I am interested in purchasing a 1999 E300 Turbodiesel from a local dealer. I would appreciate any advice on whether I should buy this diesel or stick with the E320. What do other people on this site think of either car? Which one is better? I own a 1983 300D and I like the way the new diesel sounds and drives. Is it true that the diesel engine is 100 times better than the ones in the early/mid eighties? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Mustafa

The E300 diesel is the fastest diesel car I've ever driven!! The basic engine design has been around since 1994 so far so good!

I have a 1999 e-300 and after 8k miles,I love it ! It's really fast for a diesel. I've gotten up to 31 mph on the hiway. New 5sp trans really makes a diff. - why pay the $5k extra for 320 when you've got essentially the same car.

When I went to pick up my E320 it was still in the shop for window tinting, so the salesman gavve us the familiarization ride in an E300. I asked to drive it and it's great. Having had a 240D, it was a big surprise. Great performance. No diesel sluggishness. I don't know about cold weather starting, which was a problem with the old diesels. My only hesitation would be availability of fuel in town and that MB is dropping the diesel in the US next year.

Dear JerryB,

31 mph on the highway? I know these new diesels are fast but, really mate, you shouldn't put them to the test!

I know... I know... you meant to say mpg! hehe... :)


David Rayment

Your mistaken- that was 31mph @ 75 mpg

I have a 1998 300E Turbo-Diesel, the same car in question as the 99. The moderator of this group is going to be doing a article on it in the future. There is one thing everyone has to know about this new Diesel.
It isnt, it is actually a gas engine that is louder than usual.

But seriously, forget everything you have heard, read or been told about the old diesels. If you drive one, you will buy it, end of story.

This engine has the same Horsepower than the 1986 300 Gas series. Dont believe me, check it out on this web site, under featured cars, compare the numbers.

This car is gorgeous, and guess what, I did something the other day, that was till now impossible.......Yes, I spun the tires!

So far, 36 M.P.G., is my best, at between 110-120 on the Highway.,and also, this car has the longest cruising range of any car made.

Dont worry about Benz not importing the Diesel, next year, or this shortage of diesel fuel, you wont need it, due to the incredible cruising range.

The biggest problem, is that you cant buy them hardly anywhere because they are so rare.

JerryB,

Mate, you're missing a link or two...

First you say: "I've gotten up to 31 mph on the hiway [sic]." and then "Your mistaken - that was 31 mph @ 75 mpg." Getting 75 miles per gallon are we? Mmm... boy these new diesels are VERY impressive aren't they? But I still think you should try to go a little faster than 31 miles per hour...

I think what you're trying so hard to say is that you have be able to get 31 M.P.G. (Miles Per Gallon, not Miles Per Hour dumbo)
when travelling an average of 75 M.P.H (Miles Per Hour, not Miles Per Gallon dumbo).

Put it all together (may take a while) and you'll realise that it is you, not I, who is mistaken...

David Rayment.