1991 Mercedes W124 250D Manual
Discussion
As always, cheers for the comments! It's surprising to see the admiration this old bus gets, be it as 'they're great cars' or 'I remember seeing one as a taxi in Turkey'!
I've been there with working in the Snow! I did an alternator on a 306 diesel previously as well as a cooling system (rad & hoses) and heater matrix swap in a Porsche 944 S2. That's probably one of the first bigger jobs I ever did on a car ; yup, it was a dash out job!
A 230E did enter my radar eventually but by that time the bid I placed for this had come through! If you still fancy one I would give one a go! I am surprised at just how much the prices for these cars has changed over the years ; the 300D was sheddier than this car but that was half of the price of this one too! I guess not many cars have the feeling of class, solidity and general refinement when you consider how old these are now.
When I said there was more to come I wasn't kidding!
Firstly, the MPG on this third tank has been 40MPG! Not a result at all for an indirect injection 2.5 diesel engine from the 80s! That included the odd motorway and country road trip, tackling Birmingham traffic for what seemed like an hour and putting my foot down wherever possible as well as sticking to around an indicated 75MPH on the motorways. It does indeed seem to make a difference going below 80!
Firstly I checked the tyre pressures for the first time ever in this car. Crazy I know! According to the sticker on the car it is meant to have 29PSI all round. It seems a little low but I went with it When I came to check the pressures the rears were at 32 with the fronts being at 31 with the new tyres ; better than what I've seen some people do. With the pressures reset to 29 the steering has become slightly heavier ; it's something I noticed straight away. I thought the car felt a little more planted with the new tyres on, but now it really is grippy! I'm sure it wanders a little less too. Suffice to say that I am surprised at the difference a few PSI can make on a steering 'boxed cruiser like this one.
With this in mind I went to crack on with something I was going to do last week until the snow spoiled my play ; a service.
It's not like I didn't have the parts. Far from it!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on Flickr
There we have a Mann fuel, pre-fuel & oil filter along with a Fram air filter. Topped off with Gulf oil to MB spec it is fair say that I wasn't going to be as cheap as possible for this area
.
It was then time to crack on. Like many I did get a Haynes and scan a few YouTube videos. Seeing a handle on an oil filter certainly is interesting! A neat idea mind you!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on Flickr
It was then time to do the air filter! It's fair to say that it was a good idea that I changed it! I'm surprised that the MB schedule for this filter is 30,000 miles mind you! It's not like diesels don't need much air! At the same time I cleaned out the airbox in addition to removing the air reducer/restrictor in the airbox intake. Will it make a difference? Who knows?
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on Flickr
With that done it was time to do a job I had been putting off ; the diesel filter. Why? There was a risk it wouldn't start due to an airlock in the system despite the injection system being self bleeding. It's also a messy job! At least petrol dries off if you spill it and cleans your oil pain out! Can you tell I enjoy changing diesel filters?
There was nothing for it but to crack on. With a few litres of V-Power Diesel purchased I filled the filter up, caught as much diesel as I could from the old filter and then proceeded to put in the newly filled up filter. Note that the Mahle filter I removed had quite a few holes in it, something the MB filter is meant to also have as well:
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on Flickr
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on Flickr
There was one more filter to do. The Pre-filter. I knew this would be a messy job! Seeing as the old one had a couple of black bits in it as shown in the shot above I also knew that it would be best if I changed it. I also knew there would be no way for me to prefill this without getting diesel everywhere! This would have to be one filter I annoyingly would leave empty!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on Flickr
With it all assembled it was time to put it back together. Haynes was saying to give it a few more seconds than normal to allow the car to start and then to try to keep the revs at 2,000rpm for a bit ; I don't think they mention the pre-filter in that. However, it burst into life straight away! The pre filter filled up fast! It then stalled! I wasn't surprised here, given that the pre-filter was previously empty. After cranking it over what seemed like a minute the car did fire up again and this time it ran great!
I'm sure it feels a little perkier and starts a little cleaner too than before. Not that it was a terrible starter previously! All that was left to do was do throw the remainder of the V-Power into the petrol tank and then clean up under the bonnet ; I now know why so many diesel engine bays are filthy!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on Flickr
So, it's fair to say it has been a result all in! Will it transform to better MPG? Unlikely. It does seem to shift a little better with the little power it has around town mind you! It's a lovely drive around in the old girl!
helix402 said:
Wise words, I remember when Fiat changed the manufacturer of their oil filters. I had a brand new gen one with swarf in the threads!
The old Merc is lovely. I have only worked on one, a 300TE, which was rather fun in the snow!
Indeedy! The above is one reason why I love forums. It's one way to share information!The old Merc is lovely. I have only worked on one, a 300TE, which was rather fun in the snow!
I've been there with working in the Snow! I did an alternator on a 306 diesel previously as well as a cooling system (rad & hoses) and heater matrix swap in a Porsche 944 S2. That's probably one of the first bigger jobs I ever did on a car ; yup, it was a dash out job!
ian316 said:
Bargain on the tyres
I could not believe the price when I saw them. If I typed in the reg or the tyre size they were £114 a pair fitted. Not a terrible price at all. When I typed in the tyre size into Google it was one of the top hits! Initially I thought it was a mistake. But I double checked everything and then went ahead! Camskill sell them as cheap as I got them but without fitting! What can I say? So far the car is the gift that keeps on giving!J4CKO said:
Something so right about them, amazing they are still viable now with minimal fettling, well, if you buy a good one as they do eventually rust.
There was an old guy on our road, 15 years we lived here and he had a 300E, always fancied it, it was mine and his partner scrapped it when he passed.
Nearly bought one, like four years ago, still see it every time I go to the local Aldi, to be fair, 230's are a bit slow, but it is 27 years old now, amazing ts still a daily.
You are certainly right! There is something about the proportions and design of them. Everything is very well laid out inside. It is a shame that they do succomb to the aforementioned rust but then they are now getting on a bit!There was an old guy on our road, 15 years we lived here and he had a 300E, always fancied it, it was mine and his partner scrapped it when he passed.
Nearly bought one, like four years ago, still see it every time I go to the local Aldi, to be fair, 230's are a bit slow, but it is 27 years old now, amazing ts still a daily.
A 230E did enter my radar eventually but by that time the bid I placed for this had come through! If you still fancy one I would give one a go! I am surprised at just how much the prices for these cars has changed over the years ; the 300D was sheddier than this car but that was half of the price of this one too! I guess not many cars have the feeling of class, solidity and general refinement when you consider how old these are now.
When I said there was more to come I wasn't kidding!
Firstly, the MPG on this third tank has been 40MPG! Not a result at all for an indirect injection 2.5 diesel engine from the 80s! That included the odd motorway and country road trip, tackling Birmingham traffic for what seemed like an hour and putting my foot down wherever possible as well as sticking to around an indicated 75MPH on the motorways. It does indeed seem to make a difference going below 80!
Firstly I checked the tyre pressures for the first time ever in this car. Crazy I know! According to the sticker on the car it is meant to have 29PSI all round. It seems a little low but I went with it When I came to check the pressures the rears were at 32 with the fronts being at 31 with the new tyres ; better than what I've seen some people do. With the pressures reset to 29 the steering has become slightly heavier ; it's something I noticed straight away. I thought the car felt a little more planted with the new tyres on, but now it really is grippy! I'm sure it wanders a little less too. Suffice to say that I am surprised at the difference a few PSI can make on a steering 'boxed cruiser like this one.
With this in mind I went to crack on with something I was going to do last week until the snow spoiled my play ; a service.
It's not like I didn't have the parts. Far from it!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on FlickrThere we have a Mann fuel, pre-fuel & oil filter along with a Fram air filter. Topped off with Gulf oil to MB spec it is fair say that I wasn't going to be as cheap as possible for this area
.It was then time to crack on. Like many I did get a Haynes and scan a few YouTube videos. Seeing a handle on an oil filter certainly is interesting! A neat idea mind you!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on FlickrIt was then time to do the air filter! It's fair to say that it was a good idea that I changed it! I'm surprised that the MB schedule for this filter is 30,000 miles mind you! It's not like diesels don't need much air! At the same time I cleaned out the airbox in addition to removing the air reducer/restrictor in the airbox intake. Will it make a difference? Who knows?
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on FlickrWith that done it was time to do a job I had been putting off ; the diesel filter. Why? There was a risk it wouldn't start due to an airlock in the system despite the injection system being self bleeding. It's also a messy job! At least petrol dries off if you spill it and cleans your oil pain out! Can you tell I enjoy changing diesel filters?
There was nothing for it but to crack on. With a few litres of V-Power Diesel purchased I filled the filter up, caught as much diesel as I could from the old filter and then proceeded to put in the newly filled up filter. Note that the Mahle filter I removed had quite a few holes in it, something the MB filter is meant to also have as well:
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on FlickrW124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on FlickrThere was one more filter to do. The Pre-filter. I knew this would be a messy job! Seeing as the old one had a couple of black bits in it as shown in the shot above I also knew that it would be best if I changed it. I also knew there would be no way for me to prefill this without getting diesel everywhere! This would have to be one filter I annoyingly would leave empty!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on FlickrWith it all assembled it was time to put it back together. Haynes was saying to give it a few more seconds than normal to allow the car to start and then to try to keep the revs at 2,000rpm for a bit ; I don't think they mention the pre-filter in that. However, it burst into life straight away! The pre filter filled up fast! It then stalled! I wasn't surprised here, given that the pre-filter was previously empty. After cranking it over what seemed like a minute the car did fire up again and this time it ran great!
I'm sure it feels a little perkier and starts a little cleaner too than before. Not that it was a terrible starter previously! All that was left to do was do throw the remainder of the V-Power into the petrol tank and then clean up under the bonnet ; I now know why so many diesel engine bays are filthy!
W124 Service 161217 by Charlieboy, on FlickrSo, it's fair to say it has been a result all in! Will it transform to better MPG? Unlikely. It does seem to shift a little better with the little power it has around town mind you! It's a lovely drive around in the old girl!
Edited by SebringMan on Sunday 17th December 09:40
I'm not sure that in-line pre-filter is factory. Shouldn't the pre-filter be in the main fuel filter housing? I came across a similar arrangement on my om606 car and it lead to air getting into the lines.
I have said this before but I really think the 124 represents the highest peak in the development of the car. In short, you see the car as a fully matured product but undiluted by cynical commercialism. You get everything modern: electronic fuelling (not on the diesels, obvs), ABS, airbags, multi-link rear suspension, CAD bodyshell, everything you really want except ESP. And you get traditional build quality. You get a car which is designed for elegant service, not for vulgar show: think of the ease of operation, the narrow body, the tight turning circle, discreet but quality appearance. These are great cars to drive, especially over a long distance.
It is amazing to think the first of them is over 30 years old. The earliest UK cars were 1986 on a 'C' plate; the Germans had them in 1985.
Edit: looking at the parts catalogue, I see I might be wrong about the pre-filter.
I have said this before but I really think the 124 represents the highest peak in the development of the car. In short, you see the car as a fully matured product but undiluted by cynical commercialism. You get everything modern: electronic fuelling (not on the diesels, obvs), ABS, airbags, multi-link rear suspension, CAD bodyshell, everything you really want except ESP. And you get traditional build quality. You get a car which is designed for elegant service, not for vulgar show: think of the ease of operation, the narrow body, the tight turning circle, discreet but quality appearance. These are great cars to drive, especially over a long distance.
It is amazing to think the first of them is over 30 years old. The earliest UK cars were 1986 on a 'C' plate; the Germans had them in 1985.
Edit: looking at the parts catalogue, I see I might be wrong about the pre-filter.
Edited by r129sl on Sunday 17th December 07:50
You're too right about the overall ethos of the W124.
I thought the same thing about the pre-filter. The truth is that it has a longer fuel line going to it than previously ; it's something that an American bloke off YouTube (MercedesSource?) again. Just as well as it is easier to change where it is as opposed to under the fuel manifold.
When I get a chance I may clean out the tank stainer, but I'd rather I didn't haver a full tank of fuel in the car!
I thought the same thing about the pre-filter. The truth is that it has a longer fuel line going to it than previously ; it's something that an American bloke off YouTube (MercedesSource?) again. Just as well as it is easier to change where it is as opposed to under the fuel manifold.
When I get a chance I may clean out the tank stainer, but I'd rather I didn't haver a full tank of fuel in the car!
Interesting read, I too have an old W124 (300d Auto) that reading this has inspired me to get back on the road, currently run a 406 coupe, which I bought for £300! I ran it until 6 years ago and has been laid up since, the shells not too rusty, so should be an interesting project. Mine spun what I think is a big end bearing, and a bit of body work and brake lines are needed. The great thing about these cars is the simple quality of the engineering and the ease of the drive, I really liked the ride on mine as it was a rare model as a salon and with rear olyneupneumatic suspension, so she really floated nicely once I replaced the flat spheres.
I spotted this w124 250d for sale on Gumtree for the bargain price of £470. Has MOT til Feb next year, located in Castleford?
Listed as a "restoration project" I thought of ph upon seeing it, don't know if it would be a good parts car or be of use? Surely some parts on it would be way costlier individually than the car as a whole.
(I have no connection with the car advertised or the seller, thought it might be of interest?)
:-)
Listed as a "restoration project" I thought of ph upon seeing it, don't know if it would be a good parts car or be of use? Surely some parts on it would be way costlier individually than the car as a whole.
(I have no connection with the car advertised or the seller, thought it might be of interest?)
:-)
Pacman1978 said:
I spotted this w124 250d for sale on Gumtree for the bargain price of £470. Has MOT til Feb next year, located in Castleford?
Listed as a "restoration project" I thought of ph upon seeing it, don't know if it would be a good parts car or be of use? Surely some parts on it would be way costlier individually than the car as a whole.
(I have no connection with the car advertised or the seller, thought it might be of interest?)
:-)
A friend of mine who I found out now deals in W124s might be interested but this I know he'd pull apart as a parts car assuming it's a good runner. But I'll leave it for a PHer first Listed as a "restoration project" I thought of ph upon seeing it, don't know if it would be a good parts car or be of use? Surely some parts on it would be way costlier individually than the car as a whole.
(I have no connection with the car advertised or the seller, thought it might be of interest?)
:-)
.SebringMan said:
Pacman1978 said:
I spotted this w124 250d for sale on Gumtree for the bargain price of £470. Has MOT til Feb next year, located in Castleford?
Listed as a "restoration project" I thought of ph upon seeing it, don't know if it would be a good parts car or be of use? Surely some parts on it would be way costlier individually than the car as a whole.
(I have no connection with the car advertised or the seller, thought it might be of interest?)
:-)
A friend of mine who I found out now deals in W124s might be interested but this I know he'd pull apart as a parts car assuming it's a good runner. But I'll leave it for a PHer first Listed as a "restoration project" I thought of ph upon seeing it, don't know if it would be a good parts car or be of use? Surely some parts on it would be way costlier individually than the car as a whole.
(I have no connection with the car advertised or the seller, thought it might be of interest?)
:-)
.I left this tale about the car feeling perkier to drive. It certainly was! A result indeed!
However, in a moment of madness I decided to get the M3 out of retirement especially with it getting milder! With this in mind it was time to clean it. I do plan to mop the car but with it being Christmas I ran out of time! What I didn't bank was the claying to take as long as I thought! This car had all sorts of random tar spots over it ; It was strange for sure! But, the funny thing is the car actually scrubbed up very well with a wash, dry and the clay mitt treatment, even if the latter took quite a while!
[url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4Pm"][img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4731/38750816934_d1fd55b496_c.jpg"][/url][url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4Pm"]Mercedes Stored[/url] by [url href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/"]Charlieboy[/url], on Flickr
[url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4tS"][img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/38750815804_339b6615bf_c.jpg"][/url][url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4tS"]Mercedes Stored[/url] by [url href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/"]Charlieboy[/url], on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/387508...
[url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h44J"][img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4646/38750814404_7cc95e92e1_c.jpg"][/url][url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h44J"]Mercedes Stored[/url] by [url href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/"]Charlieboy[/url], on Flickr
The next leg has involved taking the M3 on a last minute adventure up North, but I'll be back to the W124 soonish.
However, I am trying to keep my thoughts away from what to do about the wings ; it was not part of the plan either...
However, in a moment of madness I decided to get the M3 out of retirement especially with it getting milder! With this in mind it was time to clean it. I do plan to mop the car but with it being Christmas I ran out of time! What I didn't bank was the claying to take as long as I thought! This car had all sorts of random tar spots over it ; It was strange for sure! But, the funny thing is the car actually scrubbed up very well with a wash, dry and the clay mitt treatment, even if the latter took quite a while!
[url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4Pm"][img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4731/38750816934_d1fd55b496_c.jpg"][/url][url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4Pm"]Mercedes Stored[/url] by [url href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/"]Charlieboy[/url], on Flickr
[url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4tS"][img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/38750815804_339b6615bf_c.jpg"][/url][url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h4tS"]Mercedes Stored[/url] by [url href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/"]Charlieboy[/url], on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/387508...
[url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h44J"][img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4646/38750814404_7cc95e92e1_c.jpg"][/url][url href="https://flic.kr/p/223h44J"]Mercedes Stored[/url] by [url href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154663652@N04/"]Charlieboy[/url], on Flickr
The next leg has involved taking the M3 on a last minute adventure up North, but I'll be back to the W124 soonish
.However, I am trying to keep my thoughts away from what to do about the wings ; it was not part of the plan either...
SebringMan said:
I left this tale about the car feeling perkier to drive. It certainly was! A result indeed!
However, in a moment of madness I decided to get the M3 out of retirement especially with it getting milder! With this in mind it was time to clean it. I do plan to mop the car but with it being Christmas I ran out of time! What I didn't bank was the claying to take as long as I thought! This car had all sorts of random tar spots over it ; It was strange for sure! But, the funny thing is the car actually scrubbed up very well with a wash, dry and the clay mitt treatment, even if the latter took quite a while!
The next leg has involved taking the M3 on a last minute adventure up North, but I'll be back to the W124 soonish.
However, I am trying to keep my thoughts away from what to do about the wings ; it was not part of the plan either...
Quoted for to see pics! Am enjoying this thread (and your other thread about your M3). Interesting you had a 205 GTI - so did I and am now also in an M3 (albeit a E36)However, in a moment of madness I decided to get the M3 out of retirement especially with it getting milder! With this in mind it was time to clean it. I do plan to mop the car but with it being Christmas I ran out of time! What I didn't bank was the claying to take as long as I thought! This car had all sorts of random tar spots over it ; It was strange for sure! But, the funny thing is the car actually scrubbed up very well with a wash, dry and the clay mitt treatment, even if the latter took quite a while!
The next leg has involved taking the M3 on a last minute adventure up North, but I'll be back to the W124 soonish
.However, I am trying to keep my thoughts away from what to do about the wings ; it was not part of the plan either...
Old girl is getting some great TLC and looks great all polished up!
I love mine and I’ll never get rid of it.
The biggest difference I notice now though is the HVAC systems, they are noisy compared to modern stuff and the W124 system is quite a complex set up. Plus the gearing is quite low, 80mph is 3000rpm in my 4 speed and I’d love another gear on top.
It’s great seeing them about though.
Dave!
The biggest difference I notice now though is the HVAC systems, they are noisy compared to modern stuff and the W124 system is quite a complex set up. Plus the gearing is quite low, 80mph is 3000rpm in my 4 speed and I’d love another gear on top.
It’s great seeing them about though.
Dave!
It's good to see this thread is getting a warm reception. As always, thanks and keep the comms coming
Regarding the engines it's a "Yes & No" answer.
Until the early 90s both the 190E and W124 used the 2.0 (OM601) and the 2.5 (OM602). It seems the 2.5 received a slight power increase at around 1990ish, but that a few years after the W124 went over to the twin cam multivalve version of the 2.5, the OM605. Of course, the 3.0 became the OM606 with a similar update.
As for it revving high, yes, even this is doing around 3,000rpm on the motorway in 5th. Ken, the guy who I bought this off had an estate with a taller diff. That thing was very relaxed on the motorway but not much slower getting going from my brief experience in the car.
That is very interesting regarding car histories! I do miss my 205 GTi now ; we only go rid as it was a shame to see it getting used less!
irish boy said:
Great thread thanks for sharing the car.
I’ve a 190d 2.5, is it the same engine? I thought I remember reading somewhere the W124 had slightly more power. Has been on a sorn since October but looking forward to April!
CheersI’ve a 190d 2.5, is it the same engine? I thought I remember reading somewhere the W124 had slightly more power. Has been on a sorn since October but looking forward to April!
Regarding the engines it's a "Yes & No" answer.
Until the early 90s both the 190E and W124 used the 2.0 (OM601) and the 2.5 (OM602). It seems the 2.5 received a slight power increase at around 1990ish, but that a few years after the W124 went over to the twin cam multivalve version of the 2.5, the OM605. Of course, the 3.0 became the OM606 with a similar update.
As for it revving high, yes, even this is doing around 3,000rpm on the motorway in 5th. Ken, the guy who I bought this off had an estate with a taller diff. That thing was very relaxed on the motorway but not much slower getting going from my brief experience in the car.
shalmaneser said:
Quoted for to see pics! Am enjoying this thread (and your other thread about your M3). Interesting you had a 205 GTI - so did I and am now also in an M3 (albeit a E36)
Old girl is getting some great TLC and looks great all polished up!
Cheers and thanks for sorting out the pics! Since Photobucket nuked the hosting services I've gone over to FlickR. I've noticed I can just drop an embedded code in however on occasions! I'll probably go back to using the IMG tags again on a direct link.Old girl is getting some great TLC and looks great all polished up!
That is very interesting regarding car histories! I do miss my 205 GTi now ; we only go rid as it was a shame to see it getting used less!
Edited by SebringMan on Thursday 4th January 07:25
SebringMan said:
Regarding the engines it's a "Yes & No" answer.
Until the early 90s both the 190E and W124 used the 2.0 (OM601) and the 2.5 (OM602). It seems the 2.5 received a slight power increase at around 1990ish, but that a few years after the W124 went over to the twin cam multivalve version of the 2.5, the OM605. Of course, the 3.0 became the OM606 with a similar update.
I never knew they did a non turbo 605 only ever seen it in a W202 C Class as a turbo. My 124 was a 2.5 N/A originally, pre facelift so im guessing it was a 602 if they changed to 605 in the 90s.Until the early 90s both the 190E and W124 used the 2.0 (OM601) and the 2.5 (OM602). It seems the 2.5 received a slight power increase at around 1990ish, but that a few years after the W124 went over to the twin cam multivalve version of the 2.5, the OM605. Of course, the 3.0 became the OM606 with a similar update.
The OM606 never came in a 124, unless you put it there like me lol.
As for speeds mine is gps 80mph in 6th at 2500 rpm, with a top speed of 153 GPS on the limiter in 6th.
Edited by Palmers on Thursday 4th January 12:43
SebringMan is right, of course they put an OM606 in the 124 chassis! The 1993 and up E300 diesel is so-powered; the 1993 and up E250 diesel being OM605 powered. I suspect what mean Palmers is that they never put the turbocharged OM606 in the 124.
As for gearing, I find they are ingeniously geared. These engines are quite peaky, which is not how we expect a diesel to be at all. They are geared to be right "on the cam" at cruising speeds. Thus my 124 sits right on 4,000rpm at 90mph, the sweetest, strongest part of its range.
As for gearing, I find they are ingeniously geared. These engines are quite peaky, which is not how we expect a diesel to be at all. They are geared to be right "on the cam" at cruising speeds. Thus my 124 sits right on 4,000rpm at 90mph, the sweetest, strongest part of its range.
r129sl said:
SebringMan is right, of course they put an OM606 in the 124 chassis! The 1993 and up E300 diesel is so-powered; the 1993 and up E250 diesel being OM605 powered. I suspect what mean Palmers is that they never put the turbocharged OM606 in the 124.
As for gearing, I find they are ingeniously geared. These engines are quite peaky, which is not how we expect a diesel to be at all. They are geared to be right "on the cam" at cruising speeds. Thus my 124 sits right on 4,000rpm at 90mph, the sweetest, strongest part of its range.
r129 kindly allowed me to drive his legendary car, and what a thing it is. Not fast over 100m, for sure. But like having a strange and building turbine under your right foot - really quite something. More of a continent removal device than an economy device. As for gearing, I find they are ingeniously geared. These engines are quite peaky, which is not how we expect a diesel to be at all. They are geared to be right "on the cam" at cruising speeds. Thus my 124 sits right on 4,000rpm at 90mph, the sweetest, strongest part of its range.
I want one!
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