Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2007 09:37:16 -0600
Reply-To: Ben Cichowski <aquasheck@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ben Cichowski <aquasheck@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: diesel Vanagon vs. MB, Volvo, other diesel VW
In-Reply-To: <wsrqr0yo.fsf@cs.indiana.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
Ed,
I'm going to second pretty much every thing Allan has said in his email. I'm a huge fan of Vanagons (though mine is a gas), but for the budget, overall quality, durability, etc...I'd go with a 123 Mercedes. By your sign-off, you already have a 300D, so you probably know what we're saying. As you probably also know, the major downside (IMO) is that the Mercedes parts are quite a bit more expensive. I'm personally not a huge fan of Volvo's and believe my Mercedes will outlast about six of those other little buggers - but to each his own!
You can pick up very nice 123 for $3000 even if you factored in driving to a warmer, more salt-free environment to pick it up and trailer it back. From my looking around for a Diesel Vanagon, I think you'll have a lot harder time finding one in your budget. Hop on the Mercedes chat group. Listen to the fellas from Texas, they are far and away the most knowledgeable on that group.
Yeah...good luck with that AC wish...I'm just glad I no longer live in TX with my 300D or my Vanagon ;)
Cheers
-Ben
> Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2007 10:14:39 -0500
> From: streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU
> Subject: Re: diesel Vanagon vs. MB, Volvo, other diesel VW
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
> 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
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