True, the E320 did cost about $4K more in 1998. I think the difference was a bit less in 1999, as the E300 got partial leather seating standard that year.

In the used market they seem to sell at about the same price. Sure makes the E300 less expensive to own from new. From this point onward I expect the gas and diesel to depreciate at about the same rate.

- Jim

The difference was still $4000 in 1999. I was just barely able to afford the MB when I bought it. The extra 4K up front, coupled with the higher price of premium gas and the lower fuel mileage, would have put an E320 out of my reach. The primary reason I stretched my budget to buy the MB at that time was because the Diesels were being discontinuted. I have not regretted that decision for a second.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Lightman has learned a lot and I have learned some from him too. If I can recall properly he has had some of the common issues with his E too, but luckily they were resolved under warranty :-)

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300

With regard to the pricing issue--in the bucke of the bible belt here, the diesels are considerably more expensive in the used market than are the 320s. At the local dealerrip, there is a waiting list for those picked up at auction, and several specialty import shops in the area are looking for E300s they have promised out as well. I intercepted my car, before the PO got to the dealer to trade up to an S500. I have already been offered more than I paid for the car, by two individuals who were waiting on the trade in.

I didn't look in other areas for an E300, but are the e320s really holding there value better outside of the South??

I would agree with that one..perhaps due to the fact that there are at least 30 E320's for every E300

in fact it seems that a 1998 E300 is worth more money than a S320 of the same mileage and year...a car that was 20K more brand new than the E300




Warren
1992 300SD 158K
Columbus Ohio

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How much was a 99 E300 when it was new? I heard something about Mercedes bringing diesels back to the US for the 2004 model year, and I'm considering buying one.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

Just looked it up on cars.com. Sticker price was $42400. I'm still wondering if there's any truth to that rumor about new diesels coming back to the US. Has anyone heard anything?

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

yeah, do a search of this forum. about 2 weeks or so ago there was a thread with an article attached. i hope they don't bring them back--make mine hold its value better

My 1999 E300DT was a big problem until I found the right Mechanic. Do a search on SearayPaul for most of the problems. Since Chuck began working on it I have been very happy.

Ya'll missed the main point. It is not the money you spend, or save, it is the sound of that motor when it is running correctly. It just can not be beat. I know I am strange.

Have a great day

Paul
1999 E300DT
88000

Have had mine, silver with grey leather, for just over a year, and put about 20,000 miles on it (61,500 total). Had some minor issues with the front seats clicking that was fixed under Starmark warranty, as well as the MAF. Light came on on dash, I called the dealer on my cell phone at about 1 pm, was about an hour and a half away. Dealer agreed that if I drove it over right away and it turned out to be the MAF, he would take care of it while I waited. I did, he did and I was out of there and home before he closed shop for the day. Other than that, the car is a huge pleasure to own and operate. I love the chances this car gives you to squirt from one place to another with confidence, the mileage, and the fact that in 5 degree Fahrenheit weather it never even considers not starting instantly. It is a Diesel with none of the Diesel downside. I hope it continues to keep me in awe as it ticks off several hundred thousand miles. I drove a '96 and this '98, and just had to have the extra power.

The day I took delivery the dealership got a '99 with under 30,000 miles, in the slightly yellowish silver color with beige leather, Xenons, the Bose system and rear seat sunshades back on a deal that did not go down. I probably would have opted for that car if it had been available when I was negotiating, but I am very satisfied with the car I have.

From the tales, when it comes time to change the glow plugs I will give the job to the dealer and if he breaks one off, it will be his problem. So far, so good though.

Another one man's opinion. Good luck in your search and decision making,

Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

JimSmith-

Got any pictures? Sounds like a beaut.

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#dieselFLEET
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'97 E300
'99 E300

michakaveli,

Oddly I do not have any specific photos of the car, but I will take a few and post them. The car is a little dusty and dirty at the moment, but what the heck. I'll post something later in the weekend. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Here is Jim Smith's E300

I'm sure you saw his car coming in when you and Tom left the scene

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

JimSmith, good looking car! I have the same year/model and in same color combo as yours, except I ahve the standard issue MB wheels. What are your wheels, they look nice.

are those the wheels from the E430 Sport?...they look great as well as the color of the car

now if I can find a silver with blk leather low mileage one owner '99 with Xenons...I think I might be ready to make the switch



Warren
1992 300SD 158K
Columbus Ohio

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