jedh

hello
I drive a 96 land rover and I'm averaging about 15mpg so I've begin to look for a
more fuel efficient vehicle I know I could just buy a gas powered car for a second vehicle but I really like diesels and I can fix them myself(I farm diesel engines are easy for me) I've never heard much in a good way about Volkswagen's cars so I'm looking at older MB's like a 92-93 or so.
Any advice about what to look for model engine etc wise and what to watch out
for would help immensely.

thanks
Jed

EdzBenz

Jed,
Start your research within the forums for body styles of W210, W126, and W124. There are a variety of good diesel models.
W210- E300 (N/A and Turbo) little more pricey than what you're probably looking for
W126- 300 SD and 300 SDL turbos
W124- E 300 diesel model

I would suggest searching ebay at average prices for these vehicles. Match a model up with what you are willing to pay and what asthetically pleases you. Then, conduct some specific research on that model to determine problems/specifics to look for when making your purchase. I may have missed a few other diesel models, so my guess is that others may chime in. Hope this helps,

jedh

thanks much let the hunt begin.

lkchris

Which means cars that are 14-15 years old.

Which will have problems.

Mercedes this age need new transmissions and HVAC system repair.

240D 3.0T

Not always. There are many 20+ year old transmissions with 200K+ miles running without problems.

lkchris

Because they've been rebuilt

240D 3.0T

No. It's because they were maintained correctly. The transmission in my 300TD had 300,000miles on it before the car was sent to the crusher. I sold the tranny to a friend and he is still using it in his car, without a rebuild. My manual transmission has 214,000miles on it right now, without a rebuild.

Transmissions don't automatically need to be rebuilt at X miles. Quit trying to scare people into pointless rebuilds.

lkchris

What a silly thing to suggest.

They'll be leaking and shifting poorly and that's when they need work.

harkgar

I would agree with both you and Ken C. My sold 1986 560 SEL had a little over 100,000 miles (170,000 km) when I sold it and I used all synthetic oils for the transmission and changed the filter a few times. I used synthetic oils for the axle too.

The transmission leaked (drips) from the seals but gave me no trouble. I check the transmission oils often and top up as necessary. When I shift into reverse I ALWAYS keep my foot firmly on the brake pedal for 3 seconds before allowing the car to roll. The shift quality was good to the end.

What other kind of maintenance do you suggest?

khaug

Jed:

Don't assume your prior experience with agricultural diesels will translate to modern diesels.

Contemporary CDI/TDI (direct injection - Common Rail) engines are nothing like older diesels. For example, they employ injection pressures as high as 30,000 PSI, variable-vane turbochargers and other technology which enable huge torque outputs with high fuel economy and silent operation. Going beyond these facts, stuff such as particulate filters with regeneration and Urea injection for NOx control, introduce new technology that was never dreamed of in days past.

Not to discourage you, but modern diesels are an entirely new world.

Best regards,

Marshall_K

Were there any noteworthy S class Diesels sold in US?

Diesel Benz

Would you count W126 models (for different models sold)?

lkchris

Most noteworthy were 350SD/350SDL/S350D, most of which suffered engine failures.

Marshall_K

Now I see why no one is looking for old S class diesels

240D 3.0T

That is just the 1991-1997 S-Class Diesels. 1979-1987 are great models.