1996 E300 diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jgar · #1 01-30-2007, 03:40 PM

Thinking about selling my 84 300DT and getting a 1996 E300 diesel, but I'm not to familiar w/this model. My friends dad is thinking of trading it in for a newer model, so I said I consider buying it. It has about the same milege as mine (160,000) and has kept up w/maintenance. Anyone have some knowledge to share? Are they as reliable as my 300DT to use as a daily driver?

thanks,
Jgar

#2 01-30-2007, 03:49 PM

If the car has been reasonalby maintained the 300TD can last you a very long time. Are there maintenance records?

jgar · #3 01-30-2007, 03:57 PM

Maintenace records on the 96 E300 D yes; on my 300DT only what I've done to it. The old man I got it from didn't keep any paper work other than the manual and other miscellaneous stuff that was kept in the car.

TMAllison · #4 01-30-2007, 04:04 PM

They are reliable, more refined and techinally more advanced.

Still a diesel and not difficult to work on. Requires a different mind set than does diagnosing problems on a 617 as has mostly electrical engine controls. You trade annoying vacuum issues for fuel leaks at orings; bad axles for glow plugs that can seize and snap.

The OM606 is aging well; some here have 300K+ on them. Find out if the GP's have been replaced recently.

The 98/99 turbos have a lot more power.

jgar · #5 01-30-2007, 04:14 PM

Doesn't sound like a bad trade off; I just change both my rear axles this past weekend and planning on installing the K1 spring kit this weekend in the transmission.

I'm not sure what the going price for this model, but I'm hoping I get it for what ever my friends dad is offered at trade in. I've looked on Autotrader and they range from 6,000. to 20,000. Any ideas of what I should pay?

Jgar

TMAllison · #6 01-30-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgar

Any ideas of what I should pay?

Jgar

IMO I would think $10K and below with that mileage as private party and at trade in value down to that $6k amount.

At $20k I would think someone was unreasonably "proud" of their car.

DieselAddict · #7 01-30-2007, 05:22 PM

I agree that a '96 E300D is much more refined compared to an '84 300D. As charming as the W123's may be, they feel pretty rough and spartan compared to a W210 diesel. However as with other models, the W210 diesels have some design weaknesses that you need to be aware of. Stuck glow plugs and fuel leaks have already been mentioned, but an even bigger potential problem could be the front spring perches. Turn the wheels all the way to each side and do a detailed visual inspection for any sign of rust and cracked undercoating. If you see either one, then the spring perch is probably rusted and will need to be replaced.

A '96 E300D with 160K miles should be about $8-11K if it's in great shape. You can go on Ebay and look at completed auctions for similar vehicles to verify this.

TMAllison · #8 01-30-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

.......but an even bigger potential problem could be the front spring perches. Turn the wheels all the way to each side and do a detailed visual inspection for any sign of rust and cracked undercoating. If you see either one, then the spring perch is probably rusted and will need to be replaced.

Thats a good point DA and one I don't think about very much because of where I live.

jgar doesnt say where the car has lived it's life; if its a costal area or if roads are salted in winter it would be wise to examine them closely.

DieselAddict · #9 01-30-2007, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Thats a good point DA and one I don't think about very much because of where I live.

jgar doesnt say where the car has lived it's life; if its a costal area or if roads are salted in winter it would be wise to examine them closely.

This problem should be checked for anywhere... anywhere there's water. Sure salt makes metal rust faster, but water is the main culprit. My 240D has been an Arizona/Nevada car for virtually all its life, but that hasn't stopped it from developing floor rust from interior water leaks.

jgar · #10 01-30-2007, 06:16 PM

sorry guys, the car is a texas car. Specifically Houston, TX and I appreciate all the info.

aklim · #11 01-30-2007, 09:47 PM

I'd get the 98 or 99. Turbo makes it less poochy.

DieselAddict · #12 01-31-2007, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

I'd get the 98 or 99. Turbo makes it less poochy.

Yes, but one thing that's nice about the '96 model is that it's simpler and hence probably more reliable. It's essentially the '95 powertrain in the W210 body. It has the older-style, vacuum-operated transmission, no MAF, and no turbo to warp the air filter box and cause oil leaks or other problems. I'm not saying the turbo cars are unreliable, but I do believe the non-turbos are more reliable in the long term.

ski555 · #13 01-31-2007, 04:37 PM

I recently bought one at 165000 miles and paid $7500 in So Cal. I spend so far about $ 1000 in maintenance and repair. I like it. Different from the VW Diesels but not hard to learn. Just the parts are pricy.
Get it if you can.

michakaveli · #14 01-31-2007, 05:36 PM

w210 = SEXY!

jim314 · #15 01-31-2007, 09:21 PM

jgar, I think you'll be pleaseantly surprised with the ride of the W210. I've had mine for about 3 months and love it. The only issue after getting it was the K40 which was a really easy fix. It is a little, shall we say - sluggish - around town, but on the highway it shines, great ride and and cruizes at 75-80 with not problem.