investigating a 98 e300 turbo diesel what to inspect - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #1 07-24-2011, 03:04 PM

a member here wants me to look over the car, and aside from obvious problems, I have no experience with this model car.
are there any specific problems to look for?
thanks.

Stretch · #2 07-24-2011, 03:11 PM

W210 eh?

RUST!

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mercedes-benz/e-class-w210-1995/

engatwork · #3 07-24-2011, 03:20 PM

Put it on a lift and get a real close look where the evap drips condensate out and see if you can tell if there is any oil coming from the evap. I just came accross a 97 E320 that needs an evap and after sitting in the shop for a few days there was an oil stain where the discharge is. Also, there is an expensive update to the hvac blower. New parts from the dealer are ~$770. Based on how good a friend you are looking at it for you may or may not want to drop the blower out to see if it has been updated.

Matt L · #4 07-24-2011, 03:28 PM

Mine has the non-updated blower and regulator and it works just fine. There's no reason to update the motor unless the motor itself dies (and then, yes you do need to replace a few parts).

engatwork · #5 07-24-2011, 03:31 PM

Just make him aware that it has not been updated yet. I am of the opinion that it is not if it fails but when. I will say that I was able to find a good, used updated one (blower, regulator, harness assy) for ~$150

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Matt L · #6 07-24-2011, 03:46 PM

The evaporator is a lot more of a risk. As is rust on this one.

Then there's the transmission. Did the '98 have the updated input shaft bearing?

300D85 · #7 07-24-2011, 03:50 PM

for those that may not know, front spring perches are known to let loose ejecting suspension springs

Matt L · #8 07-24-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300D85

for those that may not know, spring perches are known to let loose ejecting suspension springs

Rust again. But you won't see the damage unless you peel away the weathproofing. The current owner might not like that idea.

300D85 · #9 07-24-2011, 04:01 PM

here's the wiki and tho i'm not aware of a general scenario with the diesel engine harmonic balancer, did read of one that got loose toasting the front of the crank
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W210#Reliability_issues

nhdoc · #10 07-24-2011, 09:22 PM

FYI, you can retrofit the regulator from the W140 (splice longer leads from your old one) and re-use the old blower which is what I did.

Rust is the big problem with this chassis, check those spring perches.

vstech · #11 08-03-2011, 10:23 PM

rust found on door, fender, subframe connectors, differential, and the engine threw a code and started running rough. missing on at least one cylinder.
windshield glass bits all over the dash, and on the floor, new MB glass installed, new clear fuel lines, but old rusty fuel filter... vibration from the bent wheel... new water pump, clear coolant, no oil leaks, blower would not run above medium speed...
Roy figured bad IP from water in the fuel... I recommended against purchase.

anybody want the link for the car at 8K ish?

Stretch · #12 08-04-2011, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

rust found on door, fender, subframe connectors, differential, and the engine threw a code and started running rough. missing on at least one cylinder.
windshield glass bits all over the dash, and on the floor, new MB glass installed, new clear fuel lines, but old rusty fuel filter... vibration from the bent wheel... new water pump, clear coolant, no oil leaks, blower would not run above medium speed...
Roy figured bad IP from water in the fuel... I recommended against purchase.

anybody want the link for the car at 8K ish?

Whoa - stand back for the rush...