S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC

Which Diesel to buy?

Old Jul 21, 2004 | 07:02 PM
  #1  
Gabrielle's Avatar
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Smile Which Diesel to buy?

Hi! I'm very new to the forum but it looks like you all know LOTS about Mercedes. I'm thinking of buying a used Diesel Mercedes and wanted to know which year/model would be my best bet - hoping to spend between $2,000 and $15,000.

I could also buy a newer Volkswagen - any opinions about that? Thanks in advance - Gabby
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Old Jul 27, 2004 | 04:55 PM
  #2  
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From: Nantes (France)
W140 S300 TD
The only Mercedes Diesel engine to avoid is the 3,5 liter ('93-'95 S350) A real S... !
And for other reason the E and C220 which "injection-pumps" are weak and costly to fix.
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 12:05 PM
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E320 CDI
i myself drive a 1998 E300TD, this car is out of price range however i would suggest you take a look at some of the earlier none turboed W210 diesel eclasses. Read the info on the following link concerning certain engine series problems. http://www.mbz.org/info/complaints/350SD/ Both of you, welcome to the forum.
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 12:08 PM
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E320 CDI
here is a unrefined autotrader search i did, it shows a lot of cars, this should help you pick through a few diesels
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Old Jul 28, 2004 | 12:13 PM
  #5  
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From: Lone Star State.
W211 2005 CDI, X166 2013 350 BT, 997.1 2008 C4S
Originally Posted by Gabrielle
Hi! I'm very new to the forum but it looks like you all know LOTS about Mercedes. I'm thinking of buying a used Diesel Mercedes and wanted to know which year/model would be my best bet - hoping to spend between $2,000 and $15,000.

I could also buy a newer Volkswagen - any opinions about that? Thanks in advance - Gabby
VW PD TDI is a good engine. Does have some problems w/o running on ULSD. Check out the VW Jetta. May be a good pick re your price range.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 03:26 PM
  #6  
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From: Nantes (France)
W140 S300 TD
Another engine to avoid : VW-Audi TDI (=turbo diesel) 115 hp version.

I don't know if it were sold in US. A real problem's source.
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Old Oct 28, 2004 | 01:12 PM
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1998 E300
I would go with a 97 E300 if you want a W210, or go with a 92-95 w124. All of them a great engines, just make sure to get one that has all of the records.
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Old Aug 31, 2005 | 12:26 PM
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S350 12/1996 Problems

Originally Posted by stephane
The only Mercedes Diesel engine to avoid is the 3,5 liter ('93-'95 S350) A real S... !
Does the 1996 model also have the same engine problems, Btw, wasn´t 1995 the last year of 3,5 liter engine ?

I have been looking at a S350TD which I was told is from december 1996, but I saw somewhere, that it was produced until 1995, anyone know if last production year was 96 or 96, please let me know

Also, did the S350TD ever come with a 5 speed auto transmission ?

I do not need a fast car, but a car with comfort, safety and lots of space.

Thanks in advance

Last edited by ejp; Aug 31, 2005 at 02:47 PM.
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