Hey guys, I'm looking for my first Benz and have become very interested in the diesels. My cousin has a '78 CD and is VERY hooked on the old diesels. I'm looking at Black/Parchment '95 E300 w/124K on it right now.

Here's the question. Before talking with my cousin, I was dead set on a '94-'95 E320 w/50K-70K. I'm not a mechanic (although somewhat mechanically inclined) and don't want to buy something that I need to service a ton or put lots of money in. What's the word on this car and am I looking at the right stuff. If not, what should I be looking at? What is the gas equivalent to 124K mi. on a diesel? My Dad had a '74 240D that he bought new and drove for 16 years with very little problems so I know the diesels are durable.

Thanks in advance from a soon to be newbie.

Munsey

There are a number of major advantages to a Diesel as opposed to a Petrol.

Your servicing costs are lower as there is no Ignition System to maintain.

Diesels are more durable than Petrol Engines and will do a longer lifetime mileage.

MPG is better than Petrol.

The few jobs you need to do to service a Diesel Engine are well within the range of the majority of amateur Mechanics. No special tools are needed.
Change Oil and Oil Filter
Change Fuel/Air Filters


This in itself represents a Major Saving in the long term.

The only downside is that performance is not as good as on a petrol.

Who cares though. Your are driving a Mercedes-Benz.
You can always take the Diesel Badge off.

Mike

All good points Mike.

In addition, I believe the '95 E300 diesels were normally aspirated (ie non-turbo), so you have one less complex part in the engine to worry about. Once its warmed up in the morning, you'll have a tough time hearing the diesel, they're that quiet. Don't worry though, they're still plenty powerful, even without the turbo.

Thanks for the emails Benzmac. I'm posting my reply so as to get more input.

I test drove the E300 last night. It's the first time I'd driven a Diesel since my Dad's '74 240D that he drove for 16 years. The initial acceleration was much better than expected, however, the going from 55 to 70 wasn't very encouraging. My wife was with me and she tried to get around a slower vehicle in front of us and the car acted like it didn't care. It never dropped into passing gear (third?). Needless to say, my wife wasn't very enthusiastic about the engine and I kinda agree. Is that response normal or should the engine have shifted when pushed?

Other than that the car was very nice. I would like a cup holder but I can probably live without it. My Integra doesn't have one so it's not like I'm losing anything. The car's been service every 7K-7.5K according to the books and has new tires and break pads. The sunroof sticks, but the dealer said they'd fix that .

If I can take care of the acceleration issue, it might be perfect. Any comments on that would be greatly appreciated.

Also, in light of the acceleration, I'm now considering both the '96 E300 and E320. I think the 300's were all Turbos, correct? Any feedback on that year for both models.

BTW, this site is fun to read. It really is addictive. I just wish I new more about cars so I could actually work on them.

300E diesel - you gotta buy it. It will last you forever & hold its value. Too bad its not a turbo; however having never driven a later model 300, I dont know what you consider to be sluggish. I know that my 83 300D 5cyl. turbodiesel will accelerate nicely in the "mid range", & do 100 mph easily and comfortably, and passes other vehicles with authority, even in the mountains of western Canada; however I am certainly in no danger of wearing out my back tires from burning rubber off the line. I consider my MB diesel as the car that saved my drivers license, as prior to the diesel I drove V8's and motorcycles, so I had some scary demerit points. The diesel does not encourage squirrely driving. It is a comfy room on wheels, with confidence inspiring handling and braking. I love it. If I want a "speed fix", I have other vehicles that will get me deeply into trouble.
Buy the 300! You will not regret it.