Help! Known problems on 98-99 300dt's

[samiam4]

Ok everyone,

I know most of us are older diesel car owners. I'm helping a friend look at 98-99 turbo diesels. Can anyone lead me in the right directions on particular problems-service and maintanince that are specific to this OM606 engine or W20? body.

We're still going to get a ppi, but just wanted to make sure key things were not over looked.

Thanks,

Michael

[turnne1]

The only thing I have heard about those cars is the engine surge issue at highway speeds.....but there was a update/tech bulletion that all dealers should know about to fix that

otherwise hold on..because that car will change your mind about diesel acceleration if you are accustomed to an 80's vintage car



Warren
1992 300SD 152K
Columbus Ohio

[98E300man]

I have a 98 E300TD with 44k miles, and the only thing I have had problems with are with lights -- brake, tail, rear, license plate, etc. It seems a light goes out about every 6k miles. Sometimes, though, it turns out to be the (mechanical) socket connection not the actual bulb. If the socket rusts or degrades, eventually the continuity will be affected and the MB dash will show a light out.

But even if I knew this, it would not have changed my buying decision. It's a great car.

[Rick Miley]

Wow, after all the discussion about the E300 last week, I'm surprised this question hasn't received more responses. Maybe everybody's just over it.

Anyway, the surging problem mentioned above was for the 96 engine and was solved sometime in 96 or 97. It will definitely not apply to the 98/99 turbo version.

The only common engine problem I can think of is the relatively short life of the glow plugs. I'm now on my third set at 79,000 miles, and others have had similar results. Of course there are exceptions, like the guy who still has the originals at 93K. The bad part is that the intake manifold has to be removed to get to the glow plugs, which makes it expensive if you have the dealer do it. Mine was $540 including cleaning the EGR/PCV gunk from the intake manifold and a 10% club discount. Yes, these engines have EGR which is not easy to disable so periodic cleaning will be in order.

W210 problems I know about are rear window regulators (will they EVER get them right?) and cracked dashboards. Both my rear windows failed within a month of each other. Check for dash cracks around the defroster vents, especially in the middle near the sun sensor. The part alone is $800!

My service writer at the dealership owns a 98 and has told me these are all common problems. Of course, none of this stuff is covered under the extended warranty.

Early on I had some problems with the transmission, but a replacement control module fixed that. Transmission software problems on several models at that time are well documented and should be fixed by now.

If you have the time to do a search, look in this forum for posts by myself or LightMan. The results should be manageable and give you a good deal of insight into the W210/OM606.

[Jay Gibbs]

Speaking for my own experience with my 99
E300TD with 40k+ miles... absolutely no problems at all since new.
I just replaced my first set of front brake pads at 39,000mi. (Thanks to MercedesShop for the DIY article on this job- it is a different procedure from my past W123 cars!) My documented fuel mileage ranges from a low of 23 for aggressive driving to 39.04 for a 400 mile trip at 55 to 60 mph.
I average 26+ mpg for my mostly local-mildly aggressive daily driving.

AMG 8 + 9" wheels on in the summer months typically reduce mileage by about 2 mpg.

I have also upgraded to a full e55 suspension and body kit...springs, shocks, sway bars and bushings. This is one damn economical, good handling, smoking fast diesel!! I will own it 'til I die!

[Rick Miley]

What do I have to do to get in your will? I want that suspension!

My 99E300 at 41,000 miles has had relatively few problems. I still have the original brake pads and the glow plugs are also original.
The 'check engine' light came on at 35,000--an open fuel temp sensor, and yes, a rear window regulator gave out. I think that might have something to do with never using the rear windows. Purely speculation, but if using your power windows led to regulator failure, one would think that the driver's window would fail regularly. The dealer replaced the seat frames due to shifting around during braking. Other than that, no problems.
All things considered, the 99E300 is a great car, although I prefer the seats in the 87-95 124.
Steve

[Gilly]

A few other things I've noticed go wrong with these:
Had a couple E300's seize up a front wheel bearing. Yes, both were Diesels. Just welded to the spindle too, needed a new steering knuckle in both cases.
Watch for leaking differentials also.
Had a couple E420's (210 body) break an upper spring mount off the subframe also. Could this be because of the extra engine weight, and could it also happen to the E300? Don't know, heads up only.

Gilly