Used MB Diesel - Which One?
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Used MB Diesel - Which One?
Hey All -
Been lurking here for a long time and thought that it was about time for me to become a card-carrying MB Diesel Owner.
I am retiring a '00 Passat GLX with over 140,000 miles that has been a joy to drive
- but she's getting long in the tooth and I have a daily 80 mi rt commute, with 90% of it being at highway speeds (70+)- so diesel makes sense for me.
I have located a few decent low mileage MB diesels - locally and via autotrader/ebay. The choices seem to be wide and deep - even with my 20k or less budget (wish I could snap up an '05 CDI...but anyway).
I think that I'd prefer a car with less than 100k on it... I'm not looking for a project car as this will be my daily driver.
I've tried to locate the Service Interval books from MB, but they want you to go to the dealer to discuss/be consulted. I'm not as worried about oil change intervals as I am things like Timing Belts/Chains and similar.
Found:
'78 300CD with less than 90k on it. Looks impeccable, neat classic/vintage MB design/styling - will get to see it this week. An example -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-...QQcmdZViewItem
Several 1998 - 1999 E300s - Nice options - Big Cars - Airbags less than 90k on most I'm looking at. Example -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-Me...QQcmdZViewItem
Some S Class late 80's to early 90's
And E Class late 80's to early 90's
I'd like to hear non-sugar coated pros/cons from you experts. I've been reading and searching this site (and others) and have a feel for the cars, but I'd like some real world input from an owners view. Not the ever popular "I've heard..." - or "Everyone says..." .
One more can of worms - would any of the above cars work with Bio-Diesel/Homebrew, or is that more of a VW thing to do?
Thanks in advance.
Been lurking here for a long time and thought that it was about time for me to become a card-carrying MB Diesel Owner.
I am retiring a '00 Passat GLX with over 140,000 miles that has been a joy to drive
- but she's getting long in the tooth and I have a daily 80 mi rt commute, with 90% of it being at highway speeds (70+)- so diesel makes sense for me.I have located a few decent low mileage MB diesels - locally and via autotrader/ebay. The choices seem to be wide and deep - even with my 20k or less budget (wish I could snap up an '05 CDI...but anyway).
I think that I'd prefer a car with less than 100k on it... I'm not looking for a project car as this will be my daily driver.
I've tried to locate the Service Interval books from MB, but they want you to go to the dealer to discuss/be consulted. I'm not as worried about oil change intervals as I am things like Timing Belts/Chains and similar.
Found:
'78 300CD with less than 90k on it. Looks impeccable, neat classic/vintage MB design/styling - will get to see it this week. An example -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-...QQcmdZViewItem
Several 1998 - 1999 E300s - Nice options - Big Cars - Airbags less than 90k on most I'm looking at. Example -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-Me...QQcmdZViewItem
Some S Class late 80's to early 90's
And E Class late 80's to early 90's
I'd like to hear non-sugar coated pros/cons from you experts. I've been reading and searching this site (and others) and have a feel for the cars, but I'd like some real world input from an owners view. Not the ever popular "I've heard..." - or "Everyone says..." .
One more can of worms - would any of the above cars work with Bio-Diesel/Homebrew, or is that more of a VW thing to do?
Thanks in advance.
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hey i have a 99 e300 and i love it. It is great and has little problems heres my thoughts. I bought a 99 about 2 years ago with 82k for 18k in wonderful condition. This car has pretty good fuel economy and i have a chip done so it likes my e320 in acceleration. However cars around this mileage need transmission flush, possible glow plugs, new battery if not changed prior. Also you need to check the spring perch for rust as there was a recall on this for all w210 e class i believe or at least diesel years. The 98 99 have turbo and that is the way to go. The 99 i believe added side curtain airbags and a improved audio system. I ran b20 for about a year with no problems until the station went out of business. Some have run home brew but you normally need to preheat it. Yous should watch out for snake oil claiming .46 diesel such as diesel secret this is merely used cooking oil filtered with gas, kerosene, and powerservice diesel kleen. just my 2 cents
Last edited by rsatmans; Apr 10, 2007 at 09:26 PM.
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From: Northeast
e300d
Look for a 1998MY or 1999MY car. Those are likely your best candidates given the budget.
There's one being advertised today with about 3500 miles (claimed)...I think that was on the Mbzshopforum.
Keep in mind, this old IDI design won't come close to TDI fuel economy.
There's one being advertised today with about 3500 miles (claimed)...I think that was on the Mbzshopforum.
Keep in mind, this old IDI design won't come close to TDI fuel economy.
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I know an older MB will not get TDI/CDI mileage - that being said - i'd still expect 32 - 34 MPG on the highway for the '99.
I'm a little on the tall side and the smaller Jetta TDi is not quite comfortable - plus VW thinks that all Diesel buyers only want stripped economy vehicles... without any luxury...
I'm a little on the tall side and the smaller Jetta TDi is not quite comfortable - plus VW thinks that all Diesel buyers only want stripped economy vehicles... without any luxury...
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From: orange county, CA
Tesla Roadster Sport
where did you see this? 3500 miles wow
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e300d
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From: orange county, CA
Tesla Roadster Sport
Thanks, just ran a carfax on it.
12/30/1999 Alaska
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Registered as
personal vehicle
12/30/1999 10 Alaska
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Title #3221088 Title or registration issued
First owner reported
11/30/2000 Vehicle Exporter Vehicle exported from
Baltimore, MD
and imported to
Germany
11/07/2003 Alaska
Motor Vehicle Dept.
APO, AE
Title #3221088 Title or registration issued
12/04/2004 US Customs Vehicle exported from
Germany
and imported to
Brunswick, GA
04/11/2007 Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. No recalls open for repair
Imported to Germany then exported from Germany, must have been a servicemembers car!
12/30/1999 Alaska
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Registered as
personal vehicle
12/30/1999 10 Alaska
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Title #3221088 Title or registration issued
First owner reported
11/30/2000 Vehicle Exporter Vehicle exported from
Baltimore, MD
and imported to
Germany
11/07/2003 Alaska
Motor Vehicle Dept.
APO, AE
Title #3221088 Title or registration issued
12/04/2004 US Customs Vehicle exported from
Germany
and imported to
Brunswick, GA
04/11/2007 Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. No recalls open for repair
Imported to Germany then exported from Germany, must have been a servicemembers car!
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e300d
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uberwgn - am I even close on the expected hwy mpg....
I know that there has been a reputation of MB Diesels going for ever -
How much does that history apply to the more modern E300 Turbodiesels? Are the electronics solid?
I know that there has been a reputation of MB Diesels going for ever -
How much does that history apply to the more modern E300 Turbodiesels? Are the electronics solid?
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From: Northeast
e300d
My father has a 1998 and he'd be a much better gage of fuel consumption than I. He's had his car for 1.5 years. He says his lifetime average is 29.1...down a bit since ULSD arrived. He says his best tank ever was just over 31. He does a lot of long distance driving trips at the posted speed limit.
I think the window sticker showing 26/36 is pie-in-the-sky material. Some of the guys are happy to break 25. Keep in mind, there is variance in cars and driving styles. Hitting mid-30's is unrealistic, IME.
I don't see widespread issues with the electronices. Both his car and my 1999 have very good histories without any major repairs of any kind.
Thread Starter
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How big of a "dog" is the '78 300CD ? It is non-turbo, but only a two door?
I'm sure that it will happily run on the hwy once at speed, but how slow will it be to get up to speed?
MPG? The seller describes the MPG in the low 30s... Is that possible?
I'm sure that it will happily run on the hwy once at speed, but how slow will it be to get up to speed?
MPG? The seller describes the MPG in the low 30s... Is that possible?
Super Member
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Posts: 545
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From: Northeast
e300d
we had a '79 non turbo 300D. Performance was certainly better than the 240D. I guess you'd have to decide for yourself if it is adequeate. You surely won't win any races and these cars were subject to serious rust.
I think a lot of these mileage claims originate from folks driving on pool table flat terrain @ 55MPH. YMMV.
I think a lot of these mileage claims originate from folks driving on pool table flat terrain @ 55MPH. YMMV.
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From: Toronto
2006 E320 CDi, 2008 3/4 Ton Suburban, 2007 "rice rickshaw" Accord 5 speed
All you need is love & $$$, Benz diesels
Nothing lasts "forever" without large infusions of $$$. MBz diesels are no different.
My father has a 1998 and he'd be a much better gage of fuel consumption than I. He's had his car for 1.5 years. He says his lifetime average is 29.1...down a bit since ULSD arrived. He says his best tank ever was just over 31. He does a lot of long distance driving trips at the posted speed limit.
I think the window sticker showing 26/36 is pie-in-the-sky material. Some of the guys are happy to break 25. Keep in mind, there is variance in cars and driving styles. Hitting mid-30's is unrealistic, IME.
I don't see widespread issues with the electronices. Both his car and my 1999 have very good histories without any major repairs of any kind.
My father has a 1998 and he'd be a much better gage of fuel consumption than I. He's had his car for 1.5 years. He says his lifetime average is 29.1...down a bit since ULSD arrived. He says his best tank ever was just over 31. He does a lot of long distance driving trips at the posted speed limit.
I think the window sticker showing 26/36 is pie-in-the-sky material. Some of the guys are happy to break 25. Keep in mind, there is variance in cars and driving styles. Hitting mid-30's is unrealistic, IME.
I don't see widespread issues with the electronices. Both his car and my 1999 have very good histories without any major repairs of any kind.
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True - I understand that ALL worthwhile things need TLC and the eventual infusion of cash...
That being said - I'd rather deal with something that is worth supporting and has a soul - vs - something that is bland and appliance like.
I mean hey - my first German car was an XR4Ti ..... and that experience did not sour me... I drove it past 120K .... with few issues beyond the seats leather splitting at the seams .....
That being said - I'd rather deal with something that is worth supporting and has a soul - vs - something that is bland and appliance like.
I mean hey - my first German car was an XR4Ti ..... and that experience did not sour me... I drove it past 120K .... with few issues beyond the seats leather splitting at the seams .....
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e300d
True - I understand that ALL worthwhile things need TLC and the eventual infusion of cash...
That being said - I'd rather deal with something that is worth supporting and has a soul - vs - something that is bland and appliance like.
I mean hey - my first German car was an XR4Ti ..... and that experience did not sour me... I drove it past 120K .... with few issues beyond the seats leather splitting at the seams .....
That being said - I'd rather deal with something that is worth supporting and has a soul - vs - something that is bland and appliance like.
I mean hey - my first German car was an XR4Ti ..... and that experience did not sour me... I drove it past 120K .... with few issues beyond the seats leather splitting at the seams .....
Well, if that's your attitude, and you can perform some basic maintenance, I still feel the 1998/99 cars will be well-regarded far into the future and considered one of Benzes best diesels.
jtl, I don't even know what area you are in. I will also issue the concern of rust...even on much newer cars. The W210s have had their issues.
Last edited by uberwgn; Apr 13, 2007 at 06:57 AM.
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I live in the Chicago area - known for their ultra liberal use of salt.
So I am aware/prepared for a trip to accquire a low-mileage great condition new ride.
Are there any particluar areas of the car that I should look out for?
So I am aware/prepared for a trip to accquire a low-mileage great condition new ride.
Are there any particluar areas of the car that I should look out for?
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Was able to test drive a '99 E300 with nearly 100k on it.
Interior was decent - no heated seats - no Bose option - had the MB Phone.
Smoked a bit at idle and really smelled like a diesel (blue-greyish) until warm. On accelleration, a little visible exhaust... Once warm - smoked little (if any) and did not smell so much like my fathers '83 Buick diesel.
Felt like a strong engine, reasonable to 75MPH - handled nice. Good brakes.
Rust - there was rust below the rear license plate frame, the bolt holes showed rust drips on the rims, dent on the hood/grille that will need fixing...
Interior looked decent but looked like at one point it was fairly dirty. All interior components worked (except the power rear headrest)... was not able to test the climate controll very much.
No known maint. books or data available. This was a trade in at a Honda dealer.
Interior was decent - no heated seats - no Bose option - had the MB Phone.
Smoked a bit at idle and really smelled like a diesel (blue-greyish) until warm. On accelleration, a little visible exhaust... Once warm - smoked little (if any) and did not smell so much like my fathers '83 Buick diesel.
Felt like a strong engine, reasonable to 75MPH - handled nice. Good brakes.
Rust - there was rust below the rear license plate frame, the bolt holes showed rust drips on the rims, dent on the hood/grille that will need fixing...
Interior looked decent but looked like at one point it was fairly dirty. All interior components worked (except the power rear headrest)... was not able to test the climate controll very much.
No known maint. books or data available. This was a trade in at a Honda dealer.
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e300d
Is it cheap?
There seem to be a lot of these cars for sale right now. You can probably afford to be selective and find a car with some history. It will only hurt your own re-sale value in the future.
There seem to be a lot of these cars for sale right now. You can probably afford to be selective and find a car with some history. It will only hurt your own re-sale value in the future.
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hey i have a 99 e300 and i love it. It is great and has little problems heres my thoughts. I bought a 99 about 2 years ago with 82k for 18k in wonderful condition. This car has pretty good fuel economy and i have a chip done so it likes my e320 in acceleration. However cars around this mileage need transmission flush, possible glow plugs, new battery if not changed prior. Also you need to check the spring perch for rust as there was a recall on this for all w210 e class i believe or at least diesel years. The 98 99 have turbo and that is the way to go. The 99 i believe added side curtain airbags and a improved audio system. I ran b20 for about a year with no problems until the station went out of business. Some have run home brew but you normally need to preheat it. Yous should watch out for snake oil claiming .46 diesel such as diesel secret this is merely used cooking oil filtered with gas, kerosene, and powerservice diesel kleen. just my 2 cents
I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about a 300DT now and getting some of the upgrades after market
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Uber -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-...QQcmdZViewItem
This is the vehicle. It's on ebay for about 10K or so at the moment...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-...QQcmdZViewItem
This is the vehicle. It's on ebay for about 10K or so at the moment...
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From: Murrieta, Southern California
Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
Rust . .
I have not seen it out here, but I hear that there are areas of the body
where rust actually will cause the front strut mounts to fail.
I read somewhere that there was some sort of a silent factory recall on this provided
the car was still under warranty, which is of course no longer the case.
So be careful, and if at all possible, try to find an example that
has been here in California, AZ or TX etc. all of its' life.
It is possible.
Just keep looking until you find the right car. Mileage is not as important as this rust problem.
Good luck.
Last edited by Green E-300 DT; Apr 20, 2007 at 01:32 AM.
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From: Murrieta, Southern California
Late Built 2005 W-211 E-320 CDI
Try This . .
Read these topics:
https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php?searchid=2895603
I would say that unless you can tell when you look, you'd better steer away from any W-210s unless
the owner can prove that the vehicle was never in an area where salt was used on the highways.
Stick to cars that were in desert areas such as AZ or NV, or in parts of CA
away from the coast where there is salty air from the ocean.
Good luck.
https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php?searchid=2895603
I would say that unless you can tell when you look, you'd better steer away from any W-210s unless
the owner can prove that the vehicle was never in an area where salt was used on the highways.
Stick to cars that were in desert areas such as AZ or NV, or in parts of CA
away from the coast where there is salty air from the ocean.
Good luck.
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From: Irvine CA
c43
I think an 87 300 sdl between 150-250 would be a perfect car to get, its the one I am trying to locate. I will be updateing my thread in about 2 days once i finish up with a few school things. I believe it is possible to obtain 35-40 mpg in ideal high driving. Removeing the erg, getting all syn fluids, taking some load off the car, and a few other things outlined to me to help improve mpg. As long as the car is very well maintained I believe it can either be close to or exceed the mpg raiting it was given...more to come soon.
