Hello. I've recently been looking into buying a Mercedes diesel model somewhere between the late 70's and mid 80's and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice into specific gas mileage. I am currently driving my girlfriend's '78 240D that has 250k miles and am really impressed by the mpg which puts my '86 Volvo to shame. Still, I was hoping to get some more specific information regarding mileage counts and was hoping people might have either personal experience or links to share with me. Particular models I've been looking into are: another 240D, the 190D, the 300D and 300TD. fueleconomy.gov gives the information for Mercedes (and all models) dating back to 1985, but I was hoping there might be some other information out there regarding the other models that don't fall under this umbrella. Any help would be much appreciated!! Also, I love the look of the 300TD wagons, but wasn't sure if having a turbo model automatically meant worse gas mileage.

Everything I've read about old Mercedes diesel models and their engine efficiency has made me think that I'm making the right decision to switch cars. I just want to make sure I'm being thorough in my shopping. This is a big decision! Thanks for your help.

 

My 1984 190D gives me 37mpg....that's with a leaky fuel line. Don't worry about having a turbo, you're generally going to get great mpg anyways. Plus diesels have poor acceleration, the turbo would be useful.

 

Do you have any experience with other old Mercedes diesels, or has the 190D been your only one? Are the 190D models just as likely to "run forever"?

 

I would definately go with the turbo.
My 1998 E300TD gets about 25 around town and 39 mpg on the turnpike @70mph.

 

I have a 1981 300D T with 319,000 miles. It's rust free, has excellent compression, is not an oil burner, and gets between 27 and 32 MPG. I strongly suspect that most Mercedes diesel mechanics would say the best Mercedes diesels were made between 1981 and 1985 because by then Mercedes got it right. After 1985, Mercedes switched to aluminum heads which, often than not, developed cracks and and other problems. Still, Henry Schuman of http://www.schumanautomotive.com has been a top Mercedes mechanic since 1977 and he drives a 1987 Mercedes diesel that has over 500,000 miles and is still going strong... So it seems if the machine is given the proper TLC it'll run a helluva long time.
That said, I also suspect Henry, et al, would also say that Mercedes diesels produced between 1993 and 1995 are also very reliable.

For more info go to http://mercedessource.com , http://greaseon.com , http://dieselgiant.com , and of course, other than this forum, the most informative, http://schumanautomotive.com

 

The model I've been driving, my girlfriend's '78 240D, has an outlet plug that runs from the engine, and according to the mechanic who's done all the work, it needs to be plugged in during the winter months so the engine doesn't get too cold. This poses a problem living in the city though, since neither of us have a driveway to park it in where it can be plugged or any way to safely run an extension cord out of our houses, so I was wondering if anyone knows what year the 240D models stopped having the outlet feature, if any other older Mercedes diesels like the ones people have been mentioning (190Ds, 300Ds, etc.) also have the same outlet feature, and what <i>exactly</i> the outlet really does for the car -- prevents the engine from getting too cold? because what?

 

I agree w/ Charles Munn, the best years were 81-85. I have an 85 300SD w/ 300K miles as a daily driver. I prefer the 85 over the earlier years because of the ABS brakes, and airbag, also I believe the trans is computor controled unlike the early models.

The fuel economy is great on the highway at somewhere around 30-35MPG at 70-80 MPH where it is most efficient. Around town economy is not that great, and a little cumbersome due to turbo lag. Never the less it is far better than gas models in it's class.

As for the block heater (AC plug). I live in New Jersey, where we have fairly cold winters. I can count the times I needed the block heater on one hand. I use a little fuel additive to keep the fuel from gelling. As long as the glow plugs are working correctly, it always starts.

Because of my job I can honestly say I have driven almost every car on the road today, from Lamborghini's, Bently's and Maserati's to Hummers, VW's, Honda's and the like. Most are exceptional automobiles, but I still enjoy my diesel benz. There is just something about the way it eats up highway. After a 7-8 hour ride I'm not all beat-up, it's comfortable and relaxing to drive. I think it's absoutly tha best bang for the buck, and I'm sure other owners will agree.

Good Luck!

 

Are you sure the "block heater plug" as you referred to it is the same feature that I'm talking about on the 240D? I just want to make sure. Also, how can you tell when it needs to be plugged in exactly and when it's fine without? I'll look into the fuel additive.

Does anyone have information they can share about the 240D models? I'm looking at buying an '83 that's currently for sale.

 

I'm fairly certain you are refering to the "block heater". It has a 110V AC plug on one end, and the other plugs into the heater on the engine block (follow the wire). You will have to use trial/error to determine if you'll need it or not. If your engine is in good shape w/ good compression, clean fuel filters, and working glow plugs you are probably okay to 20 degrees F. It will most likely take a few tries to start. Below that temp the block heater is useful, and should be plugged in overnight.

I also have an 83 240D (manual shift). I keep it in a garage, and NEVER drive it when the weather is bad. I can't be certain about the cold starting on the 240D (4 cylinder), but would assume it's the same as the 5 cylinder. The only drawback to the 240D is it's VERY slow.....

 

I get 26 mpg on my '85 300D Turbo and 24 mpg on my '91 350SDL large body--American models.