I have owned a number of gas model Benzs over the years, and am looking at a replacement for my current car, a 95 E320. During the search, on a lark, I drove a 99 E300TD at my local dealer, and was wowed with the performance! I could not get over the low end power, which when aided by the turbo after it kicks in, made this car more responsive than my E320.

So, my hunt has expanded to either a 98 or 99 diesel. Can any of you comment on what I should look for in one of these cars and what you would consider fair market price (private party) for a nice machine. My history has been to hold onto my cars until they become unreliable, even though I am religeous over PM for the cars. With that in mind, what would be your recommendation on the upper mileage end that I should be viewing. I assume that items such as suspension and accessories have the same life spans for diesel as well as gas.

Can I expect the same degree of maintenance for a diesel as for a gas? My experience with gas has not been to good........if it is electronic....it will fail....sooner than later (MAF sensor, electronic throttle actuator, air pump, wiring harness.......etc. etc). Does the diesel have a similar array of "bandaids" to cope with US emissions standards?

Sorry for the long post, but I really want one of these cars......unless my cost of maitenance is as horrific as I've experienced with my gas MB's.

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Ernie Rossi

1989 Porsche Carrera Targa
1995 E320 Special Edition
2000 Lexus RX300
1988 190E 2.3

Ernie,

Do a search on the subject here. There are a number of members who have these cars, including me, and we have had widely different experiences. For the most part the only Diesel related problem I have had with mine is a persistent fuel leak that has finally, hopefully, been overcome. If you are a DIY type, this car was designed to thwart you. Simple, regular maintenance items for Diesels, like changing the glow plugs when they fail, or replacing leaking fuel lines or valves, all require removal of the intake manifold. Which is not particularly well designed for a regular event.

Nearly everyone has had some issue with interior/luxury features that are not "Diesel" related. Seems to be a theme with MB across the board - if it is electric or electronic, it is likely not up to expectations based on the mechanical stuff. Most of this stuff is irritating but will not keep you from getting home, if that is your priority.

The latest issue to be uncovered for the W210 chassis that is a real disappointment is the front spring perch failures. This should show up in your site-wide search on the W210 chassis, but briefly there are a number of cars of this chassis design that have had a structural weld between the upper spring mount and the chassis fail, which results in the spring being ejected from the front end and the car dropping nearly to the ground. MB is not responding particularly well to this issue and repairs can be covered or not, depending on age, mileage, and dealer relationships. Not good. Do a thorough inspection before buying and then periodically after buying. Any sign of rusting and the car is likely a bad candidate.

I love my W210 E300 TurboDiesel in spite of the above. I get 30 mpg, plus or minus a few tenths and for a Diesel it really gets out of its own way. I wish it came with a manual transmission as I am not keen on any automatics, and this one scares me with its "sealed for life" design and electronic controls.

If you find a good one, and mileage does not seem to be an issue if the car was maintained (oil changes with Mobil 1/Delvac 1). It (along with all MB vehicles with the FSS or Flexible Service System) requires synthetic oil by design, and since this was not made clear all these cars were backed by a 150,000 mile extended warranty against oil related failures from MB in a class action law suit, presuming after the settlement you switched to Mobil 1. Check the records. Mine uses virtually no oil (I use Delvac 1 and change it every 6,000 to 8,000 miles) and I have 94,500 miles now. It might actually be worth you while to get one from a dealer with the Starmark Warranty to cover some of the niggling, but expensive fixes. Check the details though, as items like leaking fuel lines were not covered since they are not metal parts on the engine. A good price for a '98 with under 100,000 miles would be high teens. A '99 might be low 20's. Good luck, Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)