As someone who worked in Mercedes service, I busted out laughing when you passed the white Benz SUV being pulled onto the flatbed while you're just cruising by in a 40-year-old Benz 😂😂😂😂
I'm not sure I fully understand your response however that's the beautiful thing about the 1985 model wagons. They have a 2.88 rear gear that gives you better RPM on the highway.
@@woodsandbarclay Indeed. Someone will get very lucky. :-) The Signal Red coupe doesn't look "too bad" either. I have an 1984 W123 Signal Red 230E, 110 000 kms or so. Very striking car.
I have a 1985 CA 300D and recently sold a 1984 300D. Best thing about the later transmission is slightly higher gearing. It spins ~2800 rpm at 60 mph whereas the 1984 (earlier trans, also in federal 1985) spun 3000 rpm. Even in the 1985, when getting on the freeway I always find myself waiting for that final shift which never comes and realize "in top gear". Strange that M-B couldn't pick better gearing with 4 gears to work with. I'm guessing German M-B owners found it frustrating at Autobahn speeds. Engine noise depends a lot on fuel quality. I mostly fill-up with renewable diesel in CA which idles noticeably smoother. Works in any diesel engine, but can't buy outside CA.
@@Zaggybear More manuals, cloth seats, cooler bumpers, headlights just to name a few. Had the Euro headlights in both my 123 and 126. Besides far better lighting, I always thought they looked way cooler.
@@ronnymb67 I think all U.S. 300D/CD/SD/TD in U.S. from 1982-85 had a turbocharger, with two types Garret AirResearch or KKK. I had one each on my 1984 and 85, though mix up the later w/ what was on the 1982 replacement engine I swapped in. I've heard some say the KKK is preferred, but don't know why (fin-cooled bypass valve?). I think all came w/ a sunroof, indeed no trim options other than exterior and interior colors. In earlier OM617 engines, the turbocharger was an option, at least in U.S. Strangely the 240D with 4 cyl diesel only came as non-turbo, so a double-whammy as far as performance but double-plus in simplicity and perhaps reliability.
To my experience, all US Turbodiesels used Garrett Turbochargers- didn’t know KKK made them as well…. Could it be you’re liking the 1985 specific transmission, (or is the CA a factor?) which was different in stall speed and shifting than the ‘82-‘84?
As someone who worked in Mercedes service, I busted out laughing when you passed the white Benz SUV being pulled onto the flatbed while you're just cruising by in a 40-year-old Benz 😂😂😂😂
Hahahahaha oh the irony
You were driving close to 80 mph at 3,000 rpm? That's insane.
I'm not sure I fully understand your response however that's the beautiful thing about the 1985 model wagons. They have a 2.88 rear gear that gives you better RPM on the highway.
@@woodsandbarclay Insane = Brilliant! Better than great!
... as in, "You are insane!" ♥
Yes. Looks beautiful and performs really well, it seems. Great car.
This is the best one I have ever owned!
@@woodsandbarclay Indeed. Someone will get very lucky. :-) The Signal Red coupe doesn't look "too bad" either. I have an 1984 W123 Signal Red 230E, 110 000 kms or so. Very striking car.
I have a 1985 CA 300D and recently sold a 1984 300D. Best thing about the later transmission is slightly higher gearing. It spins ~2800 rpm at 60 mph whereas the 1984 (earlier trans, also in federal 1985) spun 3000 rpm. Even in the 1985, when getting on the freeway I always find myself waiting for that final shift which never comes and realize "in top gear". Strange that M-B couldn't pick better gearing with 4 gears to work with. I'm guessing German M-B owners found it frustrating at Autobahn speeds. Engine noise depends a lot on fuel quality. I mostly fill-up with renewable diesel in CA which idles noticeably smoother. Works in any diesel engine, but can't buy outside CA.
Great info I would like to try that in California diesel fuel sometime.
I always thought the OM617 in turbo form was a US-Only version and the rest of the world got the non-turbo version..
@@ronnymb67 Maybe only the Wagon/kombi got the Turbo Diesel in EU. I think the w123 NA-versions got a lot of better stuff than in europe
@@Zaggybear
More manuals, cloth seats, cooler bumpers, headlights just to name a few. Had the Euro headlights in both my 123 and 126. Besides far better lighting, I always thought they looked way cooler.
@@ronnymb67 I think all U.S. 300D/CD/SD/TD in U.S. from 1982-85 had a turbocharger, with two types Garret AirResearch or KKK. I had one each on my 1984 and 85, though mix up the later w/ what was on the 1982 replacement engine I swapped in. I've heard some say the KKK is preferred, but don't know why (fin-cooled bypass valve?). I think all came w/ a sunroof, indeed no trim options other than exterior and interior colors. In earlier OM617 engines, the turbocharger was an option, at least in U.S. Strangely the 240D with 4 cyl diesel only came as non-turbo, so a double-whammy as far as performance but double-plus in simplicity and perhaps reliability.
I’ve been running the paths on Riverside recently and am always on the lookout for classic Mercedes as I’m sure you are doing a test drive 😀
😁
To my experience, all US Turbodiesels used Garrett Turbochargers- didn’t know KKK made them as well…. Could it be you’re liking the 1985 specific transmission, (or is the CA a factor?) which was different in stall speed and shifting than the ‘82-‘84?
Some 85 models have the KKK turbo. Do some more research and you will find out. ;)
@@woodsandbarclay I learn something new everyday… twice when I watch your amazing content!