M Class Diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vahe · #1 09-12-2004, 11:04 AM

While at the dealer last week to pick up my E320, talked to the service folks about MB diesels, I hear that next year we will see ML diesels with the same engine that comes on their new E class CDI, any thoughts about that?
My son in law had ML 400 series, but he had to get rid of it due to continuous problems, and, personally I consider the MB ML the ugliest SUV out there, but still, one with MB diesel is rather tempting, getting 35-40 mpg on highway from a large SUV is not bad at all.
And, on the subject of MB's and their never ending problems, this time my wife's E320 was in the shop to replace the entire electronics of xenon headlight, this is the second time, now both headlights have been replaced, at 1K each this is a real pain in the a$$, and for me, never touch a car with xenon light again.

Vahe
240D 77 350K

300SDog · #2 09-12-2004, 12:09 PM

I guess the diesel power plant on the M-class SUV will be the most authentic MB part of the car.... Since the rest of it is assembled in Alabama, I'm wondering if the USA is the only country in the world where these SUV's can be found.

Meanwhile, let's hope the crew at 'Bama which builds these monstrosities has more patience than somebody like me who has riipped all sorts of stupid features like automatic antennas, central vacuum door locks and other unwanted junk straight out of the car and hurled the fiddly bits into the bushes when the systems failed.

$2000 for both headlights huh? Am certain that somebody in my neighborhood can figure out a way to skip the electronic junk and install a set of regular headlights for about $350 or less.

God forbid I should ever own anything newer than my '79 - There'd probably be no end to the strange relays, wacky electronics and servos that I'd be hurling into the woods. But I'm not worried, even with its rusting body I figure my 240D is probably good for another 15 yrs or 200,000 miles....

It's weird, lots of people are afraid of owning older cars. It's the newer ones that scare me with all the crap they include that I can never figure out.

Does your new E320 even have a dipstick for checking the oil?? I'm also wondering if there's any truth to the rumor that engine compartments are only accessible at dealerships where special tools are needed to remove engine covers and baffles..... also with secret passwords and hook-ups needed to access the computerized "engine management" system.

vahe · #3 09-12-2004, 02:25 PM

"Does your new E320 even have a dipstick for checking the oil?? "

My E320 is not a new car, it is a 97-210 with 58K miles on it, and strangely it does heve a dipstick for checking oil. Although not as fancy as the newer models we had our fair share of surprises with this car, example; reached to adjust the rear view mirror, it broke, and with all the electronics built into the assembly it cost $450 to replace the unit, anoter one, oil leaks from engine upper part, this is a chronic problem with all 320 engines, the seal at the engine head goes bad & costs about 1K to take care of the problem, and, MB has done absolutely nothing to fix this flaw.

Vahe
240D/77

300SDog · #4 09-12-2004, 06:39 PM

Let me guess, the $450 rear view mirror was the remote controled unit on modern top of the line S-class sedans?

My mechanic once gave me a ride home in one of these cars when I left the 240D for overnight clutch replacement. It was a customer's car that needed a test drive.

What's the deal with an electrically adjustable rear view mirror? Anybody who cant adjust the mirror by hand belongs in a hospital. Is it some sort of anti-theft device as anybody who steals the car will adjust the mirror by hand leaving fingerprints all over the glass? There has got to be a manual retro-upgrade equivalent from earlier models to replace the absurd electric mirror.

And maybe that chronic 320 oil leak problem led to MB 'diapers' they designed that fit underneath the engine. Somehow it occurs to me they've got some genuine crackpot engineers in Stuttgart, but at least they've got a sense of humor.

One of these days I'd like to get my hands on a brand new MB diesel and then make a study of boning the car of all unnecessary equipment..... reducing it to the state of my '79 240D which has only 2 vacuum line systems (engine shutoff & brake booster) and only 2 electrical wires leading to the engine (temp guage sensor and glow plug wire).

I wonder what MB North America would say about sponsoring a project that reduces one of their brand new diesels to the simplicity of a finbody 190D from the olden days when MB *owned* the international taxi cab industry.

Dunno who's running DMB now, but I think they'd be better off with somebody from a blue-collar background instead of some egghead who's a sucker for bells and whistles that nobody needs.

Rick Miley · #5 09-13-2004, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240DieselDog

I guess the diesel power plant on the M-class SUV will be the most authentic MB part of the car.... Since the rest of it is assembled in Alabama, I'm wondering if the USA is the only country in the world where these SUV's can be found.

They have been available in other countries with a diesel for some time. Built here and exported. engatwork posted a picture a few months ago of a truck loaded with ML 270 CDIs headed for the port.

mplafleur · #6 09-13-2004, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Miley

They have been available in other countries with a diesel for some time. Built here and exported. engatwork posted a picture a few months ago of a truck loaded with ML 270 CDIs headed for the port.

That's right. They've been making the ML270 diesel for years in Alabama. They sell'em in Australia and I don't know where else.

I'd love to put a diesel in mine.

slowmoe · #7 09-13-2004, 03:38 PM

Althought there are currently no more MBs in my garage, I still like visiting this board. This thread reminds me of the expence and frustration surronding my last E300. I look forward to a time when MB remembers its roots and begins building high quality reliable machines.

The Lexus that replaced my diesel has proven to be ultra reliable, silky smooth, and a blast to drive. However, the Lexus to me is like an appliance to be used and discarded when I am through with it. All my MBs up to the 92 were more like pieces of furnature that aged with character and became a part of my home.

JimSmith · #8 09-13-2004, 04:30 PM

On my last business trip to Europe I spent a few days in Munich on my way home from Italy. I was surprised to see quite a few ML models over there, and most were the 270CDI variety. Which makes me happy because it means I may be able to hold out for a new C270CDI with a 6 speed manual and 4-Matic some day.

Like others have noted though, it will be a while before MB gets me to buy a new vehicle. My W210 has been mechanically solid, and has never left me stranded. But it has had its share of bogus repairs. Fuel leaks that require the intake manifold to be taken off to get to (same with glow plugs) and other interior features I would rather not have but that demand to be fixed when the fail and cost an arm or a leg.

But a C270 CDI with a manual and 4-Matic, as well as a bunch of manual interior controls, like seats, A/C, mirrors and so on would be a welcome sign of the return of MB to what made it a great vehicle to own. Jim

bmisf · #9 09-13-2004, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowmoe

Althought there are currently no more MBs in my garage, I still like visiting this board. This thread reminds me of the expence and frustration surronding my last E300. I look forward to a time when MB remembers its roots and begins building high quality reliable machines.

Slowmoe - what happened with the E300? Curious to hear what went wrong...

mplafleur · #10 09-13-2004, 06:20 PM

It's good news. That means that when my gasser toasts, I can throw in a 270 CDI.

engatwork · #11 09-13-2004, 06:29 PM

Here is a load of them passing through on their way to the Ports.

Truck load of brand new ML270 CDI

slowmoe · #12 09-13-2004, 08:53 PM

bmsif,

1) Surging at highway speeds - after many other attempts to fix, I was told I needed a new computer at $1500
2) Airbag light was on all the time - after $150 worth of dealer dianostics, they were still unable to determine why and wanted an okay for atleast $100 more to pull interior panels
3) Malfunctioning "Unauthorized Start" that would prevent the car from starting after being locked - only after it was below freezing overnight - dealer only able to look into due to security system and recomended replaceing security modules $$$
4) New catalytic converter needed - $1600
5) While replacing the glowplugs two broke in the head $$$
6) The perverbial straw that broke the camel's back was right front spring perch failure that left me not only stranded but fearing for my family's safty.

Please keep in mind that I purchased this car at 66K from the origional owner and had all records since new. I had it thoroughly inspected by a trusted MB specialist before purchase and ran a Carfax.

Please also understand that between 66K and 92K I also replaced:

1) both front lower balljoints
2) fanbelt, tensioner and shock x2
3) glowplugs
4) glowplug relay
5) control module for fuel injection
6) four new tires
7) brakes and rotors

The above I will consider normal wear and tear items - #4 and #5 are pushing it. My point in including them is to demonstrate how frequently this car, with less than 100K, had to be worked on. This is simpy inexusable for any car let alone a MB

bmisf · #13 09-14-2004, 12:44 AM

Ouch - thanks for the reply, Slowmoe.

I just bought a '99 E300 with 78K miles, so I'm particularly interested to see what might be worth keeping an eye on. It has a Starmark Extended warranty through 2006, so I'm (theoretically) covered on many items, but glow plugs, hoses, instrument lights and a lot of the other stuff that's "standard maintenance" will be on my on dime even now.

BTW, MB bought back my 2002 ML320; a persistent SRS/airbag fault was one of the main issues I had with it (but by no means the only), so I certainly understand your frustration.

Thanks...

slowmoe · #14 09-14-2004, 07:12 AM

bmisf,

After my experience with the MB, I really wanted to make sure I was protected on my Lexus. I purchased an aftermarket bumper to bumper warrantee from 27K to 100K for $1200. Out of curiosity I asked how much it would be for a similar E320 that was on the lot. The response - $4350. Both an XJ-8 Jag and 5 Series BMW were in the low $3,000s. This is why Starmarked cars are always sooooo much more expensive.

Insurance companies are not stupid. They know how much it will cost to maintain a car. I would love to drive a Mercedees again. However, at this point it is not even competitive. I could now likely spend less taking an 8 cylinder Jag to 100K than I could an MB.

Who would have thought?

300SDog · #15 09-14-2004, 08:15 PM

"I could now likely spend less taking an 8 cylinder Jag to 100K than I could an MB."

Hey Moe, which 100k miles are you talkin about with that Jaguar.... 1st, 2nd or 3rd 100,000 miles?? Maybe as a top of the food chain consumer who buys brand new cars all the time, you should think about backing up a few generations in MB history and getting a perfect condition 126, 123, 116 or 115 MB diesel in bumper-to-bumper restored condition instead. Then you can take the money you save over owning a 'souless lexus to the bank along with phenomenal savings on insurance praemiums too.

None of the electronics or gadgets on modern day MB's that everybody complains about strike me as necessary equipment at all. I like the Benz for having the best shortblock and most superb handling characteristics of any car on the road, that's all.

And even not being the smartest guy in the world, am confident that it wouldnt take much to bypass all that computer junk, wacky sensors, weird vacuum switches and crazy relay networks. Hell, I could even sell the parts to new car owners and use the money to pay my home electric bills for an entire year.

I wonder if anybody has asked MB Techs to pull crazy devices out of their car whenever they fail. It sounds like I could make a living doing this - converting wildly complicated machines to their original state, knowing my efforts help improve upon MB reputation for durability.

Seriously, if there are any ringers on this board from DMB of North American who would like to sponsor an experimental project for boning a modern MB diesel of all useless and unnecessary components.... please send me an email!! This would be an enjoyable project for me.