Help looking to purchase a diesel.

[kiez4]

What are your recommendations in the purchase of a w201diesel? Which years were the most reliable and why? What type of mpg is common? Please list any problem areas common to diesels. How many miles are common for a MB diesel engine? Thank you.

[rjb190e]

If you can find one and afford it the 1987 2.5 Turbo has to be the best. I'd guess that highway mileage in a well maintained car would be in the high 30's for a 2.5 and maybe low 40's for a 2.2. The 2.5 Turbos are rare. I'd go with a 2.5 over a 2.2 just to have a little more power and a newer car. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the last year for a 201 diesel was 1989 for the US. The newest cars you would be looking at would be 18 years old. I'd look for all the usual suspects when purchasing any car that age. As for diesel specific, the most expensive part of a MB diesel is an injection pump. They seem to last forever but check for leaking and make sure the IP timing is where it should be. If it's not it will smoke white or black and have 0-60 times measured in days. Then make sure the glow plug system is working as it should, the car should start right up even when cold. The next enemy will be air in the fuel system. Since these cars are old , rubber lines can and will break anytime. Inspect and replace what you can or pay someone else to do it for you.