[Vwdiesel] Vwdiesel Digest, Vol 77, Issue 14

[Woodland, Mark]

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I may have a chance to trade one of my collector cars for a 1996 Mercedes E300 diesel with 168,000 miles on it, reputedly in good shape. Is this a good or bad year  for that model? Anything in particular I should watch out for that could spell expensive repairs in the near future? One member in the past suggested that the years 1985 & 1987 were the best years for Mercedes diesels.
Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA

Depends on what you are looking for.

I just "traded" my '91 1.6 NA Jetta for a '95 E300 diesel.. last year for the 124 chassis, w/ multi link rear suspension, ABS, air bags, 24 valve six non-turbo, and minimal computer controls... and 34+ mpg combined city / highway. I expect to break 36+ on a straight highway trip.

The '96 was the newer body style, which I really like, much more computer control, which I don't like, a penchant for failed AC components, which require pulling the dash, etc.
If it's the 24 valve non-turbo 6, its an amazing engine.. with a turbo, I expect it to be even better, though probably less long lived.

I also have a '79 240D 4-speed, 123 body, which I love, but even with a 300 turbo 5, the E300 is a quantum advancement in all areas.. including complexity. Before I found the '95, I was looking at a '96 E300 NA with close to 400K on it, and it ran great, but as always, receipts and records go a long way. 

Maintenance is a whole other issue.. the 123s are much more accessible, with the 124s and later models hiding all of the injection pump, lift pump, cruise control, linkages, etc. located under the intake manifold, which has to be removed before servicing.

Long story short, if the other car is expendable, go for it.. the E300 is barely broken in yet. The 85-87s are another decade older, the '87 124 6 cyl turbos had head issues, and are hard to find in any kind of decent shape.
Do your homework on www.peachparts.com under the diesel forum, look at Ebay and CARS.com to see how many are on the market, and what they go for. If it's a good deal, snap it up before someone else does.



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