86-87 = 300D or 300TD, OM603, no gills
90-93 = 300D 2.5, OM602, has the gills
95 = E300D, OM606, has the gills

Interesting that the 96-99 W210s, both NA and Turbo, with OM606 engines, have no fender gills, the intake was moved behind the front grille beside the radiator.

Just curious, how many cylinders does the engine have? That will be a good indicator of what year the engine was. It's pretty easy for a chop shop to change things like front fenders and deck lid, but not so much the engine and drive line.

In any case I would run like hell. There are still way too many clean examples of the W124 or W210 Diesels available to mess with something like this.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

I don't know that I'd necessarily pass on this car. It does look pretty nice from the pictures. I suspect in this case, the seller's perceived value of the car and what I'd pay for it, given all the incorrect (for the car) parts would never get close enough to cross.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

That is a BUNCH of money for one with a branded title.

I don't know about the cylinders. I am not pursuing it. I don't like the feeling that it may have been chopped up. Just a personal choice I guess.

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1982 240D 4spd 232k (deceased)

Just to let you know, my friend was looking for a Diesel sedan (his Jetta TDI got totaled), and I found about a dozen to choose from. He ended up buying a '99 E300 TURBODIESEL with 110,000 miles on it. It came with receipts for almost $3,000 worth of recent repairs. He got it for $8,000. This is only one example of the cars that are available, so it is a good thing you did not buy the car you were looking at. Also, a couple years ago I bought a '98 E300 as well for $5,400 (more miles than my friend's, but still a very nice car). All this to say that good cars are out there for a good price, so don't give up. It is also good that you questioned the potential purchase here. There is a lot of knowledge and experience that can be drawn upon here, so feel free to post if you find another car that is questionable. We are all here to help.

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All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

The VIN will tell you if it's a 90-93 (EB28) or '95 (EB31).

That looks like a very nice facelift. I can't tell if the drip rails and quarter window trim have the anodized finish.

The 11-99 Foundation license plate frame is worth some money - CHP 11 99 Foundation License Plate Frame Authentic The Real Thing | eBay . I don't know why.

Half the asking price should get you a 90-93 with documented history, heated seats and ASD.

Sixto
87 300D

Or quite a bit less than half will get you this:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-cars-sale/341708-fs-1990-300e-great-condition-lots-images.html

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth