Opinion needed for a new user - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dmtinker · #1 04-06-2006, 10:23 PM

Hi, I'm new and am considering getting an MB diesel for my next car. I wanted some opinions, advice and direction. My last 6 cars have been Saab and I was very happy with them. Dependable, easy to work on and affordable. Unfortunately, I have to replace my current one with something newer due to a new job and a longer drive.

Consequently, I'm taking this opportunity to get a diesel. I'm currently looking at a 300SD (1987). I have about $5K to spend and wanted to know which models are the most reliable? I think something from 1985 to 1995. I just want to know what to look for, what to avoid etc....

I test drove an 190E today and was not real impressed. It was a VERY heavy car. It drove like a log. That just confirmed for me that I wanted a diesel.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

raMBow · #2 04-06-2006, 10:31 PM

Plenty of search opportunities here, but the one that strikes me as the most universal caution is the 350SD & SDL's beautiful cars but they have a reputation as "rod benders", very expensive. Though my brother has 250K+ on it without problems.

dmtinker · #3 04-06-2006, 10:43 PM

Rod benders and in piston rods? Are they too weak or does the engine produce too much torque?

dmtinker · #4 04-06-2006, 10:50 PM

I'm also wondering if there are any hidden things I should look for.

raMBow · #5 04-06-2006, 10:52 PM

There are countless threads on this debate, but far too many have bent rods, soley in the 350 displacement. Then they wear the cylinder walls and loose compression. 300's do not seem to suffer this malady. Certainly an engineering error.

Seems like the most reliable are the non-turbo motors, but those are the least fun to drive. Really hard to go wrong with an older MB.

t walgamuth · #6 04-06-2006, 10:57 PM

question is much discussed here.

i have a 90 350sdl. my favorite theory is that the block is too flexible and allows problems with the head gaskets resulting in leakage of fluid into the combustion chamber resulting in hydro lock... and bending the rod.

all benzes will feel like heavy cars until you get used to the way that they drive. then you will think they drive pretty well. they are designed to be safe at autobahn speeds. they are actually built light for the strength that they are.

i had two saab 99s back when they were "real" saabs (my opinion) and were unique and so forth. they were lovely driving cars with sensitive steering robust motors and ultimately let down by poor electrical devices and weakness in the drive thru the tranny clutch area (in my experience).

benzes are more solidly built and more durable overall, but you will find many similarities in the brakes and probably other things.

for a first benz i recommend trying to find a clean 81 thr 85 300sd or 300d. they drive almost as nicely as the later cars but the motors are generally regarded as about bulletproof with no real weaknesses.

tom w

dmtinker · #7 04-06-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

question is much discussed here.

all benzes will feel like heavy cars until you get used to the way that they drive. then you will think they drive pretty well. they are designed to be safe at autobahn speeds. they are actually built light for the strength that they are.

i had two saab 99s back when they were "real" saabs (my opinion) and were unique and so forth. they were lovely driving cars with sensitive steering robust motors and ultimately let down by poor electrical devices and weakness in the drive thru the tranny clutch area (in my experience).

benzes are more solidly built and more durable overall, but you will find many similarities in the brakes and probably other things.

for a first benz i recommend trying to find a clean 81 thr 85 300sd or 300d. they drive almost as nicely as the later cars but the motors are generally regarded as about bulletproof with no real weaknesses.

tom w

Well, I had a 75 450SEL and my wife had an 83 300D and both were heavy but not like this brick.....I think a lot of that was its being under powered. One thing I am really concerned about is getting a diesel that has enough pick up to be safe. I'm not looking to race but I do want to get into traffic.

As for the Saabs, I've had 900's and 9000's. The only electrical problem I've had was with the 900. I didn't like the way the dash lights were handled. Other than that, they were fine. They (mostly) use either Lucas or Bosch electronics. I did have a problem with the auto tranny but found the manuals to be the most dependable and easiest to replace.

My experience with Saab is one of the reasons I'm looking at an MB. Having come from American and Japanese cars, I really liked the (for lack of a better word) Teutonic philosophy in engineering. Saab, Volvo, BMW and MB all are cars that are very well engineered. Of course, each company has had its lemons but generally I find them better engineered. I will NEVER buy another Japanese car. I do not think they are designed with the mechanics in mind. When you have to almost remove (pardon the split infinitive) the exhause manifold to change an oil filter, you know there is something seriously wrong. Also, you have to have hampster hands to work on the darn things.....

t walgamuth · #8 04-06-2006, 11:37 PM

lucas boo, bosch yeah!

no hamster hands here. more like ham hocks.

tom w

Maroon 300D · #9 04-07-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmtinker

One thing I am really concerned about is getting a diesel that has enough pick up to be safe. I'm not looking to race but I do want to get into traffic.

My car has enough pick up to be safe. I was actually quite impressed with it, as I was expecting something much slower when I first looked at it. If you get one with a properly working turbo it should have enough power for your needs. It is a little sluggish at low RPM's, but not so bad I'd feel uncomfortable turning left in a busy place. On the highway it has good power and passing slower vehicles is no problem.

Hatterasguy · #10 04-07-2006, 05:39 PM

Your not going to get a nice 350SD/L for $5k. Double that figure at least with a country wide search and you will find good one.

For $5k I'd be hunting for a nice 1982-85 300SD. You can find a nice SDL for $5k if you really shop, but you have to know what you are looking at or you will get burned.

Actualy for $5k you can get a heck of a nice 1994-95 E320. Nice W124, lots of power, similer mileage to the older diesels.

Remember these cars are pretty old by know so expect some work and maintaince. I wouldn't be surprised if you put half of what you pay for it into the car in the first year.

aklim · #11 04-07-2006, 05:46 PM

I cammed my 190E 2.6 and think it was a little more spritely than the current 99 E300 Turbodiesel that has been chipped

dmtinker · #12 04-07-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

For $5k I'd be hunting for a nice 1982-85 300SD. You can find a nice SDL for $5k if you really shop, but you have to know what you are looking at or you will get burned.

Actualy for $5k you can get a heck of a nice 1994-95 E320. Nice W124, lots of power, similer mileage to the older diesels.

I don't think I'll get a 350. I'm probably going for a 300SD. BTW, is the E320 a gasoline engine? The reason I ask is that I found that model on ebay and it was gas. (I really don't know the model numbers that well) I think I am definately going diesel.

My Saab has 150K on it and its starting to show its age. I have seen a few deals out there. There is an 83 300TD near me but it has a blue interior. I must say MB had some really fugly colors....

I really love the 123 body style but the SD's I have seen (with the square lights) have a very sofisticated Euro look.