Questions about 98 E300 for wife - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

psaboic · #1 06-25-2012, 09:36 AM

Wife is getting the Mercedes bug. After using my 83 300D for a couple weeks as her driver, she is seriously wanting a diesel, but of course "something a bit newer".

Long story short, she has been looking online at a 98 E300 Turbodiesel with only 44,500 or so miles on it that is at a dealer about 450 miles from us. They want 16K for it.

Not familiar with the W210 models, so.......

What motor do they have? OM-???

Any common reliability issues I should ask about (I know it is a 14 year old car)

Any concerns about the low mileage and it sitting. It was garage kept, but only averaged about 3150 miles a year or 260 miles a MONTH!!

Thanks for any pointers or advice

engatwork · #2 06-25-2012, 10:16 AM

Sounds good. I'd surely have her drive it around for a day or so before purchase. These cars have modules in them that don't hold up as well as say, manual seats from a w123 but that is progress. One in good tune is a very good running car that gets good mileage.

I have one in the shop with 284k miles on it that I'll be installing a new chain and guides in. There are some module issues going on because I don't have any power front seats and the windows don't work.

pimpernell · #3 06-25-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psaboic

Wife is getting the Mercedes bug. After using my 83 300D for a couple weeks as her driver, she is seriously wanting a diesel, but of course "something a bit newer".

Long story short, she has been looking online at a 98 E300 Turbodiesel with only 44,500 or so miles on it that is at a dealer about 450 miles from us. They want 16K for it.

Not familiar with the W210 models, so.......

What motor do they have? OM-???

Any common reliability issues I should ask about (I know it is a 14 year old car)

Any concerns about the low mileage and it sitting. It was garage kept, but only averaged about 3150 miles a year or 260 miles a MONTH!!

Thanks for any pointers or advice

That price means that the car should be in pristine condition. I would have the car evaluated by an independent Mercedes mechanic or dealer. Service records are a must, along with a carfax paid for by the dealer. Issues with that model are the front spring perches, they have a tendency to rust out requiring extensive repairs. Glow plugs are the next major issue to contend with. That engine is know to have glow plugs that will break off when it is time to change them out. If that occurs, costly repairs will ensue. AC should be in working order. I have a 96E300d, the car is non-turbo, but it handles great, and gives excellent mileage. As with any car, your mechanical skills will determine the amount of money you will pay for repairs when needed. Good luck

KarTek · #4 06-25-2012, 10:24 AM

The 210 is a whole different animal than the 123. It's pretty much a different design philosophy. More refined in the NVH department but sacrifices the solid build and reliability to some extent due to being engineered to a budget.

OM606.962 flat out rips! 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds. The turbo really kicks you in the pants when it kicks in.

Major complaints for the engine are glow plugs stuck in the head. Some buyers have specified that they be replaced by the current owner before the sale as it's a mojor headache if they snap off.

Leaking evaporator is another known problem as are rusty front spring perches.

ILUVMILS · #5 06-25-2012, 12:17 PM

16K is a ridiculous price, IMHO.

Jeremy5848 · #6 06-25-2012, 12:32 PM

That is wonderfully low mileage, if it can be confirmed. The price is high but maybe the dealer will negotiate if you offer cash. As has been said, have the car checked by an independent mechanic. The 210 uses a lot of electronics and these things, unlike things in the 123, cannot be repaired, only replaced. You can't replace just one window switch in the console, you have to replace the entire set, that's how Mercedes sells it.

My wife drives a 1996 E300D, which is the same car with the normally aspirated engine. It has 285,000 miles and came (from Portland, OR) with a complete set of service records going back to Day One. What does the dealer have in the way of records for this car? Low miles or not, there are still things that have to be replaced (rubber parts, etc.) just due to age.

Jeremy

pawoSD · #7 06-25-2012, 04:30 PM

The prices on diesels seem to have gone crazy lately.....there's a 1998 E300 for sale around here with 176k on it, beautiful car, but they want $10.5k for it

Over 3x what I paid for my mint 420 with 40,000 less miles and a rebuilt engine/trans. You can buy a LOT of gas for the price difference!

Graplr · #8 06-25-2012, 05:57 PM

You have to realize most on this forum are cheap (myself included). 16k does sound high but if the car is in great shape it may be worth it. For about that price you can get a 2005-6 CDI (likely with more mileage but a newer model).

jcyuhn · #9 06-25-2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

16K is a ridiculous price, IMHO.

Repeated for emphasis. $16K can put you into a 2005 E320 CDI, albeit with normal, hence higher, miles than the 1998. At that price I might choose a 2005 with 100K over the 1998 with 44K.

psaboic · #10 06-25-2012, 11:10 PM

Great advice from all. Thanks! I too agree that the price is rather steep regardless of the low miles. If we decide to go for it I will make the dealer a cash offer somewhat lower than his asking price. If he balks, I walk.

Glenn

ROLLGUY · #11 06-26-2012, 12:51 AM

I had a '98, and just loved it! When you tell it to go (with your right foot), it goes!!! It was a very comfortable and fun car to drive. I got it for an almost give-away price @ $5,500. It did have 220,000 miles on it, but looked and drove like a new car. The only thing I had to do to it in the year that I had it, was to replace the blower regulator. A quick call to Phil @ Peachrarts, got one for a w140 (much less than the one for the w210). With a little soldering of a couple wires, I had the blower working again! I have to say I got spoiled driving that car. Although I still enjoy driving my w123 & w126, I miss the w210. Who knows, I may get another one day. I am sure you and your wife will really enjoy it if you get it.