have been here or it was on another MB forum, but someone recently summed up owning an older car like this:
"It's just not fun or enjoyable to drive something this old any more."
Or something to that effect. I can relate. The 1965 W111 I recently restored was an excellent example. I really wanted another Finnie, not having owned one in nearly 20 years. I love the car's looks and simplicity. However, after finding one, I discovered that driving it wasn't that enjoyable. I missed more comfortable seats, quieter cabin, improved suspension, telematics, all things that were present in my S210 wagon daily driver. Sure, my S210 isn't a "looker" like the Finnie was, but the drive was so much more pleasant and comfortable in it than driving the Finnie.
You could take the Finnie out and insert just about any pre-1990s model in here. I had a 1982 300D a few years ago that I picked up from an acquaintance for next to nothing. Thought it would be fun to have a W123 for weekend drives, just tooling around. It wasn't, but at the time I hadn't come to the realization I did with the Finnie. I'm pretty sure my decision to unload the 300D after about four months was a result of this.
Maybe it's age, maybe it's lack of desire to spend a lot of time on something like this, who knows? I'm just saying that this was my experience the last few times I went "retro" for a car.
That, and if you get a 240D, prepare to have to scrape the bugs from the rear window.
Dan
I don't recall where I read it, might have been here or it was on another MB forum, but someone recently summed up owning an older car like this:
"It's just not fun or enjoyable to drive something this old any more."
Or something to that effect. I can relate. The 1965 W111 I recently restored was an excellent example. I really wanted another Finnie, not having owned one in nearly 20 years. I love the car's looks and simplicity. However, after finding one, I discovered that driving it wasn't that enjoyable. I missed more comfortable seats, quieter cabin, improved suspension, telematics, all things that were present in my S210 wagon daily driver. Sure, my S210 isn't a "looker" like the Finnie was, but the drive was so much more pleasant and comfortable in it than driving the Finnie.
You could take the Finnie out and insert just about any pre-1990s model in here. I had a 1982 300D a few years ago that I picked up from an acquaintance for next to nothing. Thought it would be fun to have a W123 for weekend drives, just tooling around. It wasn't, but at the time I hadn't come to the realization I did with the Finnie. I'm pretty sure my decision to unload the 300D after about four months was a result of this.
Maybe it's age, maybe it's lack of desire to spend a lot of time on something like this, who knows? I'm just saying that this was my experience the last few times I went "retro" for a car.
That, and if you get a 240D, prepare to have to scrape the bugs from the rear window.
Dan
W114 and W123 can be a lot of fun with the right engine. I just recently sold my manual trans 280TE after 6 years of ownership. As the car did not come with AC from the factory so I would lay it up through the summer and put it back on the road during the winter. Every time I got into it and drove it the 65 miles it took to get home from my storage. I would think to myself that if this car had air con, I could drive it every day. The ride is so much more comfortable than a modern car but still planted and the brakes are great. The 280TE is not a slouch, with 185hp, it can scoot. It's not going to win a drag race with anything modern but you no way feel like you're lacking.
A 240D or non turbo 300D however is another story. The W114 with the same engine is even more fun.
A 240D or non turbo 300D however is another story. The W114 with the same engine is even more fun.
I was a new driver during the age of those "cool" 70s and 80s cars and i'm often drawn to thoughts of owning them again. They are simple to maintain and very dependable however they just do not drive that well, as said. Cars in general made a big jump in drivability in the 90s.
drew
drew
Crazy? Certifiable. Check yourself into the local asylum, ASAP.
The main differences are absolutely everything. The only item recognizable is the gunsight star on the grille.
They're not that easy to work on, and not that simple either. Try changing a front brake rotor on a 123. Or fixing a snapped sway bar end. Don't forget regular valve adjustments, 43-piece engine mounts/shocks, and the total lack of modern safety equipment (ABS, airbags, traction control, and the ability to turn while in motion).
There is NOTHING magical about the 123 chassis. Nothing at all. Unless you are a masochist. Don't forget that most of the cult members are already in that asylum...
I see Jlaa knows what I'm on about: ^^^
"Not fun" is an understatement. Read Jlaa's post again.
...and scrape bugs off the rear bumper too. And the occasional skateboarder or cyclist.
DISCLAIMER: For a number of years I owned a 240D with manual transmission, an 83 300D turbo, and 84 300D turbo. I hope to never own a 123 chassis ever again. If you are buying one for lawn art, fine. But to actually drive... compared to a 400E, or any 124 chassis, they offer *nothing* positive. It's a cult you don't want to join. If you do, watch out for the Kool-Aid, I hear it has a real kick.
Am I being trolled 
So I’ve actually got one of each and if the 240D wasn’t a family car which I’ve been riding in for nearly 40 years I don’t think I would keep it. My E420 is superior in every single way to my 240D.
So I’ve actually got one of each and if the 240D wasn’t a family car which I’ve been riding in for nearly 40 years I don’t think I would keep it. My E420 is superior in every single way to my 240D.
I took a ride in my venerable old '77 Mercedes 240D last night. 2.4 liters of raw power, 4 cylinders of asphalt-tearing terror with 67 rompin stompin horse power at my beck and call. It's stock, all right, nothing done to it, but it pushes the 3200 pounds of German engineering around with AUTHORITY. I'm always catching mopeds and 18-wheelers by surprise...
I was headed back from Baskin Robbins with my manly triple-latte cappuccino blast ("No Cinnamon, ma'am, I take it BLACK"), when I stopped at a streetlight. As the "D" rattled its throaty idle around me, I sipped my bold beverage and wiped the white froth my stiff upper lip. I was minding my own business, but then I heard a rev from the next lane.
I turned, made eye contact, then let my eyes trace over the competition. Geo Metro -- a late model, could be trouble. Low profile tires, curb feelers, and schoolbus-yellow paint. Yep, a hot rod, for sure.
The howl of his motor snapped my reverie, and I looked back into the driver's eyes, nodded, then blipped my own throttle (Rattle Rattle!!). As I tugged on my driving gloves and slipped on my sunglasses (gotta look cool to be fast, and I am *damn* cool, hence...), the night was split with the sound of seven screaming cylinders...
Then the light turned... I almost had him out of the hole, my four pounding cylinders thrusting me at least a millimeter back into my seat, as smoke pouring from exhaust pipe... I'd let it sit and idle too long! I saw in the corner of my eyes, a yellow snout gaining, and I heard the roar of his three cylinders. He slung by me, right front wheel juddering against the pavement, and he flashed me a smile as his gasoline powered 1.1 liters of motor stretched its legs. I turned off my AC to gain 10% more power and kept my foot gamely in it. Then I saw a glimpse of chrome under his bumper, and knew the ugly truth...
He was running a custom exhaust -- probably a 1.5-into-1 dual exhaust... maybe even cutouts! Damn his hotrod soul! The old lady passing us on the crosswalk cast a dirty look in our boy-racer direction... Yet still I persisted, with my four pumping pistons singing a steady, deep, diesel song, wound fully out. Though only a few handfuls of seconds had passed, we were nearing the crosswalk at the other side of the intersection, and I heard the note of his engine change as he made his shift to second, and I saw his grin in his rearview mirror fade as he missed the shift! I rocketed by! Not ready to give up so easily, he left his foot in it, revving, and I heard one wheel *almost* chirp as he finally found second and dropped the clutch. We careened over the crosswalk, now going at least 15 miles per hour. A bicyclist passed us, but intent on the race as we were, neither of us batted an eye.
I was waiting for the first dot on the speedometer to tell me to shift (no tachometer here!). Shifting, I nursed the clutch gently to keep from bogging, keeping my motor spinning hot and pulling me ahead, now trailing a cloud of stinking clutch smoke, no that's diesel exhaust again...
He pulled slowly abreast of me, and neck and neck, I shifted into third at 38 MPH - a little early, but better safe than sorry. The scream of motors deafening all pedestrians within a five foot circle. He nosed ahead as we passed 42 miles an hour, then eased in front of me, taunting, as he shifted into fourth. I decided to keep my car in third, counting on the ability to pump out the power at higher speeds and lower gears. I was staring up the dual 6" chrome tips of his exhaust, snarling, my cappuccino forgotten, as he lifted a little to take the next corner.
I saw my opportunity, and counting on the innate agility of my trusty steed, I pulled wide into the number two lane and kept my foot buried in carpet. Slowly, I inched around him, feeling my German Diesel roll slowly to the left as I came abreast in the midst of this gradual sweeping turn. I felt the front start to push a little, so I added more power only to realize that was all I had! But, I saw the right rear wheel lift on the Metro and realized he had reached his limit! Slowly I gained on him through the outside of the turn passing him with ease!!!
The Metro driver beat his wheel in rage as my car eased past him on the outside, my P175/R14's screaming in protest, as we raced to the next light. We coasted down, neck-and neck, to the red light. I tightened my driving gloves, ready for another round, when this WIMP in the next car meekly flipped his turn signal and made a right. MB superiority reigns!!!
I drove off sipping my masculine drink, awash in my sheer virility, looking for other unwitting targets.... Perhaps a Yugo, or maybe even a Volkswagen Van!
courtesy of someone on peach parts
I was headed back from Baskin Robbins with my manly triple-latte cappuccino blast ("No Cinnamon, ma'am, I take it BLACK"), when I stopped at a streetlight. As the "D" rattled its throaty idle around me, I sipped my bold beverage and wiped the white froth my stiff upper lip. I was minding my own business, but then I heard a rev from the next lane.
I turned, made eye contact, then let my eyes trace over the competition. Geo Metro -- a late model, could be trouble. Low profile tires, curb feelers, and schoolbus-yellow paint. Yep, a hot rod, for sure.
The howl of his motor snapped my reverie, and I looked back into the driver's eyes, nodded, then blipped my own throttle (Rattle Rattle!!). As I tugged on my driving gloves and slipped on my sunglasses (gotta look cool to be fast, and I am *damn* cool, hence...), the night was split with the sound of seven screaming cylinders...
Then the light turned... I almost had him out of the hole, my four pounding cylinders thrusting me at least a millimeter back into my seat, as smoke pouring from exhaust pipe... I'd let it sit and idle too long! I saw in the corner of my eyes, a yellow snout gaining, and I heard the roar of his three cylinders. He slung by me, right front wheel juddering against the pavement, and he flashed me a smile as his gasoline powered 1.1 liters of motor stretched its legs. I turned off my AC to gain 10% more power and kept my foot gamely in it. Then I saw a glimpse of chrome under his bumper, and knew the ugly truth...
He was running a custom exhaust -- probably a 1.5-into-1 dual exhaust... maybe even cutouts! Damn his hotrod soul! The old lady passing us on the crosswalk cast a dirty look in our boy-racer direction... Yet still I persisted, with my four pumping pistons singing a steady, deep, diesel song, wound fully out. Though only a few handfuls of seconds had passed, we were nearing the crosswalk at the other side of the intersection, and I heard the note of his engine change as he made his shift to second, and I saw his grin in his rearview mirror fade as he missed the shift! I rocketed by! Not ready to give up so easily, he left his foot in it, revving, and I heard one wheel *almost* chirp as he finally found second and dropped the clutch. We careened over the crosswalk, now going at least 15 miles per hour. A bicyclist passed us, but intent on the race as we were, neither of us batted an eye.
I was waiting for the first dot on the speedometer to tell me to shift (no tachometer here!). Shifting, I nursed the clutch gently to keep from bogging, keeping my motor spinning hot and pulling me ahead, now trailing a cloud of stinking clutch smoke, no that's diesel exhaust again...
He pulled slowly abreast of me, and neck and neck, I shifted into third at 38 MPH - a little early, but better safe than sorry. The scream of motors deafening all pedestrians within a five foot circle. He nosed ahead as we passed 42 miles an hour, then eased in front of me, taunting, as he shifted into fourth. I decided to keep my car in third, counting on the ability to pump out the power at higher speeds and lower gears. I was staring up the dual 6" chrome tips of his exhaust, snarling, my cappuccino forgotten, as he lifted a little to take the next corner.
I saw my opportunity, and counting on the innate agility of my trusty steed, I pulled wide into the number two lane and kept my foot buried in carpet. Slowly, I inched around him, feeling my German Diesel roll slowly to the left as I came abreast in the midst of this gradual sweeping turn. I felt the front start to push a little, so I added more power only to realize that was all I had! But, I saw the right rear wheel lift on the Metro and realized he had reached his limit! Slowly I gained on him through the outside of the turn passing him with ease!!!
The Metro driver beat his wheel in rage as my car eased past him on the outside, my P175/R14's screaming in protest, as we raced to the next light. We coasted down, neck-and neck, to the red light. I tightened my driving gloves, ready for another round, when this WIMP in the next car meekly flipped his turn signal and made a right. MB superiority reigns!!!
I drove off sipping my masculine drink, awash in my sheer virility, looking for other unwitting targets.... Perhaps a Yugo, or maybe even a Volkswagen Van!
courtesy of someone on peach parts
Somebody at Mercedes Benz obviously thought that the world needed an even smaller 200D for the German Autobahn market.... then offered a tow package as a factory option.
We call it "Wanderdüne", because it is as slow as a wandering dune
And yes, you can tow 3300 lbs with it. At least in theory.
I've got a friend in his 90s who wants to "gift" me his deceased wife's 240D. He knows I care for my cars and as a result has suggested gifting it to me upon his death, if not before, so he knows it will be well cared for. While I like this guy and he's a good friend, I'm not sure what I would do with a 240D, even if it's gratis. It's in good shape and operating condition, he rarely drives it and otherwise keeps it in his garage. I guess I'll take it when offered, but I'm not quite sure what I will do with it...
Dan
Dan
I would probably need to wait for him to pass if he gives it to me prior to that. I really have no place to store it, otherwise that would be my strategy.
Dan
Thankfully the "veggie conversion" movement (what I used to call "Diesel Hipsters") has passed. But, there were A LOT of W123 casualties that went down in the 2000s decade due to this scourge. @gsxr has a friend who goes by the name of "Zeitgeist" - he used to be a moderator on the Banzworld 124 forum. If I remember correctly, the Zeitgeist lives in the Hipster Haven of Olympia Washington and is a picture-perfect embodiment of the "Diesel Hipster" lifestyle, though I think he is more into VW Vans these days.
Diesel Hipsters are also largely how @gsxr's Uncle Kent got his start in MB-dom. Selling diesel conversion kits to these Hipsters, and then selling them repair kits to fix the damage that the veggie-diesel caused to their W123s.
It's a strange web that is woven .... @gsxr once owning multiple 123 diesels, and before that owning VW Dasher Diesels.....the Zeitgeist being a big VW Van & dlesel fan, Diesel Hipster, all around MB diesel guy, and FoG (Friend of @gsxr)......Uncle Kent bweing a major "arms supplier" to the Diesel Hipster movement.....Uncle Kent and the Zeitgeist both being based in Western Washington State.....Uncle Kent being @gsxr's uncle...
Diesel Hipsters are also largely how @gsxr's Uncle Kent got his start in MB-dom. Selling diesel conversion kits to these Hipsters, and then selling them repair kits to fix the damage that the veggie-diesel caused to their W123s.
It's a strange web that is woven .... @gsxr once owning multiple 123 diesels, and before that owning VW Dasher Diesels.....the Zeitgeist being a big VW Van & dlesel fan, Diesel Hipster, all around MB diesel guy, and FoG (Friend of @gsxr)......Uncle Kent bweing a major "arms supplier" to the Diesel Hipster movement.....Uncle Kent and the Zeitgeist both being based in Western Washington State.....Uncle Kent being @gsxr's uncle...
Were the seats really that uncomfortable and what was the issue with suspension? I looked at the photos of a 1965 W111 - looks gorgeous. Thanks
It wasn't that the seats or suspension weren't adequate, it was more like it's not comparable to modern day cars. More comfortable?
Dan
One of my brothers might be interested whenever the time comes. He has always wanted one because of our grandmother’s (now my) 240D.
Was your idea to use Finnie as a DD? I can understand how that might become strenuous in modern traffic with modern cars.
No. But I think that I've become so accustomed to driving a more modern car I just didn't get the "joy" of driving an older car, that's all.
And my 1965 220SEb had no problem at all keeping up with modern traffic.
Dan
Same with my 240D. It’s not exactly quick off the line but it will cruise at 65-70 all day long. Having swapped in a manual transmission really makes it tolerable in modern traffic.
The 220SEb seems to want to "settle" around 75 mph on the highway. I did take it a *bit* faster than that a few times and marveled at how well it handled for a car of it's vintage. Too bad it wasn't a W112...
Dan
Having owned a multitude of 123's (diesel and gas) I think the 240D stick is the pick of the litter. It's fast enough off the line for any modern situation and cruises effortlessly at or just above the speed limit. I love the engine noise at idle. Many sites exist for repair advice and parts, and most projects and maintenance are pretty easy. Don't have one currently, but in the past whenever I've sold one I always wonder why shortly after and get back on the trail of another one.
Dan, I saw in other posts that you have a way with words, and can relate to reader your experience (for example, say with a repair) in concise, yet precise and rich manner - as if the reader was in your head and saw and experienced it with you, yet through you. I've never personally driven (ridden, yes) anything made before 1990, I think. While I understand the general concept of "just didn't get the "joy" of driving an older car", is there a way you could "elaborate", to someone like myself, as to what exactly makes a person, who's able to restore a really beautiful peace of handcrafted art from "long ago" with his own hands, and then... sell it because "just didn't get the "joy" of driving an older car"? At your convenience if course, and thank you in advance
I highly doubt a well sorted W123 is as uncomfortable and shitty as everyone in this thread is saying. Drivability aside, W123s were built better than the W124. Grease fittings on the door hinges, screws instead of clips for the door panels, more robust suspension, heavier duty window regulators, etc.
<- See my profile photo.
I love the idea and looking at my 240D 4-speed, but my goodness is it painful sometimes. It just can't keep up with maniac Karens in their minivans. I've actually gotten stuck on a steep hill once. The car literally didn't have enough power to pull itself up from a dead stop on the hill. I had to roll it back down and start from the bottom with a run. I'm just done with old cars that aren't "special." It just isn't worth the time if it causes you any kind of discomfort. And 60-something horsepower is discomfort in 2020.
I love the idea and looking at my 240D 4-speed, but my goodness is it painful sometimes. It just can't keep up with maniac Karens in their minivans. I've actually gotten stuck on a steep hill once. The car literally didn't have enough power to pull itself up from a dead stop on the hill. I had to roll it back down and start from the bottom with a run. I'm just done with old cars that aren't "special." It just isn't worth the time if it causes you any kind of discomfort. And 60-something horsepower is discomfort in 2020.
Have you owned one? The items you mention aren't necessarily "better", just different. There are tradeoffs on both sides, but comparing well sorted examples of both, there's no question which you'd want to be in the driver seat for over the next 100kmi.
I don't think it's good to put down 123s and 124s. You're really comparing apples and oranges, same as comparing a 124 and a 210 or 211.
Each chassis has its charms, its pluses, and its minuses. I definitely see why some folks like the solidity of the earlier cars, and same with the liveability and driveability of the later cars. Let's not get into a "what's better" battle between the 123 and 124 -- I am sure there are plenty of those types of threads on places like Banzworld.
Each chassis has its charms, its pluses, and its minuses. I definitely see why some folks like the solidity of the earlier cars, and same with the liveability and driveability of the later cars. Let's not get into a "what's better" battle between the 123 and 124 -- I am sure there are plenty of those types of threads on places like Banzworld.
I would liken the W124 as a modern version of the W123 in the sense that it has that level of "solidarity" the W123 has yet builds on it with more modern appurtenances as well as engineering improvements. A lot of those improvements are in the creature comfort area, which is one of the major differences between the two if one was comparing, I believe.
I've owned several of both, and they each have their plusses and minuses. That being said, they're both equally great cars each in their own way.
Drawing comparisons could easily devolve into an oil thread. (Did someone mention Hitler yet?)
Dan
I've owned several of both, and they each have their plusses and minuses. That being said, they're both equally great cars each in their own way.
Drawing comparisons could easily devolve into an oil thread. (Did someone mention Hitler yet?)
Dan
Interesting thread. I agree with what Gerry said these cars are all different, each having pluses and minuses. I personally love them all and really appreciate the evolution of the builds and styles. If I have to rank my preference I would put the 500e at the top for driving pleasure/enjoyment (subjective) followed by the 300D. Quirky as that sounds I love the sound of the diesel. This would put the w123 ahead of the W113, A124, R129 and R107, in that order. In the case of the 113 Pagoda its charm/style makes up for a lot of its shortcomings.
Have you driven a W140, like an S500 or S600? I love the W140s, they're like sitting on your living room couch with a steering wheel in front of you. The W126 chassis' cars are like this as well, just not as well appointed as the W140s. I liken the R129 to a very low slung W124.
I love them all and each model for it's best parts. A lot depends on whether it's a daily driver or a "fun" car.
Dan
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No I do not have any experience with the W140 or W126 as far as ownership but I did notice how smooth they are to ride in. The only S-class I ever owned was a car I regret selling to this day, a W111 3.5 sunroof coupe. I still kick myself. As for a S600 I know a 12 cylinder car is on some people's bucket list but I am frightened of them to be honest.
I don't have much 140 experience, but plenty of 126 (sedan and coupe) experience. The 126 "long" sedans are definitely a great ride, and the slightly shorter 126 coupes are no slouch, either). The 126 excels at long distances.
Pagodas ... some charm indeed, and fun rowing through the gears (4-speed) in the Alps and Dolomites with one. Very tiring and noisy as an autobahn car. 80 MPH+ in a Pagoda for more than about 15 minutes is a workout to the senses. Perhaps the automatics in the Pagoda are different, but that wouldn't be as much fun. The stick is a bit notchy and fussy to learn, until you get the hang of it.
The W109 (air suspension) is EXCELLENT. It was WAY beyond its time. If you've never ridden in a proper W109 -- everyone should.
R107 -- a definite improvement on the Pagoda, sans the charm/looks. Ride is OK, but not a very practical car as a daily driver. And you really have to live in a climate where you can extract the top-down enjoyment of a roadster/convertible. Unfortunately for me, living in Portland (too rainy too much of the time) and Houston (too hot/humid most of the time, and threat of sudden rain deluge if you go into a store for 15 mins with the top down) took a lot of the enjoyment out of owning the 107, TBH.
Pagodas ... some charm indeed, and fun rowing through the gears (4-speed) in the Alps and Dolomites with one. Very tiring and noisy as an autobahn car. 80 MPH+ in a Pagoda for more than about 15 minutes is a workout to the senses. Perhaps the automatics in the Pagoda are different, but that wouldn't be as much fun. The stick is a bit notchy and fussy to learn, until you get the hang of it.
The W109 (air suspension) is EXCELLENT. It was WAY beyond its time. If you've never ridden in a proper W109 -- everyone should.
R107 -- a definite improvement on the Pagoda, sans the charm/looks. Ride is OK, but not a very practical car as a daily driver. And you really have to live in a climate where you can extract the top-down enjoyment of a roadster/convertible. Unfortunately for me, living in Portland (too rainy too much of the time) and Houston (too hot/humid most of the time, and threat of sudden rain deluge if you go into a store for 15 mins with the top down) took a lot of the enjoyment out of owning the 107, TBH.
I was never keen about the R107s. They seem heavy and sort of "lumpy" for what i would expect to be a performance car. They're a dime a dozen in Florida for some reason, and many of those cars are the dreaded 1975/76 models with the under hood cats. A disaster waiting to happen.
The W112 is much like the W109, and that is one car I truly regret letting go. It was a joy to drive and handled amazingly well for a car of it's vintage.
If I was forced to pick one model out of the bunch I've owned, I would probably go to my 1982 300SD. That was a great driving car that I put close to 150k on, much of which was highway miles. Smooth, quiet, comfortable to drive and economical, too, considering the size and weight. I once jumped in the car with little to no advance warning or work and drove it from San Francisco to Tampa in four very, very long days. Not an ounce of hesitation to do this on my part, and the car performed flawlessly.
I've driven W140 and R129 600s. Both are frighteningly powerful and fast, but neither is an attribute I really care about in a car. It's amazing when you're doing 80 mph and you press on the accelerator and there's so much more there in the way of power....
Dan
The W112 is much like the W109, and that is one car I truly regret letting go. It was a joy to drive and handled amazingly well for a car of it's vintage.
If I was forced to pick one model out of the bunch I've owned, I would probably go to my 1982 300SD. That was a great driving car that I put close to 150k on, much of which was highway miles. Smooth, quiet, comfortable to drive and economical, too, considering the size and weight. I once jumped in the car with little to no advance warning or work and drove it from San Francisco to Tampa in four very, very long days. Not an ounce of hesitation to do this on my part, and the car performed flawlessly.
I've driven W140 and R129 600s. Both are frighteningly powerful and fast, but neither is an attribute I really care about in a car. It's amazing when you're doing 80 mph and you press on the accelerator and there's so much more there in the way of power....
Dan
I haven't read this entire thread, but maybe the image below is a nice paradox for your comments.We call it "Wanderdüne", because it is as slow as a wandering dune
And yes, you can tow 3300 lbs with it. At least in theory.
(it came to Norway in 2012, had some contact with the owner but didn't get the VIN, no later records on it)
The real question: Where the heck did that badge go?!I haven't read this entire thread, but maybe the image below is a nice paradox for your comments.
View attachment 105764
(it came to Norway in 2012, had some contact with the owner but didn't get the VIN, no later records on it)
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