choices...choices
choices...choices
I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
Has anyone done a 606 diesel conversion in a w210 wagon, and is it worth it, Or is there anyway to get both power performance, and increased mileage in a W123 wagon,Considering a tranny swapp as well.
I really like the simplicity, and durability of the 617 engine, and the classic appearance of the W123 body.
I don'y really care fore the body stile of the W124, with the square headlights, But have been reading that it is one of the best models with the diesel,in the 2.5 anyway. any Improvements on the 603 diesel in the Aftermarket.
The difference in cost between 26mpg and 30mpg is something like $1400 over a period of 100k mi with fuel at $2.80/gal. Not nearly enough to justify an engine swap, so mileage really isn't a very realistic concern when swapping an engine. If you want power a 605/606 is the way to go. A 602/603 will make more than a 617. But if you want economy, don't swap engines.
(07-26-2010, 12:56 AM)GREASY_BEAST The difference in cost between 26mpg and 30mpg is something like $1400 over a period of 100k mi with fuel at $2.80/gal. Not nearly enough to justify an engine swap, so mileage really isn't a very realistic concern when swapping an engine. If you want power a 605/606 is the way to go. A 602/603 will make more than a 617. But if you want economy, don't swap engines.
(07-26-2010, 12:56 AM)GREASY_BEAST The difference in cost between 26mpg and 30mpg is something like $1400 over a period of 100k mi with fuel at $2.80/gal. Not nearly enough to justify an engine swap, so mileage really isn't a very realistic concern when swapping an engine. If you want power a 605/606 is the way to go. A 602/603 will make more than a 617. But if you want economy, don't swap engines.
Quote:There is nothing particularly economical about any MB dieselsI am referring to FUEL ECONOMY. The economy of an MB diesel comes from the fact that it will run with routine maintenance, provided that maintenance is performed, for over 500k mi. That is provided you take advantage of the ease of said maintenance and do it yourself. If you pay a shop to do it, the car is no longer at all economical.
I apologize, I thought you were thinking about performing a OM606 swap in a W123. I simply guessed that that might get you about 30mpg performance. Perhaps that is a lowball estimate. The stock OM617 in the W123 wagon gets about 26mpg.
In any case, you are likely better off getting something that is stock if you are worried about economy. Even making your own biodiesel you have costs on the order of $1.00US or $1.50US per gallon plus startup costs which will likely total around at least $2000US... If you add an engine swap on top of that you have maybe $4000US to $5000US which would buy a lot of gasoline or diesel fuel..
FWIW my brother's W202 '97 C280 with the M104 can get around 32mpg if you drive it right. There is nothing particularly economical about any MB diesels. At least not like the VW TDI.
EDIT:
by
Quote:There is nothing particularly economical about any MB dieselsI am referring to FUEL ECONOMY. The economy of an MB diesel comes from the fact that it will run with routine maintenance, provided that maintenance is performed, for over 500k mi. That is provided you take advantage of the ease of said maintenance and do it yourself. If you pay a shop to do it, the car is no longer at all economical.
have you considered an '86 or '87 300TD? It's a mid sized wagon with the OM603 which has good mileage and performance and is still not computer controlled... They are a little less common than the 123's, but can still be had for a decent price if you look around.
(07-26-2010, 09:08 PM)GREASY_BEAST I apologize, I thought you were thinking about performing a OM606 swap in a W123. I simply guessed that that might get you about 30mpg performance. Perhaps that is a lowball estimate. The stock OM617 in the W123 wagon gets about 26mpg.
In any case, you are likely better off getting something that is stock if you are worried about economy. Even making your own biodiesel you have costs on the order of $1.00US or $1.50US per gallon plus startup costs which will likely total around at least $2000US... If you add an engine swap on top of that you have maybe $4000US to $5000US which would buy a lot of gasoline or diesel fuel..
FWIW my brother's W202 '97 C280 with the M104 can get around 32mpg if you drive it right. There is nothing particularly economical about any MB diesels. At least not like the VW TDI.
EDIT:
byQuote:There is nothing particularly economical about any MB dieselsI am referring to FUEL ECONOMY. The economy of an MB diesel comes from the fact that it will run with routine maintenance, provided that maintenance is performed, for over 500k mi. That is provided you take advantage of the ease of said maintenance and do it yourself. If you pay a shop to do it, the car is no longer at all economical.
(07-26-2010, 09:33 PM)SurfRodder have you considered an '86 or '87 300TD? It's a mid sized wagon with the OM603 which has good mileage and performance and is still not computer controlled... They are a little less common than the 123's, but can still be had for a decent price if you look around.
(07-26-2010, 09:08 PM)GREASY_BEAST I apologize, I thought you were thinking about performing a OM606 swap in a W123. I simply guessed that that might get you about 30mpg performance. Perhaps that is a lowball estimate. The stock OM617 in the W123 wagon gets about 26mpg.
In any case, you are likely better off getting something that is stock if you are worried about economy. Even making your own biodiesel you have costs on the order of $1.00US or $1.50US per gallon plus startup costs which will likely total around at least $2000US... If you add an engine swap on top of that you have maybe $4000US to $5000US which would buy a lot of gasoline or diesel fuel..
FWIW my brother's W202 '97 C280 with the M104 can get around 32mpg if you drive it right. There is nothing particularly economical about any MB diesels. At least not like the VW TDI.
EDIT:
byQuote:There is nothing particularly economical about any MB dieselsI am referring to FUEL ECONOMY. The economy of an MB diesel comes from the fact that it will run with routine maintenance, provided that maintenance is performed, for over 500k mi. That is provided you take advantage of the ease of said maintenance and do it yourself. If you pay a shop to do it, the car is no longer at all economical.
(07-26-2010, 09:33 PM)SurfRodder have you considered an '86 or '87 300TD? It's a mid sized wagon with the OM603 which has good mileage and performance and is still not computer controlled... They are a little less common than the 123's, but can still be had for a decent price if you look around.
(07-26-2010, 10:10 PM)seaglf Also I am obsessed with having a car that could run for ever.
(07-26-2010, 10:10 PM)seaglf Also I am obsessed with having a car that could run for ever.
(07-26-2010, 10:20 PM)GREASY_BEAST(07-26-2010, 10:10 PM)seaglf Also I am obsessed with having a car that could run for ever.
A W123 is it then. W123 wagons are a little bit of a pain in that the climate controls will fail, as will the cruise control, and the dreaded SLS. Fortunately, all of these can be "fixed" in such a way that they will basically never fail, for a price.
For absolute bullet-proof stock longevity you might consider a W123 240D sedan with a manual transmission, manual climate controls, and hand-crank windows (that is, if you can find it). The sedan has quite a lot of trunk space, and a bigger fuel tank.
(07-26-2010, 10:20 PM)GREASY_BEAST(07-26-2010, 10:10 PM)seaglf Also I am obsessed with having a car that could run for ever.
A W123 is it then. W123 wagons are a little bit of a pain in that the climate controls will fail, as will the cruise control, and the dreaded SLS. Fortunately, all of these can be "fixed" in such a way that they will basically never fail, for a price.
For absolute bullet-proof stock longevity you might consider a W123 240D sedan with a manual transmission, manual climate controls, and hand-crank windows (that is, if you can find it). The sedan has quite a lot of trunk space, and a bigger fuel tank.
(07-26-2010, 11:13 PM)seaglf Did that have the 2.4, 4 Cyl. and whats the difference between it and the 190D. I also noticed on Wiki,that they sold a 240TD in Europe, that would be nice to have here. I assume that they got much better mileage then the 300d's, and only being 65 HP, I'm sure someone could Mod it to get a little more HP, and Torque as well as mileage.
(07-26-2010, 11:13 PM)seaglf Did that have the 2.4, 4 Cyl. and whats the difference between it and the 190D. I also noticed on Wiki,that they sold a 240TD in Europe, that would be nice to have here. I assume that they got much better mileage then the 300d's, and only being 65 HP, I'm sure someone could Mod it to get a little more HP, and Torque as well as mileage.
they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
(07-27-2010, 11:25 PM)mk216v25 year old plus ?....Are there any people here that sell ones already imported ?(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
Do you have a pricepoint you're looking to spend(you're considering a VW Jetta TDi wagon which for an Mk4 chassis, you're going to be spending over $10k for a decent one...if Mk5 SportWagen, you're looking at more money)?
And/or would your budget cover an engine swap if you went for an older MB model?
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
To import a euro model over here? It's certainly possible (remember, 25yr old+ rule applies) but usually the professional importers take ~20% over/above the cost of it all, and then as well you're relying on someone over there to be your eyes/ears/hands on the car. That was a bit nerve-racking for me when I was looking for my W460.
(07-27-2010, 11:25 PM)mk216v25 year old plus ?....Are there any people here that sell ones already imported ?(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
Do you have a pricepoint you're looking to spend(you're considering a VW Jetta TDi wagon which for an Mk4 chassis, you're going to be spending over $10k for a decent one...if Mk5 SportWagen, you're looking at more money)?
And/or would your budget cover an engine swap if you went for an older MB model?
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
To import a euro model over here? It's certainly possible (remember, 25yr old+ rule applies) but usually the professional importers take ~20% over/above the cost of it all, and then as well you're relying on someone over there to be your eyes/ears/hands on the car. That was a bit nerve-racking for me when I was looking for my W460.
(07-28-2010, 12:50 AM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:25 PM)mk216v25 year old plus ?....Are there any people here that sell ones already imported ?(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
Do you have a pricepoint you're looking to spend(you're considering a VW Jetta TDi wagon which for an Mk4 chassis, you're going to be spending over $10k for a decent one...if Mk5 SportWagen, you're looking at more money)?
And/or would your budget cover an engine swap if you went for an older MB model?
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
To import a euro model over here? It's certainly possible (remember, 25yr old+ rule applies) but usually the professional importers take ~20% over/above the cost of it all, and then as well you're relying on someone over there to be your eyes/ears/hands on the car. That was a bit nerve-racking for me when I was looking for my W460.
(07-28-2010, 12:50 AM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:25 PM)mk216v25 year old plus ?....Are there any people here that sell ones already imported ?(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
Do you have a pricepoint you're looking to spend(you're considering a VW Jetta TDi wagon which for an Mk4 chassis, you're going to be spending over $10k for a decent one...if Mk5 SportWagen, you're looking at more money)?
And/or would your budget cover an engine swap if you went for an older MB model?
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
To import a euro model over here? It's certainly possible (remember, 25yr old+ rule applies) but usually the professional importers take ~20% over/above the cost of it all, and then as well you're relying on someone over there to be your eyes/ears/hands on the car. That was a bit nerve-racking for me when I was looking for my W460.
(07-28-2010, 02:06 AM)mk216v(07-28-2010, 12:50 AM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:25 PM)mk216v25 year old plus ?....Are there any people here that sell ones already imported ?(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
Do you have a pricepoint you're looking to spend(you're considering a VW Jetta TDi wagon which for an Mk4 chassis, you're going to be spending over $10k for a decent one...if Mk5 SportWagen, you're looking at more money)?
And/or would your budget cover an engine swap if you went for an older MB model?
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
To import a euro model over here? It's certainly possible (remember, 25yr old+ rule applies) but usually the professional importers take ~20% over/above the cost of it all, and then as well you're relying on someone over there to be your eyes/ears/hands on the car. That was a bit nerve-racking for me when I was looking for my W460.
You can import anything from overseas that's 25+yrs old and not have to go through the federalization process of changing headlights, seatbelts, etc.
I'm not sure on good sites for older MB wagon's...anyone???
(07-28-2010, 02:06 AM)mk216v(07-28-2010, 12:50 AM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:25 PM)mk216v25 year old plus ?....Are there any people here that sell ones already imported ?(07-25-2010, 04:46 PM)seaglf I have a VW Golf TDI, But have been considering something a little bigger. I have been considering a Jetta Wagon TDI, but still would rather have a little more room. I have been checking out the W123 wagons Diesel, but really like the appearance and modern features of the W210, Unfortunately I just discovered that they didn't sell the W210 wagon in a diesel here.
My biggest concern is mileage but would like some performance to.
Do you have a pricepoint you're looking to spend(you're considering a VW Jetta TDi wagon which for an Mk4 chassis, you're going to be spending over $10k for a decent one...if Mk5 SportWagen, you're looking at more money)?
And/or would your budget cover an engine swap if you went for an older MB model?
(07-27-2010, 12:54 PM)seaglf(07-27-2010, 11:39 AM)willbhere4u they also made an om601 or om602 4cyl in the 190d
thanks allot dudes, I have allot to think about now. I saw a couple old listings for the 240 TD's that whether brought here from Europe, but the where sold along time ago. And although they would get great mileage i'm sure they wouldn't have much power for towing or anything.
Does anyone know any auto importers that could get legal alternatives here. And whether or not it would be worth th trouble.
To import a euro model over here? It's certainly possible (remember, 25yr old+ rule applies) but usually the professional importers take ~20% over/above the cost of it all, and then as well you're relying on someone over there to be your eyes/ears/hands on the car. That was a bit nerve-racking for me when I was looking for my W460.
You can import anything from overseas that's 25+yrs old and not have to go through the federalization process of changing headlights, seatbelts, etc.
I'm not sure on good sites for older MB wagon's...anyone???
I get right around 28 city/mixed 30-34 hwy
(07-28-2010, 12:43 PM)willbhere4u I get right around 28 city/mixed 30-34 hwythanks! I checked out the thread you started have you added a turbo and how much more power did you get, and has it improved your fuel economy.
I haven't found a OM617 5spd they are super rare euro import non turbo 300d only!
The turbo kit its self only add a few hp it is a really old it was made in 1974 it's a non waste gated style so it makes boost to late to make a real power! It help's a bit on hills and passing traffic on the hwy but it need the pump turned up to make any more power!
A newer turbo with internal wastegate would help tendentiously
(07-29-2010, 12:09 AM)willbhere4u I haven't found a OM617 5spd they are super rare euro import non turbo 300d only!
The turbo kit its self only add a few hp it is a really old it was made in 1974 it's a non waste gated style so it makes boost to late to make a real power! It help's a bit on hills and passing traffic on the hwy but it need the pump turned up to make any more power!
A newer turbo with internal wastegate would help tendentiously
(07-29-2010, 12:09 AM)willbhere4u I haven't found a OM617 5spd they are super rare euro import non turbo 300d only!
The turbo kit its self only add a few hp it is a really old it was made in 1974 it's a non waste gated style so it makes boost to late to make a real power! It help's a bit on hills and passing traffic on the hwy but it need the pump turned up to make any more power!
A newer turbo with internal wastegate would help tendentiously
(07-29-2010, 11:38 AM)dropnosky The NA 240 616 is VERY underpowered, word of warning if you have a lead foot. (as I do)
(07-29-2010, 11:38 AM)dropnosky The NA 240 616 is VERY underpowered, word of warning if you have a lead foot. (as I do)
every 240d I've ever seen with a stick has been a 4sdp
Yea they are slow but a hell of a lot of fun to drive because you can drive it likes you stole it! Red line in every gear on main st and still wont get a ticket because you still not speeding! lol
The 87 w124 300d is a hot rod in the benz diesel world and relatively easy to converted to a 5spd and available in a wagon as well 300td!
(07-29-2010, 12:36 PM)garage(07-29-2010, 11:38 AM)dropnosky The NA 240 616 is VERY underpowered, word of warning if you have a lead foot. (as I do)
Ha as long as you dont mind driving a slow car fast...
Ha but its still a blast to drive if you have a stick.
I can screech the tires in 1st and 2nd.
(07-29-2010, 12:36 PM)garage(07-29-2010, 11:38 AM)dropnosky The NA 240 616 is VERY underpowered, word of warning if you have a lead foot. (as I do)
Ha as long as you dont mind driving a slow car fast...
Ha but its still a blast to drive if you have a stick.
I can screech the tires in 1st and 2nd.
but it!!!