New and slightly cold . . . - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tankowner · #1 12-17-2007, 03:57 AM

Hello All,

I am a fairly new (3 months) owner of a '95 E300D. This is my first MB and my first diesel. I have been kickin around this forum for awhile now, reading posts and getting lots of good information. I thought I'd take a minute and tell my story and then ask a question or two to get started.

First, let me just say that, thus far, I am really enjoying this car. Prior to buying this one, my main mode of transportation was a 2000 Ford ZX2 - I know, quite a change, huh? My wife always liked to tease me that it was a "girl car," and, although she is most likely right, she did eventually marry me after I bought it. I'm not fanatical about Fords, but I can tell you I drove the doors off that thing. In seven years I piled 245,000 miles on it without any major problems - just changed the oil every 3-4K. Anyway, we already have one toddler with another one the way and so the 2-door girl car just wasn't going to cut it anymore. That brings me to the MB.

When I started considering a new car there were a couple of things I had in mind. First, I wanted something that, even if I bought it well used, I could still put a lot of miles on. Second, something that would be relatively easy to work on if need be. Third, was heavier and safer than the ZX2. And, fourth, perhaps something a little less "girly". This car meets all those requirements.

The one drawback that the car has is that it didn't come with any of the original manuals or service records. I did do a carfax on it before I bought and also checked it over pretty thoroughly, so I decided to take a chance. Carfax revealed that the car was in Louisiana and Texas until the previous owner brought it up to Missouri (where I live) last year. Also indicated that the car was a corporate fleet car for the first 9 years of its life. I don't know if that is good or bad, but I would like to believe that it meant that it got regular maintenance during that time.

Well, I won't make this initial post much longer, but I would like to ask a couple questions - here goes:

1. Regarding the lack of manuals, does anyone know where I might be able to get these for my car? Is it possible to get them through Mercedes, or will I have to try and find them from a junkyard or collector, etc?

2. This one is related to my being new to diesels. It is obviously getting cold these days, as I type this it is about 20 degrees outside. I have read up on tips for getting my diesel through the cold months and even ordered a cord for my block heater yesterday. Nevertheless, one thing that I have noticed is that when it gets below 20 degrees my diesel doesn't seem to want to make a lot of heat. There is some heat coming out of the vents, but not enough to really warm the cabin. Also, the temperature gage doesn't climb as high as it usually does, which I obviously attribute to the very cold air pouring into the engine compartment. So, my questions is, is this normal? Do others experience reduced heat in the winter months? And, if so, what do you do about it? I have seen the truckers who place the guards over their grills to keep the trucks warm in the winter - do people do the same for their diesel cars? Or, alternatively, does it sound like an issue with my heating system? Also, what would be a normal operating temperature?

Appreciate any advice you can throw my way. Thanks!

- Mark

TMAllison · #2 12-17-2007, 04:07 AM

Normal operating temp is 80C.

Concerning heat: Check that you hear the diverter flaps moving when you change heat modes from footwell to dash vents, etc. They are vacuum controlled flaps. You should have plenty of heat.

You should be able to get an owners manuals through MBCA.com

pimpernell · #3 12-17-2007, 09:59 AM

96 e300d here, and I have not had a problem regarding the heat when it went down to 17 degrees here in New Jersey. I will say, that with the temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s, if I am running in local stop and go traffic, my engine temperature will usually stay between 175f to 179f, and my temperature gauge will just be a hair below the 80c mark. If yours is running much colder than that, I would suggest that you might want to consider having the thermostat checked for proper operation. Good luck...

tankowner · #4 12-17-2007, 10:51 AM

I must have a thermostat issue then because my temp. has never risen above the second hash on the gage, which I am guessing is about 50 degrees C - and certainly has never gone up to 80C. When the temp. drops below 20F outside my gage doesn't even hit the 40C mark. I thought this was low, but I just wasn't sure what the normal was here. Appeciate your comments.

#5 12-17-2007, 10:57 AM

Definitely try replacing your thermostat. When I first go my 300D, it wouldn't get above 60C; it turned out to have the thermostat installed backwards. Anyway, they should run right around 80C, even in very cold conditions.

tankowner · #6 12-17-2007, 12:04 PM

I meant to say that when it is below 20 degrees F outside, the car temp. never gets above the second hash (50C?), not the 40C I said, which is the first hash mark I believe - it always gets above that, but when very cold outside it won't make it to the second hash. Regardless, I will replace the tthemostat and let you all know how it goes. Thanks guys!!!

vstech · #7 12-17-2007, 12:27 PM

with that low a temp, I question weather or not you have a tstat installed at all.

TMAllison · #8 12-17-2007, 12:38 PM

You might check the connection at the sensor too to make certain it is firmly attached.

From memory, the temp markings on the gauge are in 20C increments.

Hatterasguy · #9 12-17-2007, 02:15 PM

606's warm up pretty quick, the T stat is probably going bad. Replace it first and see if you get heat.

Cervan · #10 12-17-2007, 03:56 PM

your e300d has a cold? most likely the t-stat i would not suggest any japaneese made ones, only german they sometimes do not work and are inaccurate at keeping temp.

lorenztl · #11 12-17-2007, 10:01 PM

You must know that your 95 E300D has no need for block heater for extreme cold weather starts. I instinctively installed a plug to the block heater as well when I purchased mine....why not? The Mercedes mechanic asked me what is that for?
Two winters ago I left my 95E300D outside overnite with the temperature at -16 below in Iowa. My sons Jetta GLI sat next to it. I opened the car door on my E300D without sitting in the seat, inserted the key, Glowed the plugs till the light went out, turned the key and it started immediately to a smooth idle. My son's jaw dropped open and I was impressed as well since it was my first winter with the '95. Experience with my '85 300d was less than stellar. I've never had a problem or concern starting in the coldest weather anywhere since, ever.

Hatterasguy · #12 12-17-2007, 10:04 PM

Block heaters are good to use because you get heat sooner, and they heat that cold oil up a bit so starts are easyer on the engine.

lorenztl · #13 12-17-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Block heaters are good to use because you get heat sooner, and they heat that cold oil up a bit so starts are easyer on the engine.

Yep.

tankowner · #14 12-17-2007, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lorenztl

You must know that your 95 E300D has no need for block heater for extreme cold weather starts. I instinctively installed a plug to the block heater as well when I purchased mine....why not? The Mercedes mechanic asked me what is that for?
Two winters ago I left my 95E300D outside overnite with the temperature at -16 below in Iowa. My sons Jetta GLI sat next to it. I opened the car door on my E300D without sitting in the seat, inserted the key, Glowed the plugs till the light went out, turned the key and it started immediately to a smooth idle. My son's jaw dropped open and I was impressed as well since it was my first winter with the '95. Experience with my '85 300d was less than stellar. I've never had a problem or concern starting in the coldest weather anywhere since, ever.

I have yet to have any troubles or hesitation whatsoever on start up. When it's cold I generally glow the plugs twice even though I'm sure I don't really need to. I guess it just makes me feel like I am giving the engine a little more help, so it doesn't have to work as hard to get turning. Same goes for the block heater. Like Hatterasguy said, I like the thought of the oil being a little less viscous on start up. Additionally, I got a good deal ($10) on a nice block heater cord (the type with the screw-on cover to protect the heater terminal) so I went for it.

Nevertheless, I am encouraged by your experiences with your 95E300D cold starts. I'm also always looking for other 95E300D owners to share their thoughts with me on this model, so I appreciate your comments. I am really enjoying it so far and look forward to tinkering with it for years to come. I did pick up a new thermostat tonight and hope to put it in tomorrow. I'll be sure to let you guys know how it goes with the heat.

Thanks!