Is this one of the good ones or one of the 350 rod benders? What's its "W" designation.
Thanks.

Chassis W210, engine OM603. 3 liter inline 6 cylinder, non-turbo. Not one of the rod benders, but known for surging caused by intake manifold resonance flaps. Also be aware that 1996 was the first model year for the W210.

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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

OM606, actually.

W is for wagen as R is for roadster or whatever roadster is in German.

These engines continue the glow function for a little while after the engine has started. The glow plugs don't last as long as in non-afterglow systems so that's an expense to consider.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Thanks sixto. Don't know what I was thinking, I even own a 606.

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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

It's like that scene from Cheers where Coach answers the phone and yells out, "Is there and Ernie Pantuso here?" Sam says, "That's you, Coach."

Any problems with your glow plugs yet?

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

First one went at around 40K miles. I recognized it instantly, took it to the dealer and said it has rough starting and stumbles for a few seconds. They decided to replace all the injectors! Of course it came back to me with rough starting. Another dealer trip and they replaced all the glow plugs. But one of the new injectors still wasn't right and it nailed when cold for a long time. Eventually that sorted itself out.

The second glow plug went around 75K miles. I was out of town and told my partner to just take it in, expecting the plugs to be covered under the extended warranty. They replaced all 6 and, SURPRISE, they were not covered! That was $543.

So the next time a plug goes, I will be learning to take off that big beautiful cast aluminum intake manifold.

__________________
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

The surging is not a problem with the turbodiesel. It was related to the resonance flaps and the engine control computer in the 96 and possibly 97.

There's no specified time interval for the chain. It's a very sturdy double row chain that does not go through all the contortions that are found on a V8. Just monitor it for elongation.

One point in favor of the 96 nonturbo, if I remember correctly, is that the intake manifold is not in the way of changing the glow plugs.

edit: Chief, your time is showing up as one hour ahead of actual here in the eastern U.S. Check your time zone settings.

__________________
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

Hi everyone.

Similar story to the others. I seem to loose a glow plug each year as the winter starts down here. Just done my 2nd last week.

What is the surging someone spoke of above. I am yet to see that on my 98 E300TD at 180,000kms / 112500 miles.

One other thing, do these engines have trouble with their timing chains, if so, at what point should they be replaced/repaired. (I read something on this a while ago?)

Chief

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1998 E300TD

Rick

My 95 has the surging problem. How do you correct the resonance flaps? I believe that is whats wrong with mine. It only does it between 2200-2500rpm.

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Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100

Sorry, Ricali. I can't give you a different answer than you already got . E300 Surging

__________________
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