New old(ish) diesel

[JHZR2]

Bought a 2008 ML320 CDI.

While I’d prefer a blue w211, this one popped up with dealer service receipts and was close by, so I went for it. I’m generally not a fan of two row SUVs, I find them wasteful TBH versus a high MPG sedan, or a minivan/suburban if one needs room. But it has a nice comfortable seating position, and I can’t argue against a diesel… EPA claims 24 MPG highway, I’ve returned nearly 27 in mixed use so far. Not bad for 376 ft lb of torque. Drives nice.

Very clean, bought private. Palomino interior. Had some turbo work (looks like replacement, not sure why), and the dreaded oil cooler seals.

The only complaint is that the headlights aren’t very strong. The housings are fairly clear, but there is some obvious yellowing. The clear lenses are available to swap. May try that versus sanding and coating. Also has a tiny rust bubble at the very bottom of the front right quarter panel. No other rust in wheel wells or elsewhere. There are lots of white fenders for these available if it came to that. It’s just going to be a highway cruiser. Not a collectible like my others.

It has a dpf but no urea or other treatment. It takes
229.52 oil, though if saps are the same I’ll probably run 229.51 higher viscosity. TBD.

It doesn’t really need anything. Everything works. I will be baselining the fluids. I think it takes G-48, but I may re-think that given that my other diesels all get JD Cool Gard II or G-05. Granted my BMW takes G-48… so maybe I’ll keep that.

 

[RooflessVW]

Looks good!

I wouldn't be afraid to run an HDEO 5W-40. I wonder if the projector bowls are burnt. You see it with this era of HID.

 

[JHZR2]

Looks good!

I wouldn't be afraid to run an HDEO 5W-40. I wonder if the projector bowls are burnt. You see it with this era of HID.

This one is not the bi xenon. It takes H7 bulbs.

 

[RooflessVW]

This one is not the bi xenon. It takes H7 bulbs.

Well there's your problem.

 

[fantastic]

All the ones I've seen are overpriced for their age >$10k. If you have local mechanics that know about these diesel engines it could work. I think they had a decent tow rating. Looks like a good example. Hope you get some miles out of it or keep a log here?

 

[SatinSilver]

Nice score. How many miles does it have?

 

[JHZR2]

All the ones I've seen are overpriced for their age >$10k. If you have local mechanics that know about these diesel engines it could work. I think they had a decent tow rating. Looks like a good example. Hope you get some miles out of it or keep a log here?

I have a fleet of diesels. Not as advanced, but I have enough tools and know-how to manage. Plus I verified via all the dealer receipts that the big jobs were done.

It’s a highway cruiser. As long as I get some mileage out of it, I got a good enough deal for it to not matter.

 

[JHZR2]

Nice score. How many miles does it have?

199k miles. Based upon the service records it saw highway use. I’ll service the AT. The 722.9 is relatively trustworthy.

It’s fun for what it is to put in a bunch of miles and then get a nice blue w211 or whatever else I want to do.

 

[meep]

I like it. I really wanted to get (never had one, always enjoyed the rentals) a diesel vehicle. Thought it might happen in my purchase this year, but it didn’t line up as the clock ticked and I was looking for a rare f150 diesel that wasnt all ratted out or 150k on it. I like your Benz a lot.

I might just have a buy a diesel OPE motor and do something with it instead!

 

[Klutch9]

Congrats! I’m at the point in my life where I need a new project. Something to tinker with. I’m trying to convince my wife to let me get an older VW TDI of some sort. I have never had a diesel, but I feel like I need to have one. My wife drove an F250 Powerstoke while we were dating… I’d say it’s only fair if I get my turn!

 

[JHZR2]

Congrats! I’m at the point in my life where I need a new project. Something to tinker with. I’m trying to convince my wife to let me get an older VW TDI of some sort. I have never had a diesel, but I feel like I need to have one. My wife drove an F250 Powerstoke while we were dating… I’d say it’s only fair if I get my turn!

I have enough projects. All my classic MB and dodge diesels are pretty nice, but a few have some work that needs to be done to make them perfect. I’d drive any of them cross country tomorrow, and I have taken many of them on cross country trips, trips to BITOG events, etc.

I always wanted a CDI. Either the I6 or the v6, for various reasons. I know they are certainly not as simple as the older ones, but they’re the end of an era and getting more and more scarce in decent form. And, if I found a really low mileage example, I’d be less inclined to drive it often, in weather, etc.

So this was a good compromise. A few more miles (someone on here has one with 850k km, IIRC), garage kept, dealer maintained. I suspect some rubber parts will need to be replaced in the suspension, and who knows what else. But nothing I can’t handle. If it comes to stuff that needs coding, that may drive ownership cost up, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,,,

 

[JHZR2]

Complexity… that’s the fuel filter.

New belt time. There is a lot of oil on the front of the engine, due to the oil cooler seals leaking, which was repaired. I don’t mind the residue too much (most Diesels show some of this), but I don’t like it on the belt.

 

[97prizm]

Bought a 2008 ML320 CDI.

While I’d prefer a blue w211, this one popped up with dealer service receipts and was close by, so I went for it. I’m generally not a fan of two row SUVs, I find them wasteful TBH versus a high MPG sedan, or a minivan/suburban if one needs room. But it has a nice comfortable seating position, and I can’t argue against a diesel… EPA claims 24 MPG highway, I’ve returned nearly 27 in mixed use so far. Not bad for 376 ft lb of torque. Drives nice.

View attachment 272552View attachment 272553View attachment 272554

Very clean, bought private. Palomino interior. Had some turbo work (looks like replacement, not sure why), and the dreaded oil cooler seals.

The only complaint is that the headlights aren’t very strong. The housings are fairly clear, but there is some obvious yellowing. The clear lenses are available to swap. May try that versus sanding and coating. Also has a tiny rust bubble at the very bottom of the front right quarter panel. No other rust in wheel wells or elsewhere. There are lots of white fenders for these available if it came to that. It’s just going to be a highway cruiser. Not a collectible like my others.

It has a dpf but no urea or other treatment. It takes
229.52 oil, though if saps are the same I’ll probably run 229.51 higher viscosity. TBD.

It doesn’t really need anything. Everything works. I will be baselining the fluids. I think it takes G-48, but I may re-think that given that my other diesels all get JD Cool Gard II or G-05. Granted my BMW takes G-48… so maybe I’ll keep that.

If the headlights are halogen there is likely a hid replacement option.

 

[JHZR2]

If the headlights are halogen there is likely a hid replacement option.

I bet. Some came with bi xenon, and I know there’s HiD retrofits for lights with projectors in them, since projectors provide the cutoff.

I’ll cross those bridges at some point…

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

Nice find! At 200K miles it's just getting broken in

I wonder what the shocks/struts are like at that age... I know my 11 yr old GLK needed new fronts (did all 4 corners anyway) and with a set of fresh tires, it rides like new.

I'd do all the preventive scheduled maintenance items, like filters and such. That way you know you're starting out on the right foot and have a schedule you can stick to. For me, it's air & fuel filters every 40K miles, cabin filter every 20K and oil every 5K. Don't forget a brake flush if it hasn't been done in awhile, it'll really improve pedal feel.

For oil I'd run the M1 ESP 5w30 as it's approved for both 229.51 and .52 and you're unlikely to find better oil at the price (unless you can find PP Euro L at your local WM).

 

[jsean]

Bought a 2008 ML320 CDI.

While I’d prefer a blue w211, this one popped up with dealer service receipts and was close by, so I went for it. I’m generally not a fan of two row SUVs, I find them wasteful TBH versus a high MPG sedan, or a minivan/suburban if one needs room. But it has a nice comfortable seating position, and I can’t argue against a diesel… EPA claims 24 MPG highway, I’ve returned nearly 27 in mixed use so far. Not bad for 376 ft lb of torque. Drives nice.

View attachment 272552View attachment 272553View attachment 272554

Very clean, bought private. Palomino interior. Had some turbo work (looks like replacement, not sure why), and the dreaded oil cooler seals.

The only complaint is that the headlights aren’t very strong. The housings are fairly clear, but there is some obvious yellowing. The clear lenses are available to swap. May try that versus sanding and coating. Also has a tiny rust bubble at the very bottom of the front right quarter panel. No other rust in wheel wells or elsewhere. There are lots of white fenders for these available if it came to that. It’s just going to be a highway cruiser. Not a collectible like my others.

It has a dpf but no urea or other treatment. It takes
229.52 oil, though if saps are the same I’ll probably run 229.51 higher viscosity. TBD.

It doesn’t really need anything. Everything works. I will be baselining the fluids. I think it takes G-48, but I may re-think that given that my other diesels all get JD Cool Gard II or G-05. Granted my BMW takes G-48… so maybe I’ll keep that.

Congratulations! That CDI will last you a long long time as you know. I was looking for a 2005-06 W211 when I wanted an E class - but ended up with an ‘09 M272 4Matic which continues to be a garage queen. I still look for a half way decent deal on a W211 CDI as a DD - but they just seem to be really far and few in between around here in the rust belt. And even then, they’re either overpriced or beat up or both.

I’d be curious to see how the long term hwy mileage works out for you. Would love to read updates as you add on the miles.

 

[burbguy82]

Bought a 2008 ML320 CDI.

While I’d prefer a blue w211, this one popped up with dealer service receipts and was close by, so I went for it. I’m generally not a fan of two row SUVs, I find them wasteful TBH versus a high MPG sedan, or a minivan/suburban if one needs room. But it has a nice comfortable seating position, and I can’t argue against a diesel… EPA claims 24 MPG highway, I’ve returned nearly 27 in mixed use so far. Not bad for 376 ft lb of torque. Drives nice.

View attachment 272552View attachment 272553View attachment 272554

Very clean, bought private. Palomino interior. Had some turbo work (looks like replacement, not sure why), and the dreaded oil cooler seals.

The only complaint is that the headlights aren’t very strong. The housings are fairly clear, but there is some obvious yellowing. The clear lenses are available to swap. May try that versus sanding and coating. Also has a tiny rust bubble at the very bottom of the front right quarter panel. No other rust in wheel wells or elsewhere. There are lots of white fenders for these available if it came to that. It’s just going to be a highway cruiser. Not a collectible like my others.

It has a dpf but no urea or other treatment. It takes
229.52 oil, though if saps are the same I’ll probably run 229.51 higher viscosity. TBD.

It doesn’t really need anything. Everything works. I will be baselining the fluids. I think it takes G-48, but I may re-think that given that my other diesels all get JD Cool Gard II or G-05. Granted my BMW takes G-48… so maybe I’ll keep that.

congrats on the new to you ride hope it works out for you

 

[JHZR2]

I’m about 500 miles in. Very comfortable. I don’t have Bluetooth or aux set up (tried my 30 pin iPod bluetooth dongle without success), but the sound system is really nice.

27 is doable without much challenge on the highways. 24-25 in my mixed driving, right at EPA Highway numbers. Not great, but it is a big wagon with 376 ft-lb of torque. So it does fine.

If I get a few tens of thousand of miles out of it, I’ll be sitting pretty. These last of the car diesels are just going to keep disappearing so I’m good with my choice to buy. Hopefully I can figure out how to eke out 30MPG.

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

Hopefully I can figure out how to eke out 30MPG.

Some of the tried and true ways include:

- slowing down without getting run over by trucks on interstates
- air up tires to near max
- lift and coast whenever possible
- get highest cetane diesel fuel available

My OM651 equipped GLK returns about 35-37mpg on my 200mi commute to/from the office. I could probably do better, but that would mean not crawling thru Chicago at rush hour. That's where I lose most of my FE gains from constant speed cruising.

Oh, and the 2.1L produces 369 lbs-ft of torque and 201 hp, which is more than plenty to motivate the little trucklet along. Besides the X3d I had, it's the best long-distance fuel-sipping cruiser.

 

[wavinwayne]

Reminds me of the ML350 we had for a while, except for the diesel part. Good memories. I remember ours had a very good factory sound system.