My son who has an excellent 93 300d 2.5 would like to move up to the newer body style.What is your opinion of the 97,98,99 cars(diesel of course) when if ever was the front spring perch problem resolved? Are there any other known problems with these cars.anything that one should be looking out for beyond the usual for any car.Do any of these models have the trouble
prone transmissions with the crazy expensive trans fluid,no dipstick etc;
My limited MB experience does not include these models so any or all advice/opinions would be apreciated Don

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Red Green "This is only temporary,Unless it works!"

97 E300D 157000 miles
87 300TD ?141k? miles

The spring perch problem was never resolved for the W210, however it certainly does not affect all cars. Repair is possible, but you might want to inspect the perches for rust before purchase. If there is rust under the sealant, the perch will fail, so reduce your offer accordingly. You'll have to reseal the joint after checking.

'97 and up have the electronic transmission, with no dipstick and special fluid. Also they have a TSB on the input bushing, but that won't do you any good if it fails. I don't know what year the input bushing problem was fixed (by fitting a needle bearing).

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the 97 still has the naturally aspro 606 - no turbo.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 325K

Yes, '96/'97 are 606na, '98/'99 are 606turbo.
A joy to drive in the turbo, don't know about the na.

Spring perches, I'd look for signs of fatigue as well as rust (had a friend whos perch came off with no rust), and glowplugs are reputed to stick in the head. Also delivery valve seals.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I think all US-market '97's are NA. My '96 drives fine without a turbocharger, but the extra 50+ HP would certainly be nice.

I do not know if the final drive ratio in the '97 differs from the '96 or '98. '97 has overdrive, '98 has a turbocharger. I believe that the '98 does have a higher ratio than the '96.

98 has front side airbags, 99 adds rear side airbags.

Sixto
87 300D

Ah yes, the number of airbags grows through the years.

Also, I can tell you that my '96 has a reciprocal vacuum pump. Later cars have a vane pump (much safer design), but I do no know the cutoff.