Crash Course in MB Diesel
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Crash Course in MB Diesel
New to the forums, but not new to diesels. I am considering buying a Benz diesel car. What years are best? When did they switch over to electronic pumps? What years respond best to power upgrades? Are they still tough when the power is increased? How tough are the trannys? Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated as well.
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
all in the name of tree hugging
New to the forums, but not new to diesels. I am considering buying a Benz diesel car. What years are best? When did they switch over to electronic pumps? What years respond best to power upgrades? Are they still tough when the power is increased? How tough are the trannys? Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated as well.
If you are a desk enthusiast like me who does not want to get his hands dirty get a 1999 300 turbo diesel.
If money is no problem get a 2006 E320 CDi with a Carlsson or Kleemann tuning box you will be flying. The engines are the last of the straight 6 series for MB and totally developed.
I would stay away from the Bluetecs for a year or so. My friend's brand new GL 320CDi broke down immediately after delivery and the dealer does not know what is the problem. It changed a whole lot of "control system electronics" including a "crankshaft position sensor" whatever that was. Fortunately it started running again. The Bluetecs seem to be complicated and to me they are the diesel engine pioneers like the series one American gasoline V-8s with catalytic converters, only better developed at launch.
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I looked at an 84 123 today after posting. Actually looked at several, but the one that interests me is a 59,000 mile diamond in the rough. Body very nice, interior needs a good cleaning - but still what I would consider excellent for a 22 year old car. It was in a grass fire and burned under the car and at the bottom of the passenger front door. Priced very reasonable at $1000. My problem is I do not have much excess time to make it a driver. It comes with a ton of spare parts - even a couple of spare engines.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 4
From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
I looked at an 84 123 today after posting. Actually looked at several, but the one that interests me is a 59,000 mile diamond in the rough. Body very nice, interior needs a good cleaning - but still what I would consider excellent for a 22 year old car. It was in a grass fire and burned under the car and at the bottom of the passenger front door. Priced very reasonable at $1000. My problem is I do not have much excess time to make it a driver. It comes with a ton of spare parts - even a couple of spare engines.
Is the car driveable?
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No, he pulled the engine/tranny to start replacing the damaged stuff - vacuum lines, hoses and such. It comes with the original engine and tranny plus one spare set of unknown quality, plus one set with a broken timing chain. Also, He is throwing in a spare car to use whatever parts I need to put it back together.
Last edited by SmokinCummins; Mar 5, 2007 at 12:01 AM.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Rosamond, CA
1999 E300 TurboDiesel
I looked at an 84 123 today after posting. Actually looked at several, but the one that interests me is a 59,000 mile diamond in the rough. Body very nice, interior needs a good cleaning - but still what I would consider excellent for a 22 year old car. It was in a grass fire and burned under the car and at the bottom of the passenger front door. Priced very reasonable at $1000. My problem is I do not have much excess time to make it a driver. It comes with a ton of spare parts - even a couple of spare engines.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Rosamond, CA
1999 E300 TurboDiesel
(1995 Europe)/1996-1997 W210 136hp OM606 NA
1996 4-speed Auto
1997+ 5-speed Auto
1998-1999 W210 177hp OM606 Turbo
I think that the only other differences were the '98 came out with a radio that was common to the C-Class and the '99 had an Audio 30 tapedeck or Audio 10 indash CD. Other than that, they are practically the same car AFAIK.
1996 4-speed Auto
1997+ 5-speed Auto
1998-1999 W210 177hp OM606 Turbo
I think that the only other differences were the '98 came out with a radio that was common to the C-Class and the '99 had an Audio 30 tapedeck or Audio 10 indash CD. Other than that, they are practically the same car AFAIK.
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(1995 Europe)/1996-1997 W210 136hp OM606 NA
1996 4-speed Auto
1997+ 5-speed Auto
1998-1999 W210 177hp OM606 Turbo
I think that the only other differences were the '98 came out with a radio that was common to the C-Class and the '99 had an Audio 30 tapedeck or Audio 10 indash CD. Other than that, they are practically the same car AFAIK.
1996 4-speed Auto
1997+ 5-speed Auto
1998-1999 W210 177hp OM606 Turbo
I think that the only other differences were the '98 came out with a radio that was common to the C-Class and the '99 had an Audio 30 tapedeck or Audio 10 indash CD. Other than that, they are practically the same car AFAIK.
Radio . .
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
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From: Northeast
e300d
Ummm, a few more differences than just the fibre optic connection, D
Here are the things we've been able to document:
W210 turbodiesel trivia stuff - - USA market
· 1999 -3rd brakelight in the rear window is an led cluster versus the single bulb on the 1998
·
1999 - Radio head has integrated phone and the "007" cassette door.
Tweeters actually present up the drivers and passengers doors.
·
1999 - Rear seat overhead light is slightly larger.
·
1999 - Side curtain overhead airbags. Flip down handles on the "oh my God handles" vs solid mounted on the 1998.
·
Spare tire/wheel 1999 has a shiny black 5 spoke alloy that looks a bit "blingy." 1998 just had a regular "umbrella" style rim same as what was mounted on all 4.
·
1999 has "Tow" Switch up on the console. 1998 didn't have one
· Interior trim (colors) is different...take a look at the A/B/C pillars and the color of the rear deck.
· Homelink is integrated into the RVM on the 1999
· Door airbags in the 1999
· ACC display is different
· Fibre optic connection for audio system
· 1998 radio is entirely different (I think I am comparing a Bose (in my 1999) to a non-Bose)
· Leather "inserts" are standard on the 1999
· 1999 has one-touch up/down on ALL FOUR windows
Last edited by uberwgn; Mar 20, 2007 at 01:51 PM.
