buying 95 E300 diesel- what to check?
 

i can buy locally 1995 E 300 diesel with 140kmiles. But i never even saw this new engine 606.910 3 liter 6 cylinder 24 valve. How are these?
Also reliable like previous models?
Same easy maintenance?
What should i check before buying?

Thank you gentlemen
petr

The 1995 was a good year for the w124 diesel. Non-turbo, but the 24v gets you up and running just as quickly. Very reliable. A few things to check:

1) Engine wiring harness gets degraded and needs to be replaced.
2) Transmission can conk out between 150k and 200k.
3) Fuel leaks from old lines near the pump and filter from 12 years of use - simple fix.
4) The evaporator can leak costing $2000 to set back right.

Search for these items to learn more.

The OM606's are extremely reliable motors, but their main issues are glowplugs, glowplugs, and glowplugs. ;) Because of their dual-cam, 24-valve head, MB had to use exra-long glowplugs (prechambers are in the middle of the head); the glowplugs have a habit of sooting up and breaking upon removal....plenty of info about that around here. I've had one shear its nut off and get stuck, in my E300.

OM606 model data (in USA):
606.910 = '95 E300 Diesel (W124)
606.912 = '96-'97 E300 Diesel (W210)
606.962 = '98-'99 E300 Turbodiesel (W210)
The 606 was introduced here in the last year of the 124, then continued on for four years in the 210. Mercedes added an electronic 5-speed automatic in 1997, I believe.

140k is good mileage for a 1995.

POS hit the first issues smack on ( I have a pre glow harness coming for my new 95E300 ). After new wiring is in ( big amp draw, too big, so I hope thats it OR its a broken glowplug.), the glow plugs should be OK. IF not and this is BioPower's nitemare I might have to live , I'm not putting a wrench on them until late fall when the car goes into hibernation. Really dont feel like pulling a head right now. Ac works, but needs a charge. Dare I pressurize the system?

So my new 95 exhibits most of the usual symptoms. HOWEVER, its dandy motorcar. The engine runs strong, plenty strong to pull out in traffic (* damn thing sounds great at WOT @4000 rpm!), with out the turbo. 6 cyl is the way to go, N/A, imho. Easy on fuel as well w/o any digital interfaces at all.

Great motor. Great series of car. Consumer Reports still rates the 95E300 as one of the best of all time, or so I;m told, as I havent personally viewd the article.

GOOD LUCK! :thumbsup: