TDIClub Secret Society of Benz Owners (SSBO)

[Mcgink]

Tony - every model has it's strengh and it's weaknesses. Assuming you're going to go diesel, you want to avoid the OM603 engine (turbo charged, 6 cyl) in the 86/87/1991 124/126 chassis - the 86/87 can suffer from head trouble (if the updated head isn't installed) and the 91 350sdl can suffer from block issues. Please note which MB's I have.... (an 87 and a 91) - they are very nice to drive, and have enough power, but aren't as good as.....


Shoot me a PM if you want any more info - i'm happy to share any of my knowledge about finding the best MB (at least IMO)

So, would the 93 SDL with the 6cyl 3.5 Turbo be OK? or still be in danger of being a "rod bender" motor?

 

[SnowCub]

Well I hate to tell you guys this but I bought 6 of those whippers Anco 650 mm #26 IIRC regularly $17 each for $7 + tax at Wal-Mart on close out table. The first pair I bought from O'Reilly Auto Parts not long after buying the car was two blades for about $28 and I about crapped.

Hey are the wiper blades hard to change on the w211, the attachment mechanism looks weird to me. Is it a side attachment?

 

[cevans]

Yes, it is hard, you need to speak German.

 

[Old Navy]

Yes, it is hard, you need to speak German.

You dork!!!

Hey man it takes about 3 seconds to change "blade" on the car. Lets put this way, the key to manual unlock or lock the door, glove box or or trunk is harder to remove from key fob then changing the wipers.

I think I can change a wiper faster then I can get in the car, and after 400 mile drive it takes me more time to get out of the damn car then it would for me to change both blades.

 

[cevans]

Tony - every model has it's strengh and it's weaknesses. Assuming you're going to go diesel, you want to avoid the OM603 engine (turbo charged, 6 cyl) in the 86/87/1991 124/126 chassis - the 86/87 can suffer from head trouble (if the updated head isn't installed) and the 91 350sdl can suffer from block issues. Please note which MB's I have.... (an 87 and a 91) - they are very nice to drive, and have enough power, but aren't as good as.....

....any of the 5 cyl engines, or a 1995 124 body diesel. It's a non-turbo 6 cyl, so it's slow, but it is indestructible.

I don't know, I would pick up an '87 in a heartbeat if the price/condition was right. The 603.960 is pretty fantastic and head problems aren't common among people who are stock and sticking with good maintenance - especially not nearly as widespread as the rod-benders.

 

[cevans]

I think I can change a wiper faster then I can get in the car, and after 400 mile drive it takes me more time to get out of the damn car then it would for me to change both blades.

This sounds like a challenge...when is the next OldNavy Fall GTG?

 

[manual_tranny]

So, given your experiences with older MB diesels, what model years may be a good compromise, keeping in mind a turbo model is one of the criteria?
Thanks for any suggestions you can provide,
Tony

Well, this isn't a compromise... but if I had my way I'd have a heavily modified inline 5 turbo dropped into a W114 chassis. I'd have bucket seats in front and the European 5-speed transmission.

 

[aja8888]

Well, this isn't a compromise... but if I had my way I'd have a heavily modified inline 5 turbo dropped into a W114 chassis. I'd have bucket seats in front and the European 5-speed transmission.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm getting too old and stiff to put that much time and effort (work + dollars) into an old MB. I just want to find one that fits my needs and doesn't come with a lot of inherent issues or surprises. The hunt is on hold until after the holidays due to work schedule and family demands. In the meantime, I am going to peruse several MB boards to try to learn as much as I can about the different platforms and quirks. You guys have been great with the information provided so far. Thanks.

 

[Old Navy]

This sounds like a challenge...when is the next OldNavy Fall GTG?

AFAIK Oct 2011 if I'm still vertical and mobile.

 

[yatzee]

I don't know, I would pick up an '87 in a heartbeat if the price/condition was right. The 603.960 is pretty fantastic and head problems aren't common among people who are stock and sticking with good maintenance - especially not nearly as widespread as the rod-benders.

I disagree. If you have the 1st casting of head (#14) you are likely to have trouble. If you have any later casting, you are less and less likely to have issues. A #22 would be the best, and I would pay a premium for a car with that head (if I was shopping)

As for the rod benders, there are many many cars that have never had that issue. There doesn't appear to be a way to track which will and will not have problems, but as usual, the way the car is driven/maintained etc etc will play into it. There are even people on other forums who report having problems with MB rebult engines...

 

[ckhenshaw4]

I will be bringing home next week, my "new" 2007 Jeep Cherokee Overland, with the 3.0L Mercedes Diesel in it. Will post a picture when I get her home. The reason I say "her" is because it is my Wifes daily driver.

 

[Old Navy]

I will be bringing home next week, my "new" 2007 Jeep Cherokee Overland, with the 3.0L Mercedes Diesel in it. Will post a picture when I get her home. The reason I say "her" is because it is my Wifes daily driver.

Hope you got a dealership with diesel tech's qualified to work on it, most of the Jeep dealers never sent a tech to get trained because they didn't have diesel tech's. Lot of the Dodge dealers (metro area's or non cattle or farming area) didn't sell or service the Cummins powered trucks. So it can be a problem in some area's for some buyers.

 

[ckhenshaw4]

Yep, my friend owns the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Dealership where I bought it from, and their techs are fully trained with that engine, and with the Liberty engine. Most, but not every every dealership are crooks, there are actually still some good ones left out there. Oh, by the way, they will also work on the Cummins Engines also.

 

[cevans]

I disagree. If you have the 1st casting of head (#14) you are likely to have trouble. If you have any later casting, you are less and less likely to have issues. A #22 would be the best, and I would pay a premium for a car with that head (if I was shopping)

I wasn't aware of the early castings situation. Thanks for explaining.

 

[delvi__acevedo]

I guess you guys can add me to the list, I just pick up today a 2005 E320 CDI. I'm very happy so far

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Old Navy]

Nice looking car. How many miles and dollars? Your aux input for iPod or whatever plugin jack is in glove box of all places.

 

[delvi__acevedo]

Nice looking car. How many miles and dollars? Your aux input for iPod or whatever plugin jack is in glove box of all places.

Thankyou sir!, is high miles it has 112k but I called the MB dealer that service the car for it's entire life and they said that it was well maintain the last service they show was at 106K and that was transmission service" they didn't said if that include flush or not. The price was 17K and after tax,tag etc. Came up to like 18k and change.

I was looking for white or black because I already have a silver car but I did like this one, it has the navi however it does not have Xenon from a quick look/ inspection looks like I don't have the airmatic suspension(I don't know if that was only on gassers) but is very very comfortable even in NYC road as on the ride back I felt that they had fixed all the roads as I didn't feel a bump

Delvi.

 

[btcost]

Nice score Delvi!!

back to the #14 head discussion. I have one. 196K (knock on wood).

The issue was in overheating, if you over heat the motor, the heat WILL CRACK. and thats it, you gotta buy a new head. No machine shop can fix it.

So, don't over-heat it

 

[delvi__acevedo]

Nice score Delvi!!

back to the #14 head discussion. I have one. 196K (knock on wood).

The issue was in overheating, if you over heat the motor, the heat WILL CRACK. and thats it, you gotta buy a new head. No machine shop can fix it.

So, don't over-heat it

Thanks Brian!

 

[yatzee]

Nice score Delvi!!

back to the #14 head discussion. I have one. 196K (knock on wood).

The issue was in overheating, if you over heat the motor, the heat WILL CRACK. and thats it, you gotta buy a new head. No machine shop can fix it.

So, don't over-heat it

its really that simple. don't over heat it. They aren't even all that easy to diagnose- you have to almost guess, but not quite.

 

[bobcat518]

How to Join SSBO

My TDI is my primary vehicle but I do own an 84 SD with nearly 300,000 miles which needs some work as my daughter will shortly be getting her license and will be in need of a daily hauler. The car needs some work so it would be great to tap into a group with a working knowledge of these beauties. How does one join the SSBO?

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

You're in. Post a pic of the Benz. Compu_85 has a W126 but it's a 6 cylinder. I bet he can help out if you're stuck.

 

[ckhenshaw4]

I have a 2007 Jeep Cherokee Overland, with a Mercedes Diesel in it, does that count ? Love that SUV.

 

[Old Navy]

I have a 2007 Jeep Cherokee Overland, with a Mercedes Diesel in it, does that count ? Love that SUV.

Almost...just read, no posting.

 

[Vhunter]

'85 300d

Hey!
Haven't been around for a while, but maybe I can get in the club again.. I have
been working "now and then" on my '85 300D, which I rescued from the salt pits
of Illinoisey.. Did a bit of body work on it, and I have a few more body molding parts to add (rear tail light molding.. rear fender, maybe front)

It still needs some work on the suspension and a few electrical
gremlins are still waiting to be stomped on, but its getting better.

Drive ON!

 

[VeeDubTDI]

That 300D is looking pretty good, Arnie!

 

[Vhunter]

Thanks Lawson!
I wish I had more time to work on this car, but seems like there is always something else going on that needs attention.. Maybe next year will see a little more time so that I can work on the car...
Laters!

 

[tomo366]

Vhunter who???

 

[Old Navy]

The logistic's of a two hr drive for service to the dealership to keep the warranty in force is a real PIA and thinking of trading it off for a new Ford FLEX it's roomy and there is enough room behind me with seat adjusted for me for an adult to sit. In the Benz there is not enough room behind me for our 6 year old grandson, and the 3 year old is cramped.

I wanted to get an R320 CDI, but the two hour drive was the killer. We have two kids now, one in daycare and one in K-5 and wife works in a near by town as a lab tech and her little Escort is doing just fine on the 27 mile trip to work doing a strong 33 mpg average.

Would have liked to bought a Chrysler product because I can get employee price which is below dealer cost, but between their government buy out, wondering if they will be in business next year and nothing that fits my needs I guess it's only Ford or Toyota.

 

[2slowtdi]

Old Navy
My brother was looking at a R320 CDI and in Albuquerque where he is they don't have very many so I was shopping for him and what I found was they have more than a few bugs that need to be worked out with the R class.
After looking he went with the Honda Pilot.