what to look for when buying a 2005/06 CDI
 

Help me out folks. I crashed my daily and need a new one. I'm looking to buy a CDI. What areas that you know of which I really need to be aware of?
USA versions since I'm here in FL.
thanks!

Here you go. Probably a pretty good car seeing as how it is at a dealer.

CDI

A couple of things. Don't get one from anywhere where roads are salted and plan on replacing ball joints between 125 and 170k miles.

The good thing about the 06 model is that you have a couple more years before 10 year warranty on SBC module times out. I think it runs about $1700 at the dealer if out of warranty. Or better yet find a 05 model that has already had it replaced.

how much are ball joints? How can I tell if the sbc has been done? If not do I take it to the dealer and say what? I'm looking at a 05 now which looks nice. 143K. 12 grand. if this car falls thru is your wagon for sale?

Wagon ain't for sale. Wife likes it alot (moved her out of the 95 E300 into it).

If you are talking to private owner ask them if it has been changed out and ask to see the receipt. Not sure you can get dealer to run vin and get the info and I have not looked close enough to the one that got changed out on the wagon to see if it is dated. I will try to remember to take a look.

Isn't much to changing ball joints on these models. I get an hour for it.

You didn't kill the wagon... Did you?

:(

Runs, drives fine but the condenser and radiator are moved. New those, new pass lights and signal plus hood and quarter panel? Those repairs will be close to $2K. Doesn't make sense for me.

Data point...Bought my 05 CDI in 2010 with 130k miles. It now has 235k. 99% of my miles were on creative fuel. This is what I've experience in the last 4 years.

- Front left wheel spindle (would have been averted with timely bearing monitoring)
- In-tank fuel pump at 167k (dealer-only part, about $600)
- Thermostat
- Air bag light...faulty wiring in steering column. One of the few things I had the dealer fix...$700
- 3rd brake light...lost about a third of the LEDs, did some soldering to recover most of them...no big deal either way.
- Glow plug here or there. No big deal compared to 606 GPs
- Turbo grenaded itself last week (at 235k). Waiting for replacement to arrive today ($700 for mechanical part, $1200 for whole unit with actuator)

Thiis car is awesome. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. Power, comfort, style. Don't let the list above scare you. All of the things have been minor, and the fuel pump was the only thing that left me stranded.

My white wagon looked like that before I got it.

My story: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/326138-buying-1987-300td.html

Don't let it go to the crusher, someone on this board will want it.

What is the current location?

How much you want for it and where it is at? I've got a 95 E300 sitting here that would make a great parts car. Still runs and drives out good.

If it's in FL, you're just one state over. :)

yep

A 95 E300DT would be nice.

My wagon is at my home in Palm Beach county, FL. Interested parties are more than welcome to make an offer on it. Nice cream leather in good shape. No third row seat. Strong engine. The junkyard will give about $500.

The 05 cdi is in the driveway. 143K. dark metallic green which looks like black. Nice drive from FTL to PBC on the turnpike. :D I think I did the right thing. Pics to follow.

Nice

Curious to know how much longer you plan on keeping your car for? I would assume you maintain the brake system yourself and is that a difficult job did you need any special software or is it just a procedure. I am just thinking of looking at the same car several are for sale here an 05 about the same mileage $9500 and a 06 with 80k miles for $17000 which seems a bit pricy.