Buying an E300 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chrisaspencer · #1 01-12-2007, 11:19 AM

I'm a new member so bear with me. I am looking to purchase an E300D but am not sure which is the best option for my needs. I'm not concerned about power so I'm leaning towards a 95 - 97 model (turbo engine not needed, unless the 98/99 are somehow more reliable or better with fuel economy-doubt it). I'm more interested in fuel economy and reliability. I like the 96/97 body style but I am not set on it. I'm relatively familiar with the previous generation (95 model). In the last 5 years, I've owned an 86 560SEL last with me at 108k(mint), an 89 560SEL w/ 31k (more mint), a 95 E300D w/ 121k, and a 95 BMW 740iL w/ 26k (mint but a money pit). All of these were original mileage cars I've bought and sold and my favorite one was the least nice; the average condition 95 E300D. I wish I had never sold it but someone offered me a ton for it so I sold it... Mistake. I've been doing research on E300Ds and learned about the difference in the tranny in the 96 to 97 models. It appears to me that the whole drivetrain in the 96 was a holdover from the previous generation 95 model. I'm okay with that,as long as it is reliable. I know the 5 speed tranny in the 97 gives an extra gear, and theoretically better gas mileage on the highway due to the taller last gear but I don't like the fact that the tranny is sealed. I want the better fuel economy but want to be able to change the tranny fluid to protect it's longevity. The tranny in my 740iL was also sealed and no one wanted to service it. Is it even possible? Anyone know which of the 3 years gives the best combination of fuel economy, reliability, and value? Are the 96/97 body style prone to electrical issues? Every one I see advertised seems to have the digital illumination on the dash fading. Cheap fix? Please tell me you don't have to replace the dash cluster and thusly the odometer! I also say VALUE because people ask rediculous amounts of money for these cars when they are nice. Thanks again for any advice you can give.

chris

scott19_68 · #2 01-12-2007, 01:33 PM

The only thing I would worry about on the early E300's (post '96) is the 5-speed 722.6 transmission. Forget that whole "sealed for life" crap - change the filter and ATF fluid (MB only!) every 50k or so. Many of the early 722.6's had bad throttle body castings and the ECM software was not very refined. Make sure to put the transmission through it's paces on the test drive. A delayed engagement when switching from park to drive is not good. My '98 has a build date of 02/98 and the transmission works great except some O-rings on the electrical connector that were leaking (all are affected by that I think).

DieselAddict · #3 01-12-2007, 01:44 PM

Where are you located? I've been kind of on the fence during the last several months as to whether I should sell my '96 E300D. I put in on Ebay a couple times but didn't get what I wanted for it. If the price is right I would be willing to part with it. I'm only trying to limit my loss to a few thousand dollars.

If you're not crazy about the extra power of the turbodiesels, I would say go with a non-turbo OM606 as those are more reliable in the long term, especially the ones with the older-style transmission (95-96). There's fewer electronics and parts to break on them. The fuel economy is about the same from what I've heard, at least among the W210 models (96 and later). The W124 probably gets an extra 2 mpg or so because it's lighter. With the W210 cars be very careful about the front spring perches. If they're rusted and one of them snaps you could lose control of the vehicle.

I had to have mine replaced as soon as I got the car.

If by any chance you're interested in my car (it's in great shape overall) PM me and we can go from there.

DieselAddict · #4 01-12-2007, 01:55 PM

About the fading dash, I've seen that on other cars as well. The previous owner of my car said he replaced the bulbs in the dash and it's been working fine so far. Not sure how much work that was.

michakaveli · #5 01-12-2007, 04:11 PM

Don't worry about the "sealed for life" bit on the transmission. Serviceable just like any other. When everything is up to par, the drivetrain is BUTTER

DieselAddict · #6 01-12-2007, 05:23 PM

Except that the 5-spd tranny has no dipstick, correct? I know people have changed the fluid in theirs, but it sounds like it's more work or needs special tools to do the refill.

I see you have both a turbo and a non-turbo W210 diesel. What's your opinion on both and do you like one more than the other?

michakaveli · #7 01-12-2007, 05:36 PM

I love them both. I would recommend the turbo though. Engine is identical other than the turbo and I haven't see any reliability issues that differ between the two. The turbo is much more fun to drive. But then again, Running a 24 valve diesel through her paces and listening to that melodious music at 5k rpm is a sweet thing, in my NA diesel that is :-)

But then again it all depends on the condition of the vehicle found and option(s) she may have. Most E300's on eBay and the such are usually base models, no leather, etc...
You do need a special dipstick to measure the fluid for the tranny. I have had the indy replace my fluid so far. It's usually not too expensive for the labor. Next time I may take a stab at it though....

POS · #8 01-12-2007, 07:46 PM

I'd take a '95 over a '96-'97, but I'd take a '98/'99 over a '95. I have a '95, and I'm trying to buy a '99 - I know my position very well.

cessna5354 · #9 01-12-2007, 07:57 PM

I love my 99 E300 and get 29 - 32 mpg. The ride is fantastic. I replaced it for the winter only with a 83 300D. Less fuel mileage, but the car was a gift. Fun car, but my heart is in the 99. I have put 120K miles on it in 4 1/2 years.
If you find a good 99 Go for it...