Mercedes OM647 2.7 / diesels

[Kiwi WJ]

ok, I have posted before about whether a diesel is worth it...

I have never had a diesel but the MPG and the low end torque is appealing.

My concern still is reliability....My 4.7 V8 is so reliable, I change oil, filters, spark plugs, intake etc all on my own so maintenance has been cheap.

Can I - do the same with a diesel? (if I service every 3000kms it will prevent the black death etc?)

With the Merc 2.7 CRD the only known problems are injectors failing?

To get to the 5th injector do you need to drop the motor to get to it?

Glow plugs?
Any belts to change? (KJ CRD is a Fiat - is belt driven so needs changing)

Are these more dependable than the Nissan Patrol, Pajero, Surf diesels?

Really appreciate any feedback, Im still not convinced the diesel will save money (I think the maintenance will end up costing more than what it costs me to filll the V8 up)

[bodgie]

Is a diesel worth owning - IMHO it is provided you can do your own repairs and diagnostics. Many parts that cause problems (injectors, pumps etc) cost big dollars, and having to pay for the labour as well would make a high-mileage diesel cost prohibitive IMHO.

Mine has been dead reliable in the 35,000KM I've done in it so far. I have made sure as I've replaced any dubious parts though to keep it this way. Servicing costs have been pretty cheap now I've found where to buy consumables from and it is as easy as a V8 to do.

The injectors don't fail per se, the primary issue is the seal between the head and the injector (a $2 copper washer and $6 bolt) fails. It is an item you need to keep an eye on and an ear out for.

To get injectors 4 and 5 out the hard way is to drop the engine, take it from someone who has done it, it's a $hit of a job. Next time I do it i'll be cutting some holes in the cowl above each injector, should be way easier and quicker.

I think they are as dependable as any Jap vehicle especially if it is well maintained. At the end of the day all cars break if they are abused, even Toyotas.

If you were to buy a high mileage CRD I don't think it is worth the money, I'd keep driving a V8. A lower mileage model is a better proposition to the average bloke though IMO.

I'd still buy another CRD though.

Jason

[layback40]

I have owned diesel cars for nearly 30 years.
If you treat them properly, they go for a long time trouble free. The newer CRD's may not be as bullet proof.
if you know a particular motors weaknesses you make it right & then they should be good.
I dont think they are a good idea for a DD if you are mainly doing very short runs. If you are going at least 20km every time you start it then they are worth considering. diesel heavy trucks are more common than petrol ones for good reasons.

[mikehzz]

The 5 speed transmission is better on the diesels as well isn't it? I like the range and the fact that carrying diesel in jerry cans is preferable to petrol. I've done 78,000kms in mine for a total of 148,000kms for the car, and service costs so far haven't been noticeably more than a petrol car. My water pump failed back in March. That's where I learned to buy Merc parts instead of Jeep parts.

[drover]

185,000Kms on the clock and I've done 120,000 of them, no drama at all. Do my own servicing, sourcing MB parts and service the auto every 30,000k as I didn't like the recommended interval, DIY it's only $130. Once you find where the parts are it's not too bad and no more expensive than others.
Mine does do country miles no stop, start city driving to destroy it.
I'd buy another.