I've been holding out for a nicely maintained 1985 300TD. I have the opportunity, however, to buy a 1991 300TE with 156,000 miles at a very good price. I know the gasoline engine doesn't have the reputation of the elder diesel, but will it provide reliable and cost effective transportation (I commute about 20,000 highway miles each year). I've heard for years that the diesel will go hundreds of thousands of miles. In contrast, what can I expect from the gasoline?

Thanks in advance!

Matt
'99 C230

Well maintained, hundreds of thousands of miles.

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Jeff Lawrence
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

my dad told me the only down side to diesels is the smell and sound. He drove 60k a year and got rid of each just before 300k. When they needed a tranny rebuild.

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Dan Younes
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1985 euro 500sel 223k
1986 420sel 86k soon 2 be
1981 300sd 285k sold
1979 240d 298k sold
1983 300sd 272k sold
1989 chrysler 2.2l Turbo
Leabaron 140k
1989 Dodge Carvan Se 295k
1994 S500
(hopefully someday)

[This message has been edited by Benzman500 (edited 09-26-2000).]

Go for the diesel!!!

I've had a variety of the above. At 20k per year there is no massive advantage to diesel when you consider mpg versus servicing costs. Both 3 litre petrol and diesel will go forever. Both are fast and strong (post 86 six cyl diesel). If you intend towing or pulling down houses go for the diesel.

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'97 E300Turbodiesel "Superchip" 200+bhp
'00 A140 Avantgarde Auto
'91 500SEL W126
'66 220SEb Coupe (restoration pending)
'58 180D (restoration underway)

I have a '85 300D and it's a great car. However, I just purchased a 300SE and as much as I love diesels,the gas cars are smoother,quieter and quicker.

Also,the '91 is a newer,more refined car. The interior is more updated and is quieter and more comfortable. Unless you are a nostalgia buff,I'd get the '91 300TE.

Mr. BILL

90 300SE
85 300D
84 300SD (Sold)

With proper maintainance,you'll get your monies worth and plenty of miles out of the gas version.

I might check out a gasoline MB as my next car... but... at least for me, cruising range is a form of performance of its own. This past weekend I got 487.4 miles on a tankful with my 84 300SD, all this with two to three large people, luggage, and a cooler on board and maybe 75% highway driving. "Only" 25.6 mpg but that's better mileage than I get in most anything other than a Japanese econobox, which I don't feel very safe in now that I have my S-class.