Hello,

I’m still looking for an MB to replace my 1984 300CD that was totaled last month. I came across a 1996 E300 Diesel with 117,000 miles on it asking price is $9k. Overall very nice condition body and interior look very nice.

Any major issues besides usual wear and tear for a car of the age and miles? I read in some forum that someone had a problem with the front control arm rusted thru and collapsed, is this common to all??

Thanks for your input and advice.

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GC
1987 300E 104K
1984 300CD 112k R.I.P

The 210 cars are all nice. The '96 only has the 4sp auto whereas the '97 and up are 5sp. '96 and '97 are NA, a little higher revving and the '98 and up are turbo and pull much harder. For the most part, the NA cars have adequate power and it just seems like you have to flog them a little more to get the performance.

The suspension problem you speak of is the spring perches. In primarily the Northern cars, these can harbor moisture and corrosive road salts which will eventually cause the spot welds to fail resulting in the perch peeling off of the chassis and dropping the car down onto the suspension stops. Those to whom this has happened report that it's not as dramatic as it sounds. Damage can be determined through an inspection of the perch behind the front wheels.

Sticking glow plugs is another trouble spot on these engines so you should inspect the glow system thoroughly.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Another infamous item on this year and model is the defective wiring harness. Make sure it was replaced, or you are looking at a high-ticket item! And if it hasn't already been done, get the transmission serviced!

Good luck! I've had mine since it was new from the factory and it has generally been a great car!

Our '96 has been (and is) a nice car, bought at 248,000 miles for more than $9K. It had complete service records from all three previous owners so we knew where we were with it. We have had only one small problem with the wiring but it can be a concern. Our car originated in Oregon and has no rust issues, including the spring perches. The '96 is slightly simpler than the later cars (less electronics). Have the car inspected by a diesel Mercedes mechanic who knows the model.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

The wiring harness insulation material was changed for model year 96 and above.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

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

The car is currently at a MB indy shop, I had used them a few years back to to do a valve job on my 84 300CD when I purchased it.

The parts/service guy I deal with there is very knowledgable and helpful. I even called him last month to let him know I was looking for another 80 something 300D.

Thanks for the clarification about the spring perches; I was really concerned with the spring perch issue since it is a Northeastern vehicle and I do plan on using it during the winter months.

The 300CD would get garaged late November and didn't come out until the road salt was washed away.I plan on using this one (if I get it) year round, when ever possible.

Thanks guys!!

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GC
1987 300E 104K
1984 300CD 112k R.I.P

Is that car equipped with ETS? My '96 is, and it works wonders in the snow. Not as good as a 4-matic, I'm sure, but it does pull through some amazing stuff.

Matt, the add states that it has traction control, not sure if thats the same thing.

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GC
1987 300E 104K
1984 300CD 112k R.I.P

Sorry TMA, but the defect clearly is THRU the 1996 model year, and this is substantiated not only by my very own experience, but according to every thread here regarding this defect, and at all the other MB forums as well!

My '96 had its engine harness replaced before I bought the car.

Gcinque, that would seem to be the same thing. It's a bit alarming the first time it activates, with the bright yellow triangle with a bang in the middle lighting up the speedometer and the whole car shuddering. The manual says essentially to not let it activate, but sometimes you have no choice.