Just wondered what M.B. Diesel Models and years were considered to be the best ones. Have been looking at two 1988 S class turbo Diesel cars and thinking about buying them. One has 300k the other 150k, identical except for color. Is there a re-con kit for this engine and cost?
Thanks

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Den
1993 MB 300D 2.5
2001 VW Jetta TDI 5 spd.
2001 new bug TDI 5 spd.
Motorcycles

If they are 350SDL's, then RUN away.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

for the W123 bodied 240D and 300D, and for the diesels on the "S" class chassis.

I base this statement on the fact that after this point electronics started to insinuate into these remarkably refined and sturdy cars. This technology almost always ends up being expensive to keep up with. Many feel that quality of MBs began to degrade in other ways starting in the mid-'80s.

The Mercedes diesels of the early '80s represented a "mature" mechanical techology, fine materials, great workmanship, durability, and many other noble attributes. Most parts for these cars (and the cars themselves) are relatively easy to find and inexpensive. Cars earlier than this era may be getting a little long in the tooth to serve as daily drivers. Many feel that all Mercedes has produced since 1985 is but a sleepwalking robot zombie of the quality and dependability the marque traditionnally stood for.

I'd suggest you invest in the $20 paperback "Mercedes-Benz Buyers Guide" by Frank Barrett. MUCH practical information in making an informed choice of a used MB, nice pix, and a good history of the cars and company.

Good luck!

There are no such things as 1988 S-Class diesels, anywhere in the world. The only years were '86 - '87 and '90 - '91. If they were '88's then they would be gassers 300SE, 300SEL, 420SEL, and 560SEL.

BTW, the quality started to decay after the Chrysler merger. That screwed EVERYthing up. After the Chyrsler merger I noticed that Mercedes stopped providing 5 alloy wheels and only gave four with a temporary spare. Mid '80's S-Classes, sorry, were the best. In 1986 leather was standard, SRS was standard, ABS was standard, 5 15" wheels with premium H rated tires were standard, two way sunroof was added, second generation W126 had better aerodynamics and was more stable at higher speeds, dual 10 way power seats each with 2 memory banks were standard, etc, etc. Despite all that, the OM603 engine had it's problem with aluminum head cracking. Once the updated and refined head was put on, they would be more durable than before. Key is, not to overheat them at all. Oh yeah, and the lousy TO problem that was campaigned in '97.

That's funny, my '01 MB came with a full size spare from the factory. I guess one of those evil Chrysler people missed my car.

BTW, the car was one of the very first 203's to be shipped to the US and has shown top quality.

Have a great day,

No kidding? I mean the wheels in the trunk look full size but they are made of steel. The '99 E320 seems to lack the real alloy spare wheel.

'79 through '85 are the best years for 240D's? No wonder my 78 is having trouble. Just missed the cut I guess.

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'78 240D

Your '78 certainly makes "my" cut. I also have had an "early" (1981) 240D for about three months now, and notice a number of little differences between it and my '83. None has an impact on the wonderful qualities of the model.

The spare is a full sized tire on a black painted steel wheel. It is not a "temporary" spare.

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Rick Miley
99 E300 TurboDiesel
82 300D Euro
05 Jeep Liberty CRD
00 VW Jetta TDI
Former MB: 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D
Chain Elongation References

With regard to the spare tires in the newer cars, they should be a matching wheel. That is one sure sign of "decontenting". For what you pay for a new Benz, they can't through in a matching rim? I too have seen someone have a flat in an E-class car and he had a steel wheel for a spare, sad, very sad. Actually what made it really sad was that he called roadside assistance to change a tire.

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1994 MB E320 Coupe (1 of 825)
1992 MB 190E 2.6
1983 Porsche 911SC
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T
PCA member
MBCA member
President of CT/Westchester Section

It's a temporary spare in the sense that you can't have it on your car and expect to win any prizes for it's appearance.

don't forget the 92-95 140 diesels...very much an S class




Warren
1992 300SD 175K
Columbus ohio

For $50K plus there is no excuse for not providing a 5th rim.

To answer the original question if its a 300SDL it has the 6cy 603 diesel. Check for head cracks they don't like to overheat. $2k fix. For a rebuild I would think $5k-$6k, maybe more. A set of pistions is $1,500 alone. There was no 1988 diesel, if it is a 300SDL it is either an 86 or 87.

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2005 Chevy Silverado, white on black.

"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it."
— John Adams

some of that depends on your criteria for the best

for me...I think my current car is the best MB diesel...far from the most realible I have owned..that would be the '92 300D 2.5...but after all the bugs were worked out..the most awesome car I have ever owned

...incredible ride and power...great stereo(FINALLY in an MB!!) and attention to every need you could have in a an auto
of the three diesels I have owned...85 300SD..92 300D and 92 300SD...the 92 140 car is by far the most machine


Warren
1992 300SD 175K
Columbus Ohio