'92 300D 2.5Turbo-Owner opinions

[Michael]

Hello all,

I'm considering picking up one of these cars as a third vehicle. I need something economical for work, and think this car will fill the bill. What has been your experience as to mileage?

I wanted to solicit the opinions of anyone who owns such a car. Strengths? Weaknesses? Maintenance issues?

The actual car I'm looking at has just had a new turbo installed (at 105k mi.), as apparently the controller ruined the old one. Both a new turbo and controller will have been installed before I pick it up. Does anyone know if such a failure could have done other damage, and how might that damage might be identified? And does anyone know how this Control Unit might have fried the turbo? The only thing I could figure is that the controller might have allowed the turbo to over-rev/generate too much boost, and therefore it allowed too much stress on the turbo's bearing(s). But if indeed this was the case, might it also have also stressed the bottom end?

Any and all comments welcome...it sounds like a nice car, and is actually advertised by a fellow MBZShop member! I'm looking forward to joining your exclusive "club" of oil-burner owners!

Thanks in advance.

[Edited by Michael on 01-12-2001 at 06:00 PM]

[turnne1]

I used to own one of these vehicles (1994-1997). I bought it at 77K and sold it at 208K. Absolutely the best car I have ever owned. Only thing I replaced other than maintenance items was the glow plug regulator. Fast and peppy and very economical mpg. I had a 1985 300SD before that car and the 300D was head and shoulders more refined than that one.Now I have a 140 diesel....and I love the car but the maintenance/repairs have been a nightmare.
If the 300D has been taken care of it should be an excellent car

[CJ]

I have a 1991 300D 2.5, just be sure to get the car checked out by a MBZ diesel technictian. The car is an absolute joy to drive. The only downside is that a lot of folks pull up to a light and want to race me because the back badge says "2.5 turbo". When I decline, that antagonizes them more becaue they think this car is some sort of rocket and I am just being snobby. Let them think what they want.

You may want to check out this sight below, I found it to be an inspiration.

http://www.mindspring.com/~houlihan/mb.htm

[kwmccauley]

I had a 1991 300D 2.5 Turbo and echo the comments of CJ. It was a great car.
Enjoy,
Ken

P.S. I now have the 1999 E300 Turbodiesel.