Ok I want to complie a thread on the Diesel models to buy and those to avoid. I have a list at home of the egine codes and year ranges i will get later but for now i am just getting the models. Feel free to add any personal experience with these models positive or negitive to make people's decisons on which model more informed. And try to keep it based on the diesel/engine aspect of the car more than other problems but list those also.

BUY LIST

240D non-turbo
300D non-turbo
300CD non-turbo
300TD non-turbo (were the T is desinating wagon)

81-85 300sd turbo
86-87 300sdl turbo

87 300d/300TD turbo (were the T is desinating wagon)

94-95 e300 non-turbo

96-97 e300 non-turbo
98-99 e300 turbo

84-85 190d 2.2 non-turbo
86-89 190d 2.5 non-turbo
87 190d 2.5 turbo


Avoid List

90-91 350sd/sdl turbo
92-95 300sd or S350 turbo


i know i am forgeting some please remind me

 

Actually all of the 617 engines were good... in both Turbo and non turbo...The 240d's are good if you don't mind the massive amount of bugs that commit suicide on the back windshied. But avoid the 1977 240D because the heater is a nightmare to work on.. same can be said for the 1980 300D... Many mechanics will tell you that the absolute best years for the 617 diesel engines were the 300D T's in the 123 chassis between 1982 and 1985. I didn't know that unitl after I stumbled upon my rust free, no cracks in dash, all power locks, windows, ac, workiing, good compression 1982 300D T, that cost me all of $400. So in that regard, I was lucky not smart.
Also most MB mechanics will tell you to avoid the 86 & 87 300SDL and 300TD because, if they're not allowed to come to heat before driving and cool down before shut down, the aluminum heads tend to crack at the casting bosses.

 

I have always been told buy diesel mechainics and MB mechainics that the 86-87 300sdl and 87 300td are the best too buy as far as power even though they may not run quite as far as a 300sd they will still easily get to 500K. I guess it may just be depends who u talk to on those models but mine and everyone i personally have talked to loved theres and never had any problems. But yes if they have been over heated then avoid unless the head has been replaced. I just sold mine toon here.

 

Well, what do I know? I only wish I were a MB diesel mechanic...
I was only quoting a couple of real MB mechanics whom I admire, Ken Bergsma who's book, "Mercedes Diesel Buyer's Survival Guide, is available It's a lesser extent from Henry because I didn't get it in writing.
.

 

Well, ForcedInduction.... Since I strongly suspect you're the real deal.... If I ever stumble across a good deal on a 87 300D or 190 2.5 ST I just might buy it...

 

I had also heard good things about the 190D2.5 one of our past posters had one. The 87 300D had the same engine as the 86-87 300sdl so basically that comes down to if u like the W124 or the W126

 

I can personally attest to poor mechanical service from a 91 350sd. My car received perfect care in every regard including all services done on time However at 79k miles a rattle developed and the vehicle was immediately taken to the nearest M/B dealership. They checked it over and said everything was OK and not to be concerned the "rattle" was normal. The following day the timing chain failed which destroyed the engine. Final cost to replace engine with a factory rebuilt engine approx. $9000plus a long-term wait on delivery of the replacement engine from Germany. I don't have to tell you how happy that makes an owner.

 

Good luck finding one. The 2.2L I recommend only if you can handle such a car with little HP. It probably doesn't have more than 100.

 

That makes a lawn mower look awefully good.

 

I'm looking at a 92' E class 300D with a 2.5LL5 engineturbocharged is this engine one with a history of heads cracking?

What's the general opinion on this model