I have a few general questions about the E300D in the late 90’s year model range. I’ve found a couple here and there and love the styling of them. Mostly I’ve found 96’s & 97’s. Are the E300D’s problematic in any way? I currently have an 82 300TDT. I know the early 80’s models have their own unique problems (dim dash lights, flaring transmission shifts, occasional non-working tach’s…etc.). Don’t get me wrong though, I think they are great cars and are very reliable. I’m just wondering if it worth looking into a late 90’s diesel powered Benz. It’s time to start looking for something new to drive. How fuel efficient are the newer ones? Fueleconomy.gov only rates them around low 29-31 mpg on the highway. For some reason this mileage seams low to me. How expensive is maintenance? If I do it &/or if the dealer does it. How often are oil change intervals? Do they respond well to synthetic oil?

I know this is a shot-gun blast of questions, but just bear with me. I want to learn about the new cars before I jump into buying one.

Thanks

You could use the "Search" mode with the subject "e300" and find dozens of threads about these models. Also will find the usernames of individuals who have them and search from that angle. Fire up the coffeepot and settle in for several hours of interesting reading.

I agree the search will give you lots of info but briefly now, beware of the spring perches. There's at least one huge thread about it. As to the highway mileage, that's about right. It is a lot better than what the old 300D's get isn't it? At least that was my experience. These cars are more complicated to work, but it's still within the abilities of the typical DIYer. They are nice, refined cars, but to be fully satisfied I still needed a W123 diesel in my stable to balance things out and that's why I kept my 240D.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

Do the search and that will make your mind grow numb, but worth it. This is THE place for MB Diesels.

Having a 1999 E300DT, here are the things I have experienced (in bold) or read repeatedly about:

Spring Perchs, MAF sensor, Broken Glow Plugs (just replaced w/o problem), Window regulators, Rust at top of doors (under rubber seal), spot rust on paint, rust around trunk key, brake light switch, burned out or faulty bulbs (taillamp assembly worst), Fuel leaks with the O-rings and fuel lines, some report rear differential problems, wheelbearings with age, cracked dash pad, front seat frames, some say motor mounts and front suspension parts (tie-rods and control arm bushings I think), seems like that is the big list.

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raMBow

1999 E300DT Obsydian Black Metallic, Heated Full Leather Parchment options, E2, K2, 136,000+, best 36.5 mpg - GP's 12-04 & 11-12 Zero Stuck
2010 Honda Odyssey - The BrideMobile - best 26.5
(2) 2005 Honday Accord- (1 -Corporate 1 - Personal) - 110,000 4-cyl 30mpg
2000 VW Golf GLS TDI, Upsolute Chip (sold to Brother, now 300+k on it) 48.5 mpg like clock work
1987 Honda CRX HF - Sold 87,000 always over 50 mpg Max 67 mpg

I can second most the same problems and a few others. I've had:
- cracking dashboard
- rusted spring perches, one corner of the trunk lid, and a small rust spot on one of the doors
- false warnings on the display
- one instance of engine shutdown on the highway, probably related to problem above, but I was able to restart immediately
- shaky steering around 55 mph
- combustion knock when engine is cold
- massive fuel leak from shutoff valve
- slight seepage of exhaust pressure through the head gasket
- slight loss of refrigerant (thankfully it's R134a, not R12)

I didn't list normal wear and tear issues which are to be expected with any car.

To be fair my 240D has or had the following problems:
- bad starter & alternator
- heater core leak
- water seepage into interior
- bad glow plug relay
- slight oil leak from oil separator drain tube

But with the 240D you won't be left stranded on the highway and things are much easier to fix. Overall it's a higher quality car than the newer benzes, though less refined.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

Some search terms that might help:

1. OM606 or 606 (the engine # from 1995-1999)
2. W210 or 210 (the body for E class between 1996-2002)
3. 722.6 (transmission number for these cars)

The turbodiesel was produced in 98 and 99. Most people consider the OM606 a very srong engine. Lots of threads on these cars and the most common repairs. Good luck.
Paul
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98 E300

Thanks for the replies. I was about to ask what the body style number was to help in the search.

Thanks