Diesel Forum Forum for Diesel engine vehicle related discussion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Looking to purchase my first diesel

Old Apr 12, 2016 | 11:08 PM
  #1  
Boz Mon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2015 Fiat 500 Abarth
Looking to purchase my first diesel

I have been researching the purchase of a diesel Benz now for quite some time. I have looked at a few cars, but nothing met my requirements yet. I found a 300TD locally that seems to be a good price. When I started my search, I really wanted the TD and I still do, I have just opened up to a few more models.

The car in question seems to look solid. I havent had time to check it out yet. It has 265k miles on it. The issue is, the owner says that one of the rear shock mounts is broke, and I'm not sure if this is easily fixable or not.

I think I remember reading somewhere that the TD has some sort of air suspension in the rear which often goes out, so I'm not sure if this is the case or there is something physically broken.

If anyone knows anything about this, or has just general tips for purchasing a diesel, I would love to hear.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2016 | 12:12 PM
  #2  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Plutoe ~ please temper the nature of your comments. You have been previously warned in this regard!
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2016 | 04:26 PM
  #3  
OM617.95's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1982 300D
At 265k, its near the end of its useful life.

Avoid ANY 300TD with rear suspension problems! They are extremely expensive to fix.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2016 | 04:56 PM
  #4  
marc hanna's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 118
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Personally, I wouldn't even consider a gasser at 256k near the end of its useful life. For a conventional diesel, I agree with Plutoe, that's fairly low mileage. I bought my 87 300D with 240k on it, and drove it as a commuter vehicle for years before I sold it.

My main concern would be the transmission, people tend to neglect them. Second concern is rust.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2016 | 04:58 PM
  #5  
OM617.95's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1982 300D
Originally Posted by marc hanna
My main concern would be the transmission, people tend to neglect them. Second concern is rust.
Thats because you don't know about that model's complex and expensive hydropneumatic suspension.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2016 | 05:06 PM
  #6  
marc hanna's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 118
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
We don't know of a certainty which variant the OP has because he hasn't replied since his original post. We don't even know what country he's from. One would assume he's in the US because he refers to miles, but then many Canadians and Brits still use miles also.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2016 | 05:24 PM
  #7  
OM617.95's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1982 300D
Originally Posted by marc hanna
We don't know of a certainty which variant the OP has
That is false information.

Originally Posted by Boz Mon
300TD
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2016 | 05:29 PM
  #8  
marc hanna's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 118
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Saying it is false doesn't make it so.

The model is 300TD, but we don't know how it was configured.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 15, 2016 | 11:30 PM
  #9  
OM617.95's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1982 300D
Originally Posted by marc hanna
Saying it is false doesn't make it so.
Thats why I cited my source and proved you wrong.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2016 | 11:31 PM
  #10  
marc hanna's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 118
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
I don't think you've proved me wrong.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2016 | 11:37 PM
  #11  
OM617.95's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1982 300D
Originally Posted by marc hanna
think

How cute!
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2016 | 11:58 AM
  #12  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Benz diesel engines frequently do 1 million Km's in taxi service!
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2016 | 12:18 AM
  #13  
OM617.95's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1982 300D
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
Benz diesel engines frequently do 1 million Km's in taxi service!
That is false.
The source that 1million km figure came from is ONE Greek 240D taxi, that had 3 spare engines changed out 11 times in it's 4.6m km's.

That averages out to 418k km each before rebuild.

Last edited by OM617.95; Apr 23, 2016 at 12:20 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2016 | 12:31 AM
  #14  
Carsy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Originally Posted by OM617.95
That is false.
The source that 1million km figure came from is ONE Greek 240D taxi, that had 3 spare engines changed out 11 times in it's 4.6m km's.

That averages out to 418k km each before rebuild.
If my old Peugeot 504 can do 450,000 km on one engine & still be as strong as a bull with stop start normal use, surely a diesel taxi can more than double it on the one engine.

Here is a Ford Mondeo that can do a million MILES on the original motor :- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...-old-Ford.html
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2016 | 12:47 AM
  #15  
OM617.95's Avatar
Member
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 76
Likes: 3
From: Denver, CO
1982 300D
Originally Posted by Carsy
If my old Peugeot 504 can do 450,000 km on one engine & still be as strong as a bull with stop start normal use, surely a diesel taxi can more than double it on the one engine.
That is completely wrong.
Taxi service is far more severe than any daily driver/commuter.

Here is a Ford Mondeo
"Now, 16 years later, he has completed the 120-mile return journey from his home in Preesall around 8,330 times."
"There's only me that drives it which helps and I don't put my foot down"
"I go between 60-65 miles per hour which is fast enough and sticking to that speed is better for the engine."

All highway miles. Its common for over-the-road trucks to reach 1m miles.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2016 | 01:58 AM
  #16  
Carsy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Originally Posted by OM617.95
That is completely wrong.
Taxi service is far more severe than any daily driver/commuter.
.
I understood that most wear occurs in an engine when it is cold & gaining operating temperature. Some taxis never cool down as they are driven 24 hours a day. I would have expected taxi engines to last a lot longer .

Anyway its is time you were in bed in Denver !!Midnight.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2016 | 07:04 PM
  #17  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by OM617.95
That is false.
The source that 1million km figure came from is ONE Greek 240D taxi, that had 3 spare engines changed out 11 times in it's 4.6m km's.

That averages out to 418k km each before rebuild.

My good man. I have been working with Benz from my major oil company global technical job for decades. A huge number of Benz diesel engines in Taxi service do over a million Kms. It is well recorded. A colleague in Malaysia runs a Benz only fleet of about 50 taxis from the airport into KL hotels. His C240 M112 gasoline fleet & all of his diesels run/ran 1 million Km's before replacement with no major repair. One hell of a lot of brake pads & tyres. They are 80% on highway & mainly fully warmed up. All units are serviced by the book at Cycle & Carriage in KL as just one example!.


Please do not make arrogant & uninformed statements.

Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 23, 2016 at 07:34 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2016 | 07:33 PM
  #18  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by Carsy
I understood that most wear occurs in an engine when it is cold & gaining operating temperature. Some taxis never cool down as they are driven 24 hours a day. I would have expected taxi engines to last a lot longer .

Anyway its is time you were in bed in Denver !!Midnight.
JC ~ your Ford & Holden taxis in places like Sydney do huge mileages. All I noticed when assigned there was that the diff pinion bearing would lose preload at about 800,000 Kms & whine between positive & trailing throttle which can be forgiven. Our E Class airport Taxi at the office has done 830,000 Km's as of a couple of weeks back. Zero major repairs & drives like a new car. Also now just the slightest of diff whine/harmonic at exactly 90Km/hr ~ otherwise silent. Taxis around the world & especially the ubiquitous Benz Taxis do huge mileages because many operate in pretty ideal conditions & fully warmed up. Interestingly Benz did a running upgrade to the first to second gear one way clutch on the 722.6 because it proved a failure component in Taxi service at about 650,000Kms after just too many high torque changes.

Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 23, 2016 at 07:37 PM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:47 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE