I'm sick of the Benz kicking my but anytime anything has to be done above a wiper blade change. Plus, the list of things I need to do to it grows faster than my ability to fix it.
so, I'm trying to figure out what to replace it with. figuring about $5K or less limits the possibilities. Tops on the list is a Dodge with the 12V Cummins. I had one and it never asked for anything other than diesel (wasn't running veggie oil then), oil, filters and a fuel pump. But, the TDI is interesting due to the economy, but I'm afraid of a VW.
What do you guys thing? I'll tell you what I really want to do. I want to put a MB engine in a Wrangler. The only thing I trust on my Benz IS the engine. Still saw cross-hatch on the cylinder walls and cam at 290K!
I think that you will be trading the Mercedes flavored problems for the VW flavored problems. German quality aint what it used to be. This is coming from a die hard German car fan. That is all.
I can get you a well cared for Jetta TDI for about 5 grand that was once running on veggie oil until my father converted it back when he couldn't get it anymore..
Trouble is.. it's in Florida now
Holy cow, don't go TDI. Unless it's a wrecked donor so you can put the motor in a Samurai or Tracker. The TDI motor's pretty tough, everything around it is E36 M3.
Ian F
UberDork
6/2/12 9:35 p.m.
Well, as I've posted a zillion times, not all VW's problematic. Mine has been pretty good for 285k. However, I'm looking at about $2000 worth of parts when I take it off the road for its 300k service. Mostly just maintenance and wear stuff, tho.
I like the MB engine in the Wrangler idea. Sounds worth trying if you have to space and time.
The problem with the MB-powered YJ is I dont have time for a project right now. I REALLY want to do it, it's an awesome project.
I'd do that over a 4BT because the Jeep cam be left stock, frame and drivetrain can be stock YJ stuff. That makes for a simpler and cheaper project.
If you are really serious about a diesel Wrangler, instead of the Mercedes look into an Isuzu 4JG2. Those can be had with a 5 speed and transfer case already stuck on 'em. 
Most Jettas are. Aside from a dent in the trunk from my Father's ex-girlfriend (she backed it into something) his is in great shape and just had one of the major services done to it. I can get the list, but it has been a great car for him.. just that getting older and having artificial hips.. getting into and out of a car is getting harder. It is easier for him to step up into a trucklet (he's looking to get a small SUV this fall) than to drop down into a car
I like the 12v Cummins idea, not digging the VW stuff and definitely not into the MB stuff. That is coming from a long time VW owner and one to not be known as a Chrysler fan.
MB engine + wrangler = mini-Unimog
which is toTALLY AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
$5k for a diesel ram? is that even possible? Where can ya find em for that?
The Wrangler idea has been polutting my my for almost a year. If the stars align ill hop on it.
The TDI would be nice but a nice one for 5K? eh
Tight budget but thats only my opinion.
However i cant wait for the next project. Good luck. Should be cool whatever it is. 
I can't shake the MercJ idea. I've been toying with it for over 2 years now. there is a company that makes a kit for the 617 engine (previous generation than my 617). But, the kit won't work on my engine. If I were to go out and buy another benz as a donor, that's pushing it into the PITA group. If I could use my engine, I'm golden. There are guys that have done it with the 617 engine. Think about this. a YJ, 2.5" lift (needed to clear the sump of the MB engine) and 32" tires getting.....25 mpg on average!!! I never, and I mean NEVER got more than 14 with any Jeep I owned. Man, that's the best of both worlds. The HP of the 2.5L 4 banger, the torque of the 4.0L engine, and the economy of a neon. And it'll wheel!!! And the drivetrain is all stock YJ stuff (though you do need the 4.11:1 gears of the 4 banger YJ, with the AX-15 trans of the 6 popper YJ).
Stop it CarKid. You're making it impossible NOT to do it.
Oh and yeah, there are decent Cummins out there for under $5K. You just really gotta look for them.
Jeep Diesel sounds great but sounds like that motor can be a PITA.
TDI Wrangler?
NPR something or other?
NPR swapped in a Chevy? I have the link for that somewhere....
Econoline box van - box + bed?
I have been thinking since the release of the new wrangler (and the reintroduction of the V6 to the lineup) that the new bluetec diesel V6 from benz would be particularly nice.
Wrecked newer model sprinter diesel + 4dr Rubicon anyone?
Ian F
UberDork
6/4/12 8:38 a.m.
Mmm... Unimog...
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/mercedes_benz/unimog/1412993.html.html?refer=news
You have NO IDEA how bad I want a 'mog. My buddy has a 404 that has been sitting for decades. Me wants. But, I'd really need to be able to top 55 mph though.
Old diesel Suburban or one of those ex-army trucks?
