Finally found a 210 diesel

[R W]

Finally after months of looking I have managed to find a good E210 diesel here in USSR. I was originally looking for a 300td, I looked at several that were tired & abused examples & I suspect the kms turned back. I started thinking of something newer but was advised from numerous people not to buy a CDI here. They all said the fuel quality here isn’t good & causes injector problems. Also if the car needed any diagnostics done, the nearest garage with diagnostic equipment is 350kms away, plus any parts would have to be ordered as they are not readily available here . Everyone I spoke to said the same, That the CDIs are a fine engine & car, for UK or Europe but not for here. So my search went back to looking for a 300td again. About 2 weeks ago I came across a very clean 1997, 2.9td with a genuine 155,000kms on the clock & was immaculately kept by its 1 owner. I thought its older than I would have preferred & not the engine I wanted, but worth a look anyway. Reading this forum the 1997, 210 was in the peak of the rust problems. I checked the usual rust places like the engine X member, spring perches, doors ,wings ect & the car was spotless. The 2.9td is from what I can find out fairly bullet proof. And I would sacrifice the lower performance for a well cared for car. The performance after a test drive yesterday is adequate for my needs here as I don’t drive fast anyway & reliability is more of a priority than the performance. I will collect the car on Tuesday ( if my bank ever sends me the money, its taken 13days so far to transfer the money & still don’t have it). Hopefully if I keep the car well maintained it will be as reliable as my 260E has been. If any members on the forum have any information about reliability of these engines as they were fitted to the Sprinters, I would like to hear there comments on them
Regards
R W

 

[television]

Living in the USSR any rust problems should be far less than here due to the less humid air.
I remember your post when you were looking, and I am pleased that you have found a good one

 

[Blobcat]

As per Malcolm above I remember your search as well so pleased you have found one. Pls post some pictures when you finally get it

 

[R W]

Thanks for you replies Malcolm & Blobcat.
Your right about the humidity here as this is noticable in the frosty mornings,the car windows dont cover in frost like UK, even in -30deg temps.Also there is no salt spread on the roads here in winter, so that will help the cars combat the rust, but causes many accidents. I still dont have the car yet due to my bank not transfering the money?. They promised it would be here in 3 to 5 working days.Its 14 days now & still no money.Will be having some serious words with them when I get back to UK.
Regards
R W

 

[television]

Banks, dont you just love them

 

[RGubbioli]

Out of curiosity, why did you change from the 260E?

 

[R W]

Out of curiosity, why did you change from the 260E?

RGubbioli,
I just like diesels, I have had the 260E for over 3 years now & I was ready for a change.I also bought a 320cdi in Uk last year that re-kindled my interest in diesels. I may regret selling the 260E as a lot of people on this forum praise the 124 models & many have prolems with the 210s.I may have just been lucky with the 320cdi as it seems a good car & I have nothing but praise for the it. I hope this 210 here will be as good,keep my fingers crossed.
Regards
R W