Which model to buy?
 

I have been looking to buy an 86-87 300SDL and run it on WVO. But I recently considered the idea of going with a 98-99 E300TD. I don't know as much about them but it looks like it might be a lot easier to find one with low mileage in good condition. My reason for seeking an SDL was that I heard they can go 300k miles and even well beyond if maintained well. They also seem stylish and roomy.

Will a 98-99 E300TD also go 300k and well beyond if maintained well? Will it cost a lot more to maintain/service (I could change fluids and brake pads but much beyond that I will depend on a mechanic)? I had heard somewhere that the cars up to the 87 SDL were put together much better than all subsequent Mercedes. I want to keep a car for many years and want a car that will hold up. I was thinking of getting one with approx 100k on it. Any thoughts on whether I can accomplish my goals with the 98 or 99 E300TD (which are easier to find w/low mileage and in good condition) or whether I should be patient and keep looking for the older model? ;)

Go Here:
 

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=Mercedes+WVO+forum&btnG=Google+Search

(Unsolicited Question: Why Youse Wanna go ruin a perfectly good MB Engine?)

compress,
They just keep coming!!!! How to destroy a good Benz diesel without even trying !!
He wants to run on WVO & keep it for a very long time!! Maybe it will take a long time to fix the motor once the WVO has done its bit.
Best he have a read of

http://www.ncat.org/special/oilseeds_innovations4.php

Im taking bets on how long after he gets the car the threads on here will start about poor running & not starting etc. Then we will get the usual story about how no one told him about stuck rings etc.
The only things that WVO is good for are making Bio diesel & burning in your furnace/wood fire in the winter !!! Dont believe the hippies about how good it is in a car !!!!!

The older engine will be easier to diagnose and repair after it has been screwed up with WVO. It will also likely be less money thrown away on the project.

Citing a study about the use of a single tank Elsbett for running a tractor, where the hypothesis of the author is that he used the wrong type of oil for his study is of limited value. For a useful and relevant article see auto.howstuffoworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-consumption/vegetable-oil-fuel2.htm discussing, for example, the obvious difference between the use of the dual and single tank system which renders your article irrelevant. This balanced article lists all the pitfalls in using wvo but describes how the use of a proper system eliminates them. As to the earlier post, glaring mistakes in spelling and grammar give me pause about how much weight to give your opinion. I am not interested in a discussion of the merits of wvo but if you wish to keep beating that dead horse and have no life there are other forums and threads dedicated to that topic.:deadhorse:

50k miles of WVO use in my 240 over the past 4 years. NEVER had a problem. Even in the dead of winter in sub-freezing temps. Car doesn't smoke, starts no problem, idles smoother than most 123's I've driven. What more do you want?

Best you do a search on here about motor failures related to WVO on here. Some motors are more susceptible than others.

I am not that arrogant to pass judgment on some one based on a typo or 2. Spelling and grammar were not subjects I had to take as part of my Engineering degree (a copy has been posted previously on here), though combustion theory was one of my majors. Maybe the OP has a masters in such?

Its interesting that there is no location or other details in the OP's signature. Not the first time that has occurred with these types of threads. Details on your location gives an indication of the climate that you wish to run the motor in. Your previous experience with diesel Benz's is also useful to know.

At least I was able to provide a link to a properly conducted trial, not just some opinion by a group with commercial interests in conversions. Interestingly enough the organization who produced the report is in the business of promoting alt fuel usage.

Given how little control one has on the composition of WVO, best not get too over the top about right and wrong types of oil. WVO is basically so variable in composition, how any one can comment on it is questionable other than it is a cause of premature motor failure.

With regard to which Benz is best suited to VO, I believe that about 110 years ago there was one. But it ran on peanut oil!! They were happy to get 300 miles (not k miles) between rebuilds. But then, if they suffered a stuck or broken ring, they would do a rebuild on the side of the road, Just get a bit of fence wire & wrap it around the piston in the ring land. It would get them home & the varnish from burning the oil would help to seal things up !!


Maybe you should consider the latest Blue-tech. Given that the motor can withstand urea in it, a little vegetable waste shouldnt hurt it !!! :D

Good Luck with what ever you do !!

50k proves nothing. Have you opened up the engine to check out the condition inside? If someone drives a good 250k on wvo with no issues, then I'll be a believer. Until then, I have seen too many engines ruined by people running it.

It is not even worth running WVO at the current fuel prices. Why bother? I drive 35k a year and it is still not *that* expensive. If you can't afford to put diesel in your car you need to be driving a 50Mpg Geo Metro, not a Mercedes.

Your tone to start with was arrogant. You suggest that "they keep on coming" suggesting that "they" (those you refer to as hippies) are less informed than you. Those that wish to be contentious and arrogant should also check spelling and grammar. Those that are insecure and wish to stroke their own ego actually feel the need to post proof of their degree. You did not give a link to a properly conducted trial. You gave a link to an article about someone trying to run a tractor without preheating or purging. The author admits he should do his test with a different oil. The article I posted was written by someone who is opposed to WVO and warns against it. Had you read it you might have realized this. He does admit, however, that the pitfalls can be prevented with a proper system. If the author had a commercial interest in conversion systems he would not have opined that the cost savings will be eliminated when wvo suppliers start charging for their oil. Your bald assertion that the author is biased belies his opinions and shows that you either didn't read the article or didn't understand it. I asked for an opinion about a particular MB model. You have stated your opinion about WVO and made yourself clear. Since you are so concerned about it I suggest you take it to a forum or thread dedicated to the topic of wvo so that you can enlighten those that may value your opinion on this topic. :deadhorse: