1992 300D 2.5: Keep or sell? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jotunheim · #1 02-03-2008, 03:49 PM

After acquiring a 1999 E300TD, I now have 2 diesel cars. This in itself is not a problem, especially since I like to do my own work where possible, and allows me to keep one car tied up for more involved repair work.

The problem is the 1992 has a bad read differential, with an estimated cost to repair somewhere between $2800 and $3500, depending on who does the work. The noise coming from back has been stable for over a year and more of just a loud annoyance. The car has already had a lot of work done to it, including the typical AC/evaporator rebuild and a much upgraded sound system, and has no other major deferred maintenance. BUT, in the last few years, there are 3 noticeable spots of rust on the '92; a 2 inch scab on the upper part of the driver's side A-pillar, and a much smaller spot above the windshield and on the passenger door.

I would probably make the investment on the rear end, but with the rust, I am thinking it is not worth it anymore. The 1992 does have a trailer hitch, which I need for a utility trailer (and am not keen on putting one on the 1999), so I would need to get something else to tow with, which would typically be 2000 lbs. or less. I am considering getting an older, 1997-1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5, as it would be a much better tow vehicle, offer good reliability and keep the E300 in the garage for the sloppy, winter days. Opinions?

2.5Turbo · #2 02-03-2008, 04:18 PM

If the bad diff is the only thing making you sell it, I would go to a pick-and-pull and see if a used diff could be scrounged up for cheap. MB diffs hardly ever go bad, so chances are one you find at a pick-and-pull will be good. The 124 2.5T is a great car, as you probably already know...good fuel economy, decent power, and the solid 124 chassis. With that mileage I would also consider having the rust repaired. A number of people on this forum have 2.5T's that have gone double the miles without opening the engine...so yours has a good amount of life left in it.

That sounds like quite a lot for a rear diff replacement...but you're probably dealing with new parts there and I would bet a new MB diff isn't cheap.

Monomer · #3 02-03-2008, 06:52 PM

mine has 421K

KEEP IT!

find a good used and do it yourself

diesel friend · #4 02-03-2008, 11:17 PM

Hi, you mention that you have a trailer hitch on this car. I know in Germany many MBs have a hitch as a factory option. Looking at installing one on my
W124 and wondering which make you and how easy the installation was.
TIA for some info

TE=jotunheim;1751776]After acquiring a 1999 E300TD, I now have 2 diesel cars. This in itself is not a problem, especially since I like to do my own work where possible, and allows me to keep one car tied up for more involved repair work.

The problem is the 1992 has a bad read differential, with an estimated cost to repair somewhere between $2800 and $3500, depending on who does the work. The noise coming from back has been stable for over a year and more of just a loud annoyance. The car has already had a lot of work done to it, including the typical AC/evaporator rebuild and a much upgraded sound system, and has no other major deferred maintenance. BUT, in the last few years, there are 3 noticeable spots of rust on the '92; a 2 inch scab on the upper part of the driver's side A-pillar, and a much smaller spot above the windshield and on the passenger door.

I would probably make the investment on the rear end, but with the rust, I am thinking it is not worth it anymore. The 1992 does have a trailer hitch, which I need for a utility trailer (and am not keen on putting one on the 1999), so I would need to get something else to tow with, which would typically be 2000 lbs. or less. I am considering getting an older, 1997-1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5, as it would be a much better tow vehicle, offer good reliability and keep the E300 in the garage for the sloppy, winter days. Opinions?[/QUOTE]

Wodnek · #5 02-04-2008, 05:57 AM

If you do decide to see, I may be interested. Do you have a price in mind?

pmari · #6 02-04-2008, 09:51 AM

You're getting ripped off.... I replaced mine awhile ago. $75.00 for a salvged one with 120,000mi on it (they ranged between $100 - $200). Another $25.00 to have it sent from NC and $100.00 to have it swapped by INDY (which is an easy DIY) and another 12.00 for amsoil gear oil....$212.00 done, barely got my hands dirty.

jotunheim · #7 02-04-2008, 09:18 PM

pmari: That's amazing! ...and changes everything, if I can find a used differential w/ the ASD, which was always the problem. We have a really good independent here in Milwaukee (Black Forest), and he has checked everywhere (including, ahem, Adsit) for one with no luck.

Fastline Phil quoted me a rebuilt and it was somewhere around $2400, so I tacked on a few hundred dollars for install. The dealer quoted $3500 for the entire job...no thanks

.

So, I guess I should be patient and one will show up. Thanks for the info!

diesel friend: The local Uhaul in St. Cloud, MN put mine on...good quality but expensive. I think it was about $250 installed.

vstech · #8 02-04-2008, 10:43 PM

I want one... as soon as I get a bit more stable with the cars I have, and the finances I don't, I will be getting a 2.5T THAT would be a car for the DW to drive... IF you decide to let the car go, give me a chance to get it.

Bio300TDTdriver · #9 02-04-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmari

You're getting ripped off.... I replaced mine awhile ago. $75.00 for a salvged one with 120,000mi on it (they ranged between $100 - $200). Another $25.00 to have it sent from NC and $100.00 to have it swapped by INDY (which is an easy DIY) and another 12.00 for asmoil gear oil....$212.00 done, barely got my hands dirty.

With or without ASD? I thought ASD was hard to find as most cars didn't come with it.

pmari · #10 02-06-2008, 11:35 AM

Mine has no ASD. I recall there being at least one with ASD (at that time).
Do a google search for salvaged car parts, then do a parts request from a few different services. Here's another tip, find out where the part is located once one is found. Then look up the specific bone yard and call them direct, you'll save the jobbers fee from the service.

Update: just called my local buddy in the boneyard, He said he found one for $300.00, let me know if want his phone number and you can call him directly.

jotunheim · #11 02-06-2008, 10:27 PM

pmari: IM sent...thanks for the info!

TylerH860 · #12 02-06-2008, 11:32 PM

It seems to me she's a good, but rusty workhorse. Keeping it for the sloppy days and towing is well worth changing the dif. 97-99 Toyota 4 Runners are way too expensive, imo, and are rarely taken care of properly.

View Poll Results: What to do with the 1992 300D??
Sell it...and get a more suitable tow vehicle!	2	20.00%
Sell it...and put a hitch on the 1999 E300td!	0	0%
Keep it...and run it into the ground!	0	0%
Keep it...and fix the differential already!	8	80.00%
Voters: 10. You may not vote on this poll