Mercedes-Benz: 240D advice please!

108k is just run in for a merc diesel. IF it has been well looked after.
they are superb engines, and will run for many many thousands of miles
without trouble IF you maintain it correctly. if the seller has a full
service record, then all the better. if not, try and find how well the
servicing has been adhered to. diesel engines do not 'clog up' any more
than petrol engines, although the sump oil of a diesel will usually seem
dirtier because it becomes quickly contaminated with particulates. for this
reason, oil change intervals for diesels are usually shorter than for petrol
variants.


"Janine Rainforth" <fslife.co.uk> wrote in message
news:blm27c$t3u$svr.pol.co.uk... 
buying 

A 240D is a slow car, it's under powered compared to contemporary cars.
If you drive on country lanes in a relatively flat (vs. hilly) area it
will be satisfactory, otherwise, look elsewhere. 68 HP is simply too
little to accelerate a 3,300 lb car; its 0 to 60 MPH time is about 19
seconds, about twice the time of contemporary cars which are one's
"competition" on the road.

But don't blame its being a diesel, the engine is simply too small. I
suggest you consider a 300D Turbo which makes 120 HP and is, like the
240D, a simple, durable and reliable engine.

These old diesels ought to get: oil & filter change every 5K miles,
valve adjustment every 15K miles, air & fuel filters and automatic
transmission fluid & filter change every 30K miles.

Find a clean car without rust that has this maintenance history; its
engine and transmission should have a 250K to 300K useful life - deduct
its present mileage and you see how much life remains before an overhaul
will be needed. Avoid poorly maintained, beat up cars for as "cheap" as
they may be to buy they're the most expensive used M-B that one can buy.

"atwifa" <atwifa@'fsmail'.net> wrote in message
news:blm3rt$58l$core.theplanet.net...
.. diesel engines do not 'clog up' any more 

If you live in Europe, true.

In the US, crappy diesel fuel with water is sold and lichen then can grow
and clog the system
to a standstill, unless an additive is added regularly. Without treatment,
the tank gradually fills with a seaweed-like plant.

Sd