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USED European Luxury Cars (pre 1990)

1109 messages,  Last post on May 02, 2007 at 6:18 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi

Messages Page 109 of 111

#1080 of 1109 Fintail: by jrosasmc

Apr 18, 2006 (5:23 am)

I recall reading in a Benz buyer's guide one time that the W140's diesel engine was the exact same unit from the W126. They only sold them here for four years (1992-95) until they pulled the cars from the American market for emissions issues. I've seen very few W140 diesels- apparently nobody wanted them even when new.

#1081 of 1109 Re: Fintail: [jrosasmc] by fintail

Apr 18, 2006 (10:04 am)

Replying to: jrosasmc (Apr 18, 2006 5:23 am)
Was it the unit from the earlier 300SD, the later version, or the 350SD/L? Or maybe the same as in the 124? The 140 cars were badged "300SD" IIRC, so that adds some confusion. I'd imagine a smallish diesel wouldn't have the easiest time lugging around that big 140 body.

#1082 of 1109 Fintail: by jrosasmc

Apr 18, 2006 (2:20 pm)

The 140 diesel cars were indeed badged "300SD" but that was only for the first two years, 1992 and 1993. When Mercedes revised its model numbering system, then they went to the "S350" badging. Yes, the engine in all W140 diesel cars was the infamous 3.5-liter unit first seen in the 126. If you have an opportunity go to www.msn.com and look up reviews for the S-Class from '92-'95. You'll find that most consumer reviews of the 300SD/S350 are less than positive.

#1083 of 1109 Re: Fintail: [jrosasmc] by fintail

Apr 18, 2006 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: jrosasmc (Apr 18, 2006 2:20 pm)
Good reason to stick with the older 126 cars I guess. They may be a little slower, but are generally very reliable if maintained. I see 123 and early 126 diesels on the road daily, cars that have been out of production for over 20 years.

#1084 of 1109 Fin: by jrosasmc

Apr 18, 2006 (6:09 pm)

One more thing, what was the model designation of the SL series (1990-2002) that came after the long-running 560SL and others? They were good solid cars but I recall them being overly complicated in terms of electronics.

#1085 of 1109 Re: Fin: [jrosasmc] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 18, 2006 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: jrosasmc (Apr 18, 2006 6:09 pm)
The 300SL and 500SL. They were good looking but not particularly exciting to drive.

#1086 of 1109 Re: Fin: [jrosasmc] by fintail

Apr 18, 2006 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: jrosasmc (Apr 18, 2006 6:09 pm)
That'd be a R129, aka W129. I think the pick of the series is the 6cyl cars...I'd run from a V12. They all up depreciating to the same level anyway. I've seen higher mileage ones for under 10K, decent early models for 15K or so. The last of the 01-02 Silver Arrow cars still carry asking prices near 40K. We got them in 300SL/SL320 and 500/600 series.

#1087 of 1109 a good compromise... by ghulet

Apr 18, 2006 (11:24 pm)

...unless you really 'need' the rear legroom of a LWB 126 (the 300SDL) would be a W124 300D Turbo, eh? I think, though, they were only sold in the U.S. for one year, though (1987), so they're a bit hard to find, and kind of expensive. The 300TD wagon of the same year (if you're into that) has the same engine, IIRC.

#1088 of 1109 How'bout the W124? by amazon

Apr 19, 2006 (8:10 am)

The late model W124 Diesels (MY'02-'05), What's the consensus on those?

#1089 of 1109 . by fintail

Apr 19, 2006 (2:04 pm)

I haven't heard anything really bad about 124 diesels...the wagons are fairly sought-after too.

Messages Page 109 of 111

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