Ok, so I put a feeler add out on craigslist just to see what people would be willing to trade for my ailing 300SD. Here's a link to my add that details most of the problems I've been having as well as all the work I've put into her 1985 Mercedes 300SD for trade . On top of what the add says it also has developed a leaky transmission seal, and the climate control has never worked well or modulated temperature properly amongst other little issues such as the rear glass delaminating. The offer was for a 1990 300TE with 188,000kms. I have not seen pictures of it yet, but lets assume that its in good shape for the purpose of this discussion.

I've wanted a wagon for a while both because I find myself hauling things like big screen tv's, motorcycle engines etc and I think the cargo space would be nice. I've also recently acquired a 17ft boat and I think that SLS would be ideal for towing as I also tow a trailer with motorcycles or dirtbikes somewhat frequently.

I am now in the last 2 months of my school program so I'm both considering my current situation, as well as my future needs. I have been finding of late that the amount of time I have, and wish to devote to my car to be greatly reduced. As such I've been neglecting my 300SD for the last few months, and as we all know, the OM617 is a maintenance intensive machine. Reliable yes, but it takes a lot of time to keep happy.

One of my biggest issues that I'm wondering about is fuel milage. Over the last year my 300SD has averaged 30US MPG. With a low of 25mpg and a high of 30mpg. How bad is the 300TE really going to be comparatively? Will it break me in fuel over the next couple moths until I've graduated and am working again?

I guess what I'm stuck on here is would I be better to hold onto the SD and see how my year goes in terms of time and money to work on the car, or should I snap up the 300TE and move on. I also realize that this is a diesel forum, so of course thats what you're all partial too, but if we could step back from that and take an objective look I'd appreciate it as I've come to respect and value all of your opinions.

So, should trade, or not?

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2004 F150 4.6L -My Daily
2007 Volvo XC70 -Wife's Daily
1998 Ford F150 -Rear ended
1989 J-spec 420SEL -passed onto its new keeper
1982 BMW 733i -fixed and traded for the 420SEL
2003 Volvo V70 5 Speed -scrapped
1997 E290 Turbo Diesel Wagon -traded for above
1992 BMW 525i -traded in
1990 Silver 300TE -hated the M103
1985 Grey 380SE Diesel Conversion, 2.47 rear end, ABS -Sold, really should have kept this one
1979 Silver 300D "The Silver Slug" -Sold