Drifter2090

Hey, I'm new to the Mercedes world but I have been around BMW's and other cars for a while now, I've always worked in my cars, and have done things like turbo swaps and even engine swaps in the past.

I am looking at buying a diesel for my daily (my 335 is getting too fast). I found a 07 W211 E320 Bluetec with about 170k miles. It has been well maintained, drove perfect and I did not notice any issues with shifting or cold start. I drove a few others already, even low mileage ones around 100k, this 170k one drove much better than them.

I want to get your guys opinion on purchasing such a high mileage car, we agreed on 6k Canadian, and that's about 4k cheaper than most that are posted here.

Thanks.

rocky raccoon

I bought an '08 Bluetec new and went 8 years (although relatively low miles) with no repairs needed, just good preventive maintenance. At about 80k miles, the serp belt shredded and took the harmonic balancer and power steering pump with it. Cost was $1800. The balancer MAY have been the cause of it all but there is no way to tell. In any case, the belt should be changed at about 60k miles. If there is no record of it, then do so.

Bottom line is, I think they are great trouble-free cars and are a nice place to sit BUT preventive maintenance is the key to reliability as with any car. I also have a 1983 300CD with 345k miles as my daily driver and would trust it to take me any distance.

Drifter2090

Thanks for the reply! Yeah the belt is something I do on all my cars, especially my BMW's, they get sucked into the crank haha. I will definitely do it if I get the car.

I was also looking at older 300 diesels but there's nothing in my area that aren't rusted out. They seem like great cars though, what's your mpg in that?

rocky raccoon

26 to 28mpg. 30mpg

on a non-stop trip.

Drifter2090

That looks awesome!! Love the old Mercedes

kajtek1

And about the same to get to 60 mph
I did own all good MB diesels available in US in last 40 years.
When W123 are truly "bulletproof" that is becouse they don't have much and the low-output engines don't work hard.
Would I look for low maintenance MB diesel who still makes you smiling when entering freeway ramp, I would choose 1998-99 E300DT. I sold mine with 280k and the buyer become a friend, so I know the car is closing on 300k with no major engine work.
But than I have 320 BT and 250 BT and should sell 1 of them.
So between great response on V6 and 40+ mpg on I4 that is going be tough decision.
Both have over 180 k miles btw.

rocky raccoon

What's the hurry Kajtek? I probably won't set the tarmac on fire but have no problem with traffic. Besides, if I need extra space/time I can just lay down a smoke screen.

If I am in a hurry, there is always my E320. It is a rocket ship (comparatively).