Going to look at '95 E300 D tonight - Any tips?

[Chris W.]

Hi. I'm a possible newcomer to the compression ignition realm. I'm going to have a look at a '95 E300 tonight to serve as my 110 mile per day commuter. I have a '93 500E so I'm reasonably familiar with the W124, but I have no diesel experience.

Any red flags to look out for which are particular to diesels? Thanks in advance!

Rgds,
Chris
prepared for relatively glacial acceleration...

[TN-W124 Diesel]

check the oil, see if it is gritty or smells burnt (black is ok), same for transmission fluid..

check all gears in transmission (Drive, Park, R, Low, high, 1st , 2nd)

start car and put in drive without touching gas pedal, see if the car will stall out..

check for major engine noise from rods or valves

place hand on valve cover when running, check for major vibration..

check fuel filters

test drive to at least 80MPH

check for mainteance records

[samiam4]

add,

Check brakes- lining thickness and look for rotor wear.
I'd expect paperwork to show glowplugs, and some rear suspension links. Probably has had motor mounts. Should drive like any other post 93 W124.
The oil changes should have been done with a CH-4 rated oil. Mobil-1, Delo 400, Rottela, etc.. come to mind. If he's a fanatic- it maybe Delvac-1 or a Amsoil product.

Michael

The 606 engine has a couple of issues that you may not know about. While I love mine and it has been stellar - a check to make sure that the timing chain has not stretched is important. This is a DOHC and has double row chain. Some have stretched and the tell-tale sign is a lot of noise in the front of the engine - other than the normal diesel clatter - hard starting (which may be a glow plug) and rough idle. The 606 is a great performer otherwise. My 95 had only 59K when I bought it and my mechanic did check for chain stretch. If the timing is off by >5 degrees then the chain may be the problem. >10 degrees and you can have some serious problems. But don't shy away from this car because of the possibility of this problem. Most likely if it starts and runs smooth - the timing and chain are fine.

There is an alert in the 95's about passenger side wires that are under the carpet. They can fray if the passenger spent a lot of time moving their feet???. Just pull up the carpet and open the black channel cover on the floorboard by the door. The wires are wrapped in a silk-like cloth. If the cloth is intact most likely the wires are a-ok.

Make sure the the lamp failure indicator dash light is not on. If so, make the seller fix the problem. My seller said it was just the wrong wattage bulb but it turned out to be the black box controlling the computer data and it cost me over $200.

All in all my 95 E300 was my first diesel and I am in love with it. Just roll into the gas station and pump the cheapest on the menu then drive 700 miles before you fill up again. There is no better feeling. Let us know if you buy it.

[b52rule]

I bought mine at 79,000 in 1999, and have 150,000 on it now

Check for the famous transmission 2-3 flare (use search), I had the kit put in 3 weeks ago, no probs since.

There are two wiring harness recalls (use search)

I have had the glow plugs replaced (Starmark)
Had some fuel leaks (Starmark)
Flex plate (Starmark)


Other than that, just normal maintenance, filters, brake pads, etc.

It seems to be a strong runner and solid engine

[chuck95e300d]

I purchased my 95 e300d last year with 86K miles, now I'm at 111K miles. I've only had 1 problem with the car. There are some fuel return hoses under the intake that started leaking fuel. Had the dealer replace them for $130. Since I bought the car I have replaced the front struts/rear shocks and have changed the oil a number of times as well as the fuel filters. Oh and I've replaced a couple of tail lamp bulbs. I'm probably due for new front brake rotors. I get 32-35 miles per gallon in DC beltway traffic and even better mileage on long trips. It is nice not having to buy fuel every third day; my commute is 80+ miles per day. While the acceleration is a bit sluggish it isn't too bad. Plus how fast can you go in bumper to bumper traffic . The car has good power when running 65-75 mph. While I'm tempted to move up to a 98-99 e300d, they are much more expensive.

I agree with Chuck - the newer 98-99 models are still too expensive. Why pay more when the 95's are selling for well less than 1/2 their original prices. Most of their owners were professionals and they are in great shape. I think I am sold to buy 7 years out in the MB line. I plan to keep this for a number of years and then perhaps look at the 99's.

Not to be too negative - but since MB bought Chrysler I have wondered how long it would be before MBs became Americanized enough to be 1. Cheaply made 2. Change their body style every other year and 3.Chocked with recalls?

I commute only 15 miles per day so my fill-ups are monthly now.