Just wondering what is the reliability of this model.Found one for sale at the dealer for about $18000 with 50000 miles on it.
I was going through the reviews and it seems 96 was not a good year for the diesel.Just wanted to comfirm and see other opinions.I 'd prefer a turbo but they are a lot more money
and none can be found where I live. Any issues specific with this year ?
Thanks

John
90 v8 quattro

Do a search. I think Mikakeveli (sorry for spelling) has a 96 or 97 non-turbo. There are also several other members that have the non-turbo w210. Like everything else, the jury seems to be out on this car because it is so new. I love my turbo model.

I bought a '96 E300D new. I drove it over 70,000 miles with absolutely no problems. It was one of the very first ones that came to the US, but I think the engine was a carryover from the previous couple of years in the 124 chassis. I personally would not hesitate to buy one of these cars again if in good condition and a history of proper maintenance.

After saying no problem at all, I remembered that I had an intermittent surging problem early on. They had not yet seen this problem and it turned out to be some of the intake resonance valves. They now know about the problem and it should be no sweat if it were to show up. This is a minor situation, nothing deep inside the engine.

Good luck,

jidod,

I have a turbo model and like narwhal, I llove it. I have had a few relatively small issues and will be forced to learn a few new tricks as the warranty expires. From all I have read about the 1996 and 1997 non-turbos, they are excellent cars. I think Benzmac recently put his up for sale with well over 200,000 miles.

The only scary issue with any of the new ones is replacing glow plugs. The new cars start like gas cars, no low temperature sensitivities on mine yet. However, the glow plugs can apparently fail and expand so they don't want to come out, leading to disasters of varying proportions.

If the car has records of good maintenance, and has good compression test results, and you like the car overall, I would go ahead and buy it. Good luck, Jim

__________________
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)

I went today to test drive the car.It was sold. Took them one day.
That's amazing.Hard to get a good deal here when it will be another 6 months before another one comes up.May have to stick with my Audi v8 which I like a lot.
The dealer has on the lot a 91 350SDL with a brand new engine just installed.(not a rebuilt) .I wonder if that is OK .Engine came from MB in Germany so I assume it has the required revisions.
I used to own a 300 SDL but I like the newer ones ,so much smoother etc.
John