W140 Diesel questions thinking to buy - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dieselsteve · #1 01-17-2003, 06:01 PM

I am thinking of switching from my 1987 300SDL to a W140 92-94 Deisel 300SD? Do any of out there have them? and if so what expereinces have you had with them?
Thanks
Steve

sixto · #2 01-17-2003, 07:46 PM

I'm signing up on the thread because this topic is always interesting

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Holson Adi · #3 01-17-2003, 08:14 PM

Well from what I've read...
people will tell you to watch out for:

-. A/C Evaporator - very expensive job on the W140 (labor intensive)
-. The 3.5L I-6 turbodiesel engine is not reliable? again only from what i've read.
-. The door closing assistance
-. The rear suspension (hydraulic?)

that's all I can think of right now.

In spite of that I'd love to own one and put an aftermarket warranty on it, or find a Starmark'd 1995 S350

#4 01-17-2003, 08:17 PM

Do not consider a 92 to 94 unless it's engine was replaced.. consider a 95 or 96 ONLY.

I hope you have a large budget for car repairs, from what i've heard the 140 is a real hog in terms of maintience like Holson said (evaporator, door & trunk assiters, electronics, etc etc etc).

lukemus53 · #5 01-17-2003, 09:23 PM

here we go again---i have 120k on my'95 s350 and she still runs and looks new. original engine and believe it or not,original evaporator.now the bad news--antenna had to be replaced at 93k and currently the headrest on passenger side has ceased to function.---the pits!!

oldsouth · #6 01-17-2003, 10:46 PM

I agree with TX, try to find a '95 model. Check and make sure all the doors and trunk closes by the air assist. Only engine problems I have had is a turbo reseal. If it has over 150,000 miles and the egr is still hooked up, you will need to clean the crossover pipe and intake manifold out before you disable the egr. No a/c work at all in almost 8 years except a freon top off a couple of years ago.

dieselsteve · #7 01-18-2003, 12:53 AM

Thanks for all the great input!!!!!! Keep it coming. I owuld really like to hear more the person who have them, to those owners who did reply THANKS!!!!

I have heard about the engines... but not every engine had problems... russian roulette? This issue didn't occur in europe form what I heard. Probably more due to drivng style. Diesels are meant to be run, long distances, full temp etc. My office is an hour away at speed and I usally don't go during rush housr, customer sites, work from home etc.. I also typically drive 50-60K Kilometers per year and do drive long trips. I am near Toronto and go to NYC, Chicago, Florida, etc. My 300SDL runs better form these trips.

I run Delvac 1 and and synthetic in everyother fldi, have been for years. Really makes a difference. ANd keept o schedule AND pro-active maintanance. If something is margianal I will chhange it out.

The rest of the stuff is typical for any complex luxury car.

If I do get one I will get an extended warranty on the drive train.

again! thanks to all!!!!

Steve

sixto · #8 01-18-2003, 01:39 AM

Do a search on member turnne1 (Warren). He has lots to say about his 92 300SD. BTDT on an engine replacement, I think.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

#9 01-18-2003, 11:24 AM

If the 140 model in the diesel has about the same electrical componants in it as the 300 SE, I'd stay away from it. It's loaded with electrical gremlins and I'am speaking from experience on this.

oldsouth · #10 01-18-2003, 02:54 PM

I was just thinking if I were buying a used Mercedes Diesel and did not want a car as big as an S-Class, I would look at the late model E-Class diesels. If I wanted a larger car, I would definately look for a '95 S-350. I would check it out throughly and disable the egr and clean the intake manifold (take it off). Also clean down around the valves (I did mine with a screwdriver and air hose). If you buy one e-mail me and I can tell you how to disable the egr. Pretty complicated but it can be done. Do a search on egr. Good luck!

EC93SE · #11 01-21-2003, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Van Helden
If the 140 model in the diesel has about the same electrical componants in it as the 300 SE, I'd stay away from it. It's loaded with electrical gremlins and I'am speaking from experience on this.

Specifically, what electrical gremlins are you referring to? I've replaced a RR window regulator and an Air Mass Meter in the last year. Everything else functions perfectly. Of course, I'm the second owner of a properly serviced, 58K mile 300SE. I'd really like to know of the electrical problems you have experienced. I'm not convinced these cars are as unreliable as portrayed on this site.

sixto · #12 01-21-2003, 08:59 PM

I wouldn't categorize an early 140 with a 30 year old Jag but an air mass meter in less than 60K miles is a bigger nut that the typical MB Diesel-er has to swallow.

Question is, is a cylinder head at 250K miles more tolerable?

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

EC93SE · #13 01-21-2003, 10:30 PM

Sixto,

I personally didn't think a $236 air mass meter replacement after 10 years was a big deal

, but I'll agree with you that my 123 diesel is much easier to service and cheaper to maintain. No comparison vs. 140 ride quality, interior comfort, sound damping and overall performance, though

As in my original question, I'm still curious to know about all the 'electrical gremlins' to which the previous poster was referring. I've been lurking on this site for some time now and I don't recall reading posts about any big $$$$ problems with the 140 besides the evaporator and the throttle actuator

oldsouth · #14 01-21-2003, 11:10 PM

What have you heard about the throttle actuator?

turnne1 · #15 01-22-2003, 08:43 AM

Many things to look for in a 140 diesel(even a 140 period)

if the car has had short or long block replaced that is good news..by an MB dealer..thats even better news
Unless the car is a starmarked '95(VERY RARE) then I would have it checked out by a person who knows about the 3.5 litre engine

as for electrical etc....look for closing assist($800) issues,power interior rear view mirror($750),power steering pump($1500.00)..all common 140 issues

and look VERY closely at the AC/evap....mine has been done TWICE..once in 1997 by the original owner and once in 2000 under my ownership

mine also had the instrument cluster replaced because of a short(another common early 140 failure) as well as one of the rear lighted vanity mirrors

but I have heard that the 1997 models and later are very reliable

in looking for a 140 I have seen prices all over the map..its either a clean vehicle with all records comanding a premium price(especially the diesels) or one that has spotty records that is almost being given away

and this is one vehicle where I would definitely pay a premium for one with a great documented service history

I have owned my vehicle since '99 and it has inclurred about 22-23K in repairs(about 90%) were covered under the warranty I had for the first two years of ownership.95% of my repairs have been done at the dealer..so those prices could have been somewhat lower at an independent..but I don't live in a large luxury market where numerous 140's were sold and therefore created a secondary market for independents who know this particular vehicle

Warren
1992 300SD 158K
Columbus Ohio