Mercedes Diesel

[1990C4S]

I'm looking for suggestions on a used Mercedes diesel to replace my high mileage Jetta diesel. Nothing wrong with my VW, I'm just bored...

I don't need a rocket ship, I have a long highway commute, with only a few stop lights. But I do not want a slug, so I've sort of ruled out the early non-turbo cars. (And perhaps mode older cars should be ruled out).

I do want a solid reliable car that will do up to 300,000 miles.

I will spend up to about $10k, maybe much less, depending on what feedback I get here.

I am wondering what the brain trust here think. I am leaning to a 90's E-Class, or the mid-2000's CDI's, or maybe going back to an 80's turbodiesel, which I think is the W126.

Speeder, et al, suggestions? If this is a bad idea just say so...

[vonsmog]

It all depends if you know what end of the screwdriver to hold! Old MB need a bit of love every so often, and it can add up if paying someone else to do it. Me, I like the old 300D's from the mid to late 80's. And do get one with the turbo, makes a huge difference in performance. The early cars will run on biodiesel while the later ones don't like it too much. I make my own fuel and the early cars and the Unimogs love it! Turns my Unimog into my economy truck!

[1990C4S]

I am pretty capable mechanic. An older MB doesn't scare me, I just don't want to be spending every weekend fixing crap.

What do you make your fuel from?

[speeder]

Old MB turbo diesels with the OM617 5-cylinder engines are great cars but of course getting old at this point. I drive one as a semi DD, (I could dd it but have lots of other machinery). Mine is in good mechanical condition but certainly not like new w/ 200+k miles, I maintain it and would drive it cross-country tomorrow w/o hesitation. They are strong like bull.

I haven't owned all of the later ones but did have an OM603 car, which is the 6-cylinder turbo diesel that immediately succeeded the OM617. The first couple of years of those had issues with the head casting that made them not last. They had aluminum heads as opposed to the cast iron on earlier motors.

I think that if you do some research on the MB specific forums like MBworld and Peachparts, (owned by Pelican if not mistaken), you can get an education on any of the engines and chassis models. It will eat some time but worth it before purchasing.

Whichever one you choose, maintenance history and general condition are everything. Don't be tempted by a smoking deal on a shabby car. You'll be singing the schitbox Blues from here to Timbuktu. Feel free to ask me about any specific cars you are considering or other questions, I'll try to keep an eye on this thread.

[speeder]

[1990C4S]

Thanks for the input.

What year is your car? 30MPG highway?

[notfarnow]

The '96-2000 w210 e class diesels are cheap, but I'd avoid them. Rust issues (if you're buying in our climate) and the om606 motor has a real tendency to have its glow plugs sieze in the head, requiring pretty serious surgery.

It's a shame though, because they are a great car when they are working.

[sc_rufctr]

FWIW... Locally high mileage MB diesels still make stupid money. They have an almost cult following.
Good luck finding a nice one. I would bet they're still some good ones available.

The W123 chassis is my favourite.

This is a local car, 2.4 litre petrol engine with 138,000kms. (85,749 Miles) and they're asking $7,000 for it!



And it still has the original Radio.

[pitargue]

I have a 2006 W211 CDI with the cast iron inline 6. Maintenance on the car isn't bad. I've changed glow plugs, water pump, and serpentine belt. Going to do the brakes soon. Which leads me to say that the 2005/2006 has this SBC braking system which is it's downfall. Can't really bleed the brakes the traditional way. I changed the injector electrical box, which was a pain, but not impossible. The sunroof is starting to stick, so I need to figure out how to service that. But there's lots of good resources on the web. Oh, and the windshield washer fluid pump went out, which seems to be a common theme on this particular model.

I get very good gas mileage. On the highway, I get about 35 mpg, although sometimes the indicator hits 39mpg. I've driven from Silicon Valley to LA and back on 1 tank. It's has a turbo, so has nice pickup, but with the turbo lag. It's a nice daily driver. Still stinks because it doesn't have the urea injection. Has cats though.

The navigation is DVD based, which sucks. Prefer to use my mobile phone anyway. Like the MB tex interior as it still looks new.

Oil change is via a sucker pump though the dipstick tube. (There's no dipstick, only the cap.) Oil change intervals are 13k miles, with the merc specified oil, which you can pick up online. All the filters are easy to swap out.

I drive the car like a very old man, so don't stress it at all. It seems appropriate it drive the car that way. :-)

So far, so good, knock on wood...

[speeder]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Thanks for the input.

What year is your car? 30MPG highway?

My car is a 1979. They only made this model, (116 chassis/OM617 turbo diesel), from 1978-80. I've also owned a 1980 model, I prefer the '78/'79 for a couple small reasons but they're all basically the same.

The fuel mileage is decent but not amazing, low-20s in the city and high-20s on the highway. I drive @75-80 mph on interstate, though. It drives like a dream at high speed. Amazing old tank.