Faults:

Valve stem Seals worn

Head Gasket leaking

Radiator Clogged

Thermostat

Serpentine Belt and Tensioner worn

Engine Mounts worn

Transmission Shaft coupling worn

Fuel Pressure Regulator faulty

Fuel pump faulty

OVP Relay faulty

A/C (kilma) Relay faulty.

General Comments:

Changing many parts at this mileage was to be expected.

However, it has given me good service once they were replaced.

The interior trim is starting to seperate from the backing, but there are no cracks in the dash and seats are still firm.

It handles very well, and the air-conditioning is still very cold.

Faults:

The car only had 99000 miles on it when I bought it so that averages to only 6500 miles per year. Sometimes low miles is good, but when the miles are too low it might mean the car is not being exercized enough to keep all the seals, rubber parts, etc operating properly. This car has had some minor engine problems caused by the low miles. Since it was driven only a few miles each day creating a carbon build-up in the cylinder head & pre-combustion chamber around the glow plugs. It is gradually cleaning itself out now that it is being driven enough highway miles to properly warm the oil, coolant and engine to make it run at its most efficient. The Previous owner only drove 5 or 6 miles per day which was not enough to warm the coolant, oil, etc. My wife drives this car 100 miles per day to work - so it's getting a good workout now.

I replaced the following:

Thermostat

Fan shroud

Auto Trans Fluid was replaced with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF and the filter was replaced.

Engine Oil was changed to Mobil 1 synthetic oil.

Coolant was flushed and replaced with Mercedes Coolant.

All fuses were changed.

The alloy wheels are going to be hard to keep clean.

General Comments:

This car starts instantly in all kinds of weather.

When the turbo is spun up it really makes this car take off! I cannot imagine a nicer car.

The seats are comfortable - especially for long trips, the AC cold and all equipment works.

With a diesel powered car I am able to troubleshoot it and perform any work needed.

I sold a perfect Toyota Camry that I feared would become expensive to repair. I had been looking for a nice W124 like this for a long time. I suspect we will keep this great little car forever.

I just wish my wife didn't enjoy driving it so much - I'd love it if she would let me drive it once in a while!

Faults:

Nothing but normal maintenance items such as thermostat, ATF fluid & filter, coolant, fuel filters and engine oil. No problems.

General Comments:

I have owned several other Mercedes' and still have a 78 240D that has 285,000 miles on it. We bought this 91 300D because we are familiar with the very low maintanence requirements and excellent fuel mileage. We are getting 32-35mpg. The seats are typical MB - they appear too firm at first impression, but spend a few hours in them and you'll become a believer.

My 1st MB was a gas engined car and I found it expensive to maintain - the diesels only need oil changes and yearly air & fuel filter changes (depending on miles driven) without needing to worry about spark plugs, distributors, complex ignition systems or frequent tune-ups.

This MB is considered a E-Class - which is mid-sized. It has plenty of room for us and all the stuff we like to travel with. We hope to make some long trips in it this summer and really look forward to spending many hours behind the wheel.