Am I stupid, crazy, or a glutton for punishment? (I'm considering a newer MBZ diesel) - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

whunter · #1 03-11-2013, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningTooHot

I’ve been selling off my fleet to consolidate down to two or three cars. I’ll keep my trusty & much loved W124 E300D with 402,000+ miles on her, but I am *thinking* about getting a newer car. Either an impeccably maintained W210 turbo (’98 or ’99) or a ’05-’06 W211 CDI. (A nice CDI is probably much easier to find than an enthusiast-owned W210 for sale.)

I am planning on many cross-country road trips during the next few years, and want something that is #1.) Reliable, #2.) RELIABLE, #3.) Gets great mileage, #4.) I can do (most) of the work on it myself, #6.) Built to Last,… and #7.) RELIABLE.

I’ve started reading up on various threads, but I would love a synopsis of opinions and pluses & minuses about either model.

I vote for seriously deranged Mercedes Fanatic.

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RunningTooHot · #2 03-11-2013, 09:17 PM

Yeeehhhhh baby! Now we're cookin'! That truck sure would be simple, reliable, long lived, and... well... built like a truck! Not so sure the fuel mileage would have me jumping for joy though.

Signed,
Seriously Deranged
(but not necessarily *just* regarding Mercedes Benz vehicles.)

jcyuhn · #3 03-12-2013, 11:42 AM

I get a little bent out of shape when people post along the lines of "all 211 cars are junk" or "all newer MBs are worse than older MBs." I don't think that's where you are coming from; hope you don't perceive my response as aggressive, that's not my intent. OK, onto real content.

MB is offering a 10 year warranty on the SBC unit. So those '05-'06 cars are covered, but also nearing the end of the warranty period.

The 722.9 definately had some teething problems. However I only recall hearing about issues with shift quality and other subjective issues, but little or nothing in the way of mechanical failures. That said, this trans has been used across the model lines since '06, give or take a year. So again, if it really is problematic, I think it's been out there long enough that we would know about it. I do like the way it keeps upshifting as you accelerate onto the highway. My Bluetec turns 1800 RPM at 70MPH, makes for a fantastic highway car.

I think there is a downside risk to driving a newer car without warranty coverage. While the chance of a major engine or transmission repair is quite small, it is not zero. There's always the chance somebody fills the car with gasoline and drives it. I figure on $10K to rebuild the engine in such case. I don't think you'll find a junkyard engine for these newer cars, they are just too rare. There's a definate economic advantage to driving a more common car such as a Honda, or even something like an E350 that outsells the diesel probably 50-1.

If you want to dig up more discussion on the newer cars, may I suggest using google to search over at mbworld. While I'm not a huge fan of the community over there, it does seem to have a larger community of newer cars vs. the focus on older models and technical discussions that go on here.

Volker · #4 03-12-2013, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcyuhn

I get a little bent out of shape when people post along the lines of "all 211 cars are junk" or "all newer MBs are worse than older MBs." I don't think that's where you are coming from; hope you don't perceive my response as aggressive, that's not my intent. OK, onto real content.

You gotta admit though that we (in areas more northerly) got screwed with rust issues in newer MB's (maybe not 211's but certainly 210's, 208's, 202's etc)... while older MB were relatively good compared to other cars in regards to rust, these ones were worse. What's more, is that other cars went from what they were, to amazingly good (galvanized steel I imagine mostly) in the same period (let's say 1975 to 2005).

whunter · #5 03-12-2013, 04:39 PM

Interesting options.

1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel

1999 Mercedes E300 Turbo Diesel

1999 Mercedes 320e 4matic

Mercedes 1992 300SD Diesel

1996 Mercedes Benz E300 Diesel e320 e class

1997 Mercedes E300D

1997 Mercedes E350 $4000 obo

You did say CDI... ROFL
Smart Fortwo by Mercedes, cdi (tdi) diesel 55mpg

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RunningTooHot · #6 03-12-2013, 04:54 PM

Once again, I appreciate your input & sentiment. It is absolutely NOT my intention to disparage newer models, nor cover them with any blanket statement, i.e., “their all junk”. I wouldn’t be considering purchasing one if I felt that was true. (A Luddite mentality would have caused me to keep my W107’s and my W123, - and I would never have bought a W124.)

I am trying to make an informed decision, and it really is a matter of it being a calculated risk. I would like that risk assessment to be based upon a foundation of actual facts versus perception, speculation, or assumption; therefore I opened this thread.

I tend to keep my cars a long LONG time. And indeed, on older models, it is typically the ancillary systems that become problematic with age, not necessarily the major drivetrain components. That being said, there is SO much more (and complex) “stuff” that could *potentially* go wrong on the newer cars. That’s simply the “cost” of an improved (modern) overall experience.

Would I rather drive a BlueTec on a cross-country road trip, or drive my W123 or one of my W124’s? The choice is obvious – I’d love to cruise in the W211. I *know* the W123 would get there without a hiccup. I’m *pretty darn sure* the W124 would make it too. I just want to be comfortable feeling that after 200,000+ miles the W211 won’t have a propensity to need a tow truck when I’m in the middle of nowhere.

You once again bring up very good points. It would probably be wise to spend lots more money up front for a CPO car and paying extra for a LONG warranty. I would then try to have *everything* possible done prior to expiration of the warranty. At that point, I surmise that my experience would have me either sell the car if it has been problematic, or keep it if it’s been reliable. I guess that only time will tell us about longevity…

PS – there is a thread at that “other” forum about “how many miles are on your E-class” – that thread IS a bit scary when you see the repairs necessary at relatively low mileages. I also recognize that people tend to complain when things go wrong, but are silent when all is well. Therefore, there is a disproportionate population of problems reported.

Thanks Again!

jcyuhn · #7 03-12-2013, 07:08 PM

Best of luck whatever you decide.

Don't have a clue where you are located, but how about this one: 2006 Mercedes-benz E-class E320 Diesel NAV. Can't say I follow pricing on these, but doesn't seem to bad considering it has 62K miles.

dtf · #8 03-12-2013, 10:00 PM

I did not read all replies thoroughly - please forgive if I repeat something here. I have '99 E300 TD. Rust bucket? yes. Fast? Yes. Good mileage? Yes. Serious lighting problems and electrical ghosts? Yes. Glow plug problems that cost over $ 800 to fix? Yes. It is in the shop as we speak for various problem. It is half the car my '94 E320 wagon was. I would go with newer technology here. My opinion.

RunningTooHot · #9 03-13-2013, 11:05 AM

whunter: That Smart car *may* work if we stretch it 40” and turn it into a (not so)Smart Limousine.

jcyuhn: I’m in southern California, but I would travel to get the right car. The one you linked to is VERY nice indeed! It’s at a Lexus dealer – a trade-in car? (I guess that I should start researching aftermarket vs. MBZ warranties?)

dtf: Could you please expand upon the lighting & electrical problems that you’ve experienced?

Thanks Again everyone!

jcyuhn · #10 03-13-2013, 11:38 AM

I don't know anything about that particular car. But if a high end dealer like Park Place has kept something as old as an '06 on their lot, it must be nice. In that market a 7 year old car is positively ancient. I have bought a car from Park Place MB in Dallas and they were good to deal with.

RunningTooHot · #11 03-15-2013, 02:00 AM

Skid Row Joe:
I really should have said I *think* I found your car on Autotrader – my bad. (There’s one listed that seemed like a match to your description.) I would think that I should have learned to *never* make assumptions by now. (!) And your car sounds like a really nice one - - - one that I would have liked to find if I went the w210 route. (I wish that I could have read your descriptive CL ad – perhaps you could PM it to me?) (And that’s a great family history with the diesels, BTW.)

The allure of a newer car is very seductive. I first started thinking about a really good w210 (inexpensive, but a psychological slush fund for repairs should be added to the initial cost) - then I find myself thinking about an ’05-06 CDI (mid-teens in $$$), then a ’07-08 Blutec (low 20’s) and now I’m up to 30K+ for a 2011 off-lease car. A slippery slope indeed.

And then there’s the pragmatic evaluation laid out by Barry12345, who absolutely hit the subject straight on the nail head.

Skid Row Joe said:

Quote:

The biggest problem on these newer post '95 MB diesels, is that they all seem to have weak points or computer/lighting/brake system glitches that can rear their ugly heads, costing the owner up to thousands of dollars a year to fix - to keep them on-the-road.

Quote:

To me, spending $20K to $40K on a used MB diesel, is not something I want to do anytime soon. Color me undecided and tight-fisted wanting to hold back at this point.

I think you may be preaching to the choir - I'm feeling the same way & questioning the rationality of my motivation.

I did read about the 2014 4-banger diesel E coming soon. THAT car sounds like it could be real winner, if not a game changer in the Class. But I wouldn’t be buying one until they start coming off-lease in 2-3 years. That puts it at 2017. So maybe my interim car would only need to last 3-4 years, instead of worrying about one lasting to 300,000+ miles. Perhaps the plan is starting to gel…

RunningTooHot · #12 03-15-2013, 10:45 PM

Just for you whunter:

I found this one local to me - let me know if you want me to check it out for you.

How often do you ever see a factory installed six speed manual transmission? And it was garage kept - all for less than $30,000!!!!

Link: 1972 Mercedes-Benz Unimog

RunningTooHot · #13 03-15-2013, 10:59 PM

And here's one for the truly cantankerous Luddite dieselistas: 1959 Mercedes 190d

whunter · #14 03-16-2013, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningTooHot

And here's one for the truly cantankerous Luddite dieselistas: 1959 Mercedes 190d

Too progressive for a Luddite!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LCW2qRO0_w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvifXd8glA4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sKJ_z4FVOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNOxoatjAJM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz92ARW2BmY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9148z_Nltc

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RunningTooHot · #15 03-17-2013, 01:04 PM

A single cylinder 6.3 liter horizontal “hot bulb” semi-diesel engine? Sounds good, but only if I can retrofit Porsche’s “active engine mounts”. I realize that I would lose the secondary function of it being a highly effective paint can shaker… but I could live with that.

Conversely, I don’t know if I can live without “power operated storage bin lids” or “variable focus halogen headlamps”, “infrared rain sensing wipers”, and “power assisted trunk closing ”…