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

Which 2010-2014 Diesel sedan to buy?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 29, 2019 | 12:54 PM
  #1  
jhawkssis's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
ML 350
Which 2010-2014 Diesel sedan to buy?

Long time lurker, first time poster. Is there a post/sticky somewhere with a list of things to look for
OR Common problems at certain mileages? I know certain models are prone to different things.
Had a 2005 CDI, and was a absolute beast and my 2008 CDI was riddled with problems.

I am looking to purchase two Diesel 2010-2015 W204's (less than 80K) in the next few weeks, but want to make sure I cover all my bases.
I always purchase cars with detailed dealer maintenance records, but I want to make sure problem areas
were covered. I do a pre-purchase at a local MB dealer, but don't want to pay for it until I can rule out potential problems that were not serviced before this step.
What are the most reliable and best MPG?
Is the 2.1 Biturbo really that good and what models have it?

Thanks in advance,
Jack
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2019 | 02:28 PM
  #2  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Since you choose not to disclosure your location, I can tell that in US you have 2 choices.
OM642 engine who you already did own with bad luck - great performer, but higher maintenance with oil cooler seals, intake flaps and EGR clogs
OM651 where engine itself doesn't seem to have issues (but than not too many of them reporting over 200k miles) but emission system has weak points.
I Love OM651 for simplicity over its older, bigger brother and potential for 60 mpg.
For DPF finally ScanGauge makes gauges, while worse come to worse - emission systems deletes are getting more and more options.
Good luck on the purchase.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2019 | 10:16 AM
  #3  
TexasGL's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
GL350
BMW 335D with all deletes is ur best option, unless u want to deal with all bluetec problem on the mercedes side also u can get a VW jetta 2015 for under 10k.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2019 | 10:27 PM
  #4  
jhawkssis's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
ML 350
Originally Posted by Plutoe
I wouldent be talking to the rear end of the horse, I'd be looking for a MB dealer master tech, not a sausage *****, who could provide real in depth insight into your questions.
Sorry I don't know any MB dealer master techs. That is why I posted something here hoping one might offer some guidance.
I guess I am just a sausage *****
Reply
Old May 1, 2019 | 01:05 PM
  #5  
SEC1939's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 36
From: Barrington IL
2015 E 250, 1999 BMW M Roadster, 1939 International Harvester, 2023 GLC
I had an 05 CDI 3.2 . Never a major issue 250,000 miles, a water pump and a few glow plugs. Car sold in about 6 hours after listing.

I now have the 2.1 diesel. at 53k no issues. This engine in a few different displacements is very popular in the EU for taxis and private cars. I think this same engine is in the Sprinter van here.

Never had the V6 diesel, but I I think it is out of production.Probably for a reason.
Reply
Old May 1, 2019 | 01:44 PM
  #6  
kombifan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
[QUOTE=jhawkssis;7745610]Sorry I don't know any MB dealer master techs. That is why I posted something here hoping one might offer some guidance.
I guess I am just a sausage *****[/QUiOTE]

ignore Plutoe.

Ask any question you want.

The diesels in the us are hampered...they have many expensive issues.
These can be fixed with a tune. The legality/morality is always up to debate.

In Europe, and everywhere else except ca; the Diesel engines are fine. You won’t have the emissions probe lems so popular on here
so location is quite important.

You’ve experienced the issues with your 08.
If you’re looking for carefree motoring in the us. Best bet is to buy it from carmax with maxcare.
6 years of warranty coverage!
Otherwise research the issues and be prepared to 🐚 out some clams for the tune and fixes.

Best of Luck!
Reply
Old May 1, 2019 | 01:47 PM
  #7  
kombifan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by SEC1939
I had an 05 CDI 3.2 . Never a major issue 250,000 miles, a water pump and a few glow plugs. Car sold in about 6 hours after listing.

I now have the 2.1 diesel. at 53k no issues. This engine in a few different displacements is very popular in the EU for taxis and private cars. I think this same engine is in the Sprinter van here.

Never had the V6 diesel, but I I think it is out of production.Probably for a reason.
Om642 is stil in production. Just diesels pulled from us market after dieselgate

Originally Posted by TexasGL
BMW 335D with all deletes is ur best option, unless u want to deal with all bluetec problem on the mercedes side also u can get a VW jetta 2015 for under 10k.
Texas gl has some cool alternatives.
Have you checked out the audi diesels? A6.a8 A7. Q5 etc?
Reply
Old May 3, 2019 | 09:11 AM
  #8  
jhawkssis's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
ML 350
[QUOTE=kombifan;7746014]
Originally Posted by jhawkssis
Sorry I don't know any MB dealer master techs. That is why I posted something here hoping one might offer some guidance.
I guess I am just a sausage *****[/QUiOTE]

ignore Plutoe.

Ask any question you want.

The diesels in the us are hampered...they have many expensive issues.
These can be fixed with a tune. The legality/morality is always up to debate.

In Europe, and everywhere else except ca; the Diesel engines are fine. You won’t have the emissions probe lems so popular on here
so location is quite important.

You’ve experienced the issues with your 08.
If you’re looking for carefree motoring in the us. Best bet is to buy it from carmax with maxcare.
6 years of warranty coverage!
Otherwise research the issues and be prepared to 🐚 out some clams for the tune and fixes.

kombifan.
Thanks for taking the time to offer some guidance. This is the kind of info I was looking for! I never knew about the Maxcare warranty. I will be researching that in great detail over the next few days. I know the emissions in the US hamper max MPG. I was just looking which engine to absolutely avoid or which ones have a reputation of lasting. MB has made some diesels that were bullet proof such as the inline 5 in the 300D and the 2.2 L, inline 4 cylinder turbo in the 220CDI.
Not a fan of Audi, but those Jetta TDI they are unloading might be a option for my daughters




Best of Luck!
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 May 3, 2019 | 10:03 AM
  #9  
kombifan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
[QUOTE=jhawkssis;7747487]i just wanted to be clear. The Mercedes diesels are far from bulletproof in the us.

Even the 4 cylinder om651 engine has issues. the glk forum has detailed a lot of these issues, including nox and dpf issues as well as the regular adblue problems.

Maxcare is the longest warranty option, but cpo (max 3 years) is also a good idea to stem the flow from your wallet to the dealer as it will be covered.
You will still be going to the dealerships often if the problems show up.

The audi/vw engines don’t Seem to has the catastrophic issues , at least from my knowledge, that the mb ones have documented in this forum. But they do have the adblue heater failure as well.


https://www.carmax.com/cars/e250
three for sale currently. Any salesperson can quote you the price of maxcAre over the phone

Last edited by kombifan; May 3, 2019 at 10:05 AM.
Reply
Old May 3, 2019 | 10:21 AM
  #10  
kombifan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
This is the best resource I can give you.

http://www.stephensservice.com/bluet...ssuesproblems/

give him a call or email.
Reply
Old May 3, 2019 | 07:47 PM
  #11  
jhawkssis's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
ML 350
Originally Posted by kombifan
This is the best resource I can give you.

http://www.stephensservice.com/bluet...ssuesproblems/

give him a call or email.
Well after reading that summary, I shall look at some other options other than BlueTec. I can't thank you enough!!
I think you just saved me a ton of headaches.
Just drove a 2.0 Jetta TDI today. Meh is my conclusion.
335d is next on my list.
Reply
Old May 3, 2019 | 10:17 PM
  #12  
kombifan's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Sorry. It is possible but it is a labor of love.


The jetta tdi can be upgraded to the gtd turbo.

the 335 is more fun but the 535d is also nice.
Reply
Old May 3, 2019 | 11:35 PM
  #13  
kajtek1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
What was bad with Jetta?
I drove 2003 Jetta and even it had only 90 HP, it was good performer.
As long as you are not taking passengers as with my driver seat moved back, the rear knee room was less than 2"
Reply

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


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:27 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