My 300SD for a 300TE - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dude99 · #1 05-21-2013, 07:52 PM

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?

Zacharias · #2 05-22-2013, 12:04 AM

If you think an SD with an OM617 is a "maintenance intensive machine," you aren't likely going to find a 300TE less so.

Look up the price for a distributor cap and some of the rear SLS parts. Then consider all the engine management electronics your diesel doesn't have, which the TE does.

I had a friend who was commissioned by his mom to search for a w124 TE for her. He encountered several in his search with more than $4k in shop repair invoices in the previous year.

Any Mercedes you buy that has a series of outstanding issues will be a repair intensive proposition. What counts, beyond whichever model it may be, is the overall state of repair of the car: what has been done, and what needs to be done.

In other words, a theoretical comparison -- model vs. model, or gas vs. diesel -- won't work. You need to make a detailed assessment of the TE then weigh its needs against your SD.

dude99 · #3 05-22-2013, 12:25 AM

Thats some pretty good advice actually... thanks.... Although your replay makes it moot, here are a couple pics the seller sent me as well as the description from the add:
"New tires new bearings new brakes new windshield 188 km no accidents seven passenger excellent Condition"

Zacharias · #4 05-22-2013, 01:04 AM

Listen, all sage advice aside, you are most likely going to like the TE. The second generation w124 cars are a very nice drive. They are a much more modern chassis than the w123 or w126.

However, just ask yourself: If it's such a great car... why does he want to trade me for an older turbodiesel chassis

?

You may want to beam on over to the gasser subforum and ask some questions about TEs....

dude99 · #5 05-22-2013, 01:48 AM

Yeah, my GF asked the same thing. My only guess is that maybe he has grand visions of saving massive $$ on diesel or something... Or perhaps he just likes the W126.... Who knows. I've been pouring over the forums and looking at info on the 300te and I think I would like it. I'll probably end up at least going to look at it...
thanks again

pawoSD · #6 05-22-2013, 07:31 AM

A 300TE will likely get around 17 city, 22 highway, and subtract 5-7 when towing easily. The M103 motor is awesome when running properly, but in my experience its an ongoing process to keep it that way....frugal on fuel however, is something it will never be. And it needs premium.

vstech · #7 05-22-2013, 11:30 AM

that looks like a nice TE however, the white/blue TE's can be had in the 1200 range... decent SD's bring 2500ish... so, there's that. also, the TE's are pricey to maintain, and the electronics make them fun to troubleshoot.
also, that fuel distributer/fuel pump setup is FUN to track issues down...

pawoSD · #8 05-22-2013, 12:52 PM

With an SD you usually only have to worry about components of the rest of the car having issues (with virtually none able to disable the car). With the TE you'll be spending a lot of time troubleshooting the under-hood environment. I actually just traded in my 300E/M103 car because I was tired of its thirst for fuel, and constant engine issues. (idle problems, surging, stalling) I did more work to that engine to cover 10,000 miles than I have done to my SD to cover 125,000. Even my M116 V8 has been much much more reliable, having never let me down yet, in nearly 10,000 miles/2 years. I've done maintenance/replaced some things, but no where near the level of the M103.

dude99 · #9 05-22-2013, 05:26 PM

hmmm.. all good points... thanks