I'm buying a 1979 Mercedes Benz 300D in very good condition. I'm told that they run like tanks forever. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of owning one of these? I'll be putting about 60 highway miles on the car 5 days a week. The only other diesel I've owned was an old VW Rabbit that ran great until the body rusted out with 250,000 miles on the odometer.

300-500k is not uncommon for these mercedes diesels. I think the biggest downside to them is their lack of power. They have enough, but not performance level by any means.

As with your VW, be prepared for criticisms and misconceptions galore, like, "why would anyone want a diesel?" and, "aren't you concerned about the environment?" Have your answers ready ahead of time :) http://www.dieselforum.org/index.html

300-500k is not uncommon for these mercedes diesels. I think the biggest downside to them is their lack of power. They have enough, but not performance level by any means.

As with your VW, be prepared for criticisms and misconceptions galore, like, "why would anyone want a diesel?" and, "aren't you concerned about the environment?" Have your answers ready ahead of time :) http://www.dieselforum.org/index.html


Thanks! I really appreciate it. I did notice that I really had to step on it to make it go. But once it was going, the thing handled great.

another problem is that if something does break, you're up shits creek finding someone that'll work on it, and when you do you'll pay an arm and a leg.

another problem is that if something does break, you're up shits creek finding someone that'll work on it, and when you do you'll pay an arm and a leg.

Its true that most parts cost a lot, but not necessarily. There are online parts supply houses for MBZ and enthusiast sites have gathered part numbers together so they're easy to find. I was afraid of the same thing with some of the older more obscure cars I've had, but its incredible how much part support exists for the 300 series MB's.

You are right, though. If you go to the dealership they'll kill you on labor and then tell you the parts aren't available for two weeks, but I would never go to the dealer unless its under warranty :)