Youngman41

I am considering a 1986 300E. I am also looking at some 300D's. I am wondering, how would you compare the general reliability and longevity between the two. I know that Diesel's have a reputation for hanging in there a long time, often well over 300,000 miles. What about the gas engine models? Do they still carry that longevity that Mercedes is famous for?

This question applies, I suppose, to all gasoline versus Diesel Mercedes. But, I am also interested generally in the longevity of the gasoline engines. Can I expect 250 - 300 thousand miles?

mbtech208

In general, a diesel will outlast a gasoline engine simply because they have stronger internal components to deal with the higher compression, and have less parts to break due to no ignition system. The longest-lasting Benz I've seen is the 123-body 240D. Those cars have lifespans of biblical proportions. The 300E is no slouch either, I work with a guy who has an '89 300E with 260,000 miles and the cylinder head has never been off. If you want longevity, go with the diesel.