Comparing a 98 E300TD to a 99 E300TD

[jmbeam]

I am looking for a 1998 or 1999 E300 Turbo Diesel. I was wondering if there were aspects on one year compared to the other that makes one year a better purchase than the other. I also was curious if one year was better suited to a DYIer than the other. I know that every succeeding year MB makes it more difficult for the DYI to work on their own vehicles. Thanks

[JimSmith]

Others here are likely more tuned into the precise differences. I have a 1998 and looked, at the time, at '99s too. Briefly. They were newer, coming off shorter leases and a lot more money.

I am not sure there are any significant under the hood differences. I believe, for the most part the differences dealt with the addition of more "standard" equipment, like more air bags on 1999 models. My 1998 is well equipped and, in your position, I would be more interested in knowing if later models are less susceptible to front spring perch rusting, or rusting in general. My car has been pretty good about remaining rust free, until recently. I have one bubble on one door at the bottom of the horizontal trim panel. Makes me worry though.

The particulars of the cars you are looking at - such as transmission fluid changes, oil changes, use of synthetic engine oil per the factory recommendations, etc., are likely more important to life left and how troublesome the cars will be in the next ten years.

Overall, I love mine. Yeah, had a glow plug incident. And a few other unique failures like front wheel bearings and relatively frequent engine mounts. But it is still oil and fluids tight. Uses very little oil and has 210,000 plus miles on it. Returns over 30 mpg at 5,000 feet above sea level (was about 28 to 29 at sea level).

Jim