Why are E300 turbodiesels so expensive? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DslBnz · #1 06-16-2003, 12:47 AM

I don't understand. These cars are 5 going on 6 years old, and they are selling for more than they sold for originally! What is so special about these cars? I can get a 1999 W140 S500, which they only sold a hundred or so of, for less than what they ask of the same mileage E300 turbodiesel. What's going to happen when the new E320 CDI comes out in 2004?

Everytime I see one of these turbodiesels advertised, I just shake my head at the price. Unbelievable. A gas powered E320 is almost half the price of a turbodiesel, now.

oldsouth · #2 06-16-2003, 01:03 AM

supply and demand

irianjim · #3 06-16-2003, 01:10 AM

Because they aren't making any new ones and there are diesel diehards like all of us willing to pay the premium for a late (relative, anyway) model MB diesel. Wait and see what happens if MB does offer diesels in the US in 2004. Then these prices will drop!

DslBnz · #4 06-16-2003, 01:31 AM

I hope they do. I want to be able to look into this engine, and understand it as well as my other diesels. Although I don't think the engine is much different than my OM603. Isn't it the same type engine, except with 24 valves and an intercooler?

pj67coll · #5 06-16-2003, 01:47 AM

Isn't the W140 diesel the engine that they screwed up?
Why would anyone pay anything for them in that case?

- Peter.

DslBnz · #6 06-16-2003, 01:53 AM

The W140 S350 Mercedes had problems with premature engine wear caused by bent rods. Some of these engines were replaced. Some of the engines haven't had the problems yet, or maybe never will.

Mercedes took a lot of the 350 engines back(after they blew up) and rebuilt them with reinforced rods and pistons(I believe).

In Europe, they also made a W140 S300 turbodiesel which uses the same engine as the E300 turbodiesel here in the USA.

edge · #7 06-16-2003, 09:25 AM

That's why I bought an E320 gasser...90's diesels are just too expensive compared to their gas counterparts.

Holson Adi · #8 06-16-2003, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by edge
That's why I bought an E320 gasser...90's diesels are just too expensive compared to their gas counterparts.

I agree. In similar condition at least.

I was looking at some 1995 E300 Diesels. Many just had a lot of things to do and frankly speaking I wouldn't enjoy working on these newer cars too much.

There was a mint E300 but its asking price was more than the E420. The E300 didnt have leather, burlwood, ASR (not that it'd need it

), and heated seats.

so.... E420 it is.

pdxman · #9 06-17-2003, 12:12 AM

I was thinking the same thing on price. I came across this one except for being a '91 with a new factory rebuilt motor. Are the rebuilt motors just as susceptable to problems as the original or are they reconfigured to last longer?

(see Mercedes Benz 300D-Turbo Diesel)

http://www.chuckbenton.com/autos/index.htm

samiam4 · #10 06-17-2003, 11:11 PM

pdxman,

I think the vacuum pumps could die like a grenade. Or simply a timing chain or just lack of oil! You'd be amazed. Anyway, I would definately be excited about owning a nice 91 with a factory crate engine.

There were 4 99's for sale in DFW with 60-70k miles. All claiming mint. Prices started at 33-36k. Now they seem lower, but they have been on the market for months.

Michael

ready-ronnie · #11 06-18-2003, 09:34 PM

A beautiful looking, 18,000 mile, leather, Xenon lights, heated seats, rear sun shade, professionally lowered, tinted windows, stored winters, all books and records, one owner is for sale in our club newsletter at $36,950. Contact ED Verburg @ 616-538-7742. I don"t know any thing about this car, as I just received news letter today. WESTERN MICHIGAN SECTION "SHORELINE STAR"

Rick Miley · #12 06-18-2003, 10:08 PM

I've been following prices pretty closely, since I have a vested interest. Asking prices are in the 30s, but actual selling prices are in the low to mid 20s. That 18,000 mile car might be an exception because of the low mileage. Most are over 50K by now.