1987 Mercedes-Benz W124 300D Turbo review from North America
"This is an excellent car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water pump bad at purchase.
Trap oxidizer not removed under recall, got new turbo and entire new exhaust from MB no charge.
Rear upper strut links replaced with upgraded links and bolts.
Replaced all strut/shocks with new Bilstein shocks. 190,000 miles.
Vacuum pump replaced at 200,000.
I replaced all vacuum pods behind dash at 221,000 miles.
A/C high pressure hose at 221,000 miles.
General comments?
The o.e. headlights had poor output-replaced with euro headlights, clear corners.
Handling was good, but replacing swaybars with those from "Sport Option" package made a great improvement.
Car is very reliable and reasonably fast for a diesel.
Handling is excellent due to suspension improvements and use of Michelin Pilot XGT tires.
Audio system is prehistoric and was trashed in favor of a CD head unit with 10 disc changer, new MB Quart speakers, 12" subwoofer and two amplifiers.
Trunk was mint, but too utilitarian. Custom carpeted floor with matching carpeted bandpass subwoofer firing into the interior of the car makes the difference.
After learning not to use green antifreeze, and to change the brake fluid, and transmission fluid, everything works as it should.
Converted from R12 to R134 refrigerant and after replacing the vacuum pods, the A/C works very well.
Had the console wood refurbished, added a lift top armrest from a '94 along with the roll top mini console from a '95. Recolored to match interior with Leatherique.
Was hit in the driver's door by a VW Jetta at high speed, and had the car expertly repaired. I was not touched. This is a very safe car.
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| 1987 - W124 300 D Turbo 3.0 6 cylinder turbo diesel Sadly, it appears no comparable new vehicle is available within this country |
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| Soft cushy comfortable tank, it may be the cheapest car I ever own. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 6 cylinder turbo diesel Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 100000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 224000 miles |
| Previous car | BMW 3 Series |
| Date of Entry | 25th March, 2004 |