Like many car enthusiasts, the pursuit of more power is a constant desire. Entering the car scene often ignites a fantasy for exotic vehicles, whether it’s the rumble of a V8 or the scream of a V10 or V12. However, the dream of owning these high-performance machines is often curtailed by financial realities. Yet, some automotive dreams persist, fueling the drive to achieve something more personal and attainable.
For years, my daily transportation was a 2010 1.2 Hyundai i10. Over eight years, it became a vehicle of mixed emotions – practical for its class, but far removed from the exciting driving experience I craved. Thoughts of turbocharging or engine swaps crossed my mind, but unlike some Japanese counterparts known for their modification potential, these Korean models offered limited aftermarket support. Modifications were largely confined to suspension and brakes, areas where early Hyundais were notably weak, although later models have shown significant improvement. Frustration mounted, pushing me towards a more engaging automotive project. By the latter half of 2018, the decision was made: it was time for a fun project car.
The Quest for More Power: Exploring Vehicle Options
The initial phase involved considering various vehicle categories:
1). Hot Hatch: Options included a used Suzuki Swift for turbocharging, or pre-owned models like the POLO GT or Abarth Punto. This idea was eventually dismissed as I wanted to move away from hatchbacks.
2). Skoda Laura 1.8 TSI: This is a popular choice for those seeking affordable performance and reasonable availability. However, finding a well-maintained, clean example proved challenging.
3). BMW E60 530d: This option ticked many boxes, offering a blend of performance and luxury. Unfortunately, finding a clean model within budget was impossible, but the search continued.
The OM606 Revelation: Discovering the Mercedes W124 300D
Around late 2018, the desire for a project car intensified. During a call with a friend based in the UK, the conversation shifted towards performance tuning. He mentioned a tuner friend who had built an Audi A4 3.0TDI pushing impressive figures of around 500bhp and 1000nm on stock internals. This sparked my interest, and I began to investigate further.
Suddenly, the earlier ~300bhp targets seemed insufficient. I wanted more substantial power. Clean Audi A4 3.0TDIs were scarce, and the A6 was financially out of reach. Moreover, the costs associated with achieving those power figures were considerable, leading to the abandonment of this plan.
Frustration grew, coupled with a sense of confusion. I started researching if similar power levels were achievable from the BMW E60 530d. Late-night forum searches led to the discovery of the legendary OM606 ENGINE offered by Mercedes from 1993-2001. This engine is renowned for its reliability and potential for high-performance modifications. Often referred to as the “diesel 2JZ,” it’s celebrated for its ability to handle significant power increases on stock components.
My search then focused on Mercedes models equipped with the OM606 engine. This is how the Mercedes-Benz W124 E300D entered my radar.
Truthfully, while I was aware of the W124, I didn’t fully appreciate its historical significance. Initially, it seemed like a Mercedes for those who desired the brand but couldn’t afford newer models. However, deeper research revealed the W124’s true legacy.
Finding “Prince Vegeta”: The 1995 Mercedes 300D
The hunt for a W124 E300D began, starting with online classifieds like OLX. Incredibly, despite the rarity of the W124 E300D in India compared to locally produced models, my very first search on OLX revealed a 1995 W124 E300D in my own city of Chandigarh. It was black, advertised with 125,000 kilometers, owned by a doctor (second owner), and the photos suggested it was in excellent condition. The price was on the higher side, but I arranged a meeting with the owner to inspect the car. There was another E300D listed in Kerala, but my preference was to find a local vehicle.
The next day, I brought a friend along to examine the car in Chandigarh. The owner was at his clinic, but his father greeted us and presented the car, parked outside their home. He explained it was his son’s daily driver and that they knew the car intimately. My inspection revealed a clean vehicle, free from rust, including the underbody. Excitement began to build, feeling like the long search might be nearing its end. However, I consciously tempered my enthusiasm until the deal was finalized. The owner (his son) arrived and provided more details about the car’s history, mentioning it was purchased from a relative and had been restored at a reputable Mercedes restoration workshop. The paperwork was in order. Essentially, it met all the essential criteria. The only remaining point was the price. It was high, but considering the car’s rarity, the demand seemed understandable. After careful consideration, I made an offer and asked the owners to consider it.
Returning home, I immersed myself in research about the W124 and its history, exploring threads on forums like Team-BHP. All my preconceived notions about the W124 vanished as I realized its pivotal role in establishing Mercedes-Benz’s prestige and the honor of owning one.
The waiting period became increasingly difficult. I was determined to acquire this particular E300D. After two days, the owner called back, and we negotiated the price. Following a half-hour discussion, we reached an agreement and scheduled the final transaction for the next day. I discussed the deal with my family, who supported my decision.
On November 30, 2018, the 1995 Mercedes 300d, which I affectionately nicknamed “Prince Vegeta,” finally came home.
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