Looking at purchasing a 96-99 E300D
#26
Don't do the fuel filters on the road.....the purging part can be tricky especially if the fuel hoses are on the weak side and don't seal 100% and also if the battery is borderline. Expect to do about 20-30 seconds of continuous cranking for the priming of the fuel system when changing prefilter and main fuel filter. Sometimes this cranking must be repeated 2 or more times.
Unlike earlier or later diesel engines, there is no manual priming pump, or an electric lift pump. The result is long cranking where you'll have a mental picture of the brushes in your starter turning to dust.
You may also wish to consider doing doing a Lubromoly Diesel Purge at the same time. There is debate on whether this is better done right before changing filters, or with new filters already in place. Or, if you're me you'll do it twice, both before and after
Unlike earlier or later diesel engines, there is no manual priming pump, or an electric lift pump. The result is long cranking where you'll have a mental picture of the brushes in your starter turning to dust.
You may also wish to consider doing doing a Lubromoly Diesel Purge at the same time. There is debate on whether this is better done right before changing filters, or with new filters already in place. Or, if you're me you'll do it twice, both before and after
Being a newbie to diesels and not much of a gear head, it was easy to do. I'm insulted that the mechanic in NC near where I purchased the car wanted to charge me $135 to change the fuel filters. If I had known what I was doing and wasn't watching my kids then it would have taken very little time.
Last night leaving the grocery store I floored it....love the turbo.
#27
I recently acquired a 98 E300TD with 264k miles. This car is simply phenomenal, it is quick, ample, quiet and it gets good fuel mileage.
I would recommend skipping the non-turbo. I recently test drove one W123 300 d and three w124 300 TD and I must say that the W210 98 e300td is a muscle car compare to the other turbo diesel engines.
I would recommend skipping the non-turbo. I recently test drove one W123 300 d and three w124 300 TD and I must say that the W210 98 e300td is a muscle car compare to the other turbo diesel engines.