Opinions on a '96 E300D
 

We're looking at acquiring a 1996 E300D with about 208k "highway miles". It looks beautiful from the pictures.

I already have two 300SDs (an '82 parts car and an '83) that I'm running on W85, and I've been pleased with the results.

Any opinions on whether I could run the E300D on the same stuff? Any gotchas to watch out for? It's a non-turbo, if that makes any difference.

I have no experience running W85
 

From Wikipedia,




The W85 was a thermonuclear warhead developed by the United States of America to arm the Pershing II missile. It had a variable yield— often referred to as "dial-a-yield" — which could be set between 5 and 80 kilotons.




I have no experience running W85. But it's a good car.

Oh. W85 is 85% filtered / centrifuged waste motor oil (hence the W) and 15% regular unleaded gasoline to thin it. Works great in the 300SD's OM617.951.

I wouldn't burn any gasoline in any diesel engine.;)

I would (and do, all the time). But to each his own.

First time I have ever heard of W85.

With that said, the head design is an indirect injection engine on the 98 so for all practical purposes you should be able to. I have a friend that has been running 100% biod in his 99 E300 for a few years and he has not had any issues. The biggest thing I'd be concerned with is the injection pump in case you miss the target in regards to filtering. Just be ready to purchase another injection pump if it comes to it. As far as the head/pistons it should be ok. Do it at your own risk:).

I knew that from your post. You asked my opinion and you got it (based on science).

Good luck.

We test drove it yesterday, and we're buying it. Very nice car.

Interesting timing as I'm contemplating one of these W210 diesels myself right now. Does anyone know if the spring perch failure issue is likely to occur with the diesel. I've seen comments that suggest it will only strike the V8's because of the weight of the engine. But I have a hard time believing that. Seems the diesel motor would be a heavy lump as well. Post pic's if you can, I'd be interested to see your car.

- Peter.

I would think it would have more to do with geography than with engine weight. Rust belt equals spring perch failure. This is only my opinion and may not be what is causing the failures.

As to W85: risky, but none of my business. Except for 4 valves per cylinder, the OM606 is very much like the older M-B diesels and seems to tolerate abuse.

As to spring perches, the design allows dirt to accumulate, which holds moisture, which encourages rust. I checked our '96 before purchase and it was fine. However it had always been a west coast car and had no rust at all.

Jeremy

I'm not getting it until this weekend, but here's a picture.

http://www.mcclearyconsulting.net/ma...d/96-e300d.jpg

Nice ride. Do you mind if I ask how much you got it for?

Thanks. It was $5k from a dealer. That was right in line with blue book value.

It's been very well maintained. We're the second owners, and it came with complete service records and all the original Mercedes booklets. Also, all four airbags were replaced by Mercedes just over a year ago.

Interesting. The one I'm considering they want 7 for. No way I'll pay that. Why did they replace the airbags? Is that a problem with these cars or is is simply something that should be done with all airbags as they age?

- Peter.