E300td engine

[Gaz69]

Hi folks,

I'm in the process of buying my first E300td 1998. I was hoping someone could help. In the engine bay to there is the dip stick (duh I hear your...) but at the rear of the engine appears to be another that looks like a dip stick should go.

In the car I'm looking at the rear the thing that looks like another dip stick is missing the dip stick. I know it sound stupid. If you know what I'm talking about I'd like to know what it is.

If someone who own a E300td take a photo of their engine I'll circle the area I'm talking about.

I tried to get a HAYNES yesterday but the chap at Halfords said there wasn't an E300td book available.

Hope you can understand what I'm talking about.

Thanks

Gary.

 

[BlackC55]

That is the gear box dipstick guide tube. There is no dipstick that comes with the car. It is a workshop one only.

 

[Gaz69]

Hi Blackc55, many thanks. That's a worry removed. Can I get a cover for it or should it be open?
Many thanks again.
G

 

[wireman]

IT MUST NOT BE OPEN.

Take great care to keep the transmission free of contamination even one bit of muck will cause trouble and transmission trouble can cost a fortune.

If the top of the tube (it should have a clipped on cap) is open don't buy the car.

 

[Gaz69]

Goss I didn't know. Just as well I asked you guys. Any idea how I could test if the transmission is ok or on the way out since the clip is not there?

 

[robs-mbz]

Don't worry too much if the clip isn't there, It just means that the fluid has been replaced or checked and not re-sealed, its much more important to check that the oil is clean and doesn't smell "burnt", I use a length of curtain wire to check.

If the car changes gear smoothly and doesn't hang on too long before changing up then its should be ok, the gear changes will be a bit delayed when the engine is cold, thats normal.

There are no Haynes manuals available unfortunately, I bought a thin, paperback manual of sorts off ebay, its very basic but better than nothing. Don't be tempted to buy one of the CD Rom manuals that are always for sale on ebay, they are a pirated copy of MB workshop software the install on your PC is very complex, my machine tied itself in knots, I uninstalled it eventually and gave up with it.

With a W210 of this age it is very, very important to check for rust, I wont repeat whats been said a hundred times on this forum, just type "W210 RUST" into the search facility of this forum and prepare yourself! Don't be too put off though, just make sure you prospective purchase is rust free, if there is serious corrosion, walk away and carry on looking, there are lots of good, clean cars out there.

When you do track down a good car I'm sure you will be delighted with its excellent performance, amazing economy and lovely ride and handling.

Good luck!

 

[Gaz69]

Thanks Guys,
I'll take the information and retest the car again. Yes a bit rust in the rear behind the number plate. But engine, mechanically wise the car is running brilliantly, electrics are good too and I've them all tested. If I can get the deal I'm looking I'm going to be very happy. Many thanks again guys with all your help answer my vague question at the start