Thinking of a e320 bluetec
 

Hi All,

My 28 year old w124 is on it's last legs and I think it'll only make it a few more months. It has a blown head gasket. I'd fix it, but when you combine the head gasket with all the other little 'here and there' issues, I think it's time to put 'er out to pasture.

One thing I regret about my 86 300e is that I didn't get it as a diesel. I've had it 15 years, it has 240k on it and I still love driving the car.

So, in order to get something from this millennium, I've got 2 options. The 05, 06 CDIs or the 07, 08, 09 Bluetecs. I'm not sure what the difference it exactly. I'm interested in the sedans, not the M or G series.

Is there anything I should stay away from? Is there any model year I should seek out over another? I realize I'm starting a religious debate and I apologize. I don't buy cars often, I actually hate it. That's why I buy good cars and drive them for years until their time has come. I know the diesels have reputations for going well above 200k, sometimes touching 3 or 4 or higher. That's what I want. For this reason, I'd be looking for something with 70k or lower so I can be the one to put the other 300k on.

I'd love to hear from some of you with experience with these cars.

They're all good cars; 05-09 diesel E320s. Plug in your budget and mileage preference/requirements and start shopping them in person. I'm satisfied with mine.

Generally speaking, the "dark" years for Mercedes Benz were from about 2000-2008 though not quite so bad with the E class, as they are the default taxicab in Europe and HAD to be decent.

That said, there is about a 60% chance in one of the earlier w211 models that you could get one with "issues" on it.

Likely a 2009 would be the best bet if you subscribe to that theory.

So I'd try to get one with ALL books records and that the VMI showed no warranty visits on it, and that was for sale reluctantly and that had one fastidious owner that pampered it.

For these cars it's always best to get the best possible condition and complete history example you can, even if it costs more to buy.

And diesels are in higher demand than gassers so it WILL likely cost more.

An equivalent mint mint gasser would be possibly worth a look, and could less than a diesel.

Jim B. is right. Diesels always hold their value better than gas cars and are always on the demand. Pre-Purchase Inspection is crucial when buying a used Mercedes as you get somewhat of an idea what you're getting yourself into. They are worth $100.00 to $250.00 prices by far. I've saved so many people from buying migraines with these Mercedes by these inspections. Every year had different issues. Remember that. So best to do your research and see what you can handle. Maybe a nice E350 will suit your needs since it might be more in your budget? By the way, I drove a 1987 300E for 15 years too. I did the head work myself, including the machine and installing a piston and rebuilt trans. By the time I drove it up to 215K miles the Camshaft was worn a bit, but I still sold it $3200.00 and I work on it to this day.

I like driving the diesels but find them difficult to justify from an economic perspective in the U.S. The price difference between diesel and petrol eats up at least half of the fuel savings, depending upon where you live.

As well, each diesel has some problem areas. The Bluetec OM642 suffers from leaky oil coolers and failing throttle flap motors. The former is running $2500 to repair and the later perhaps $1500. The CDi OM648 has the throttle motor problem, and it's usually caused by sticky throttle flaps in the intake manifold. It's more DIY friendly, but still a fair amount of $$$.

I would point you towards a nice E350 gasser. Less expensive to buy, less prone to expensive engine repair, and marginally more expensive to run. I think it's the winner now. I say this as the owner of an '08 Bluetec.

You do your own work? If so go with the in-line 6.

In my experience this will be nearly impossible.

For DIYer I'd recommend going with an OM648 powered vehicle. Much easier to work on. At some point you'll be removing the intake manifold to replace the inlet port motor and free up the linkage (very common after 100K). A competent DIYer can handle this job with no problem.

If you go with an OM642 powered vehicle the intake will be coming off as well, but this time to replace the oil cooler. I would advise against trying this at home! Good luck :)

Thanks all... I appreciate the feedback. You know, I bought that 300e in 1999 when money was a little tighter. Not that I'm swimming in it now, but I think I can afford myself a newer and nicer Mercedes. That 300e is one hell of a car. People try to talk me into other brands all the time. I simply remind them they don't see too many 28 year old <<some other brand car>> running around like they do Mercedes Benz cars. That wins the argument every time.

I've gone back and forth on the gas vs. diesel argument. Gas is cheaper today, but that's not always been the case. Diesel is also better for the environment and the car will last longer undoubtedly.

The good news is, I'm not in an immediate hurry to buy. I'll watch the market over the next few months so that when the right car comes along for the right price, I'll be ready to pounce. It sounds as if I can't really go 'wrong' with any selection, but that I should lean towards the 2009.