mercedes diesel question(s)

[daner]

I've been thinking of swapping a diesel into either my fj62 or an older cruiser for some time, and I've read alot of threads on the mercedes diesels, but the one thing that always concerns me with them is the fact that they have no resale value-after they are 10-15 years old people tend to dump them for $1000-$4000. If these motors are so good, why are the cars worth so little?

 

[brownbear]

I dunno. Most cars 15 yrs old have little value. Most mercans don't value diesel engines in cars either. They think of them for trucks only.

They are good engines though. I have a 300D that runs like a top.

 

[Martin White]

If you're a Canuck like me, it's easy, get a stock JDM diesel vehicle. In the States, if I was in a state that would allow it, I'd go with a Cummins swap, unless you are going to do everything yourself, in which case the MB would be a good way to go. There are a lot of Cummins 4BT's available for cheap, and it's such a proven engine with so many places that can hop it up, with huge aftermarket support, it's almost a can't miss scenario. Of course you could always put a 6BT in there....$$$ though.

 

[roscoFJ73]

I've been thinking of swapping a diesel into either my fj62 or an older cruiser for some time, and I've read alot of threads on the mercedes diesels, but the one thing that always concerns me with them is the fact that they have no resale value-after they are 10-15 years old people tend to dump them for $1000-$4000. If these motors are so good, why are the cars worth so little?

Most people who buy Mercs have money and they like power,something which the Merc diesel does not have a lot of.
However as BB says they are excellant engines and I have seen many with with 4-500000 klms on th clock.
I remember reading in the newpaper about 20 years ago Mercedes were complaining that US car diesels had given diesel engine uch a bad name that it was affecting their diesel sales
I guess that was in the days of the 350 olds diesel?

 

[brownbear]

MY 77 300D has 300,000 kms plus on it and runs way smoother than a 3B. The 5 cylinder is very smooth engine. Ya Mercans never liked diesels. So diesel fuel was cheap and for big rigs. Now America is all over big ass cummins, so diesel fuel can be more expensive than gas. Which is fawked cause diesel is way less refined.

funny My PO had fuel logs for many years when he bought my BJ60 in 84. He could fill up the 90 litre tank for 9 dollars Canadian. Now its 85 bucks or so.

 

[Martin White]

You sure have that right. Diesel was actually more than gas today in Abbotsford. 1.049 vs 1.039 / litre. First time I've seen that happen since I've been buying diesel.

 

[jcolvin]

I have an '85 300D and its a fantastic car. Smooth and bomb-proof. Here they actually hold their value fairly well as people have a real appreciation for the 300D.

 

[roscoFJ73]

MY 77 300D has 300,000 kms plus on it and runs way smoother than a 3B. The 5 cylinder is very smooth engine. Ya Mercans never liked diesels. So diesel fuel was cheap and for big rigs. Now America is all over big ass cummins, so diesel fuel can be more expensive than gas. Which is fawked cause diesel is way less refined.

funny My PO had fuel logs for many years when he bought my BJ60 in 84. He could fill up the 90 litre tank for 9 dollars Canadian. Now its 85 bucks or so.

Diesel was always cheaper in oz until Toyota Nissan and Mitsibishi started bringing out all their silky smooth turbo diesels and all the soccer mums here started driving them
Every 4wd in oz is offered with 1 or more choices of diesel now.
Maybe Honda is the exception