im looking at the possibility of purchasing a 96 e300 diesel. this is the non-turbo diesel with 134hp. anyone have any experiences with how if feels drives? im typically a highway driver and usually like to cruise close between 80-100 comfortably. am i in for the wrong car if i buy this thing??
The non turbo is a bit turdy. It drives very close to the older 94/95 124 non turbo diesel. It is a great car though. But if possible find a turbo. The turbo has plenty of power.
Never driven a '96 E300, but my '97 E300 with the 5 speed auto drives like a dream on the highway. Traveling at 70-85mph my car has no problem. Traveling at 100mph is nice and smooth but starting to work the engine at that point.
The problem with the non-turbo isn't the cruising all day at 80 to 90. It will do that fine.
The acceleration is slow. It just feels frustrating.
I would test drive in mixed traffic as much as possible before slapping down your money.
Storm is right about the resale. Maybe that's why the price of this unit is tempting[;)]
BTW - Is this about fuel economy? a general diesel thing? or just a good price on this unit? FWIW the economy of the gas fueled 6 cyl is remarkably high.
In mixed city driving I'm averaging 24 to 25 overall. My diesels - admittedly TD from the mid-80's - never averaged much over 27 to 28 in the same mix.
[:)]I have a 99 Turbo Diesel and it's awesome! My husband has a 95 Diesel and I must say the car is great on the highway but in traffic it's fustrating to wait for pick-up.
I would not hesitate to get another Turbo[;)]
well, it is an attractive car at an attractive price. with the price of gas, diesel only makes sense. I just got out of an Audi a6 v8, and out of a 250 dollar a month gas tab.... hopefully a diesel will put some money back into my pocket
Have a 98 E300 Turbodiesel. Drives incredibly well. It is actually a pleasure to drive, making long trips from the Tampa area to Atlanta easy. (less than one tankful, too) I have only hit 100 once, more out of curiosity since I definitely don't want any tickets. Driving at 100 was no different than at 60. I would love to cruise at that rate.
I had an earlier turbo, 91 300E, and this one is much more peppy, accelerating into traffic and around traffic easy. Test drove the 2005 CDI and this vehicle is a quantum leap ahead of the E300 Turbo. This car really hauls it, but the 98-99 won't dissappoint you.
im looking at the possibility of purchasing a 96 e300 diesel. this is the non-turbo diesel with 134hp. anyone have any experiences with how if feels drives? im typically a highway driver and usually like to cruise close between 80-100 comfortably. am i in for the wrong car if i buy this thing??
-K
This reads as a non-turbo[:0] IMHO most of us driving a non-turbo would feel like getting out and pushing.
I think abdelrak is in for the wrong thing. It's one thing being used to slower performance cars, but going from an Audi A6 V8 with it's incredible performance to a non-turbo diesel Mercedes E Class will not be a formula for happy driving.
It will feel like "doing time" until you can drive something fun again.
If you desperately need a better mileage vehicle ( and you might be able to buy an awful lot of gas for the price of this transaction) then I would rethink along a C class or even a Jetta or an A4.
go with the non-turbo if you can find one. less things to go wrong and its easier on the motor oil. all my cars are diesel 123, 124 & w140. the 124 is the natural engine ( non-turbo )and its the best of the bunch. you can drive all day at full speed 100mph + ( remember thoes 134 HP are DIESEL ponies and its a different animal than a gas engine, it gives lots of torque ) I've been up to 125 for 2 hours . Now, driving a diesel gets some getting used to especially if your a jack-rabbit with a gas engine. off the line acceleration is much slower as is passing. You have the mash the pedal all the way down to get going - but you will get used to this. on the bright side is excellent fuel economy 30-35MPG and fewer speeding tickets in the city. I get 600 miles on a tank full and thats just till the light turns on, i could squeeze out 650. You will have no more tune ups and the car will always start ( no more electric spark ignition ). the main thing and i STRESS Main is changing the oil every 3,000 miles. As i mentioned above Diesel is very hard on oil due to much higher engine compression and the blow-by that results. besides that change the fuel filter every 3rd oil change and keep the air cleaner fresh. If you can do that the engine will last as long as you want to keep the car, 300,000 miles is not unreasonable. Finding one with low miles in the 80K is ideal. If you are looking at cars with 150K they might be due for some chassis work but if the price if right to compensate for possible repairs its ok.
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