1995 E300 Diesel vs. 1990-93 300D's
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1995 E300 Diesel vs. 1990-93 300D's
Which one is better? Is the 1995 E300's 3.0l faster than the previous 2.5l turbos?
Im looking into getting one of these diesels and Im tryin to decide...
1995 E300 Diesel (non turbo 3.0L)
1992 300D Turbodiesel (turbo 2.5L)
Im looking into getting one of these diesels and Im tryin to decide...
1995 E300 Diesel (non turbo 3.0L)
1992 300D Turbodiesel (turbo 2.5L)
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 29
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From: Cary, NC
2002 C32 AMG, 1999 ML430
Go with the 1995 E300D
In regards to reliability, the M606 motor is much more reliable than the 2.5 turbo versions. The 2.5's were prone to blowing head gaskets. If speed is what you want in a Diesel, then locate a 1987 6cyl 3.0 turbo, they were the fastest diesel produced until the more recent 1998 M606 turbos in the newer cars. Ofcourse with speed and horsepower, you lose on the mileage gains of owning a Diesel. I enjoy the fact of having a diesel without a turbo, knowing that I have one less item on my car that could cause problems.
I suggest getting the 95, it was the last year of the w124 cars and the most reliable. The 24v M606 motor is very very reliable. Fuel economy is very good at around 25mpg in town and 35 on the highway, I ususally see around 30mpg in mixed driving scenarios.
~ccorley
I suggest getting the 95, it was the last year of the w124 cars and the most reliable. The 24v M606 motor is very very reliable. Fuel economy is very good at around 25mpg in town and 35 on the highway, I ususally see around 30mpg in mixed driving scenarios.
~ccorley
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 550
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From: Virginia
Range Rover Classic
The 87 is about 7/10s of a second faster in the 0-60. I'd go with the 95 
That was my first choice but I couldn't find one in the area.
Edit - One of the details I love on the Diesels is the right front Fender vent. Lovely cars.
That was my first choice but I couldn't find one in the area.Edit - One of the details I love on the Diesels is the right front Fender vent. Lovely cars.
Last edited by Eliot; Apr 4, 2006 at 04:09 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 253
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From: Temecula, CA
Tesla model S
Yep, my 95 E300 is SOLID - and beleive it or not kinda quick, I know others will laugh at that but it really is. I still don't know how MB made a non-turbo this strong but it is. I have nothing bad to say about the 2.5 turbo but there's no way I can recommend not buying a 95 E300. Oh yeah, 35 mpg while cruising effortlessly at 80 mph here on California freeways - I get 700 miles to a tank.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 890
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From: Boise, ID, USA
300D, 500E, E420
1987 300D - 10.9 seconds 0-62.4mph (probably 10.5-10.7 for 0-60)
1990-93 300D - 12.8 seconds 0-60mph
1995 E300 - 12.6 seconds 0-60mph
Source data:
http://www.w124performance.com/docs/...tion_specs.xls
Anyway, the 1987 300D is known for head cracking issues thanks to a flawed original casting (fixed in 1988/89 but those models didn't come to the USA). The 90-93 300D did have a few issues with the head gaskets but it's NOT that common, and it's not that expensive to replace the gasket. With a properly installed new gasket I wouldn't expect further problems. The E300 isn't without it's share of issues, though... you've got the biodegradeable wiring harness hassle, and glow plugs that can be a nightmare to change if they're carboned up. The engine makes power via a variable tuned resonance intake, and if the flaps get sticky, you need to take it apart & clean it up (not fun).
The 1987 gets 28-32mpg at best, and the 90-95 models are more like 32-36mpg (approximately) at best. You can get more power from the turbo engines if desired via intercooling and cranking up the fuel delivery... no such option exists on the E300. I do like the updated body style, though.
I'm currently in the market for a clean 1990-93 300D with optional ASD, and preferably with heated seats... let me know if you see any for sale! Must be rust-free car - no snow-belt cancer victims. (This would replace my pristine 300E, and no I'm not selling my '87 300D!
)
1990-93 300D - 12.8 seconds 0-60mph
1995 E300 - 12.6 seconds 0-60mph
Source data:
http://www.w124performance.com/docs/...tion_specs.xls
Anyway, the 1987 300D is known for head cracking issues thanks to a flawed original casting (fixed in 1988/89 but those models didn't come to the USA). The 90-93 300D did have a few issues with the head gaskets but it's NOT that common, and it's not that expensive to replace the gasket. With a properly installed new gasket I wouldn't expect further problems. The E300 isn't without it's share of issues, though... you've got the biodegradeable wiring harness hassle, and glow plugs that can be a nightmare to change if they're carboned up. The engine makes power via a variable tuned resonance intake, and if the flaps get sticky, you need to take it apart & clean it up (not fun).
The 1987 gets 28-32mpg at best, and the 90-95 models are more like 32-36mpg (approximately) at best. You can get more power from the turbo engines if desired via intercooling and cranking up the fuel delivery... no such option exists on the E300. I do like the updated body style, though.
I'm currently in the market for a clean 1990-93 300D with optional ASD, and preferably with heated seats... let me know if you see any for sale! Must be rust-free car - no snow-belt cancer victims. (This would replace my pristine 300E, and no I'm not selling my '87 300D!
)
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 163
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From: San Francisco
School bus
The E300 isn't without it's share of issues, though... you've got the biodegradeable wiring harness hassle, and glow plugs that can be a nightmare to change if they're carboned up. The engine makes power via a variable tuned resonance intake, and if the flaps get sticky, you need to take it apart & clean it up (not fun).
[/QUOTE]
Flaps inside the intake? Closer to the EGR valve end or the intake manifold end?
[/QUOTE]Flaps inside the intake? Closer to the EGR valve end or the intake manifold end?
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