xflowgolf

I am a rookie here, considering the purchase of a W210 diesel sedan (E300D/E300TD). I currently own a 2-door Golf TDI for commuting but I am looking for a larger, more comfortable car that will still reasonably hit 30+ mpg's highway.

In my lurking I have learned the earlier W210 '96/'97 cars were non-turbo motors. I am looking for a strictly highway commuter (I do ~35K annually). I am capable of doing all my own service/mechanical work. High horsepower is really irrelevant to me as I just want a comfortable car to bomb down the highway in with the cruise set, as I have a seperate weekend toy to play with. My budget is ~$10K, and I have been able to find some very nice one owner, documented maintenance, non turbo's for less than that amount, and a few TD's for a bit more.

Bottom line: if one does not care about speed, should I save a few bucks and go with a well maintained non-turbo, or is there a compelling reason to go to the later '98+ turbo diesel? Is highway mpg's comparable? are the drivetrains as stout as the later TD? etc.

Thanks!!!!

EdzBenz

Xflow,
I would go to the www.peachparts.com forum. There are a ton of members there that drive turbo and non-turbo W210s. In my experience, I don't achieve anything higher than 29mpg with my turbo. It's a fun, quick and mostly reliable vehicle. I believe the E300D has a different transmission than the 98-99 E300DT's

xflowgolf

Thanks for the input. I'll post up over there as well.

michakaveli

The 97-99 E300's are virtually the same, minus the turbo on the '97 models. The '96 E300 came with the older 4-speed tranny. I believe the rear end ratio's are different between the turbo and non-turbo models.

The power of the turbo motor is nice to have, but not necessary. It is slow, but driving it often, you get used to it quick.

nelbur

I have the non-turbo E 300 D, and love it. I think it is sort of an age thing. If you are young you might be unhappy with the leisurely acceleration of the NA version, however if you are of retirement age, the NA version will likely be fine. I get 32 mph on the highway. If you get the NA version remember to set the transmission to default and let it learn how you drive. It made a big difference on our car.

drebdy

get the 300d non turbo, it will serve you for life, with proper maintenance it will rake up the miles, had a bad experience with an e220 1999 turbo, the engine was properly serviced and yet only able to get 180,000kms on the clock and it was overhauled as oil was leaking badly, get a non turbo as it will last longer

xflowgolf

I'm young (29), but with the calm of an old man.

I currently work ~75 miles from my home, so my commute is 150 miles/day, 5days/week. My commute is flat, and about 73 miles of interstate. I really am not looking for sport, just a car of substance with a comfortable ride/interior, that can pull down respectable highway mpg's. I like the diesels for their longevity.

I have a sportbike to get my speed thrills, and the makings of a high compression VW track car to get the loud, rattle, stiff ride sports car vibe if I ever put all the pieces together.

That said I may do a few cosmetic upgrades to bring a bit more sporting look to it. I think a lower stance and wheel/tire upgrade sets these cars off while maintaining a classy look, though with as many miles as I do I don't want to end up with crap ride quality.

I'm leaning towards the non-turbo simply for the fact that I am finding them at better prices with excellent maintenance history, owner history, etc.

It's good to hear a few votes of confidence for the non-turbo model.

Lancelot

The non-turbo engine is slightly noisier compared to the turbo.

The non-turbo has no MAF (only an inlet-air-temperature sensor) and the EGR can be closed without triggering a CEL, giving you a smooth running engine with clean intake.

Glowplugs are also easier to replace on the non-turbo.

If only for commuting on cruise-control I would get the non-turbo. Change the tranny oil and filter and you'd be good to go for a long time...

Dave1965

Drive both and you will feel the difference.

Get the Turbodiesel.

Regarding the MAF, if it ever goes bad, it'll throw an OBD 2 code idicating it and is a 10 min job to fix. Doesn't happen too often. Haven't heard of too many folks having unreasnable soot accumulation on the intake manifold. I believe someone has developed an EGR bypass that won't throw a code should you want to go that route.

Get the Turbodiesel.

WHEN, not if, you do glowplugs, you'll be removing the intake manifold to make life easy for yourself. Do some searching on the 'net and you'll ream the threads, reinstall new plugs with antiseize, and then run Powerservice DieselKleen in EVERY tankfull. I replaced all of mine because one went bad at @60000 with Bosch ones and now have @150000 with NO issues.

Get the Turbodieeel.

Highway commute? Nice to have 174hp/243 ft/lb versus 134hp/155 ft/lb when passing. I believe the Turbo was actually rated higher EPA mileage-wise or at least the same versus the non-turbo.

Get the Turbodiesel.

The E300 Turbodiesel was the fastest production diesel in the world when it was introduced. With the non-Turbo you'll be at the mercy of every VW TDI that crosses your path. Could you sleep at night knowing that?

Get the Turbodiesel!!!

michakaveli

Nothing like listening to an OM606 NA, singing at full song, around 5,200 rpm's when needing to overtake on the freeway

But either way, you can't go wrong. If you are mechanically inclined, much can be repaired on your own.

xflowgolf

Yep, I have a very well equipped garage and do 95% of wrenching myself.

I'm not opposed to a turbo if I find one in range with the correct records/condition. I think i'd be happy with an NA diesel though too.

nelbur

I don't believe the '97 NA engines EGR can be easily disconnected without throwing codes. I would love to be proven wrong. One gentleman plugged the tube from the exhaust manifold and provided filtered air for the EGR, with no problem with codes. This approach will not work in Virginia as inspections call for no (obvious) modifications to emission equipment, even though they do not test emissions.

As to passing on the highway, the NA version will zoom between 3000 and 6000 rpms in a rush. The highway is where these things shine.

Altin

i had non turbo 96 and now i have a 98 turbo , my brother is driving the 96 and he likes it but i love my turbo diesel , the performance is like day and night but maybe it is an age thing since my brother is older then me my turbo engine output 174 hp the regular diesel 134 you do the math , when it comes to the highway use they are the same except for the exeleration you need to get up to speed it will take 8 seconds with the TD from 0-60 and i think about 12 or 13 with the regular engine but they both ride like a plane on the highway .