PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Rick Miley · #13 09-06-2002, 02:29 PM

I own both the E300 and Jetta TDI, so I would like to chime in on this discussion. First, another common problem to look for in the Benz is a cracked dashboard. Not diesel related, of course, but it apparently happens a lot on W210's. Mine was replaced at 65,000 miles and after some negotiation with the dealer and MB zone rep, they covered 2/3 of the $1000 repair bill. I also had the transmission control problem and a bad glow plug. Another warning: quality service for this engine may be hard to come by. For example, the tech diagnosed my bad glow plug as a faulty injector and replaced all of them. Then one of the new injectors was bad out of the box. That was a month long adventure with repeated trips to the dealer. That's about all I can add regarding the E300.

As for the TDI, I've had interior trim troubles there as well. (I'm really not rough on these cars!) The lever for the console cover broke off, as did the glove box cover on the same day. It also has a couple of electrical glitches - the right channel on the CD changer sometimes fades out, and the light for the A/C controls sometimes doesn't work. The engine has been a dream for the first 55,000 miles, but has recently developed a performance problem. Low RPM power is fine, but it's dropping off dramatically above 3000 RPM. Haven't looked into that one yet.

Finally, regarding the oil, the Amsoil 5W40 will be fine for the E300. That's what I've been using for 40,000 miles. If you consider switching to Mobil-1, make sure that what you buy carries a CG-4 or better rating. Last time I checked (admittedly, a couple years ago), Mobil-1 did not. Mobil Delvac-1 does and is a fantastic oil if you can find it. The Flexible Service System on the MB advises you when to change the oil, and it will typically allow 10K to 14K miles. I regularly monitor the countdown, and change it when the FSS reaches 6,000, and then again when it says to do the service.

If you take this car to the dealer for service, I'd advise you to take in your own oil. Otherwise, God knows what they'll put in. Then, when you get the bill, make sure they didn't charge you for oil. This is the voice of experience.