A friend of mine is thinking of buying a 1996 300E. Anyone know anything about theses cars? Any advice for the would be buyer. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks Jim

bump

Uhh...did they make 300e's in 96? I thought by that time, they were all 320's. Are you sure it isn't and 86?

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1989 300E 144K

The car in question is the E300, a OM606 3.0 liter Diesel powered W210.

I would personally stay away from the first year of the W210 and recommend a 95 E300.

Although much more modern than the W124, the build quality and ride of the W210s are inferior. Resale is also higher for the OM606 powered W124 that it will be for the first year 210.

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1977 Mercedes 300D

I assume you mean the E300 diesel, right?

Mine now has 160k miles on it and runs strong. I would have your friend check for rust on the trunk lid near the push button and on the doors just above the rub strip. These cars seem to rust whereever the sheetmetal stamping had a sharp crease.

The ride is very smooth and the economy is decent. In mixed city/highway I get about 30mpg; on the highway I can do mid to upper 30's. The car is very relaxed and cruises very comfortably.

Without a turbo, acceleration is mild, but that's the trade off.

Check the following

A/C (~$50-$2000)
spring pad perches -known to rust but not that common ($???)
Steering Rack (~$850)
Wiring harness (these break down with time ~$350 + labor)

these are the major ones I can think of.

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1991 190E 311K [Brilliant Silver/Black MBTEx] -retired
1996 E300 315K [Black/Grey MBTex]

Want to put a tank in the trunk for WVO/SVO in the E300 Need to find a place to store my OIL!
Still procrastinating about the biodiesel/WVO
Made some biodiesel but so afraid to pour it all in - I've added some and think I'll supplement my fuel to see how I make out

Made some biodiesel but the process scares me - methanol fumes are not your friend! Need to do this outside.