Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (December 2007, week 1)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Fri, 7 Dec 2007 10:14:39 -0500
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: diesel Vanagon vs. MB, Volvo, other diesel VW
Comments: To: Ed Duntz <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BAY134-DAV17B87856D362F61C52C0B2DB680@phx.gbl> (Ed Duntz's
              message of "Fri, 7 Dec 2007 09:33:31 -0500")
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I'd heartily endorse a Mercedes diesel, if you can live with a sedan. You can easily get a good one for your budget. You can find a wagon but they tend to commmand premium prices.

They are very well made, the engines are actually designed to be diesels, not converted gasser blocks like a VW. If you work on your own cars, you will find the Mercedes generally easy to work on.

You might have a little difficulty locating a rust-free one in the northeast, but if you can get into carolina/georga territory, anywhere out of the winter salt belt they are more plentiful. Too far south and they tend to be sun-baked.

There are a few models to avoid, the early '90s 350 SD and SDL used a 6 cylinder diesel with weak rods, they usually bend and then the cylinder walls wear oval and the engine begins to drink oil. If you can find one with a factory rebuilt engine those are good.

The OM617 engine used in the W123 chassis is pretty bullet proof if it's reasonably cared for. They do need valve adjustments at least once a year.

It will be hard to find one without automatic climate control, power windows, and automatic transmission unless it's a european "grey market" import. MB just did not sell the base trim models in the USA.

Like any older car, the air conditioning system is probably a weak point. Pay close attention, try to find one that works and has not had a R134A conversion done. The cooling capacity of the AC is just adequate. If you see one advertising that the "A/C blows ice cold" be suspicious. If converted to R134A it will be even worse and may not cool satisfactorily on hot days. Also the conversions tend to be half-assed and leaks or compressor problems soon follow.

I personally would never run veg oil in a diesel that I wanted to keep for a long time, but that's up to you.

You might want to lurk on the Mercedes lists and forums for a while, there are several good ones, to get more info.

Good luck,

Allan

Ed Duntz <eduntz@HOTMAIL.COM> writes:

> I'm looking for some input as to which diesel vehicle I should get for > $3,000 or less. I just got rid of a Jetta diesel that I had an > accident with and really want a diesel again. I do already have two > Vanagons, one Wolfsburg with the bed and rear-facing seats, and one > Westfalia in need of body repair. > > I'm thinking of a diesel 7-passenger Vanagon that my mechanic would > sell me after putting in good shape. It would most likely have a 1.6 > NA, and I know I won't get anywhere fast. > > My other thoughts were for an older Mercedes or Volvo diesel. I've > never owned either. I'd rather avoid things like electronic temp > control and power windows and the like- more things to go wrong and > have to fix. I would like a/c, something I know I won't get with the > Vanagon diesel. > > I would also most likely put a veg. oil kit into whatever I bought. I > had one in the Jetta, but sold that with the car, so I'd have to start > over. > > Thoughts or suggestions? Also, if anyone knows of any diesel Vanagons, > MB or Volvo diesels in the northeast, please let me know. > > Thanks, Ed Duntz >

-- 1983 300D 1966 230


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.