Chuck,

How do you get "great gas mileage" on diesel?

P E H

Dieselman,
I am new to diesels. Last month I bought a 1986 300sdl with 130k miles from a Mercedes dealer with a one month warranty. I was looking for a 96-99 E300. The 98 and 99 models are rockets compared to the 96-97's. They are also priced accordingly. I also found a nice 1995 model. It's the same drive train as the 96 but with the older body. Anyway, the 86 sdl I bought was as nice or nicer than any of the other cars I looked at. I probably paid more than most would but it truly is a time warp machine. Don't rule out a 300sdl in good shape. It's a lot of car for the money. The mileage isn't as good as the newer smaller sedans but having all that room is really nice. It also feels faster than the non-turbo e300's. I know I don't have any trouble keeping up with traffic.

I was concerned that I had a flaring problem. I took it took my local mercedes dealership. They sent a mechanic with me for a test drive. He said don't worry they all shift that way. He also took the time to look under the hood. I also took it to an indy that I trust. He said the same thing and advised me to give the modulator a full turn in to firm up the shifts. BTW, the dealership did not charge for the mechanic to look at my car and take a test drive. This was not the mercedes dealer I bought the car from so they didn't have any financial interest in the car. I guess some dealers are better than others but as far as I can tell, and it's still early days, both the dealer I bought the car from and the local dealer seem to be more than fair. So I guess right now I can give a thumbs up to Leitzinger in State College, PA (the dealer I bought the car from) and RS Imports in Fort Washington, PA.

Dave

__________________
1986 300SDL

My 97 E300 has 98 K since I bought it new. I routinely drive up I 95 from Fl to DC non stop 14 hours. The engine seems to benefit from extended hi speed service plus I average 30 mpg at 60 mph average including all stops. No gumming or carbon buildup anywhere. The six glow plugs came out when one went bad and I did not have any issue with carbon build up in the theads.

The car runs better now than at 60 k. It seems to have more power. My wifes' pedal to the metal driving style makes the car outperfrom most SUV's and pickups which are prevalent here, so the lack of acceleration is not relevant for us. I have had some stupid problems like melting light bulb sockets and common problems like shutoff valve and fuel lines.

I agree engineering, since the 210 introduction, is swayed more by cost than excellence, but try driving most other lux o boxes 14 hours and see if 1) you can stand up and 2) if you have any mechanical repercusions from driving that long and at 75+ mph. We have done this trip at least 15 times without any incident during or after. By the way I do extensive PM myself and have had Chrysler minivans last me 250K miles.

My goal is to keep the car until my cost per mile comes down to my other long lived vehicles. Then I will give the car to one of my children. The way I see this car wearing, under our operating conditions, it should last.

You got me! I keep forgetting that my car doesn't run on gas.

I only stop at the "gas station" twice a month (if that!) to fill up.

My e300d is in the shop now getting front control arm bushings, ball joints and rear suspension links.

I think these cars (95 models) are bargains now. From what I've seen you can pick one up for $8K-12K. The 98/99 e300d turbos are still to expensive....most I see in the classified are listed for over $20K.

Chuck

Attached Thumbnails