Calling W123 experts! Petrol or Diesel ?
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
I'm thinking about getting a Merc W123. Already own a 190E 2.6 and am getting reasonably handy with the tools so not worried about looking after an old car. The question is; petrol or diesel?
There are a range of engines, none of which are particularly potent. The diesels seem to cover insane mileage, the go to taxi in its day across the globe. I'm sure you could still find taxis going in some places.
So although the petrols are more powerful, you're not going fast even in the biggest 280. Given the diesels are uber reliable if looked after; it's a no brainer right?
I'm thinking about getting a Merc W123. Already own a 190E 2.6 and am getting reasonably handy with the tools so not worried about looking after an old car. The question is; petrol or diesel?
There are a range of engines, none of which are particularly potent. The diesels seem to cover insane mileage, the go to taxi in its day across the globe. I'm sure you could still find taxis going in some places.
So although the petrols are more powerful, you're not going fast even in the biggest 280. Given the diesels are uber reliable if looked after; it's a no brainer right?
OK I'm not an expert but the no-brainer seems to be the 230E, 2.3 injected petrol with the 4-speed automatic. Not as juicy as the 2.8 and cheaper to maintain but not a lot slower yet much quicker than the diesels.
The diesels appear to be embarassingly slow (3.0 unit has 88hp in a 1500kg car) and would need thrashing to keep up with modern traffic flow, which in turn means they are not much more economical than the 230E petrol.
The diesels appear to be embarassingly slow (3.0 unit has 88hp in a 1500kg car) and would need thrashing to keep up with modern traffic flow, which in turn means they are not much more economical than the 230E petrol.
BGarside said:
OK I'm not an expert but the no-brainer seems to be the 230E, 2.3 injected petrol with the 4-speed automatic. Not as juicy as the 2.8 and cheaper to maintain but not a lot slower yet much quicker than the diesels.
The diesels appear to be embarassingly slow (3.0 unit has 88hp in a 1500kg car) and would need thrashing to keep up with modern traffic flow, which in turn means they are not much more economical than the 230E petrol.
Yes, the 2.3 model is definitely the petrol one to go for; just had never really considered diesels. You make a good point about the speed; my 190e had 166bhp new which is not impressive but it definitely 'feels' quick and is fun to put your foot down. I guess anything below 100 would feel a bit painful as you point out.The diesels appear to be embarassingly slow (3.0 unit has 88hp in a 1500kg car) and would need thrashing to keep up with modern traffic flow, which in turn means they are not much more economical than the 230E petrol.
Also having read the old road tests it seems the 2.8 petrol is rather peaky and develops much of its power over 5000rpm so probably won't feel much quicker than the 230E unless thrashing it (when you can expect <20mpg).
Mercedes used to tune their engines with high torque peaks for autobahn cruising, e.g. your 190E 2.6 producing peak torque at 4600rpm, which is less useful in the UK....
Mercedes used to tune their engines with high torque peaks for autobahn cruising, e.g. your 190E 2.6 producing peak torque at 4600rpm, which is less useful in the UK....
I have a 230CE and it'll quite hapily sit at 80-85mph on the motorway @ 3-3.5k rpm.
If you feel the need it'll pull to 100mph, and i'd expect go on
As others have said look out for rust, but also the condition of the rubber seals. New door seals are £180 each and if you get a coupe the external rear window seals are circa £300 each and like hens teeth. Ensuring the car is water proof to stop it rusting from the inside out is an expensive business.
If you feel the need it'll pull to 100mph, and i'd expect go on
As others have said look out for rust, but also the condition of the rubber seals. New door seals are £180 each and if you get a coupe the external rear window seals are circa £300 each and like hens teeth. Ensuring the car is water proof to stop it rusting from the inside out is an expensive business.
I'd agree that the car to buy is the non rusty one.
If you had a choice I'd go 280 everytime. Having run a 230e manual and a 280e auto the latter was much quicker and more pleasurable to drive- it felt right for the car where the 4 cylinder was a bit out of place. Just an opinion mind and nothing more.
If you had a choice I'd go 280 everytime. Having run a 230e manual and a 280e auto the latter was much quicker and more pleasurable to drive- it felt right for the car where the 4 cylinder was a bit out of place. Just an opinion mind and nothing more.
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