Positive Review
I have owned over 15 vehicles (half purchased new) and by far the 92 300D 2.5 turbo diesel is the MOST well designed car I have ever had the experience to drive. People say these are "expensive to repair." My response is always "well why did you take it to the dealer and not a private shop, or not open the repair guide." I have had the car for about a year now and have spent less than $100 in repairs/routine maintenance. Brake pads, full synthetic oil change, all filters, reran all vacuum hoses. Surprisingly I was able to change all of these parts with the "Mercedes emergency roadside kit" that has 2 screw drivers, 3 wrenches and the jack that came with the car. I couldn't even change my 88 gmc jimmy's brakes with out a 20 dollar tool. The 300d is amazing, handles great in emergencies, comfortable, you feel genuinely connected to the road with out feeling every bump in it. Mine was "slow" when I bought it, i spent 5 minutes re-adjusting the throttle-shift linkage cable (no tools needed) and caused the car to no longer shift early (common reason for the no power complaint.) I get about 33 mpg and I drive it hard. Stock sound system is awesome too. I have the MBtextile interior and its in fantastic condition! Has not faded or cracked in its 20 years. My next car will be another 300d. I know if i got another car every day would be a fight between my wife and I over who got to drive the Benz. I don't even mind rush hour traffic any more, it's like taking my favorite recliner and letting me relax in it on my way to and from work.
Critical Review
Idk
Showing 8 of 20 reviews.
Although the previous gen W123 300D seems to get all of the praise (rightly earned), the W124 300D 2.5 is a subjectively better car in every measure; comfort, safety, handling, efficiency. Build quality is at least equal to a W123, evidenced by the sheer numbers of high mileage W124s still out there, and for modern traffic, it’s a vastly better proposition given the ABS brakes, SRS system and available ASR traction control. Performance is also quite acceptable and it’ll sit on the interstate all day long at 80mph+ without fuss and do it much more quietly than a 123 will. I’m fortunate to own a very pristine, low mileage ‘93 2.5 in a rare color combo and with some rare options (ortho+heated seats, ASR) and my only real gripe is that due to the rare interior color, some trim is difficult to come by, although with the advent of 3D printing, many of the common parts that deteriorate with age are now available again (eg third brake light housing). These cars have finally been given their due in the market with blue chip examples bringing strong money, and rightly so. While $15-20K may seem like a lot of money for an old Mercedes diesel sedan, it’s a car that you won’t have to replace for a very long time and provides unparalleled safety and reliability, especially compared to today’s rolling computers.
After owning mostly newer cars my whole life, I decided to go back to this for the quality and ease of repair. Hands down, best car I've ever had. I've owned over 25 different cars and they aren't even close. When I rent a new car on a trip I can't wait to give those rentals back and come back to my Benz!
Idk
Styling inside and out. Very classy looking.
Slow at starts.
I just love this car. I am the second owner as I bought this last year. The previous owner actually cried when I started to pull away. That told me how attached he was to this car. Vehicle was in perfect shape when I bought it. When I am cruising at 80, I feel like I am in a new car. No rattles etc. I would never buy a newer Benz. Quality is not where it was when this was produced.
super reliable and solid
shoulder type harness can be annoying
This thing goes and goes and goes. Reliable brakes. Mechanics are in awe of it. Idiot lights gradually dying. Does not seem to matter, Safe.
solid, holds the road, classy
little slow take off, little engine noise
Purchased this 1992 turbo diesel Mercedes new. It still looks like a million dollars! It is the best driving car on the road. You cannot beat it. It is still a delight to drive. It has features that many of today's cars can't touch. Solid as a rock. Amazing car to be 20 years old.
This car is a diamond. Have it checked out every so often, get the oil changed and you'll never have an issue. I have had a few minor problems over the years (minor electrical and mechanical engine mounts, etc.,) but it truly runs like a top. A marvel of German engineering.
close to perfect as a car could get
My wife complains if i dont let her drive it
I have owned over 15 vehicles (half purchased new) and by far the 92 300D 2.5 turbo diesel is the MOST well designed car I have ever had the experience to drive. People say these are "expensive to repair." My response is always "well why did you take it to the dealer and not a private shop, or not open the repair guide." I have had the car for about a year now and have spent less than $100 in repairs/routine maintenance. Brake pads, full synthetic oil change, all filters, reran all vacuum hoses. Surprisingly I was able to change all of these parts with the "Mercedes emergency roadside kit" that has 2 screw drivers, 3 wrenches and the jack that came with the car. I couldn't even change my 88 gmc jimmy's brakes with out a 20 dollar tool. The 300d is amazing, handles great in emergencies, comfortable, you feel genuinely connected to the road with out feeling every bump in it. Mine was "slow" when I bought it, i spent 5 minutes re-adjusting the throttle-shift linkage cable (no tools needed) and caused the car to no longer shift early (common reason for the no power complaint.) I get about 33 mpg and I drive it hard. Stock sound system is awesome too. I have the MBtextile interior and its in fantastic condition! Has not faded or cracked in its 20 years. My next car will be another 300d. I know if i got another car every day would be a fight between my wife and I over who got to drive the Benz. I don't even mind rush hour traffic any more, it's like taking my favorite recliner and letting me relax in it on my way to and from work.