The 240d is ungodly slow or is it?

This video is about The ungodly slow or is it? 240d
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[@pubsnack]

The 240D does make you a better driver because you have to be aware of your surroundings to use the power effectively. I have owned a '74 240D, an '83 240D and have a '77 240D that I purchased 15 years ago. it will do 75 all day long and I can bring it up over 80 if I desire to do so. My car has taken me on trips between Austin, Texas and Central Florida and Central Florida to Burlington, VT and Martha Vineyard (with the help of ferry service). Passed a lot of pumpkin seed looking cars on the way too. The 240D is not for everyone. Which leaves the good ones for the enthusiast. Lars

[@nathanrector5584]

real steel double roller timing chain,unlike vw's rubber belts that breaks

[@AlienLivesMatter]

Excellent summation!

[@charlieb2176]

Mph or kph

[@kevinhabener1279]

I love your comment here. It's SO true what you said about the 240 making you a better driver. In the years I drove a '77 300D Diesel, I spent some those years learning how to be a better driver and have ended up having both bad memories and good memories of it. The bad were due to its gutlessness and not figuring out the #1 best way to deal with that, and the extra driving mistakes I'd made as a young kid that really pissed other drivers off. Some of the good was being able to prove what you've had to say about them being durable enough to actually handle those higher traffic speeds. I'm a native Washingtonian on the West Coast. And I drove it on trips to Oregon and California. And after choosing to drive 70 in it in the Interstate 5 corridor, the recently overhauled motor's bearings still had minimal wear on them after another 100K miles. Unfortunately the rings didn't take it, probably due to a common error in rebuilding those motors. But I learned how to stay out of certain peoples' way while driving a car as slow as 240D or 300D diesel, so you don't have too many cars & pick-ups on your bumper & flashing their lights at you. And now that that 300D Diesel is long gone and I now drive a 2012 Mustang & also own an '04 Jaguar XJ8, I've had the urge to go superfast when 80 mph still gets you passed and tailgated severely, which would be 110 mph or faster like maybe 120 or 125 just to blow past all them as much as possible. And I actually did it once in Utah in 2015 in my Mustang.

[@northbeachfilms]

wow, i was just thinking that same thing today! :)

[@cardiffchris]

Not Being in a Hurry is a tremendous Luxury

[@truettneathery4358]

And living on the flats !!

[@jeffreyauch9266]

Ain't that the truth.

[@dougantelman2369]

We used to drive in a 240D to Vermont. It had no problem doing 70 mph. The problem was when you got behind a truck or slower car on the 2 lane roads. You needed a lot of road to safely pass!

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

well, passing isn't safe anyway

[@6DtHAngL6]

Thanks for the shout- out! I do still have my 240D, but I don’t drive it every day anymore. It’s not that slow really, and you hit the nail on the head - the key is the transmission. I have mine shifting exactly to Mercedes-Benz spec (or as close as you can with the all-vacuum modulated 722.x transmission...) and at full throttle, my car shifts into 4th at about 53 mph. When I bought it, it shifted into 4th at about 35 mph. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum - it must be correct. The 240D is a wonderful car - one of the best cars Mercedes-Benz has ever engineered and made. Mine is one of the last to come to the US, and loaded with basically every option...and it all still works! I enjoy your channel... ~Jonathan

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

i figured you might be watching!

[@AKJeeper]

I had a 1981 300D with the all-vacuum 722.122 transmission, picked it up for $500 all because it was non-turbo, and it "didn't run right". Interior and body were 9/10. When I first got it, the vacuum system was a mess. It was slower than some ratty 240Ds I've driven. I got the transmission shifting as spot-on as possible, and gave the engine a good tune. I drove that car for 15 years, even drove it up to Alaska from California on the Alcan highway no sweat in January. I would do the same without a second thought with a 240D as well. In a way I'm kinda glad some people steer away from the 240s and NA 300s...means there's less competition when a good one comes up on the market.

[@jefferyjohnson5421]

I love my 76 W115 240D. It drives like a dream. I never feel i am going to be stranded. Valve adjustment is a breeze requiring only to pinch the fan belt and turn the fan to rotate the engine. It gives good fuel economy and I easily go 70 or 75 miles per hour. I especially love the big steering wheel and gorilla knob pull starter. Has good air conditioning, silent windshield wipers. Everything works except my clock

[@anthonyasaro7482]

owned a 240D 82' and when I sold it back in 1996 I was sick over what I did. The old gentlemen who purchased my 240D called me back about 3 months later and was helping his neighbor in locating one .... that really made me regret the sale. Now after 28 yrs I want to get back to a 240D and after see Pierre after a few years I REALLY REALLY want to get back into the 240D gem.

[@bretterry1347]

1983 W123 240D 452,000+ miles 05/29/21 and still looks and runs GREAT!

[@ifvansant]

I recently picked up a manual transmission '83 240D and love driving it! Handles surprisingly great in the mountains and it's great fun driving around town at full throttle.

[@henrikthfner3679]

If you think the 240d is slow you have never driven a 200d.

[@henrikthfner3679]

I remember back when we had w123 taxis ( here in Denmark ) I believe a lot them where 240d's.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

@@henrikthfner3679 The 200d is an impressive car.

[@TheLanceFrazier]

My 60hp, 1965 190D gets passed by semis going uphill... that, my friend, is sslllooooowwww!

[@longdonglarry]

the famous wandering dune.

[@inphiknit]

Ha! I have you beat. My Mercedes 206d bus has an OM615 in it and has a bed and a kitchen as well. :)

[@jonathans9537]

Love my 1982 240D. 400000 on the clock and still can thunder down I-90 at 75 all day.

[@petercollingwood522]

I'm on my second 81 240D manual. I'm the sixth owner and it's done over 340000 miles. In my opinion all around the best car of the 20th century. It does require a different driving philosophy. A careful approach, with forethought and consideration of ones actions and surroundings. Overall it creates a relaxed driving experience (with the possible exception of merging onto freeways) which is unique in this day and age. I don't believe I'll ever be without it even if I have other cars.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

that's the beauty of the 240D...it makes us better drivers...more relaxed, happier drivers

[@McSpic]

I've had two 240Ds, a 1980 and a 1981. The 1981 was a 4-speed manual and had over 270,000 miles when I bought it. It still had the original timing chain (which I changed almost immediately). I drove it another 50,000 miles before I had to sell it. They're fantastic cars.. a little slow, a little loud, but it's part of the charm of probably the most durable car of all time. I'd love to have another someday! I also had a 1983 300D turbo and while it was also an amazing car (and much faster), they have a lot more complicated issues to deal with. Keep up the great work, Pierre! I love the channel and your enthusiasm for these wonderful classic machines.

[@wesleywormser8476]

We have a 4 speed manual 240D. No problem with the power of the car. It might take slightly longer to get up to speed than the turbo, but you get up to speed and can cruise along with traffic no problem.

[@6DtHAngL6]

Hey Wes - long time no see. Glad to hear your 240D is still chugging along! ~Jonathan

[@Pinseth]

I'm 16 and my parents bitch all the time about gas and matinentce (they both have ford explorers) but I usually get about 30 mpg and all I've had to replace the glow plugs, change the oil and adjust the valves.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I just got an 80 240d , and the acceleration is about the same as my old rabbit diesels.

[@ventu2000]

I have a '83 240d which as first shifted through all gears before 25 MPH. I simply have a vacuum line from brake booster to vcv to vacuum modulator directly. I now shift clearly and quickly. I love it!

[@TheCustomJLG]

Just recently bought an 240d. Giving it some tlc but I love it. I get up to speed and just start cruisin'.. it's a relaxing vehicle to ride in

[@rivermonsoon7009]

82 240d 167k Ive had since 2005 bought from original owner for 4500. Love it to death. The tags that were on the steering wheel were still there under the wrap the put on it when it was new. Lol. It’s perfect for around town and highway driving. Never lets me down. A rabbit diesel is ungodly slow. And shakes to death. Not my 240d. I’ve had lots of older diesel Benzes. This one takes the prize. Mine until I die.

[@atatexan]

Your buddy in WA swapped out the rear end to get a little more zip but it comes at the cost of top end. Life full of trade-offs. He shares your love of the 240D.

[@thisisnightshop2037]

lol...Kent...

[@stoneylonesome4062]

In my home country, Albania, 3/4ths of cars on the road are classic Mercedes Diesels. A common move with 240D’s is to put on a small turbocharger from an 80’s Isuzu Gemini Turbo-Diesel. That will help it get up and go on the highway. Not make it fast, but a bit better. Yeah, yeah, you gotta double-clutch 2nd gear. But that’s the cost of the trade off.

[@Roundwave23]

My first car was a 1980 240D automatic bought in 1996 or '97 with 250k mi. Got my love of diesels from my dad, who was a genius diesel mechanic. He adjusted the valves for higher output, and the car still did 0-60 in just over 30 seconds. =) I ended up selling the car to my brother for the same price I bought it for a year or two later. 16-17 year old me loved the style, class, and every sound of the car. Didn't love the slow speed for my commute and living by a busy highway intersection without a traffic light. I'd buy that car again in a heartbeat, given a manual transmission. =)

[@iceblue72wot]

I love my 240D W123 1982. best car ever. I never get a ticket for to high speed 😎 I never go faster than 85 kmh.

[@blaqqofficial3132]

I have a 240D (manual trans). That was the first car I drove (Manual)... after building a couple of cars, I decided to stop and bought a ‘69 Mercedes 250. Then found my ‘82 240d. Had to buy it. It’s a bit slow but it’s stick, so I shift gears at the right time. Not too good on steep hills though

[@kermitefrog64]

Recently I put Uniroyal 205/75r14 tires and it is smoother getting up to speed and after a good diesel purge I am giving the general traffic a good run for the money. My 1981 Mercedes 240d 4 speed manual is still my preferred car to drive on a daily basis to get to work and drive throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

[@telefis77]

Once again fantastic video . Speed is not everything !!! The best taxi EVER !!!

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

yes indeed!

[@Keeferlgb]

I’ve always owned 300D’s, but today I’m going to look at a 240D for sale. Interesting to see how it compares.

[@jeffstites7848]

I love my 660k-plus mike ‘82 manual trans 240D. Uphill freeway on ramps can be a bit daunting but fresh fuel filters help. Keep up the great, informative work, Pierre.

[@kermitefrog64]

I have had both the automatic 1980 240d and currently drive a 1981 4 speed manual. After I took care of some vacuum issues the automatic shifted much better. Unfortunately that car became a parts car after a drunk driver blew through a regulated intersection and now it is my parts car after the whole passenger side got smashed. I do prefer the 4 speed manual and in the first 2 gears I generally will beat most 4 cylinder gas cars off the line and then they pass me by 3rd gear but I catch right back up with them by the time I get into 4th gear. I use Amsoil throughout the car and have done a few little modifications such as putting in the Bosio injectors. I even came up with a crazy way of getting more air into the engine by taking the air nozzle from the former car and attaching it and the original air scoop with a PVC Y and I used a piece of radiator hose to attach both air scoops. This has given a bit more power. My next project is changing out the mechanical radiator fan and going with a high quality electric fan such as a SPAL. I got a bigger alternator that puts out 10 more amps with the same plug-in.

[@adventurousairman]

Love the 240D 4 speed manual

[@richarddubesky6752]

Love my 240 D manual shifter.Great little diesel.

[@bretterry1347]

Manual has more pick up.

[@Oregon696969]

I have a 240D with a manual transmission. Only issue I ever have is when I am stopped at a traffic light that is on a steep up hill. I have had several times where drivers behind me have nearly rear ended me. I have noticed, over the years, as manual transmission have become rare, people in automatics just assume that the car ahead of them will accelerate away from a traffic light as a continues acceleration. I am afraid this problem with get even worse as electric cars become more common.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

electric cars will all have radar to keep them from hitting the car in front of them....I hope it works

[@caracine]

I agree that the 240D can be a savvy DD if it's kept in proper tune but I must say I'll take my '83 300D turbo over the 240D. Now if I could only find a 300D Turbo with a stock 4 or 5 speed that would be an even better car IMHO. Why they didn't sell those over here is beyond me. Great channel and MBZ discussions!

[@oversalt4713]

I have an '84 240d manual with over a million kilometers on it, one prior owner. Got it for 400 dollars and have had it for 3 years now, it's never let me down, though the vacuum system and I aren't the best of friends (I haven't been able to open the boot in about a year), otherwise it's such a sweet ride and incredibly comfortable. I use it daily and really don't think I'd part with it without good reason.

[@JoePastorgomez]

My 81 240 D with a 4 speed manual transmission was quicker of the line than my present 83 with an automatic ( which needs some transmission vacuum adjustment ) but once on the road the 83 does fine here in San Diego ;You mentioned something about this but when ordering your car you could spec it with everything you could on a 300 D my 83 has an electric Sunroof you could also have ordered with a manual sunroof both cars had electric windows though you could order them with manuals in back and electric in front , What I’m trying to say is you could spec out a 240 D (and configure it from plain Jane manual everything and no wood trim to one that has everything)With most options that you could order on a 300 D except for the Automatic Climate control Both great Vehicles.

[@Philip.Magnusson]

The 200D was described as "criminally slow" where I'm from, but the 240D is ok if the engine is healthy. I did 156km/h with my first 240D with 3 passengers.

[@josephstanger873]

I’ve owned a 300d Turbo, and in the process of purchasing it looked at a 240d and 300d non-turbo, all automatic cars. The 240 drove fine and had decent acceleration, it at no point felt “unsafe” or “ungodly slow” on my test drive of it. In hindsight it would have been the better car to buy.

[@mibble]

I got a speeding ticket on an interstate in my 240d

[@user-my8wf6ph5h]

He should have given you an award.....LOL

[@madwookie3084]

I have a 1985 240D 4 speed manual and it has been a good car. Not super fast, but that is not the point of having a 240D. Great mileage and reliable. It is not the destination, it is the journey.

[@professorstakuk655]

Even the w123 200d packs enough power, every summer we go on vacations with the 200d and a caravan behind it. It will do 60mph all day long with the caravan and it pulls extremely well.

[@professorstakuk655]

@benz merc Yes as long as you got speed it will just keep on going. You just go full throttle all the tile and thats basically your cruise controll

[@IncahootswithChrist]

I have a 1977 W123 240D automatic with A/C and I absolutely love it. I get compliments very frequently and I do stay in the slow lane when I can but it is not ungodly slow.

[@pinzgauernorcal]

240D is a great catch!

[@chrispark4310]

In a quick pace environment as it was in the mid 70´s Europe, the car was awfully slow and overtaking was a challenge…not long later a family member got a 300d Turbo 5 cylinder and that had the right performance, safe enough to overtake, lovely engine sound. Whichever way, both were really reliable automobiles.

[@mactrak7997]

It all depends on what's important to you. If you want speed buy a sports car or a hot rod. If you want a reliable gas sipper then a 240D. I have found that supposed slow cars are usually quite adequate for everyday driving. The only car that I ever drove that felt too gutless was an early 1970's Volvo 240 sedan. And I don't remember if it was characteristic of that vehicle or it needed work. But I do remember seeing lots of 240D's in Europe back when they were still made and I'm also sure they drove on the Autobahn as well so they must have been able to get up to speed well enough to even be allowed to drive on the autobahn. But mostly in the right lane of course!

[@michaelmueller7962]

If you are towing or driving a heavy truck, your Autobahn speed limit is 80Km/h So you would not always be in the right lane..... ;)

[@vinnybruce2874]

I currently own a 240d I love this car it’s awsome..

[@louvendran7273]

The 240d, today is really slow on take-off whereas back in the day it was fine as most cars were really slow. If you compare it to similar diesels at the time, it was quick. Turbos were a game changer in the diesel world in terms of acceleration and speed. I remember the old lorries non-turbo would climb a hill at 30kph or lower on the motorway. With turbos 80kph or higher is a breeze.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

if they are not set up correctly this is always the case....but I find that they accelerate fine in city traffic. hills might be an issue though.

[@Cjholloway]

I recently purchased a nice 78 240D manual. It has only 85,000 miles. PO did a bunch of work on it just before selling (replaced all motor/trans mounts, adjusted valves, new glow plugs and fuel lines etc). It’s a very basic car in that everything is manual and no sunroof. The only thing I would like to change is the addition of an A/C system, as it get hot inside when it’s summer here in NC. I just purchased a 79 240D 4 speed that was in a minor accident, but the car was totaled. It has the factory manual AC. My plan is to remove all the parts and install the system on my car. I will upgrade the compressor and Freon as well. I hope that plan is achievable.

[@kermitefrog64]

And another thing about the Mercedes 240d that is great about these cars is that you can have fun doing your own work on them. There are plenty of places you can buy parts from and many companies carry Original Mercedes parts or parts made by trustworthy companies. There is many good videos on the internet from Pierre Hedary, Kent Bergsma of Mercedes Source and many other good videos that show in depth the procedures to take for the do it yourself mechanic. Try working on any of these new cars and you will be pleased to own a Mercedes-Benz 240d.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

i agree..no headscratching needed

[@prosenberg8691]

My 82 240d came with a 3.70 gear. Revved a lot without going anywhere. Put 3.06 gear in wife's non turbo 300d and put the 3.46 from her car in 240d. Confused? Now can use the torque and it accelerates well. Had 82 Rabbit diesel. Put GTI exhaust manifold, 2 inch pipe and glasspacks. 90 mph and 55 mpg in town. 50 on the highway. Enjoyed the video

[@1320freek]

I have a 1983 240d auto. I LOVE this car!! It’s a little slow but not as slow as my M35A2. I don’t worry about driving it anywhere.

[@Chuckyd26]

Bought my wife a 1980 240D 4 speed manual with 60 000 miles(100 000km) on it and she loves it.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

i hope she's a good driver....long live the 240D!

[@frankjaffa2522]

You can add the Fiat Panda 750 4speed with 34 bhp to your list of slow cars. Great video😊

[@qwertyui90qwertyui90]

I have a 300D turbo. Manual transmission, it is really nice. but the 240D is so nice to work on, it's amazing a friend of mine has one with a manual transmission. Doug is wrong. If you plan your acceleration, turning and merging well it's not too slow. It's really engaging to drive.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

doug doesn;t get it

[@northbeachfilms]

yes. great car. i just fixed mine using a 70 CENT part from the local hardware store using the (included with the car) mercedes wrench. i mean seriously? new cars suck. cheers mate! :)

[@ynsmsd8789]

W123 240d that my dad used to own pushed it to 165km/h. PS. Loaded trunk

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

i told you guys!!!! thanks for weighing in on the discussion!!

[@RedneckTipsByScott]

I had a 1976 240D manual transmission years ago. I hated it until I started modifying it. Then I loved it. It was getting 23mpg stock and sluggish. Exhaust broke, so I gave it a free flowing system and got 25mpg. Still slow. I turned the injector pump up and boy did it wake up! Even then it still got 25mpg

[@lisalewis5694]

I have a 1975 manual w115 240d and have cruised at 90, passing at 95. I assumed the speedo didn’t work, and then a few months later I got a speeding ticket going 82, at 4000’ altitude. I fought the ticket successfully using what I call “the 240d defense” which was “at 65 hp I assumed the speedo didn’t work”. Plenty fast. Reliable too. No complaints.. I don’t drive it that fast anymore since I now know the speedo does work. I have had many 240d’s and a few others were very fast and lithe, but some, not so much. I really enjoy the road feel of the 240. I drive w123 turbos too, but really I love the 240’s, not gonna say best because don’t want to insult the others, as they are also good cars. Flashier. I do love the 240d tractor feel, and better on dirt roads than a turbo.

[@scottrice6738]

Just picked up a 1979 240D. Wanted one since the 8th grade!! I’m 54 now!! Had a 300D prior. I like the 240D better. It’s so perfectly simple! A few things to fix. Mostly neglected maintenance items. I love all W123’s but the 240D has a special place in my heart! It’s not to slow either. I’m in the California Central Valley and highway 99 is no problem.

[@caseykitchens7465]

I love my 1980 240 d, automatic, air , moon roof

[@elyotyoung946]

My 240D with 616.912 gives me about 32mpg good for long distance travels. Who needs speed if you got a 240D. Relax and enjoy the drive

[@levisinger4272]

My 1979 240 is a Gem. Coming and a joy to drive, freeway or about town !!!

[@johnyhefner]

My 1978 240d with AC drives just fine.

[@MrPhotodoc]

Why do I call my '84 240D "Triple Four"? Well because it's four door, four speed and of course four cylinder. There is the manual sun roof and manual windows but what's really cool is that it's my favorite combination of a White body and Black interior. A combination I have never, ever seen.

[@nikolarumenov1335]

I have often seen the combo beige body and green interior since that's what German taxis at the time were

[@JasonSpenc]

Love the 240Ds. Overall among the best cars ever made. I own two. One should have been dead a long time ago. But it looks like it's only gone through 7 of it's 9 lives

[@moone924]

thanks, love my 240d

[@allwinds3786]

My father had the last w115 240D sold in Chicago it was a wonderful how fast do you need to go... A few years later my mother bought a rabbit diesel one of the first ones available that was slow. I wish I could find a w115

[@thisisnightshop2037]

I have an English red 240D stick shift and a Papyrus white 220d that need a home

[@prosenberg8691]

Fortunately my 1982 240d shifts great at the right time. The biggest thing I did in addition was to change the rear diff gear from 3.70 to 3.46 from a 1980 300d non turbo. The 3.70 just revved too much. The 3.46 has somewhere to go and enough torque to pull it. Plus, it just purrs along at 70 mph.

[@kevinhabener1279]

I love this vid. It makes me want an early 80's 240D with a manual sunroof (which was offered on the 240s) with a stick-shift. I'd still feel cursed with the automatics. This takes me back to when I had a '77 300D Diesel way back in the late 80's and early 90's. It was overhauled at 190K miles in 1991. I drove that thing 65 mph while 65 was still the U.S. limited speed limit in the interstates for the first 40K, then started driving it 70. Then sometimes without realizing it I notice myself doing 75 in it. My Dad would ask me if that would really be stressing it. In I'd say to him maybe a little bit because it's not a Turbodiesel. And after 70,000 miles on that re-built motor it was still starting right up and consuming no oil. And there was something I enjoyed by summer 1994 when I was 22. It was proving to my Dad hat there is at least part truth in those cars being built to go fast for much speed they have. In the years prior, he was always telling me that I drove 65 or faster in it, it wouldn't last at all. But then the bad part came at 90K when I suddenly started loosing compression and finding out that the rings, and I'm guessing that it was piston rings, didn't hold up while the bearings them selves still had absolute minimal wear on them probably due to one of the common engineering mistakes made while rebuilding that motor in '91.

[@gravytrain416]

I SO MUCH appreciate your passion for the 240D. The 300SD is my all-time favorite; I mentioned to you before my 752K 1984 SD, and I recently purchased a somewhat refurbished 1983 300SD with only 132K miles on it. BUT, I absolutely LOVE a 240D. I had a GREAT 1983 240D manual that my ex-wife totalled at just shy of 375K. The car was absolutely destroyed. No fixing it; frame bent on both ends, rolled down a hill, etc... My wife was ok, though. That little car did the job it was designed to do. It gave its life to save hers. She had a little seatbelt rash across her chest, and her shoulder bothered her for a couple of weeks. That was the extent of her injuries. Car was torn all to hell. I think it was about the best car I've ever owned. We replaced it with a 1980 240D manual, which I recently put up for sale. After dealing with "no-shows", and people backing out at the last minute, I just decided to keep it. It had sat for about a year, and after putting a battery in it, it fired off just like I'd just driven it yesterday. Unknown miles, but who cares. I think someone has monkeyed with the odometer. It currently shows 575K miles, but it showed 316K when we got it. We put nowhere near that many miles on it; I noticed the hundred-thousand digit starting to slowly creep up over time. Anywho, in deciding to keep it, one of the reasons I had decided to let it go was that the transmission was wanting to lock up between shifts, especially between second and third. Do you think that could be the bushings in the shifter linkages, or could it be a more serious problem in the tranny itself? I've decided to buy a battery (I used the one out of my '01 E320 to get it started), and a cheap set of tires, and check out those bushings. Think I'll just put the old car back on the road myself. I love your videos, and again, I appreciate your passion for these old cars. We used to travel from NC to Lake Erie in that 1983 240D years ago to visit the in-laws for Thanksgiving. Yes it was slow, and yes, it's embarrassing to have loaded tractor-trailers pass you going up-hill through the mountains, but dammit, that little car did the job, albeit slowly, lol! Thanks for what you do, and for your part in keeping these classics alive. You're a good guy and I appreciate you. Hope you faired well during the hurricane. Some day I'd love to come talk to you in person!

[@briceperdue7587]

I drove my 1983 240D about 40 miles today really with no destination in mind but the store to get a drink. After this sitting at my desk I sit an additional 6 minutes watching you talk about it. I have a couple new ones ML350 and C300 and they are not that impressive with all the computers and nonsense.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

same feeling I have when driving a 4 cylinder diesel....xmas eve in 2008 I was working on a 220d...drove the car 200 miles that day.....there was something about it, something that makes you think about the question "how complex does a car really need to be?"

[@emilioflores9265]

I just got one this weekend!

[@ralftorres460]

Funny you mentioned a Trabant. I owned a Trabant and a Wartburg for years. Those are excellent examples of lack of power. Lol. I own a 240d stick now and there is no comparison.

[@lxfguits]

I have never driven a w123 but I have driven a 55kW w124 200D with a 5 speed manual and I wouldn't say that it's ungodly slow. Sure it doesn't have a crazy pull but it gets around quite nicely. I think that a lot of that is due to good gearing and the fact that it's very well matched to the engines power band. Personally I like the 6 cylinder diesels. And that's mostly because of how smooth they run. If I ever get a diesel w123 then it would probably be the 240D because I just don't like 5 cylinder engines :D

[@echo5065]

My 1982-240D automatic with air conditioning, manual windows and no sun roof was the best car I ever drove. It topped out at 85 mph but I comfortably drove it at 70 mph getting 25 mpg. I only had to change my oil and oil filter as per specs; and replaced the fuel pump every 80,000 miles. At 250,000 miles I gave it to my brother-in-law but he was aware of the slow pick up and was T-boned at an intersection….I cried 😢.

[@stricht8]

I split my time between Boston and Maine and therefore I subject my 240Ds ( I have a couple) to varying driving experiences. They are both 4 speed manuals and I have no problems whatsoever merging onto highways, driving in the city or on long distance trips. The trip to busy highway merging is planning ahead and flooring it between shifts. Apply the “drive it like you stole it” mantra and you’ll be just fine and have a great time while you’re at it. These cars are much more fun to drive than modern high horsepowered automatics. If you push them they are quite peppy actually. I even got a speeding ticket on the highway once!

[@Jeepdriver75]

LOVE my "83 240D daily...😁

[@adriankiraly5172]

I have a 4 speed manual 240D. It can keep up with regular traffic once you master how to drive it. Cruise at 100 kph all day.

[@davidrandall2742]

I just bought my first 240d: a euro-spec four-speed manual with manual windows, hvac, etc. I love it, though I will swap in a 3.46:1 rear diff sooner than later. I know that putting in a 5-cyl 3.0 would make this easier to drive, but the 2.4 is running perfectly. With the manual the power/torque is adequate, though a lot of 'conservation of momentum' is needed :) Keep the valves adjusted and filters/tank screen clean.

[@Noblemoney73421]

I have a a 77 240d with a 4 speed Manuel it does great i drive it daily and it holds up at 65 and still has a lil get up i love it i have owned alot of cars but this ones the best bought from the scrap yard to save it they were going to crush it and it ran fine just need shocks and a rear left sway arm and good as new

[@pietermuller9752]

Please. Grew up with a 240D. Daily commute from the ranch into town (+\- 70km per trip) several times a day. It was only marked 160 but I tell you that the needle actually does a full 360 and taps that wee pin from the other side most trips. Reliable. Not slow. Had about 1.3mil kms on it when it was donated to someone that needed a car. That was that was 15 years ago. It’s still going.

[@miekenhohmann8545]

I love the Mercedes diesel why , I had the pleasure to be one of the test drivers for the 200 Mercedes diesel , I had one of the best and fastes tested engine of all testers in my group, I love the sound of a diesel and the stability of those old cars !! I would love to drive one again ,but my time of driving is almost up !🤗 Good driving to all of your diesel drivers!!

[@georgemkirko9645]

Love to find you on youtube channel!

[@geekdomo]

I have only ever owned manual 240Ds and I just bought my son an automatic 240D (he has some motor skill problems so shifting is too difficult). The car we bought has been repainted in the past and there is no vacuum guide under the hood. Is there a place I can look for maybe a serial number or vin number range that would show how to setup the vacuum? Thanks, really like your content.

[@charlescaplener7769]

I just love my 79 240D. Just turned over 522K on original engine and tranny with no leaks, little to no blow-by or smoke and still going strong. True you won’t win any races in it but if you know how to drive them correctly, they actually have decent pick-up and go. Keeping up on routine maintenance is key (which I perform myself). Take care of your old Benz and it will take care of you! I’ve owned many classic Benz but the W123 240D by far is one of the most reliable and best vehicles ever produced.

[@armanroshan4031]

Thank you

[@dougantelman2369]

Pierre I think we need a real world challenge like safely accelerating a 240D onto the Merritt parkway or palisades parkway both which have very short entrance ramps

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

i'm up for it....my friend did it in a 220d!!

[@henryurba3033]

I am getting a 240 d mercades with broken transmission for my first car. From all the videos i have seen its not really slow buts kinda slow. So please wish me luck i like this car alot, and its a deasial bro thats really cool

[@qwertyui90qwertyui90]

How are you going with the car ?

[@jasonlee-os1qi]

Totally agree!!

[@rivermonsoon7009]

And yes. I watched this again and you’re so right about all the others. Those are slow. The 240d has good power in town and on the freeway. I’ve owned a 300d 85 turbo as well that one was a lot more money to take care of so economically as well as drivability. 240d wins!!

[@janigrohn4516]

In Finland I have ran into pretty weird engine swaps,and the reason for those is very high prized gasoline.Anyway I had few years ago a '83 Oldsmobile custom cruiser wagon powered by japanese 2.8 diesel ! That was slow as a bookshell but I liked it anyway...then again I have heard of even larger -77 Ford wagon powered by 240d mercedes engine/gotta have it someday on my driveway!!

[@FlashDriveFilms]

I am skeptical of 100mph out of a W115 240d. Most I ever got out of my '75 240D was 88 mph across western Texas between Adrian and Tucumcari NM. The fuel pump had a governor which acted as a rev limiter. That said , it would sit just below that speed all day long. I think the real divide is how slow the *acceleration* was. Once up to speed, the car kept with traffic very well, and the independent suspension meant not having to lift off on turns , which helped keep the momentum up. I joked at the time I had mine that I had become a "Practicing Momentumist" in using the slingshot method for overtaking. These videos bring back good memories of great cars. Thanks! Alden

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

the pump governor was pneumatic but there was full load screw you could adjust that was at the base of the injection pump. Still, 88 mph was 4 mph than the factory rated top speed

[@FlashDriveFilms]

Exactly my point about the 100mph possibilities. I remember the 88mph figure because at the time we joked it was the same speed that the Delorean in Back To The Future had to achieve to travel through time. The 240D was 18 years old then and so was a bit of a "time machine" in its' own right. I'm pretty sure we had a tailwind and slight downslope at the time. Alden @@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753

[@kevinhabener1279]

At least you managed to actually achieve 88 in your. Your lucky. I have an '83 240D w/ manual transmission and the max. I get get out of it on level ground is 76, yeah 4 mph below 80. But yet it does seem like it could sit at that speed all day long. It could only exceed 80 going downhill. I had it up to 84 down a hill and once I'd hit the bottom of the hill, it slowed down to 76, full throttle kept and zero slack in throttle, and also had just had valves adjusted to factory specs earlier that day. I went off my GPS because that seems to be the most reliable speedometer by far. Almost a month ago when I drove 70 in it on I-5 in Northwestern Washington between Mt. Vernon and Arlington, it seemed like as though it had another 10-12 mph left before reaching its top speed. I never knew of any fuel pump on any diesel Mercedes at that time that would be governed to anything. I'm still skeptical about anything over 90 in a 240D unless maybe it's a European model. So now I'm seriously considering swapping out its 3.69 rear end for a taller 3.07 just so I could get 80 out of it, not just downhill only. That wouldn't necessarily be my favorite thing to do, but whatever it takes.

[@kermitefrog64]

By the way the speed factor on my 1981 Mercedes 240d gives a space cushion that helps in traffic when people are driving like lobotomy patience in morning traffic.

[@ArnaudShanghai]

It's not that slow. I own a 1981 240D, I also own a 996 GT2. Once you are on the highway you can cruise at 130km/h 85mph and the car will keep that speed even on slopes. The only let down is the gearing of the 4th gear. At that speed you rev quite high. But after a while you get use to it...

[@michaelmueller7962]

Higher gearing of 4th would mean having to shift into third even on very modest slopes and it would make overtaking almost impossible.

[@turboseize]

@@michaelmueller7962True. Unfortunately, the 5spd gearboxes are very rare...

[@garyvonneida4065]

Two Years ago ( really late at night ) on the way home to the desert my 1982 240 D hit 100 mph---I thought I blew a head gasket---not the case---runs perfect 350,000 miles--

[@caseyvickery]

Mine tops out at 60! And that’s a good 2 mile flat straight away

[@chazkdarwin3875]

W123 200 manual petrol is the best to own and run in 2024 in my experience. Previously I would have betted it was a 300D.

[@JoeGomez1]

Vacuum control for automatics , like Claire from Derry Girls said “Expand and Explain “ 😂 I have an 83 240 D with an automatic it was specified with all the attributes you could on a 300 D save the auto climate control it is loaded I had an 81 no sunroof but it had everything else and was / am able to merge with traffic with no problem here in San Diego , The 83 needs suspension work and everything will be close to perfect other than tweeking the transmission vacuum control I can not see having any other car model I hoping to get my present car to a point in which there is no deferred maintenance I f_ing love these vehicles

[@christobuys2131]

Sold my Nissan 4X4 2.2 720 1983 for a super clean perfect condition 240D 1983, cant be happier, and dude it clocks 170km/h its fast enough for its age

[@almazplusmaria]

the best car planet earth period!

[@jamespolcyn8441]

I knew a 1975 240 D and it was an amazing auto.

[@chrisparsons289]

I have a 79 240d and it's acceleration is slow compared to modern cars but it does catch up eventually. Once it gets going the thing cruises without a problem, I take it to 70mph almost every time I drive it. On steep hills it struggles quite a bit... I took it for a canyon cruise in Northern Colorado and when the road got steep I couldn't stay in 3rd gear without bogging down but hey, what do you expect for 70hp?

[@avivscrewvalla]

I own a W115 240D 4 spd manual. I hit 85 mph on my drive back after buying the car. I also own a fully loaded 84 300D NA automatic. The 240D is waaay more fun to drive! Handles better, revs higher and is tough as nails. (Not as plush or luxurious though). These cars need a thorough tune up to perform at peak (Recommend a Auto RX engine oil treatment, chevron techron diesel additive, diesel purge with 2 cans, valve adjustment, injector timing adjustment, replacement of all filters and hoses). If it needs it, change the injector nozzles. You'll be amazed at the end result!

[@kenmacfarlane8744]

Tomorrow at noon I'm viewing a 240D it has 91K on clock and reported to be completely rust free. I very strongly suspect it'll be on my driveway this time tomorrow . I'm in UK and been resisting my desire to buy one but like other temptations , beer and women , I'm weak.

[@RUfromthe40s]

you have to think in the year it came out , roads were bad in most of european country´s highways were expensive and not alf of km´s they have today, but even today they drive perfect and not that slow feeling as it happens with other big cars more fashionable that died along the passage of time very fast, it´s a fantastic city car, regards

[@Omardottcom]

My best friend had a 240D when we were teens, it did 0-60mph…. sometimes.

[@nosoupforyou425]

Loved the discussion - poor Doug 😀