'98 E300 Td
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7
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From: Chicago, IL
'98 E300 TD
'98 E300 Td
I am impressed with the cooperation and exchange of information between the MB owners
on this forum. It is refreashing to be able to get answers and ideas with all of you. I have owned a '98 TurboDiesel for about two years and I love it. It is my first Benz and first Diesel. I bought through a dealer in my area and it had 55K on the odometer when I drove it off the lot. Since then I have found a certified MB mechanic close to me who also loves and drives Mercedes. Right I have 70K on it and it runs and rides great.
If about 8 months ago I took a trip in the car and when I returned (after about a week) My message light went on to indicate my oil level was very low and to add. I put in 3 quarts which brought the level to where it should be. It has only happened that one time. Is it the diesel burning more oil at high speeds over a long period?
Also, Is it normal to replace glow plugs after 60K?
Thanks!!
on this forum. It is refreashing to be able to get answers and ideas with all of you. I have owned a '98 TurboDiesel for about two years and I love it. It is my first Benz and first Diesel. I bought through a dealer in my area and it had 55K on the odometer when I drove it off the lot. Since then I have found a certified MB mechanic close to me who also loves and drives Mercedes. Right I have 70K on it and it runs and rides great.
If about 8 months ago I took a trip in the car and when I returned (after about a week) My message light went on to indicate my oil level was very low and to add. I put in 3 quarts which brought the level to where it should be. It has only happened that one time. Is it the diesel burning more oil at high speeds over a long period?
Also, Is it normal to replace glow plugs after 60K?
Thanks!!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 777
Likes: 0
E320 CDI
a note on glow plugs. we went in to have ours changed out at 80K and the tech twisted a carbonized one off in the block 
the car is currently at the dealership right now being repaired (it was the dealer tech that twisted it off). I will be letting everyone know how they handle the situation.
the car is currently at the dealership right now being repaired (it was the dealer tech that twisted it off). I will be letting everyone know how they handle the situation.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
Guys, glowplugs should be replaced every 40k or so on these cars. Anti seize should be used when installing new glowplugs, and the holes reamed.
The problem is with these E300's is that carbon from the egr and ccv builds up in the head, and freezes the glowplug in place. They are flimsy and if you're not careful can snap off.
Speedlimits - MANY MANY ppl have had your same problem. Most ended up with a $2500 head repair. You may get lucky since the tech snapped it off and the dealership may cover part of the cost. Sorry to hear about your carbony dirty head!
Moondoggy - This type of oil usage is common on long road trips if you are using the wrong oil and it's relatively worn out. Most dealers don't know anything about diesels, and will install mobil 1 or castrol syntec in your E, not knowing it requires a CG/CH/CI-4 diesel specific synthetic. I have had the same thing happen on my car on road trips and my mom has on her '99 E300 as well. Both were when we first got them, and had about 5000 miles on a run of syntec. Freaked me out. Run a few changes of delvac 1 or amsoil 15w40 and your oil consumption will stabilize.
The problem is with these E300's is that carbon from the egr and ccv builds up in the head, and freezes the glowplug in place. They are flimsy and if you're not careful can snap off.
Speedlimits - MANY MANY ppl have had your same problem. Most ended up with a $2500 head repair. You may get lucky since the tech snapped it off and the dealership may cover part of the cost. Sorry to hear about your carbony dirty head!
Moondoggy - This type of oil usage is common on long road trips if you are using the wrong oil and it's relatively worn out. Most dealers don't know anything about diesels, and will install mobil 1 or castrol syntec in your E, not knowing it requires a CG/CH/CI-4 diesel specific synthetic. I have had the same thing happen on my car on road trips and my mom has on her '99 E300 as well. Both were when we first got them, and had about 5000 miles on a run of syntec. Freaked me out. Run a few changes of delvac 1 or amsoil 15w40 and your oil consumption will stabilize.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6
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From: New York
'96 E300D
Glow plugs
I had my glow plugs changed after 87 kMiles. I have this guy who works for the dealer. He changed them for me at home. Huge difference. Car starts and it runs like it's already been warmed up. I'm loving it. I have few issues with it. I have some small oil leak (I don't know where is it coming from) Also the car is a little noisy. I think that I hear bearrings or rear differential but somebody told me that its tires that make that noise. The car has 88,000 miles. Can anybody recomend what tires should I use?
Thanks
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
Bridgestone touranza ls-h. I researched them all, this is the best tire for the money, check tire rack for price and reviews, and then get your local tire place to match tire rack's price(including shipping). They are quiet and have a 50k mile treadwear warranty. Much better than the michelin energy mxv4's I had before. My moms E300 is doing well with the touranzas, and I had them on my TDI. Now I have the 18" amg's so I can't run the same type of tires..
I'd take it in on the oil leak or figure it out.
I'd take it in on the oil leak or figure it out.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New York
'96 E300D
Thanks for advise. Friend of mine recommended MichelinEnergy MXV4 Plus. He told me that they are the mbest tires for this car. You think the Touranzas will be better? Also do you think, that my problem is the tires? I wonder...
Anyway, Thanks a lot.
Anyway, Thanks a lot.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 379
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From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
Kichus, how many miles do you have on your tires? Hard to say what your noise is, you haven't really described it in much detail.
mxv4's or continentals are standard OEM on our cars. Mine came with mxv4's. They are average all around and are bout 150 a tire. If you read the reviews on tire rack between the two tires you'll see the difference is night and day. The touranza performs better in almost every category and can be had for around $95 a tire... It was also consumer reports tire of the year last year.
mxv4's or continentals are standard OEM on our cars. Mine came with mxv4's. They are average all around and are bout 150 a tire. If you read the reviews on tire rack between the two tires you'll see the difference is night and day. The touranza performs better in almost every category and can be had for around $95 a tire... It was also consumer reports tire of the year last year.
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New York
'96 E300D
Hmm, I think you convinced me. I just bought that car. I'm having hard time converting to Diesel but maybe it won't be that bad after all. So far the noise is bothering me a lot. Right now I have these weird tires. They look good and they still have a good thread, but they are not any brand that I've ever seen before.
Also, this car came with optical CD changer, but it was not installed. I don't think my car supports that. MC3198. Can I get some kind of cable that I can install it or no way?
but maybe it won't be that bad after all. So far the noise is bothering me a lot. Right now I have these weird tires. They look good and they still have a good thread, but they are not any brand that I've ever seen before. Also, this car came with optical CD changer, but it was not installed. I don't think my car supports that. MC3198. Can I get some kind of cable that I can install it or no way?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
there is an optical cd changer output coming from the radio if you have the model with cd changer controls. It's behind the left side trunk liner. ANy stereo shop can hook it up for you for less than $50 I'm guessing.
You haven't described the noise at all.
Be sure you are running a synthetic DIESEL specific oil. PM me if you'd like to chat over instant messenger or something, I can get you up to speed on the car.
You haven't described the noise at all.
Be sure you are running a synthetic DIESEL specific oil. PM me if you'd like to chat over instant messenger or something, I can get you up to speed on the car.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
'98 E300 TD
Thanks
Thanks Lightman!
I will look into the oil you mentioned. I knew that it had to do with the high speed and long distance because it hasn't happened since. Thanks for confirming that.
The dealer did put in Mobile 1 and said to change it every 3K. These MB Diesels can go longer. It is odd about the Glow Plugs though. That's an expensive maintenence issue to occur every 40K.
Thanks again.
I will look into the oil you mentioned. I knew that it had to do with the high speed and long distance because it hasn't happened since. Thanks for confirming that.
The dealer did put in Mobile 1 and said to change it every 3K. These MB Diesels can go longer. It is odd about the Glow Plugs though. That's an expensive maintenence issue to occur every 40K.
Thanks again.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
Mobil 1 is for gas engines, not diesels. THe mobil product designed for diesels is Delvac 1. Try www.avlube.com , since it's hard to find locally -check with truckstops/commercial lube outlets. Y our dealer wants to make money. Get d1 and change every 7500 and you'll be conservative. The oil can easily last 10-12k with good results.
No prob, pm or email me if you have more questions or want to chat over instant messenger.
No prob, pm or email me if you have more questions or want to chat over instant messenger.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland, OH
1999 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel
ps, as posted above, this forum is kinda weak on diesels, only a few of us here, and I visit very rarely. This forum is great for w210, just not too technical, or diesel-specific. MBSHOP has a great diesel forum.
