Who says the W210 won't hold up like the old timers...? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nhdoc · #1 09-21-2006, 08:05 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-300D-ex-condition-runs-100-make-an-offer_W0QQitemZ170031278089QQihZ007QQcategoryZ6335QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

335K miles on this beast and it still looks very nice...even the interior has held up very well. I think this is the highest mile W210 I have seen so far...testimony to the fact that they are every bit as capable of seeing 300K+ miles as the W123 and other "classics".

H-townbenzoboy · #2 09-21-2006, 08:17 PM

See that Daimler-Benz sticker? They haven't used those on new MBs since 1989 or 1990. I wonder if that sticker had something to do with it's longetivity like the older MBs, maybe a "magic Daimler" sticker?

j/k

#3 09-21-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-300D-ex-condition-runs-100-make-an-offer_W0QQitemZ170031278089QQihZ007QQcategoryZ6335QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

335K miles on this beast and it still looks very nice...even the interior has held up very well. I think this is the highest mile W210 I have seen so far...testimony to the fact that they are every bit as capable of seeing 300K+ miles as the W123 and other "classics".

I hope that's true, it would be sad if benz isn't capable of building a quality car anymore. Hopefully, a lot of these cars will be preserved. I'm just concerned that keeping one of these correct will cost more than most owners are willing to spend.

superlite17 · #4 09-21-2006, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I'm just concerned that keeping one of these correct will cost more than most owners are willing to spend.

Very good to see the high mileage E300, I have been waiting patiently to start seeing these. With regards to the high cost of keeping them correct, my hope is the Diesel will stand on its own and the aging E320 fleet will provide plenty of oem spares outside of the unique e300 parts.
Paul

Hatterasguy · #5 09-21-2006, 09:11 PM

I have come across a few 606's with upwards of 300k miles on them, poping off the oil fill cap shows zero blow by. I think the 606 might prove those 500k mile ebay claims to be true.

My budy's E300DT has over 160k and is still perfectly tight, and looks and drives like a couple year old car.

Actualy the E320 may prove a better value on the used market, becuase the M112 is a very good engine itself.

raMBow · #6 09-21-2006, 10:13 PM

I'm keeping mine and am looking forward to many years of service with the help of this forum. And I accept certain shortcoming and am comfortable with doing the typical repairs on these. Brides Lexus had more problems and lots less % resale at this age/mileage.

TMAllison · #7 09-21-2006, 10:42 PM

I'm very happy with my 99 at 186K and plan on keeping it a few more years until the CDI's get on the market at a reasonable value and thier typical buggers are known. At about 40k a year the miles add up quick and living in theBay Area am glad that "work" pays for fuel and not me....

Have no doubt that mine will see 300K and still be a "nice" ride when it does.

nhdoc · #8 09-22-2006, 08:37 AM

My own belief is that these cars thrive on 30-40K miles per year. Anyone driving that much is most likely doing a lot of highway miles, which are easiest on the car and the fact that many of the annoying problems with them seem to be time related and not mileage related makes it ideal for that kind of use. My '98, with 136K miles has a flawless engine and it just keeps getting better.

The rest of the car has been more problematic, but I look at it this way...even if I spend a grand or so a year on parts to keep everything running perfectly it's still a bargain compared with paying off a new one.

I just replaced my A/C condenser and found the blower regulator is not working right and the blower only goes to medium speed...so another $200 and couple of hours work to restore that to full working capability. These are the kind of annoyances one can expect with a 9 year old car though and it's my choice to stick with it and try and keep it 100% functional.

#9 09-22-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

The rest of the car has been more problematic, but I look at it this way...even if I spend a grand or so a year on parts to keep everything running perfectly it's still a bargain compared with paying off a new one.

I agree, spending $1000 per year is a no-brainer. I'm just wondering if folks will be willing to spend $5000+ per year when these cars are 20 years old. My W123 costs me at least $3000 or $4000 every year, and is is much simpler and cheaper to repair than the current cars.

Jim B. · #10 09-22-2006, 11:01 AM

Looks like evidence they will go a long way if kept up.

The CARFAX on this one shows VERY good verified maintenance up to 284k. It was evidently serviced someplace where it got reported to CARFAX every time
(More likely an MB dealer than some Jiffy Lube kind of place or an Independent, for some reason the dealers work is more likely seen on the CARFAX but I don't know why that is, maybe they more consistently report the service)

12 bids show that some savvy buyers are out there who aren't scared by the high miles, actually 30k-40k per year is fine for a Mercedes diesel, if the car get mostly highway miles and is serviced regularly, it shouldn't be a cause for concern.

Anyone know how far the German diesel taxis run before they are replaced?

This is interesting, and certainly confidence building for the W210 - and newer - diesel owners out there...

That said, the older ones have a PROVEN reputation for durability and longevity!

e300D97 · #11 09-22-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

See that Daimler-Benz sticker? They haven't used those on new MBs since 1989 or 1990. I wonder if that sticker had something to do with it's longetivity like the older MBs, maybe a "magic Daimler" sticker?

j/k

I just picked that sticker up at dealer after windshield was replaced. I am sure after 335,000 miles there have been at least one or two windshield replacements

SirNik84 · #12 09-22-2006, 01:39 PM

In my dads home town there is an old man with a 1968 Dodge Dart... the car has over 500k according to the old man, and he said he has never had any major service... just the oil changed. I told my dad I found that hard to believe, and my dad told me that he believes the old man, because he remembers when the car was new, the old man drove it at 45mph everywhere and changed the oil monthly...
Point of my story is: Some times it’s not a testament to the manufacture that a car lives that long, some times it’s a testament to the diligent care given to the car by its owner. I believe that any car will live into the 300k and longer with the proper amount of love...
What makes Mercedes diesels so shocking is that you can pretty much treat them like a slave, and they will keep trucking into the 300k territory. (With this theory I expect my Mercedes to live as long as I do)

McCool300TD · #13 09-22-2006, 02:40 PM

Hi

Look at this post on another site of Dr Nick's 99 E300TD.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=4222

Thanks,

McCool300TD

Parrot of Doom · #14 10-03-2006, 07:43 PM

My E300TD W210 is currently on 175,000 imperial miles, and there isn't the slightest hint of any issues with blowby, smoke, loose chains, nothing. In fact the only issue really is that one glow plug is dead, but some idiot before me welded it in place so its something I'm going to leave alone for now

F18 · #15 10-03-2006, 08:15 PM

I am embarrassed! The alloy wheels on that car are like new.
The older couple I bought my 98 E300 used the wheels as curb feelers. With only 135K on them they look like they have been through a war! I am afraid that when its time for new summer tires the beads won't seal...whole chunks of the rim lips are missing...how does one do that unless your freaking blind or drunk!