W124 300 TD Future purchase

[MotardMan]

Good morning everyone,

I guess that etiquette decrees I should introduce myself and buy a virtual round of drinks at the bar for everyone? Cheers!

I sold my 300TE W124 about 6 months ago as the car was using oil, and needed more bodywork than I had money for. The thing is I miss the cars practical virtues. So does my wife now that we have a young daughter and are planning another child in the next year or so, I need that space! So, on to my questions:

The 300TE I had B4 did around 18-25 mpg, not bad for a big heavy car, and not low enough to put me off another the same, but I am considering (for the first time in my life), a diesel.

I have seen quite a few 300TD's for sale, and knowing nothing about the motors wondered what this car had in store for me? Can I bullet list some questions and ask you good people to answer them, if you can?

1. What sort of mileage do these cars require major work?
2. Are they a DIY (I am competent with spanners) prospect for servicing?
3. Are the economy gains over the 300 petrol motor worth seeking?
4. Was the oil burner available with auto box?
5. What are the major service intervals?
6. Major services cost what? The 144K service on the petrol 300 was over £450!
7. Anyone selling one? :roll:

I am keen to find a car with leather, as every car I have seen so far has a badly worn drivers seat on the seat back.

Sorry for the long post but I am a tad nervous about the diesel. I can wait for the right car to come up, we have a little Pug 106 for family use ATM. My budget is >3.5K

Regards,

Jim

 

[dieselman]

I can't answer all the questions but here goes:

1. If something like maintained diesel engines will do serious mileages (300-500k or more), before major (possibly any) work is required. Most wear in petrol engines is caused by the petrol itself and heat, diesel lubricates and also diesel runs cooler due to better efficiency.

2. Very DIY. Basic lump, no ignition. All service items are accessible.

3. Should do about 30ish or even 35.

4. Yes. most are auto.

5. Same as petrol as major services are more for the gearbox and brakes than engines. Oil changes used to be 6,000 I think, but ASSYST stretched this to 15K. Use semi-synthetic oil and changes can be 12k. Diesel fuel is so much cleaner than it used to be, so it doesn't polloute the oil as much.

6. ?

7. No

All the usual items apply when buying a diesel car, rust, worn mechanicals etc.
Generally if a diesel engine starts cleanly from cold it is in good order. Have a compression test performed for belt and braces.
These engines have alloy heads so require fresh antifreeze every 2-3 years to guarentee the head gasket and head. This applies to petrol engines as well.

 

[MotardMan]

Many thanks

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I am now on the serious hunt for a TE. See my most recent post!