wileysegovia

I am hoping to buy a 1996 E300D this week.

The price is about $2,000 below comparable 1996's within a 200 mile radius, but about $1,500 above the Private Party value on KBB. This is to be expected, as diesel models tend to command a higher price.

I have never driven a W210 300D before, and it seemed larger and heavier than I would have imagined. It started up with no problems, and the drive was smooth. The power steering allowed for easy three-point turns, all of the electricals seemed to work fine.

My girlfriend was in the back seat and noticed the leather was beginning to peel away from the side of the doors in a couple of places, but not really something noticeable. The car was not washed, and the leather and floor mats seemed a bit worn, but that is to be expected on an 11 year old 3-owner car.

Is there anything in particular I should ask about, read about, check it for prior to purchasing?

I have a couple of days, but at this price, I'm afraid someone else might buy it first!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

ohlord

the price?KBB is what dealers use so when they tell you you are getting a deal you feel like you got them,when in reality they GOT you
For a more realistic indicator look to edmunds.com
how many miles?kbb retail shows mid 10 and that is for excellent condition which this one does not sound to be
MERCEDES - DIESEL 1996 E300 - $11500
Diesel Mercedes E300D - 1996 - $7900 silver MD.
1999 e300 turbo diesel mercedes benz - $14000 obo 127k miles **11 k would be a deal private party.
seeing sellers that have listed cars for 15 k saying they won't take any less then 11 on 1999 E300 td models so it is a cash buyers market and you are at the wheel
if you are paying cash, you buy private party and inspect,inspect,inspect.
Those little things like the leather and such that seem trivial when you are hot to get the car will loom large when they start to bother you and you find out the true cost of repair.
Find a good one at a fair price and Enjoy.

why diesel? just asking because of your comment of size and weight ,the gassers are quick,nimble,don't feel heavy at all,handle like dickens and pull down 28mpg hway on the 320 models.offering optionsand low mile 99-00 models can be picked up for low 9's to high tens in great shape.That buys a lot of gas compared to the diesel premium and you pick up a far newer car with far fewer miles.
The diesels are great if you find a good one and realize that they are a special breed to work on if you ever have problems.$$$$$$

POS

I had a 1995 w124 diesel that I drove for several years - same engine as the car you're looking at. No more diesels for me; as a car guy, I got too bored with their slowness, and my '98 wagon is averaging 26 mpg while driving like a banshee (the w124 diesel got 29 mpg under same conditions).

You need to look for electrical issues - check everything. You also will need a new engine wiring harness if the car hasn't already had one installed. The engine/tranny will go on forever, but the weakest link in that car is the 1996 w210 - it was the first year out and they had a lot of bugs in the car. Check for service records - my rule of thumb is if the car was treated badly on the outside, then it was probably treated badly everywhere. Be careful.

wileysegovia

My primary reason for purchasing diesel is that I'm the head of a new non-profit in the area that is going to be launching a biodiesel microrefinery.

On the other hand, the fact that the seller is listing for $2,000 ~ 3,000 less than comparable cars left me scratching my head.

It would seem the first production year of any car is always something to stay away from no?
Although apparently in 1997 and later years, they have the infamous "sealed for life" transmission, in which you are not able to replace the transmission fluid?

Also, the car is silver, and I prefer black or white.

ohlord

changed the sealed for life term and now suggests 60k miles or about, one member said in Israel the mb told him 60000 km, mb fluid and filter and you replace the tamper evident cap all the parts are sold online and the diy is on benzworld.org w210 section.
Listed a few on the east coast look around you will find a deal on a low mile bio if you look long enough,there is a beaut for sale on the west coast low miles with the conversion done already.
ohlord

E-Class Owner

still had the older four speed auto, as opposed to the electronically controlled five speed auto that followed. Also, the biodegradable wiring harness problem of the W124 was cured by the arrival of the W210, if I recall correctly.

The newer transmission was a significant step forward, but be careful of a 722.6 unit that has high mileage and has never been serviced.

Good luck,

JR