RE: Which Diesel is most economical?
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 1/9/2007 3:43:00 PM
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Charles Munn
Posts: 244
Joined: 8/19/2006
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ArtificialAspiration
1984 190D 2.2L with 5 speed.
He claims 37 mpg around town. That sounds a bit high to me...
Some guys at work told me to be concerned with wiring and electrical problems on the old German cars and to stay away because they will nickel and dime me to death. Finding people to work on the old car would be a hassle and expensive.
He says a recent japanese commuter would be better and more reliable. I think the MB has more character and style.
It sounds about right for highway miles, but I agree, it does sound a tad exagerated for in town. He may be a bit slick. Whatever you do, before you buy it, have it checked out by a pro!
The old diesels are simple engines and most who drive them also do the maintenance. All of the power locks work off a vacuum which I understand is much less complicated than electical systems. However, even though I'm learning to do my own maintenance, the power locks, engine shut off, et al, work just fine....Which is not bad for a 25 year old auto.
Before I owned the MB I drove a 1990 Jetta ecodiesel which I also converted to WVO. It got between 40 and 45 MPG. I paid $4000. for it and had 120,000 miles on it. I drove it for 2 1/2 years and sold it for $3700. It was still a creampuff and had 165,000 miles on it. If cared for it'll likely to be in service for another 17 years.
The 1982 MB 300D T gets between 28 to 32 MPG. It had 312,000 miles on it when I bought it for $400. ( which was just plain lucky! ) But it was soon obvious that it was vastly superior to the VW. It now has over 320,000 miles on it and I fully expect to be driving it and doing most of my own maintenance for many more years.
But the Japanese diesels, if you can find one, are every bit as hardy as the German diesels... And frankly, I'd take Japanese pickup over a VW pickup in a NY minute.
< Message edited by Charles Munn -- 1/9/2007 3:52:03 PM >
_____________________________
1982 300D T, 322,000miles
1991 Lexus LS400 212,000 miles
1986 GMC, HD, "J", 429,000 Km
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenha
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 1/10/2007 12:02:43 AM
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AMGMercedes
Posts: 1556
Joined: 1/31/2006
From: Maryland
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quote:
Some guys at work told me to be concerned with wiring and electrical problems
That's with newer models, don't worry about it. I haven't had a single issue concerning electric really. Just the overheating issue which was a bad thermostat..
_____________________________
1984 Mercedes 190D-SOLD!
1999 Honda Civic DX- Current DD
1986 Mercedes 190E-16v-On the way
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 1/10/2007 2:20:55 AM
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redhotchilimando
Posts: 4
Joined: 1/10/2007
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my 81 300d has electrical problems though. the windows are opposite to the switch, when you turn the window up, it goes down, and vice versa. and some of the lights on the dashboard don't work
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 1/10/2007 9:49:59 AM
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ArtificialAspiration
Posts: 5
Joined: 1/7/2007
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As long as it doesn't leave me stranded or have major mechanical problems I believe it will be cost effective. How many days of downtime a year do you guys average?
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 1/13/2007 9:22:46 PM
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AMGMercedes
Posts: 1556
Joined: 1/31/2006
From: Maryland
Status: offline
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Down time as in repairs? Not one. (excluding when I bought the car and had to get state regulation repairs)
_____________________________
1984 Mercedes 190D-SOLD!
1999 Honda Civic DX- Current DD
1986 Mercedes 190E-16v-On the way
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 1/14/2007 2:54:49 PM
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Charles Munn
Posts: 244
Joined: 8/19/2006
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I had a couple of weeks of down time after I first bought my $400. 1982 300DT.
I did, and had done, a series of preventive measures...Just to be sure, I changed all filters and fluids, including the differential, and had the tranny flushed. I had the valves adjusted and the timing chain replaced. I also had all motor mounts, motor shocks, tranny and differential mounts, as well as sub frame mounts and flex discs replaced. I bought new tires and shocks, put on new calipers, and a rebuilt steering gear.
I then took the injectors apart, cleaned them and installed new nozzles, return lines and of course, new heat shields. Next I serviced the ALDA by cleaning the banjo nut on the manifold then by passed the switchover valve, and installed a bb in the vacuum line that goes into the EGR valve.
I could have not done any of the above and maybe driven it for years without any trouble. But since I intend to drive it for many years to come while driving for free on WVO, I wanted it to be running as perfectly as possible.
I then installed a http://www.greaseon.com kit and it now burns WVO which I collect from 2 Japanese restaurants.
< Message edited by Charles Munn -- 1/14/2007 2:56:56 PM >
_____________________________
1982 300D T, 322,000miles
1991 Lexus LS400 212,000 miles
1986 GMC, HD, "J", 429,000 Km
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenha
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 3/14/2007 12:22:46 PM
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sweetstick
Posts: 4
Joined: 3/14/2007
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I have a 1983 240d. It gets about 28-31 mpg depending how fast I go. I will sell this one for $3800 if you want to know more email me.
sweetstick@rogers.com
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 3/20/2007 6:38:08 PM
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CrazyMC
Posts: 14
Joined: 6/7/2006
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I have a 1985 190D auto. I get about low 30's mpg. I can't wait to get some non-winterized diesel and see what she can do. I have been told that the anti-gel agent they use in the winter robs a few mpg's. I'm actually selling mine now to upgrade to an E or S class diesel. The mpg's are great, but I need a little more room. The car is the most reliable in my fleet and it's the oldest too!
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RE: Which Diesel is most economical? - 3/20/2007 8:51:57 PM
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Charles Munn
Posts: 244
Joined: 8/19/2006
Status: offline
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I'd guess the 190D gets the best mileage.... as if you didn't know~ How many mile does it have, and how much are you asking?
_____________________________
1982 300D T, 322,000miles
1991 Lexus LS400 212,000 miles
1986 GMC, HD, "J", 429,000 Km
All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.
Arthur Schopenha
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