Gasser 124 On its last leg, pondering a diesel for next car. (Advice sought) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

High-Test · #1 07-01-2009, 02:20 AM

Hello,

I'm a longtime lurker, but mostly stay in the Tech Help forum. My beloved '94 E320 Estate is on its last leg. I've either got a water pump or head gasket issue, reverse is almost toast, (bead clutch..?) and the auxiliary fans are fried. Add together all of that, and it's probably more than my poor wagon is worth.

I'm seriously pondering a new car, pending prognosis of the current coolant leak by my mechanic thursday. My first two thoughts were diesel vehicles, a Jetta and.. a 124 chassis E 300 Diesel.

Fifty miles per gallon made the Jetta seem like the perfect vehicle for a hippy minded college student, but my loathing of front wheel drive and horror stories about poor reliability steered me away.

This brings me to the E300D. I have some questions about it, mostly engine related.

Are there any things with that particular engine that are problematic? For instance, I know the M104 was plagued by head gasket issues. I know about the typical W124 issues: cruise control, wiring harness, and AC evaporator. Are there any other issues the diesel model brings into the mix?

Is the OM (606?) a hot running engine?

I've had no experience with diesel vehicles before. I know I'll be saved from dealing with the wrong spark plugs, (thank you advance auto parts...

) but is there anything else different about the general care and maintenance of a diesel MB?

How much (assuming one isn't cursed by the car-gods) would one expect to pay annually in maintenance for a '95 E300D?

(If this isn't the right spot for this, admins please move or remove this at your whim)

Thanks,
Chris

TylerH860 · #2 07-01-2009, 02:39 AM

You are going to pay a premium for a diesel W124 compared to its gasser counterparts. I'd suggest finding another W124 with the lowest mileage, and most records possible, whether its diesel or not.

i-osprey · #3 07-01-2009, 03:08 AM

If you must rely upon a mechanic for your repairs/diagnoses one of these could get very expensive.

volosong · #4 07-01-2009, 07:47 AM

In my inventory at one time or another, I've had four VW diesels ('78 Rabbit, '79 Rabbit '80 Dasher Wagon, '84 Jetta) and three Mercedes diesels ('68 220D, '80 240D, and current '84 190D).

The Mercedes diesels are by far more trouble free and reliable, but the VW diesels were very economical to run, fix, and repair. Only problem with those older VWs were that they were all flaky electrically. Not sure if VW finally got their act together on electrical issues, but other than that, they are good, solid cars that will give you at least 200k with minimal repairs, (I know that mine did...except for possibly the Dasher, which was the wife's).

High-Test · #5 07-01-2009, 11:28 AM

I do indeed rely on a mechanic for major repairs. I'm not worried about the initial price premium, it's worth it to me if I get a 30-36 mpg E class.

I want something that's well-built and mechanically reliable; something that doesn't eat wheel bearings for breakfast.

I was looking at the 2001-2005 Jetta, and they seemed like they were plagued by all sorts of gremlins.

On top of that, I just love the way a Mercedes feels. There's not a car that feels like an E class does when wound up to 90.

Does the arthur dalton code reader work on the diesel models as well? Do they still have the 16 pin module?

pawoSD · #6 07-01-2009, 11:39 AM

If the rest of your wagon is in real nice shape (it'd have to be real nice) I'd look into its problems and get them fixed. Or, as tyler mentioned, find any W124 with the lowest miles and best service records history, that is what counts. The diesel/gasser thing is a wash on the W124s.....they are almost as reliable as each other in the long run. I personally *love* diesels and would seek one out for myself, but I got my wife a gasser....its been quite reliable and nice.

High-Test · #7 07-01-2009, 12:11 PM

Well, it has significant hail damage, a few chips in the windshield, cracked bumper, and several pinprick rust spots. The wheels were trashed when I got it, and one wheel looks to be way out of alignment.

Finding a low mileage 124 around where I live is nearly impossible, most of them are wound up to 180k or more. (childhood for these cars though) My current car has 167k, and it's becoming a nightmare.

I have a friend who can rebuild the trans at a very resonable price in the fall, so I'm not all that worried about future trans issues. But, like I said, he can only do it in the fall. Until then, I'm s.o.l. for backing up.

I'm just really interested in the diesels for their mileage and legendary longevity. I can find a diesel 300 at nearly the same price as a gasser.

I do hear what you're saying. If it has spotty history, I'm running. I'm also running if it's on its factory AC evaporator, and I'm considering a mad dash if it's on the original wiring harness.

A diesel is ideal for me, given how much I drive and the fact that most of my driving is at highway speed.

So, when I get a history report, what is considered a major red flag? Just the common sense things like bent frame, accident, and water damage?

compu_85 · #8 07-01-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High-Test

I was looking at the 2001-2005 Jetta, and they seemed like they were plagued by all sorts of gremlins....

2001 and 2003 are the best years of the 4th gen Golf / Jetta TDI. Some 2002s have casting problems with the camshaft which requires replacement around 100k miles, but that's not too terribly expensive. The only big problems I can think of off hand are the window regulators with plastic clamps and intakes / turbos clogging from light footed driving. There's an extended warrenty on the window clamps so I wouldn't worry too much, there's an updated part out now that doesn't bust every 6 months.

-J

pawoSD · #9 07-01-2009, 12:31 PM

Diesels are actually nicer in the city too in my opinion.....more low end torque means quicker acceleration. Off the line my 300SD is actually quicker than my 300E....for the 300E to be faster I have to kick it down to 1st and use lots of gas.

JEBalles · #10 07-01-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Diesels are actually nicer in the city too in my opinion.....more low end torque means quicker acceleration. Off the line my 300SD is actually quicker than my 300E....for the 300E to be faster I have to kick it down to 1st and use lots of gas.

I agree. I have more trouble driving on the highway in my 240d (still minimal though, despite the car's reputation) than driving in Boston.

pawoSD · #11 07-01-2009, 02:09 PM

I've driven both a manual and auto 240, and for a city commuter I'd have no problem with it, they are plenty peppy for that, and nice and fuel efficient with such a little motor. The highway is where they are not up to snuff.....nearly 4,000rpm is a bit extreme. My 300E is dead silent at 75mph/3100rpm....and my SD isn't too bad at the same. (both have a 3.07 diff)

High-Test · #12 07-01-2009, 02:55 PM

Thanks for the input.

What rpm does an OM606 churn at around 70mph? Is it loud at highway speed?

dariod · #13 07-01-2009, 04:11 PM

I would not say Jetta TDI is unreliable. I have 2000 with 170 000 miles and love it. You must buy manual because VW autos were not good up to 2003. The car is fun to drive (manual). Change timing belt on time and you are set plus 45 MPG puts smile on you face.

compress ignite · #14 07-01-2009, 04:41 PM

120MPH + Would be an engine at work.

I don't know what kind of "Report" you're referring to ("CarFax". A Joke!) BUT
NOTHING is as good as a Pre-Purchase Inspection by a Very Experienced
MB only type Independent,with an inspection report in writing enumerating
the Good and the Bad.

shertex · #15 07-01-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High-Test

How much (assuming one isn't cursed by the car-gods) would one expect to pay annually in maintenance for a '95 E300D?

As a rough frame of reference, my 92 300D (also a 124) has cost me roughly 19 cents per mile to maintain/repair over the course of 5-1/2 years. Bought it with 137,000 miles now has 212,000. I would expect the E300D to be similar.