Have the opportunity to purchase the 96' E300 Diesel with 123,600 miles on her for $6500.. Does this sound like an o.k. deal and can anyone tell me if there are any inherent problems or weaknesses I should look for. Thanks!

Check this out.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=116755&highlight=w210+weaknesses

Ours has been great and it has twice the miles (currently 254,000). At only 123,600 miles, the one you have spotted sounds suspicious at only $6500; most west coast E300Ds of that age are closer to $10K. Have it checked by a local shop, find someone you can trust and get them to do a thorough inspection.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Didnt have time to read that old post tonight.

The cost vs mileage looks very good. Make certain it has been maintained as that is MOST important. I'd only look at one that lived its life in Western or Southren states too.

Common W210/606.9xx issues are: rusted coil spring perches, glow plugs, k40 relay, blower motor/regulator problems and lower control arm bushings. Search here for W210 + each of these problems and you'll get lots of hits.

*edit* WOW, you can tell life has been good to me recently....I failed to mention fuel leaks at the orings sealing the plastic fuel lines......nagging problem more than anything.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

I bought a 96 e300 d about a year and a half ago, with 196,000 miles on it and paid $7300. Between the carfax report, and the prior owners paperwork, I was able to see that it was maintained throughout the years. It is a fantastic vehicle, although a little slow off the line because of the lack of a turbo. At highway speeds, it handles like a dream, is quiet and comfortable. Fuel mileage is off the charts as far as I am concerned. Around town you can expect to get 24-27 mpg, and highway 34-36 mpg. I keep accurate fuel records, and that mileage has been consistent throughout my ownership. Outside of a new diesel, I don't think there is any other vehicle that can match the m.p.gs., features, ride and safety you get with the e300d. The other posters mentioned some of the "weak" spots, but as with any used car, you should have it looked at by a qualified tech. that knows what to look for in this particular car. Good luck!!

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96 E300d

That's dirt cheap if there's nothing wrong with the car! As others said, do a close inspection and make sure it doesn't have a salvage title. If maintenance records are present, that's a big plus.

A note on the spring perches. An easy way to do a basic visual inspection is to turn the front wheels all the way to each side. That way you can see the perches without lifting the car. But this will not show you any rust that may be hiding under the coating. You'd have to do a "biopsy" in several locations to be sure.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL

I bought my 96 E300 D in October of 97 and have put around 12k miles on it already. The car is great. I have bad motor mounts though and need to get them replaced. You can tell by the sound / vibration at low idle if it has that problem. My car also came from Florida, so when it got ahold of this WV winter, the glow plugs took a dump, so I had to get them replaced. The volume control on the radio didnt work, so I got a new one to replace it.

Right now, I have some type of swaying feel coming from the rear end, so I need to get that checked out. Bad spring or shock or something, I have no clue.

Other than that, I have had no problems at all. Excellent cars!!!

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1996 E300 D
1992 300D
1990 Ford E-350 7.3 Diesel AKA "the Deep Fryer"