Advice and input wanted

[watchthis]

Hi Everyone
Since joining I have looked at almost all of the post's especially anything to do with motorhomes/makes. Of late I have been researching two in particular both completly different in styles and hopefully with your input will help me make up my mind what to aim for Both based on Mercedes engine/chassis. They are as follows..La Strada Regent L mwb based on a 312d 2.9L 122bhp engine and the other is a Hymer A class s550 based on the mercedes 310d 2.9L 95bhp engine. What I want to know is are these engines basically the same?..Also how good are they--are they reliable and does anyone know what they are like for fuel economy?..Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone has one of the above what are they really like? (build quality etc)---Thank you all in advance
Bye for now
Freddie

 

[Deleted member 207]

The 310Ds were about the last of the line of the T1 series vans/commercials before the advent of the Sprinters. The 2.9 95HP 5 cyl engine was at its limit of development - having come from around 80HP originally. Reliable until you want to drive it at 80mph all day. Good fuel economy - I have an 88HP version and get about 26 to 28MPG.

The 2.9 122HP engine has all the latest tech - turbo and intercooler, electronic injection, etc. I'm pretty sure its a 4 cyl as well.

The 95HP engine is simple, push rods, mechanical injection, any competent mechanic can fix it anywhere in the world. The 122HP engine needs access to Merc computers to diagnose problems and (I've been told) even to change a battery requires a computer reset.

Mercs are great though - very reliable, parts and service available almost anywhere.

Cant help with the conversions.

 

[watchthis]

The 310Ds were about the last of the line of the T1 series vans/commercials before the advent of the Sprinters. The 2.9 95HP 5 cyl engine was at its limit of development - having come from around 80HP originally. Reliable until you want to drive it at 80mph all day. Good fuel economy - I have an 88HP version and get about 26 to 28MPG.

The 2.9 122HP engine has all the latest tech - turbo and intercooler, electronic injection, etc. I'm pretty sure its a 4 cyl as well.

The 95HP engine is simple, push rods, mechanical injection, any competent mechanic can fix it anywhere in the world. The 122HP engine needs access to Merc computers to diagnose problems and (I've been told) even to change a battery requires a computer reset.

Mercs are great though - very reliable, parts and service available almost anywhere.

Cant help with the conversions.

Hi Roger
And thank you very much for your input---are you saying the 95bhp engine does not have a timing chain/belt?--and do you know what the fuel economy is on the later engines are?--I really want something that is really reliably above all else.
Bye for now
Freddie