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#1
05-24-2007, 10:37 AM
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96 vs. 97 E300? Which would you buy?
Hi, I have an opportunity to buy a 96 or a 97 E300, both with low miles? Any thoughts? I do know that the 97 has the sealed five speed transmission (verdict is out on this one) Both cars have under 100,000 miles with good service records and maintenance. Any strong opinions? Will I enjoy this car as much as my 82 SD? Thanks!
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#2
05-24-2007, 12:55 PM
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If it were my choice, I'd bypass those and find a nice '98-99 turbo model...you'll thank yourself for it...
However, of the '96 and '97, I'd choose the '97. The electronic 5-speed auto is leagues ahead of the old 4-speed. Don't worry about it being "sealed for life," you can still change the trans fluid if you want to. Also I've noticed many '96 E-classes which have funky cladding that is a different color than the rest of the car... You will no doubt enjoy driving the car more than your SD, but I'm not so sure you'd enjoy working on it as much. The om606 has a gigantic intake manifold which is a PITA to remove--and covers the entire IP and associated tubing. On the plus side, it has hydraulic valve lifters which never require adjustment. Glow plugs may be an issue, search for them under om606 and you'll get quite a few stories of them breaking off in the head...I've had it happen myself. Also, it seems every 606 tends to develop fuel leaks. Good luck!
__________________
99 E300 TD -- sold 01 540i 6 spd
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#3
05-24-2007, 01:10 PM
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I sold my 1984 300SD this fall and bought a 1996 E300D. It was a wise decision.
The W210 is much more refined, with 4 air bags, traction control, and a much smoother ride. Fuel economy is marginally better, but the driving experience is a quantum leap above the W126. I bought the DVD repair manual, and it has already paid for itself. The intake manifold is a chore to remove, but the crossover pipe removes easily enough for access to the injectors. It is true that the electronics are more difficult to work on, but I have had no trouble yet. Regarding the 722.4 versus the 722.6 transmission, my preference is for the 722.4. I can change the fluid/filter myself, while my wife's 722.6 calls for a trip to the Indy for that. I could do it myself, but the fluid level is so critical on the 722.6 that I find it a better deal to let someone else worry about it. I have owned my E300D for ~8 months, and other than routine maintenance and upgrades necessary for an 11 year old car, I have been pleased. My only trip to the shop was for frozen lug bolts that I could not remove. As far as turbo vs non-turbo, my choice was made on one criteria - fuel economy. The 1996 model is the highest-rated of the 4 years. The non-turbo's are obviously not as fast as the turbo's, but speed was not one of my criteria.
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#4
05-24-2007, 01:14 PM
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You can buy a dipstick for really not very much at all, and save yourself the bother of taking it to an indie for the fluid change.
The fluid level isn't that critical, it can vary considerably and the transmission will still work perfectly. Thats not to say you can refill it without dipping, because you can't 
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#5
05-24-2007, 01:45 PM
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Funky Cladding
I think the 1997s had the body cladding that was a slightly different color/gloss than the paint of the car. The 1997s also had that large key sensor near the trunk lock and the big light on the bottom of the rear view mirror.
__________________
1982 300D-T (sold) 1988 300E (sold) 1994 E320 Wagon (sold) 1995 E320 1998 E300D-T 1999 E3204M Wagon 2001 E320 2005 E320 CDI
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#6
05-26-2007, 04:08 PM
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Thanks! I am going to drive a '96 today for comparison
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#7
05-26-2007, 04:36 PM
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Get the '97 with the updated transmission. There's a DIY article here on how to change the fluid. Not a big deal.
Scott
__________________
Scott 1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000) 1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold) 1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold) 1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!) 1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold) 1995 Ducati 900SS (sold) 1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold) 1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.) 1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold) 1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)
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#8
05-26-2007, 04:55 PM
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I would think the '97 would give you a bit more zip around stop and go driving. From '96 - '97 MB went from a 2.87 differential to a 3.46. The gearing is quite short, and should REALLY help with response.
__________________
1987 300SDL (324000) 1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000) 1978 Porsche 924 (99000) 1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)
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#9
05-26-2007, 05:13 PM
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I love my 96 E300 and it has enough power and is very comfortable, but with that said the next one I buy will be the 98 or 99.
__________________
1999 E300 TD 190,000 1996 Passat TDI 225,000-sold 1996 E300 120,000-sold 1998 Jetta TDI 186,000 -sold 1983 Chev Suburban C20 6.2-sold
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#10
05-26-2007, 05:31 PM
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Quote:
Scott
__________________
Scott 1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000) 1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold) 1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold) 1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!) 1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold) 1995 Ducati 900SS (sold) 1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold) 1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.) 1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold) 1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)
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