I was referred over here after my post on MBWorld didn't recieve any attention, and was told there was a greater wealth of diesel knowledge on these boards. (congrats to you... )

I am considering the purchase of a W210 diesel sedan (E300D/E300TD). I currently own a 2-door '99.5 VW Golf TDI for commuting but I am looking for a larger, more comfortable car that will still reasonably hit 30+ mpg's highway.

In my lurking I have learned the earlier W210 '96/'97 cars were non-turbo motors. I am looking for a strictly highway commuter (I do ~35K annually). I am capable of doing all my own service/mechanical work. High horsepower is really irrelevant to me as I just want a comfortable car to bomb down the highway in with the cruise set, as I have a seperate weekend toy to play with. My budget is ~$10K, and I have been able to find some very nice one owner, documented maintenance, non turbo's for less than that amount, and a few TD's for a bit more.

Bottom line: if one does not care about speed, should I save a few bucks and go with a well maintained non-turbo, or is there a compelling reason to go to the later '98+ turbo diesel? Is highway mpg's comparable? are the drivetrains as stout as the later TD? etc.

Thanks!!!!

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-Nick V