Are the later model diesels any good? I've seen some on E-Bay for 15K or so as well as a bunch on AutoTrader.com. I'm having a massive sell off, getting rid of my collection of old Mazdas and am going to be looking for a new primary ride. I have an 83 300D which is actually a pretty good runner but I want a newer car for my day-to-day 90+ mile commute, one that has everything working. I realize "good" is subject to care and feeding but am wanting to know if there are any serious engineering short-comings that I should be aware of in the late model diesels.
Thanks.

YES!!!! yes their are major shortcomings on some of the early 90's models. Do a search for "350sdl" or "350SD" and youll be amazed. I think they may have sorted out alot of the problems a little later, i'm sure someone else will chime in with more usefull knowledge. I just wanted to let you know that their are MAJOR shortcomings and issues with some of them, so be carefull
R

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83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

The best Mercedes diesel engine was the 617 which was put out to pasture in 1985. It had a cast iron block and head. Later diesels went with aluminum heads and then they bored out the 3.0 liter six cyl. to 3.5 lietrs and then all hell broke loose. Run far away from the 350 SD/ S350. $$$$$$$ to repair

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

I'm convinced. It'll be an early 80's in PERFECT condition. It shall be my main ride for life, or 'till something better comes along :-)
These old beasts are great! were they really 30K new ??? That would really have been excessive, but still, it's a pretty nice car at 20 yrs old !!

Yes, the 300D was around $28,000 while the 300SD was around $35,000 new.

the 3.5 liter version of the 6 cyl. motor -- lots of people have been very happy over many miles with the 3.0 and 2.5 versions of the 6 cyl. design, once a few early recall items were taken care of.

FYI

I think the 2.5 version was a 5 cylinder(my 1992 300D was in any case)

I think this question of what car to buy hinges on your needs...are you willing to give up some more money in repair to having updated features(dual airbags,much better stereo,more acceleration..better mileage(in some cases) and more sophiticated suppression of noise smoke etc...and a big possibility that all the options accessories work as they should

my thoughts on the best possible combination is 90-93 300D....VERY reliable car with several of the new creature comforts



good luck


Warren
1992 300SD 147K
Columbus Ohio

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As usual, I have to throw my vote in for the W210 Turbodiesel. Been one of the smoothest and fastest TD's I've ever driven. The 3.0L straight six seems to get good reviews overall.

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Barker

To me the best diesel right now would be a 1999 E300 Turbodiesel (W210) with Starmark Warranty!

That'd make an amazing daily driver..
I love the W210 E320 and I'm sure I'd like an E300D even more.

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

I have an 85 300D, my father, a 99 E300. I must say, they are different cars. The 85 is classic diesel Mercedes. The 99, well, if you like cars capable of blinding highway speed and stamina, modern amenity, supreme power, and good looks; well, its your own business. Did I mention better fuel economy?