1994 Mercedes S350 Turbo Diesel: Should I buy it?
 

I found a very nice 1994 Mercedes S350TD for sale and am considering buying it. It has a little over a 100K miles. It's the last of the big body Mercedes diesels that were imported to the US. Quite a big car at about 5800 lbs with the leg room of a limo, double window glass for a quiet interior and much less plastic than in current CDI model. I took it for a short drive. Smooth handling but poor acceleration. Once up to speed it cruises effortlessly. The other used diesels I'm looking at is a 1999 300TD which go for about $20K and I've test driven a 2005 CDI which has incredible acceleration but it's price is $42K.

Anyone have some experience with the S350TD model? Seller is asking $18K Should I buy it?

Ask the seller about oil consumption.

NO!
Search either "rod" or "bender"......

search rod bender and youll get your answer. Id get the gasser over the diesel of that S-series....hey wait i did!

Do some due diligence first
 

Definately NO at that price and as a practical matter you would be best off avoiding that model with that engine at any price.

This car is one of the worst choices for newer Mercedes Benz diesels you could contemplate. Run away.

Run fast, run hard. If you want a big body look for a W126.

No. I've heard it is probably the worst MB diesel engine made.

No personal experience. But here is what I've heard.

Weak connecting rods = Bent connecting rods = ovaling of the cylinders = big time oil consumption = bye bye engine = BIG MONEY

Buy a nice '97-99 S500 for that cash.

Yeah, $18k is a bit much for a large risk like that. They'll sell to someone at $15k+, but that buyer won't know what he's in for. I'd pass.

Before I bought my first Merc I was looking at a 190D. The owner,s father inlaw and a W140 diesel that was only two or three years old when he purchased it, however, in a very short time he had $18,000 in repairs.:eek:

I like the idea of a W140, but I would only get one that was a S320 (less complex model) and was built towards the very end of the W140 line.

Get in the back seat of an 86-87 300SDL (or a 300/420/560SEL) then see if the S350 still feels like it has limo leg room.

If you like the W140, get a 99 S420 = almost as powerful as an S500, almost as simple as an S320.

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

You ought to be able to find a nice 1998 or 1999 E300D Turbo for $18000 or maybe a little less. I was patient and finally found my 1999, 74K, all records stamped from MB dealer... clean carfax, etc., etc. etc. for $17,000. I had to do a few things right away (radio display, change tranny fluid, p.s. rear door lock, 1 fuel line) but since then it has been perfect. I bought an extended warranty for peace of mind but, after a few thousand miles now, I know it isn't a lemon... and wish I'd saved the $$$.

For $18k you can buy a 1997-99 gas W140 with about the same or less miles. A 1999 S320 is an all around better performing car, and fuel consumption is a wash. The diesel offers no advantage in the W140 as it was sold in the US.

Can you believe it? I just contacted the service shop for the used 1994 S350TD that I am interested in and found out that it had a complete engine rebuild in 2005 for $9000. Seems as though it was a "bent rod". What the service shop told me is that they used "old stock rods". So essentially the original designed rods were put back in a rebuilt engine. Seems as though that the "newer designed rods" were limited in supply and would have cost $6000 more!

Brilliant way to save a buck -

"Fix it, sir, or fix it right"?
"Just fix it cheaply so I can sell the son-of-a-*****."