Diesels to Buy/Avoid (Pre 95's)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32
RE: Diesels to Buy/Avoid
ORIGINAL: PerkHouse
I'm considering a '96 E300D and I noticed at the beginning of this thread it specified a "buy" would be the non-turbo. Did this year/model come in a turbo? I haven't seen the car in person yet, so before I waste the fuel, can I tell by the VIN whether it's turbo or not?
I'm considering a '96 E300D and I noticed at the beginning of this thread it specified a "buy" would be the non-turbo. Did this year/model come in a turbo? I haven't seen the car in person yet, so before I waste the fuel, can I tell by the VIN whether it's turbo or not?
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2
RE: Diesels to Buy/Avoid
hi,
very new to MB and especially to diesel. i've been considering getting an MB and looking over the list of ones to get and one to avoid. i really like the older two door models of the 300, so i was thinking about a 300CD. on the list it says to get the non-turbo version of this car, my question is what's wrong with the turbo version.
thanks...
very new to MB and especially to diesel. i've been considering getting an MB and looking over the list of ones to get and one to avoid. i really like the older two door models of the 300, so i was thinking about a 300CD. on the list it says to get the non-turbo version of this car, my question is what's wrong with the turbo version.
thanks...
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 243
From:
RE: Diesels to Buy/Avoid
ORIGINAL: 6camaro9
hi,
very new to MB and especially to diesel. i've been considering getting an MB and looking over the list of ones to get and one to avoid. i really like the older two door models of the 300, so i was thinking about a 300CD. on the list it says to get the non-turbo version of this car, my question is what's wrong with the turbo version.
thanks...
I drive a 1982 300D turbo. It has 325,000 verified miles on the od, is rust free with an umblemished dash, a pleasure to drive, and has the same engine and turbo setup as the 300CD. The 300D turbos were only built from 1982 until 1985, including the 300CD, and IMHO, the 300D turbos are the strongest diesels Mercedes ever built.
Of course a well cared for 300CD with not more than 250,000 verifiable miles will fetch nearly twice as much money as the 4 door sedan and, again, IMHO opinion, is worth every penny and will only increase in value. Hell, if I could geta well cared for high milage 300CD turboat a decent price, I'd even take one of those Calfornia 300CD's that Mercedes were forced to "jury rig" for the California market. .
Best wishes,
charlie
hi,
very new to MB and especially to diesel. i've been considering getting an MB and looking over the list of ones to get and one to avoid. i really like the older two door models of the 300, so i was thinking about a 300CD. on the list it says to get the non-turbo version of this car, my question is what's wrong with the turbo version.
thanks...
I drive a 1982 300D turbo. It has 325,000 verified miles on the od, is rust free with an umblemished dash, a pleasure to drive, and has the same engine and turbo setup as the 300CD. The 300D turbos were only built from 1982 until 1985, including the 300CD, and IMHO, the 300D turbos are the strongest diesels Mercedes ever built.
Of course a well cared for 300CD with not more than 250,000 verifiable miles will fetch nearly twice as much money as the 4 door sedan and, again, IMHO opinion, is worth every penny and will only increase in value. Hell, if I could geta well cared for high milage 300CD turboat a decent price, I'd even take one of those Calfornia 300CD's that Mercedes were forced to "jury rig" for the California market. .
Best wishes,
charlie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
RE: Diesels to Buy/Avoid
New memeber and first time post to the forum but not new to Mercedes. I have been considering a 91-95 300SD. I'm really glad I found this forum since that year is on the do not buy list. It seems everyone is mentioning the overheading and cracking of heads due to the over heating. I had a couple questions.
1. What is the cause of the over heating?
2. Does this occur at a specific mileage on the vehical?
3. Is there a way for a NON mechnic like myself to tell if the car has ever overheaded (besides an obvious visual crack on the heads?
1. What is the cause of the over heating?
2. Does this occur at a specific mileage on the vehical?
3. Is there a way for a NON mechnic like myself to tell if the car has ever overheaded (besides an obvious visual crack on the heads?
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1
RE: Diesels to Buy/Avoid
Hello. This is my first post here, and I am glad I found this forum. You all sound like some knowledgable wrenchers.
I just bought a 1983 (production mid 1982) wagon 300 turbo, the 5 cyl. 3 liter.
It was owned by a conservative woman who clearly drove very little. I immediately replaced the tires; they were of 1994 vintage. She has a major oil leak, and the alternator just died, but the compression is good; I live in San Francisco and she climbs like a goat. 250,000 miles. I was wondering if any of you can advise me upon the most important things to take care of as regards roadworthyness. Clearly, I need to take care of the leak, wherever it is coming from, and I already ordered the alternator/voltage regulator from Autohaus out of Arizona. Any advice would be appreciated.
C
I just bought a 1983 (production mid 1982) wagon 300 turbo, the 5 cyl. 3 liter.
It was owned by a conservative woman who clearly drove very little. I immediately replaced the tires; they were of 1994 vintage. She has a major oil leak, and the alternator just died, but the compression is good; I live in San Francisco and she climbs like a goat. 250,000 miles. I was wondering if any of you can advise me upon the most important things to take care of as regards roadworthyness. Clearly, I need to take care of the leak, wherever it is coming from, and I already ordered the alternator/voltage regulator from Autohaus out of Arizona. Any advice would be appreciated.
C
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10
Early 1980s turbo charged diesels
I'm wondering about the same thing that 6Camaro9 asked about. I understand that all of the 1979 to 1985 diesels are very dependable, turbo included. Is there a reason to avoid the turbo charged engines of that era?
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1
From: Michigan
RE: Diesels to Buy/Avoid
I happend accross this thread and was wondering what to expect with a 1979 300sd with turbo, that I have bought?? it's been (supposedly) in california all it's life, and has under 89000 miles. This is my first Diesel car and I got it for the better fuel mileage compared to gas engines. I see there may be cold weather related issues with diesels? any way to avoid or remedy that? I'm waiting for this car to arrive here and will post back when it get's here. Thanks..
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,557
From: Maryland
RE: Diesels to Buy/Avoid
Well I just discovered today that my 190D has an engine block heater so if yours has that obviously it'll help. Just make sure all your glowplugs are running 100% before winter andyour g.p. relay works. Diesel fuel tends to gel into a wax when it's colder out so additives help to eliminate that.
Yes, if you've got a spending limit. Without a turbo they're underpowered so more people look for turbo models. There's no reason to avoid them mechanically though.
Is there a reason to avoid the turbo charged engines of that era?