The 1995 E300D is the last W124 chassis with all of the improvements (or gadgets waiting to break) that were added during the ten-year production run. Nicer trim, more wood, two air bags, better stereo, some "convenience" electronics. The engine is the same as my '96 E300D/W210 has, except that it is less electronic – I think a '95 will run even if the electrical system dies, whereas the '96 won't as it is "fly by wire." The transmissions are pretty much the same, 722.4 4-speed mechanical.

My '96 OM606 does not have the low end torque of my '87 OM603 – I notice every time I switch between the '87 and the '96. The OM606 needs to rev up to make any power but it goes very nicely once it gets going and would run away from a 617. Note that I have never driven a later model W210 with the turbo 606 engine – I suspect it would spoil me. My personal preference is for the 124 chassis.

The large fuel tank in the 124 chassis combined with the good fuel economy of the 606 engine had Mercedes advertising a 750 mile range for that model. YMMV, as we say. The 606 is a quiet engine, quieter than the 603. Makes the 123/617 feel and sound like the tank that it really is.

Removing the intake manifold is not difficult but you need to have a manual or someone to walk you through it the first time, so you don't break anything expensive. If the crankcase ventilation pipes have not been replaced, you may find that they are leaking dirty oil all over the valve cover. I ended up replacing most of the bits and pieces. Clean the inside thoroughly while you have it off. I have replaced two glow plugs so far on my '96 and have not had any problems with sticking.

The '95 has less electronics in the EGR system and should not cause problems if you want to defeat EGR. The '96 is much more electronic; I'm not sure if the '95 had an early version of the computerized read-out system or not.

Anyway, I think a '95 would be a good car, definitely easier to DIY than later models.

Jeremy

__________________

"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970