SWMBO taken over the 124

[jamesfuller]

After falling out with an unreliable modern car, she had started using the 230te as a runabout and its official because she has moved in all of her clutter.

She loves the old solid mercedes in every way except she feels its a bit thirsty.
Ironically I've always thought that its one of the most economical cars I've ever owned.

So we did some checks after a couple of fill ups and its worst tank average was 27 and the best 29 mpg.
For a big old auto I couldn't quite believe how good it was and she has since stopped moaning (about mpg anyway)
Another Mercedes convert!

This has left me wondering, what is a 250D or 300D like?
As in how do they drive, how smooth, etc.

 

[Charles Morgan]

300D multivalve (24v) is exceptionally smooth on the move. Some revs required to move it, but it is brisk and economical, with a fantastic ride.

It could do with slightly taller gearing though - 70 mph is about 3000 rpm, a bit too high for top refinement and economy.

 

[jamesfuller]

The 230 is about the same, I assumed the low gearing was to get the little 4 pot moving a little.

I'm not that worried about speed as you can probably tell by the mpg achieved, they don't get driven very fast.
I do like big, old school diesels with a fair amount of torque.