1998 E300 Turbo Diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 09-05-2002, 08:45 AM

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1998 E300TD in perfect condition. The car only has 31,000 miles. I have seen the original bill of sale as well as a CarFAX report. The report was clean.

I currently own two 2001 VW Jetta TDI's. I love these cars and am sold on the diesel concept. I have been a forum member of Fred's TDI page for years.

What are some questions I should be asking of the seller and are there certain things to be looking for or wary of in this particular model?

Any thoughts or comments will be appreciated.

SpannMan

barkford · #2 09-05-2002, 09:05 AM

I would inquire about: Glow Plugs (smooth quick cold starts - no loud knocking) Motor Mounts (should be ok at 31k), Miles/Gallon - Should be capable of easily 30mpg + on highway, May need a fuel filter (although manual recommends 50-60k replacement I think) Interior wise ; Make sure keyfob operates from any angle of car ( my older E300 lost it's radio unlock capability and only infra red sensors in door handles would open) , Check to see if the pushbutton climate control goes to full fan speed on it's own. I've seen them where even at LO temp setting with 90+ degrees outside, it won't engage the fan at max speed (that's a warranty replacement of pushbutton panel) And of course, the driver's seat - might pop or crack in quick stops or quick turns. (that's new rail kit)

jcyuhn · #3 09-05-2002, 10:41 AM

This engine also has a problem with the o-rings on the fuel lines deteriorating, permitting air into the fuel. It's a simple and inexpensive repair, but the problem can completely ruin your day. To determine if the car has this issue, inspect the clear fuel lines to/from the fuel filter with the engine running. You should see, well, nothing. If air bubbles are running around inside the lines, the o-rings are shot. The injector pump is capable of bleeding a surprising amount of air out of the lines, so the engine will run just fine for quite some time after this problem begins to develop.

Many of these cars have also needed the Mass Air Sensor (MAS) replaced. It always sets the check engine light, so it's a no brainer. The turbo is disabled when a MAS problem is detected, so it's plainly obvious - the car has no power.

My E300 has had both the above problems, plus the glow plugs replaced, plus the transmission controller failed & replaced. (The trans. controller was a semi--common failure; this car has either had it or is OK at this point. That said, there are a number of updates to the transmission, it would be good if they have been done to the car.)

Be aware that Mercedes requires synthetic oil in support of their extended service intervals. It can be quite a chore to find a diesel rated synthetic. I make a trek down to the local Mobil distributor to pickup a few cases of Delvac 1 once per year.

#4 09-05-2002, 10:55 AM

I appreciate the comments; keep them coming. I will probably take the vehicle to a local mechanic and have him give it the once over. And yes, he does Mercedes. Several years ago, I took a BMW 525 to him to check over and he seems to know his German automobiles. All suggestions made here will be given to the mechanic for his consideration.

As for the oil, because I own two diesel Jettas, I purchase AMSOIL Heavy Duty Synthetic 5W30 oil by the case. This is CG-4 and CH-4 rated, if my memory serves me correctly.

Another question. I currently drive 130 miles per day. 90% of this is highway, probably averaging 70 mph. What type of milage can I really expect? I understand it is rated for 34 highway. Is this accurate? Also, what size is the fuel tank?

SpannMan

jcyuhn · #5 09-05-2002, 01:11 PM

Hmmm. I think Mercedes requires an -40 rated oil (such as 5W40) whenever temperatures are above 40-50 degrees F. They only approve -30 (such as 5W-30) for cold weather use. Most synthetic diesel oils I have seen are 5W40, so work fine. I don't think your Amsoil will qualify, other than perhaps during the winter.

I think you can reasonably expect 32-34MPG given your driving scenario. I regularly see 27MPG with 100% urban/suburban usage. I'm not patient enough to have ever taken a roadtrip and driven 70MPH, but I've seen 31-32MPG with speeds in the 80-85MPH range.

Joe Blowe · #6 09-05-2002, 02:04 PM

SpannMan,

Sorry to steer this conversation away from the MB for a moment, but how do you like your TDIs aside from the fact that they're diesel powered? Any issues you would point out?

My sister-in-law has a 2000 gas Jetta, and is starting to regret the purchase. Developing electrical problems and the like...

gsxr · #7 09-05-2002, 03:02 PM

FYI, the two synthetic oils that Mercedes has officially approved are Mobil-1 15W-50, and also the new 0W-40 (which is Mercedes factory fill now in all their cars). The other weights (0W-30, 5W-30, and 10W-30) are NOT approved!

Delvac-1 is only available in 5W-40 and is an even better oil, particularly for extended drain intervals (it suspends nearly double the soot of Mobil-1, I believe.) I use this stuff in my car but it is hard to find, and pricier too ($22/gallon usually).

I have heard of the 98-99 E300 getting up to 40mpg with a light foot, so you should definitely see 30+ (unless you live in CA and get that pesky Californicated fuel, which kills MPG by 10-15%.) You can also get a chip for this car which I hear bumps the power up to something like 210hp - incredible for a diesel!

The TDI's are nice too, fantastic MPG, but I have heard numerous horror stories about kwality issues with the VW chassis. The TDI engine itself is pretty decent but don't forget to change the timing belt. I feel the MB engine is much, much better but of course they cost DOUBLE what the VW does! There's an E300 turbo on eBay right now with a "buy it now" price of ~$22k... sure is tempting!

Oh - the 98-99 E300D turbo has an 80L fuel tank, which is roughly 21.5 gallons. So you should have a range of 600-750 miles or so per tank. With a 130 mile daily commute I'd expect 32-36mpg or so, depending on how heavy your foot is.

Regards,

#8 09-05-2002, 03:04 PM

I would only use what is recommened. I will still have one TDI at home, so I could use the AMSOIL in that.

Also note I said I averaged 70 mph. There are a few stop lights along the way!!!

SpannMan

rktomp · #9 09-05-2002, 05:26 PM

Gentlemen,
First, the reccomened synthetic oils for the diesel listed in the current MB lubricant specs, address's only the oils submited to MB for testing. The factory told me on the phone there are other high
quality synthetic oils out there, but they didnt submit them to us for testing, subsequently, there are few oils listed on the supplemint. I personely use Royal Purple 10w-30 in my 1999
E300 Turbo, and regularly change it at 13k. I now have 49k on the vehicle and only had one warranty problem..the glow plug control went bad about 20k ago. I get 32mpg at hwy speeds averaged at 65mph, 36mpg at 55-60mph. By the way, the factory told me the car came with 5w-30 Castorl dino oil from the factory.
Everyone who owns a Benz should be grateful they own the safest car made..I was clobbered on the left side car by a Suv the other day, and walked away with few injuries..The suv that hit me, well all (3) of them went to the hospital.
Bot

rktomp · #10 09-05-2002, 05:37 PM

Please excuse the horrible spelling on my posted reply..on really strong drugs from the accident
Thanks
Bob
People, to get an idea how safe your cars are,,I was hit on the left rear tire are by a vehicle traveling between 45-50 mph when it hit me. The car jumped into the air and I was facing 180 deg from normal..The police said I was lucky to be in the Ben
Bob

gsxr · #11 09-05-2002, 06:12 PM

Bob,

Wow - glad you are OK, and sorry to hear that your car is probably a mess now.

You are right, the Benz is one of best cars to survive an accident in. I flipped my first Benz (190D) over at freeway speeds in a freak winter accident, and also walked away. That convinced me to buy another (which I did... then another, and another, until it became a sickness!)

About the oil, you are 100% correct - MB only tests what is submitted to them. Mobil has not (yet) submitted Delvac-1 for testing. However, I believe Mobil has submitted all 5 versions of Mobil-1 and the three lightest weights did NOT pass their tests! Personally I don't like any oil with the "second" number less than 40, like 0W-30 or 10W-30. I don't see much if any benefit to using these water-thin oils, since the "thick" synthetics provide cold starting ability well below zero F. But all that aside, the most important thing is to make sure whatever oil you use is diesel rated (CH, CI, etc.) You'd be surprised how many oils are not diesel rated, look at the labels the next time you're at the local McParts!

Regards,

#12 09-06-2002, 10:34 AM

I have really enjoyed the TDIs. My wife bought the first one and I would occasionally drive it to work. If fact, I enjoyed it so much that I bought another one within 6 months. I had my TDI chipped using the UpSolute solution and the performance increase was outstanding. Even after installing the chip, I still average about 50 MPG while driving with the AC on at 80 MPH. I have also occasionally run BioDiesel in the TDI and milage and power stayed the same. I bought the TDIs for their motor, not for any great love of VolksWagon. The TDI also suffers from Mass Air Flow (MAF) failures, much like I have been reading about here in these forums.

My TDI is at 54,000 and I just got my first Check Engine Light (CEL). I suspect it is probably MAF related. Cannot be sure until I take it in for service. I have also had a problem with the power window closing and then reopening when it gets to the top. It has been in the VW dealer's shop several times. They replaced a bunch of stuff, but never got it consistantly working. I just live with it.

My wife's TDI has had no mechanical issues either, but both of her power windows have come off the track and had to be take in for repair. Both times the dealer covered the repair cost and parts, but only after I made a big stink.

Rick Miley · #13 09-06-2002, 01:29 PM

I own both the E300 and Jetta TDI, so I would like to chime in on this discussion. First, another common problem to look for in the Benz is a cracked dashboard. Not diesel related, of course, but it apparently happens a lot on W210's. Mine was replaced at 65,000 miles and after some negotiation with the dealer and MB zone rep, they covered 2/3 of the $1000 repair bill. I also had the transmission control problem and a bad glow plug. Another warning: quality service for this engine may be hard to come by. For example, the tech diagnosed my bad glow plug as a faulty injector and replaced all of them. Then one of the new injectors was bad out of the box. That was a month long adventure with repeated trips to the dealer. That's about all I can add regarding the E300.

As for the TDI, I've had interior trim troubles there as well. (I'm really not rough on these cars!) The lever for the console cover broke off, as did the glove box cover on the same day. It also has a couple of electrical glitches - the right channel on the CD changer sometimes fades out, and the light for the A/C controls sometimes doesn't work. The engine has been a dream for the first 55,000 miles, but has recently developed a performance problem. Low RPM power is fine, but it's dropping off dramatically above 3000 RPM. Haven't looked into that one yet.

Finally, regarding the oil, the Amsoil 5W40 will be fine for the E300. That's what I've been using for 40,000 miles. If you consider switching to Mobil-1, make sure that what you buy carries a CG-4 or better rating. Last time I checked (admittedly, a couple years ago), Mobil-1 did not. Mobil Delvac-1 does and is a fantastic oil if you can find it. The Flexible Service System on the MB advises you when to change the oil, and it will typically allow 10K to 14K miles. I regularly monitor the countdown, and change it when the FSS reaches 6,000, and then again when it says to do the service.

If you take this car to the dealer for service, I'd advise you to take in your own oil. Otherwise, God knows what they'll put in. Then, when you get the bill, make sure they didn't charge you for oil. This is the voice of experience.

Rick Miley · #14 09-06-2002, 01:33 PM

Something I forgot to mention about the Benz. The rear window regulators are another item that apparently fails with age and not use. Mine both failed within a month of each other, and the dealer says it is a common problem. So check that out on the MB.

LightMan · #15 10-17-2002, 01:05 AM

Hey spannman, I think we've conversed on freds a bit. I'll chime in as I have a TDI and E300 as well.

In as few words as possible, GET THE CAR, it kills. I ran amsoil series 3k when I lived up north, but since getting my tdi and moving to florida, I run delvac 1 in both. Its so easy to just order it online and have it delivered, for those who have trouble finding it or drive all over to get it. Avlube sells it for $81 per case.

Rick, I think your recently developed engine problem could be a bad MAF sensor, is your check engine light on? Mine went bad at 35k. Check your fuel filter line for bubbles, possibly clogged filter, and check for dirty air filter. Thats funny about your injectors. The dealer replaced mine, and two of the new replacements were bad as well. Luckily they did this all in 2 days, while I rolled in the ML 430 AMG loaner car they gave me.(which sucked actually)

Good luck spannman!