Scared to Buy E300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieselman · #1 11-17-2005, 01:13 PM

I have been looking wanting a E300d for a long time. I will get almost to the point of buying one and back off. I am afraid of Spring Perch failure, leaking fuel lines, electrical problems ETC..... I like the 210 but am simply scared to buy one. Is this concern unfounded? Would the 606 be as powerful as my 1991 300d 2.5? Should I even trade it. Help me to decide this.

Matt L · #2 11-17-2005, 01:40 PM

I only drove a 124 once, for a test drive. With the 2.5 turbo, it feels a bit quicker than the 210, although I think the NA OM606 actually puts out more power.

I was somewhat afraid to buy mine too, but after driving the thing a while, I'm glad I did. Losing the recirculating-ball steering gear was a great move.

Hatterasguy · #3 11-17-2005, 01:43 PM

Don't worry just buy one. Every single MB model has its warts, if you like the car buy it and enjoy. They are nice and simple to work on.

Leaking fuel lines?? You mean those plastic ones under the manifold? Why the heck is that a problem? Granted its a poor design but their simple to change and cheap. Save your worrying for more about important things like if the trans shifts and maintiance records.

dieselman · #4 11-17-2005, 01:49 PM

I have not even sat inside of one yet but am supposed to look at one soon. I have just heard about them being cheaper in a sense than the older ones. I want a 1996 because I feel the 4 speed might be a better trans than the electronically controlled one. I am just afraid of them for some reason. I have also heard about rust issues but I have also found that any MB will rust if not taken care of. I think what scares me the most is the electronics with this car. A couple of other things I have seen often is glow plug problems and headlight failure often.

Thanks,

dieselman

DieselJim · #5 11-17-2005, 01:52 PM

fear of the unknown is common. Southern car will take care of the rust issues. I took the plunge and got my 124 300D

TX76513 · #6 11-17-2005, 02:22 PM

Are you buying the car with your head or your heart? If you buy the car with your heart it's because you want it...period, and you will not be dissapointed with expectations that your head wanted.

connerm · #7 11-17-2005, 04:20 PM

I have a 95e300d 158,000. On the 95, be sure to check the evaporator. Could be a $3k fix. Friend's 96e300d has a Check Engine Light - reason enough for me to stay the heck away.

Scott98 · #8 11-17-2005, 05:36 PM

I had a '97 and absolutely loved it. Had a ton of miles on it too. Sometimes I regret selling it. It drove wonderfully.

Scott

97dieseldriver · #9 11-17-2005, 06:29 PM

I would buy a used 210 only if it was verified to have the proper maintenance done. You can predict from this forum what will fail. Judge this against any other model and come to your own conclusion.

Electronics are not a problem on my particular car. Then again it has never seen snow or salt. Beware of southern cars. I posted before that Florida cars from the coasts could be an issue but more importantly, the hurricanes have put a lot of flooded vehicles on the market. Imagine salt water having flooded out a car?

As far as the perch issue, I watch this periodically, but so far with 120k miles there is no evidence of any stress or weld fracture on my car.

Good luck!

Hatterasguy · #10 11-17-2005, 09:44 PM

I wouldn't buy a 1996 because of the 4spd box. The extra gear is great.

Very few people that say W210's are not that great actually own them. W210's are just as nice inside as any other MB, cheaper? Maybe I couldn't find any "cheapness". I really like the way they ride and drive.

Also personaly I would go for a turbo just because the extra power is so nice.

#11 11-17-2005, 10:43 PM

Dieselman,
I had the same concerns about the 210-606. Was very happy with my '87 300D but needed added safety of airbags for passenger. Looked awhile and found a local well maintained, high milage '97 with every option at a good price last summer. Still have the 124 because I'm not absolutely convinced the '97 is the one.
Have replaced fuel lines in the newer vehicle, and EGR and CCV mods while was there. Found the 606 engine as easy as 603 to work on. Still have to re-remove intake manifold to replace shutoff valve on injection pump, to stop check engine light alert related to fuel temperature sender malfuntion.
The 210 body is much more plush and comfortable, with heated orthopedic seats, etc, etc. The 606 engine is almost as powerful and maybe more fuel miserly.
It's a tough call and I still have two MB diesels.

DslBnz · #12 11-17-2005, 11:42 PM

Well, I have owned a 210 and it is definitely "cheaper" in materials. But it also handles better, gets better fuel economy(with a lockup clutch as well), and is still relatively pragmatic to work on. The seats are a bit stiff, and legroom up front is a little cramped in the passenger side of a 4-matic. The battery is in a quirky location(under the rear seat). But it's a good car with a HECK of a lot more headroom and legroom in the rear seat.

What kind of car with nearly 300 hp can get 25 - 27 mpg cruising at a steady 70 mph? A 4.2 liter M119 with a 2.82 overdrive 722.6x, that's what!

The W124 is quite spartan, but more posh, IMHO.

Take two cars. One a 210, and one an early ninetie's 124. Sit in one. Then sit in the other. Side by side, in similar condition(no some mudball 124 and a clean 210). Materials are remarkably cheaper, but the 210 is relatively cavernous.

The 210's goggled lights win me over. They are far more intimidating than the narrow nosed 124.

DslBnz · #13 11-17-2005, 11:45 PM

aklim · #14 11-18-2005, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselman

I have not even sat inside of one yet but am supposed to look at one soon. I have just heard about them being cheaper in a sense than the older ones. I want a 1996 because I feel the 4 speed might be a better trans than the electronically controlled one. I am just afraid of them for some reason. I have also heard about rust issues but I have also found that any MB will rust if not taken care of. I think what scares me the most is the electronics with this car. A couple of other things I have seen often is glow plug problems and headlight failure often.

The book said I didn't have to but I changed the fluid on my 99 E300 tranny which is a 722.6 tranny. No real problems with it yet. Don't know what you mean by "better" tho.

turbodiesel · #15 11-18-2005, 12:22 AM

IMO, The 210 is a very boring car to drive. It does not like to be pushed.. it's a very relaxed driving car. I find 123 and 124 and even 126 cars more fun to drive.

The 210's are solid cars, easy to work on but do not have the "soul" of older models. Cheaper interior materials as well.