MitchTX

I'm looking to purchase a 96-99 E300D to replace my '02 C320 as my commute has increased to 65 miles a day. I am very interested in running WVO as well, to lower my fuel costs even more.

I found a 96 E300D with 220,000 miles on it. GreaseCar kit already installed, about 20,000 miles ago.

Here is what the seller has written

This car has been modified to run on waste vegetable oil (WVO), fry oil, cooking oil, pennut oil, ect.

This is a GreaseCar. It's a two tank, three valve set up and computer (auto pilot) to run system. You can run diesel or WVO. I have had 20K miles on grease. It runs like a top with no performance lag on WVO. I only ran dry oil and filtered down to 5 microns. This is the GreaseCar Kit. http://greasecar.com/faq

The car is a work horse, not a show car. I Just had a fresh trans put in as well as a new battery and can document. With ~220,000 miles, it looks nice, but has a few broken buttons, plastic parts and cracked dash. Nothing major.

I'm in Waco, but get to Belton and Austin from time to time.

~30 mpgs on WVO or diesel.

I am only selling because I cut my commute down from 80 miles a day to 4. I would absolutely build another grease car if I ever had need... but I don't need one now, so this one must go. This is road ready and I'm driving it daily until it's sold.


What things should I look out for in general with 06-00 E300s? Anything specific to this car? I'm going to chat with the seller later and learn more I hope.

Plutoe

I really can't understand why you are asking the question.

The chump started with a dog(300D), then adds veggie and it becomes a bigger so called environmentally friendly dog---pass on the car. Have em donate the car the Santa Anna Museum.

On a much more serious note-----watch out for an inline 6 CDI typically trouble free and easy to fix assuming you understand the system!!

MitchTX

If I'm correct that the CDI's came about in 2006, from the quick searching I've done, they are way out of my budget.

My "requirements" so to speak are:

$7,000 or less to spend
Better mpg than the ~24 I get now with my 2002 C320
I'm driving 65 miles round trip, mostly highway
Possibility of running WVO (to further reduce my fuel costs)

In the past couple of weeks I've seen some bad accidents. Thus I've ruled out a Prius, not nearly enough metal around me. Crumple zones be damned, when an 18 wheeler is going to rear end you, you'd better have some trunk space to give up. Now and again my kids will be in the back seat.

To me the W210 E300s meet my safety requirements, good sized, air bags all the way around, good mpgs too. I'm open to suggestions of alternatives. I've seen some nice W123s for sale in my area too.

I notice you're driving a 99 E300TD, that is the car I'd ideally like. I've not driven a turbo version yet, but having driven the non-turbo, I think I'd prefer the turbo. From the searching I've done, a 99 E300TD is within my budget and with less than 200,000 miles on it.

Plutoe

I think you are making a big mistake----just look at all the whining from the W210 luxury owners------let alone a butchered diesel!! You are better off putting the money in the stock market!!

MitchTX

Do you have a suggestion of what cars I should look at given what I've said: price, mpg, safety?

Plutoe

I am afraid I can't help you, except that I would run the vegamatic untill the wheels fell off-----price,mpg and safety!!

RichM

Although not local and not a turbo, this is probably a much better alternative then the veggie car, with half the mileage. The price is high, so some negotiating will be needed to pick it up for a more reasonable price. Probably worth a phone call to feel them out, and get some more pics. Hi-res preferably.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/ctd/4032751430.html

apl175

Keep in mind that with a 96-99 E300 you will give up (compared to your 2002 C320):

- Standard Electronic Stability Control (rare option)
- Curtain airbags (except in MY99)
- Rear side-airbags
- Trip computer (no MPG fuel data, range display, etc.)
- Steering wheel controls (no buttons)

MitchTX

I went and drove that car, and a 1997 since then. That 96 is beat. I drove a 97 that was closer to me, with 212,000 miles and it a lot nicer than the 96. Quiet, smooth, everything inside worked, etc.

I've decided against WVO for now. Right now I'd like to find a good car and keep it awhile, 600K or better and WVO brings too much risk for me.

I'm looking at a 99 E300D with 189,000 miles that is a couple hundred miles from me now.

MitchTX

Of those airbags is my only concern. Downside to my '02 C320 - radio. To hook up an iPhone/iPod/MP3 player, rip it all out and start over, basically. I've seen links to a plugin system but the company selling wanted ~$300 and no returns or guarantee it would work with my car.

RichardM98

A well maintained W210 will get about 28-30mpg on the highway @65-70mph. If you take your time you should be able to find a MY2001-2002 (2003 for wagon) in your price range.

mdw benz

I have put 20k miles on my 1998 E300TD in the past 9 months and AVERAGED 32.4 mpgs. This is probably 70% highway, 30% city. I had a long trip this week and just got 35.9 when I filled up yesterday. This is keeping it around 70mph's. The worst ever in 20k miles was 29.4 mpg. Mine just turned 150k.

This car replaced my '00 Jetta TDI that got 45+ mpgs. The MB does not nearly get the mileage but it is such a better driving car that is more comfortable to eat up the miles.

MitchTX

I've found the car I want, a 98 E300TD, 153K miles, at a fair price. I've had a mechanic inspect it. It needs a few things (eventually): new drivers side mirror, oil leak at oil level sending unit, fuel filters changed, wiper washer pump replaced, brake fluid flush, a door sill missing. It is 1200 miles away from me. I'm planning on flying in a couple of weeks. I've loaded up apps on my phone for tracking MPGs, etc.

My first experience with my car will be 1200 miles in about 24 hours. I'm planning on simply driving and sleeping in the car until I get it home. Goal being to not take anytime off from work and keep things inexpensive in getting it home. I haven't done this type of road trip since my college days, decades ago. It already has an aftermarket radio so it has at least an aux input, so I can listen to my various sources of audio entertainment on the long drive.

Agree with you on Jetta vs Merc. I sat in and drove a few Jettas, they are a lot better than a say a Prius, but a Merc is even better. Hopefully I'll make at least 500K miles on this car.

RichM

Good luck with your "new" TD. When you go to pick your car up, have a safe trip home, and let us know how it went.

MitchTX

I'm excited for this Saturday. I'm really looking forward to owning this car and enjoying it. Since the mechanic said it needs the fuel filters replaced, I'm bringing them just in case, though I'd rather do it at home and not on the road. Bringing a few basic tools with me as well.

Can I get the manual for a 1998 E300TD online? When I checked on http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...owners_manuals it only goes back to the year 2000. :-( I'd like to have clue how to operate the controls of this car while I'm driving home. I don't remember if it comes with manuals, etc., plus I have time now, but once I get there I'd rather be driving than reading.

RichM

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...rs-manual.html

apl175

Don't do the fuel filters on the road.....the purging part can be tricky especially if the fuel hoses are on the weak side and don't seal 100% and also if the battery is borderline. Expect to do about 20-30 seconds of continuous cranking for the priming of the fuel system when changing prefilter and main fuel filter. Sometimes this cranking must be repeated 2 or more times.

Unlike earlier or later diesel engines, there is no manual priming pump, or an electric lift pump. The result is long cranking where you'll have a mental picture of the brushes in your starter turning to dust.

You may also wish to consider doing doing a Lubromoly Diesel Purge at the same time. There is debate on whether this is better done right before changing filters, or with new filters already in place. Or, if you're me you'll do it twice, both before and after

MitchTX

Thank you!!!

I like how simple this manual is compared to my 2002 C320.

MitchTX

Thanks for the tips, much appreciated. I was considering using biodiesel for the trip home, but from what I've read about it cleaning out the system and what you've said, best not do that until I'm home and able to change the fuel filters too. I'm still bringing new ones with me, just in case something goes wrong. The mechanic I had do the pre-sale inspection wanted $135 to change the fuel filters and said it would take about an hour. He is not open on Saturday's and I'm don't feel like paying that much for fuel filter change.

Before I read about biodiesel cleaning out the system I purchased some diesel purge. I'm planning on using it shortly after I get home. Then I'll try biodiesel, assuming 1 of the 2 places in Dallas has some. A week back one place was selling it for $3/gallon, while petrol diesel was $3.79/gallon.

I know this car needs a windshield washer pump so that is on the very short list, but I wanted to get the car first before I spend too much on parts. On the off chance that I get there and don't like it. I've driven two around here (a 96 and a 97), very different cars. The '96 felt beat on, noisy, interior not in great shape, etc. While the 97 was very nice interior, etc.. I want a 98-99 due to the turbo, there are times I think it will be very handy to have.

apl175

If you can't find one easily and need to replace it in an emergency, the pump (including the wiring plug) is the SAME one used on a 1999-2011 VW Jetta, or 1998-2010 Passat. The only caveat is the sealing grommet must be reused from the washer fluid reservoir. I replaced one that was burnt out on a 2001 E430 - sealing grommet was fine on it even when used again. The VW part is frequently easier to find in-stock and at retail, at PepBoys or Advance Auto Parts or whatever your favorite chain is (and is usually less expensive than the same part labeled as an MB replacement).

MitchTX

Sweet, thank you! Do you happen to remember what tools were required to replace it? Approximate location in engine compartment? I'm thinking I'll go to my local auto parts store before I leave and get the part, bring the tools, and do this before my road trip. Having a clean windshield is a pet-peve of mine. There could be some rain on the trip, so I suspect I could really use the washer fluid.

apl175

There are no special tools required to remove the pump - from what I remember it just kind of twists on and off in an obvious way and is integrated in to the washer bottle itself. It was replaced while the washer bottle was out of the car for another repair (the rearward plastic mount on it was broken and being epoxied back together).

here is the full part interchange list from an ebay auction in case there's any question:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110968389387?item=110968389387&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

MitchTX

I'm excited for tomorrow. I did some reading today and plan to do a double din conversion so I can put an aftermarket radio/nav system in it. I also want to put my valentine1 in it but do it a stealth way, lots of good ideas and examples out there for that. I was thinking that if the double din project requires my getting a console with all of the holes for buttons already cut then at least one I'd make a power button for the valentine1, that way if I ever want to turn it off, it would be very easy.

If anyone has done a double din conversion on their E300D, I'd like to see details, etc..

MitchTX

I had a good trip back. Unfortunately the interior is not as clean as I'd hoped, but I should be able to fix that with a good through cleaning and some elbow grease.

I drove 1239 miles and averaged 28.33 MPG, with segments of 26.76, 23.95, 33.59, and 27.53. I left it idling while I slept for probably 2 hours at one rest area. I usually had the cruise set between 80-85.

Keys -- I only got one. I have two for my '02 C320, so I'm thinking I'll keep one of those so I have two. Have to read up on how to program the smart key part and get a mechanical copy made.

My pre-sale inspection report said oil leak at oil level sending unit. I didn't detect any leak, I checked the level at every fill up. I did notice that a very small amount of oil is leaking out of the oil filler cap. It ls leaking out the backside and then going left and down the front of the engine (as viewed from front of car). I wiped it up many times to see if it would come back and each time it did. Very small amount but strange place to leak.

Up next is an oil change, about 4500 miles on current oil, and fuel filters, diesel purge, and then biodiesel. A very thorough interior cleaning. Then on to converting to a double din dash and stealth install of my valentine1.

RichM

Not many of these cars were ordered with the command unit, so double din trim bezels can be very hard to find. Also, trim bezels match up with options such as heated seats, headlamp washers etc. Even if you were inclined to order a new bezel from Mercedes, they don't carry them any more. The best place to search for one is through parts yards, or ebay. Many folks do this update using a single din unit with a flip up screen. Not the best option, but may be the only one. You will also need the double din cage if you find a trim bezel.