Hey Folks, My first post here. We're looking to buy a 98 or 99 E300D for the wife. The ones we have our eyes on have anywhere from 90k to almost 200k. Is there anything we should look for? Problem areas? Matinence records?


This would be not only our first diesel, but out first mercedes as well.

Any advise is greatly appriciated.

Thank you
-Chris

I just bought a 1998 E300D. I am a vintage car dealer and a fairly savvy car buyer but I would advise anyone buying a used Mercedes to have a Mercedes shop or dealer do a pre-purchase inspection on the car..

In my area this runs about $200 and your sure to find some problems as all used cars have them but at least you wont be buying a car with major problems $$$$$.

These cars can be real pricey to repair and unless you can repair things yourself you will regret buying the wrong vehicle.

But yes very important on these cars is service history.

The W210 chassis has had some gliches but overall not horrible.

As suggested, a PPI from a reputable dealer is not a bad idea; you'll get a BIG laundry list and will prob be able to recoup the cost of it negociating wiht the owner.

Mileage is not so important on the 606.962 engine, it seems to be holding up very well.

Overall condition and maintenance is what you should be more concerned with.

Common 210.025 issues are spring perch failures, fuel leaks, K40 relays, AC evaporator ($$$), and siezed glow plugs that snapoff and require removal at a machine shop.

Fuel leaks and K40 relays are DIY items, the rest require professional help generally. Good thing about GP's is that they dont have to be removed unless they have failed and as one owner will attest, not even then
if one lives in a warmer climate and only one or two are bad.

I personally wouldnt buy a W210 that came from where roads were salted in winter or one that live right on the coast.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

I bought a 98 E300D about six weeks ago. I've put nearly 3k miles on it so far, and the car will flip 175k this weekend. So far I'm really enjoying it. It may need some repairs -- even expensive ones -- but it's still giong to cost less over the next year than the depreciation on any of my other cars.

Terry pointed out the goods above -- get to know him and others here; the guys have already given me good advice on one or two issues with my car.

Cheers, John

__________________
'98 E300TD (W210) | Sold 6/09 with 205k and counting
'04 VW Touareg V10TDI

Rust is the main issue.

Get a Turbodiesel. Much much quicker, 0-60 in less than 9 seconds and very quick on the motorways.